Reflection:

Because Halloween is traditionally a time to prepare for winter, we can do this on a psychological level by looking within ourselves. It is a time to look inward, a time to plan and reassess.

• Connect with whatever higher power you believe in -- the deities will provide a light to sustain you through the dark and cold coming winter months. Be one with the infinite.

• Give thanks for all the abundance you received this year. Reflect on your growth, on what you want the New Year to bring. Ask what is needed to fulfill your dreams and listen to your inner voice.

• As the wheel of the Earth turns, step into a new season with the treasures of the past and the promise of a bright tomorrow. Meditate on the coming of the barren winter, seeds below the Earth, and the return of growth in spring.

Honor the Dead:

Halloween  is a celebration of death. This is through celebrating the eternity of life -- by seeing death and rebirth as intertwined (reincarnation). Because the veil between the living and dead is thinnest on this night, it is the time for communicating and remembering the dead. Contacting the dead is not meant to be a spooky thing -- it is meant to be comforting for all concerned. There are many ways to go about this. Here are just a few:

• Set up an altar with candles and pictures of those who are gone. Leave an offering of an apple for nourishment for all those whose may need it. Speak to the departed. If this is uncomfortable,  you can write letters, burn them and imagine the smoke carrying your message.

• Place lighted candles in the windows to guide the spirits.

• Set a place at the table for the dead. Offer them servings of food. Remember the lessons and love you shared with them -- light candles for them.

• Remember loved ones -- be open to messages or simply to the memories.

Divining the Future

Lift the veil and do some divination. There is more access to your unconscious at this time. It is also the Witches New Year which makes it a great time for focusing on new beginnings too!

• Consult your favorite oracle -- tarot, runes, pendulum, scrying mirror, the stars, etc.

• Request images of what you can become or what you will do this year.

• Look into past lives.

• Revealing the identity of your future mate is a traditional form of divination practiced on Samhain. If this is something you wish to know, ask for a vision tonight!

• Faeries, all spirits and elementals will be out in full force on Samhain. They can be helpful as guides and protectors. So as not to forget about them, set out a small glass of milk and a few coins outside.

More Things to Do:

• It's the Witches' New Year -- sweep out the old and bring in the new!

• Get dressed up -- bring out the person you want to be!

• In keeping with the spirit(s) of the holiday, visit the Bonegarden Estate -- if you dare!