Just a few words to explain why and how I, as a Satanist, celebrate Samhain (Halloween).
Firstly it is a family tradition. I come from a family of Satanic Witches. When Cassie came into our lives, she brought with her not only Satanism but a history and practice of witchcraft which owed a lot to her experiences as a Wiccan and Pagan. We integrated those things into our family and coven celebrations at this time of year. Since then it has become one of our favourite and most important seasonal celebrations.
Secondly I personally feel that this time of year is imbued with all the overtones and undertones of Satanic philosophy. It celebrates the dark and the forbidden; the shadow side of life and death. We remember those who have died. We confront our fears about death which makes living more vital. We allow ourselves to experience and celebrate the beauty that can be found in the darkness and the shadows. Nobody questions anybody for celebrating the sun rising into a blue sky on a warm summer's day and basking in the warmth of the air. I enjoy that myself, but I also enjoy the cold and the damp mist on a dark Autumn night, spiders in the undergrowth, bats and owls flying in the moonlight… As somebody who studies nature and conservation I think it is important to recognise the beauty in all aspects of the natural world, not just the pretty sunlit things. Death and decay are part of what makes the world work.
And last but not least, I celebrate Samhain because I am a witch. There are all kinds of witches, I happen to come from a Satanic background, but Samhain is a time when the craft of all witches is held up and celebrated. Those of us who learn from nature and engage with the supernatural are generally not shunned in modern times as much as in the past. But we feel for those who went before us and at Samhain we feel their presence and energy and add it to our own. I really have felt the 'thinning of the veil' at this time of year and it is something I appreciate more as each year passes.
If the weather is not too bad where I live I will be involved in an outdoor ritual with my coven this Samhain. In previous years I have usually attended a Halloween party afterwards. This year I am inclined to conduct my own private ritual at home.
I have recently taken over the running of an old style message board for people with a spiritual background or interests. If you like to discuss things in writing, with time to compose your thoughts and replies, you might like to join. Asside from writing about the spiritual paths that interest you it is a place to discuss other interests and everyday life. It could be a place just to make friends. The only rule is to be nice and respect other members. If this sounds like something that would interest you, click on the following link.
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