Releasing the Old Year
Merry meet!
While Samhain most often involves honoring the ancestors and divination, the night is also the eve of the new year.
Even if I have participated in a group ritual, there’s a simple ritual I like to do alone in front of my altar, or outside when possible, as close to midnight as possible. There is no reason this can’t be done in a group.
I gather some paper, something to write with, a cauldron and something with which to light a fire.
Once in sacred space, I reflect on the previous year, often flipping through the pages of my gratitude journals to remind me of all that transpired. I then reflect on what I want to bring with me into the new year, and what I wish to release and leave behind. Often it’s an attitude, a thought or a habit. It can be someone who is an energy vampire, expectations or material objects. If it no longer serves your highest good and greatest joy, it’s suitable for letting go.
Writing one thought per slip of paper, I light it and drop it into the cauldron, letting it turn to ash. I continue as long as there is something I want to purge from my life.
Afterwards, I stir water into the ashes and pour it on the earth, thanking all the elements for their part in the cleansing. I tend to journal a bit before opening the circle.
Whatever you choose to do, may you have a blessed Samhain.
Merry part.
And merry meet again.