Page 5 - AstralRealm Magazine - October 2019

Known to be the most important of the pagan festivals,

Samhain takes place between the fall equinox and the

winter solstice. Samhain actually marks the end of the
Celtic year, (much like modern day "new years eve")

and the harvest, and also marks the
beginning of a new year. This is where they mark the

end of the "lighter half" of the year, and the beginning
of the "darker half".

The festival included bonfires, rituals, and food, for

both the living and the dead (for whom a place was set
at the head of the table), though the food for the dead

was either given to the less fortunate living beings, or

left outside for the spirits and fairies.

Present day traditions of wearing Halloween costumes
stem from the Celtic /pagan tradition of wearing

costumes on Samhain, the purpose being to disguise
one’s self as a spirit, and keep "harmful" spirits at bay.

The tradition of going "trick or treating" stems