Samhain in the Southern Hemisphere

Samhain, one of the witch’s sabbats on the Wheel of the Year, a seasonal gateway, between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice.

In the Northern Hemisphere Samhain, or Halloween, falls on the 31st of October, here in the Southern Hemisphere the corresponding date is the 30th of April.

Most of the old sabbats and pagan festivals that are observed by the general community here, in the Southern Hemisphere, remain at the original date of their origin in the North. Although for me, the sabbats represent specific changes in the season and what is happening to the earth and to nature around you. I can see why it is hard to ignore what is happening in the Northern Hemisphere with celebrations all over the internet. And I don't believe in ignoring it, because in that part of the world things are happening now and not when we will be celebrating. But I do believe we need to celebrate what is happening here in our part of the world.

At this time of the year, the 30th of April remains a moment between the equinox and the coming solstice. It is a time to reflect as we journey into winter, dormancy, falling leaves and stillness, a natural time to connect with loved ones passed as we watch nature change around us.

Here, now in Australia, Halloween has grown in popularity, celebrated and observed at the 31st of October. The continuation of this pagan festival along with its mythical symbols keeps us connected to nature and the cycles of life, Halloween has become a joyful event here, on the 31st in Australia, a time to live the myth, to have fun, impossible to change to the 30th of April.

Myths evolve over time but their truth remains in our hearts and the universal consciousness. So this year on the 30th of April, we few traditional green witches will spare a thought about the afterlife, light a candle for a departed loved one or leave an offering of honey or bread for a passing spirit. Such symbolic gestures move us closer to energy beyond the mundane, closer to meaning, closer to our own spirit. When and how each person celebrates is different which is what makes the practice of witchcraft so wonderful.

Day 16 of 366

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