The Spiritual New Year

Each year, like many of my neighbors here in rural Wisconsin, I set pumpkins on my front doorstep, and take part in small town Halloween events. But for me and thousands of other Wiccans and Pagans, it is Samhain, not Halloween, that is the focus of our celebrations at this time of year. Most people don't know about Samhain, yet it is one of our most important religious holidays, a festival honoring the dead. For many Wiccans and Pagans, it also is our spiritual new year.

I look forward to Samhain with enjoyment and anticipation. My preparations and celebrations extend over a period of several weeks. It does not bother me that while most of the rest of America is celebrating Halloween, I am celebrating Samhain. I do get concerned, however, when anti-Pagan bigotry and discrimination emerges, especially at this sacred time of year.

Beginning in early October, I typically start getting interview requests from reporters and other media who want a Wiccan angle for a Halloween related piece or show. Although most of my Samhain activities are away from public view, I usually consent to do interviews and public appearances when asked. I do this with the hope that I can help increase public understanding about the benevolent nature of contemporary Paganism and Samhain. I do this with the hope that I can help dispel misconceptions that underlie prejudice.

I begin my personal Samhain preparations in mid-October, taking meditative walks in the hardwood forest surrounding my home. As I walk, I notice areas where the vegetation has already died back, and I reflect on nature's cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Drawing my woolen purple cloak around me, I watch trees shed their leaves with each gust of chill autumn wind. I gather some of the fallen leaves, plus acorns and dried mullein stalks, carrying them into my home to use as decorations and reminders of the season. I also gather in the last of the harvest from my herb gardens. I bid farewell to the growing season as I mulch around perennials, and I pray that my plants will survive the winter cold to sprout new growth again in spring.

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