Maplewood Shops
Northampton
MA
October 30th Ritual, “Illumination & Opening the Samhain Gate; Tending Ancestral Fires”
How our ritual evening will flow:
We will begin our evening honoring our Ancestors at our community altar that will be set up outside in the small courtyard area adjacent to AwenTree. Together, we will add to the Ancestor Altar our offerings and momentos. Participants are invited (but not required) to bring a remembrance photo or memento (and then take home) or a small offering of food, flowers or beverage to add to our altar (offerings will be left behind for the Ancestors).
Once we have dressed our Ancestor Altar, we will Illuminate our way by “setting candles” bringing light to the shadow that envelops us at this time of year. We will honor and call upon the Exalted Ancestors and Mighty Dead who aid us in our healing, for their guidance, blessings and protection.
From there, we will process the flame we have kindled into our sacred space set up inside AwenTree and cast our circle of magick, with the Mighty Dead our allies guiding our way as we open the Samhain Gate.
Held within sacred space, we will load our magickal “Wreath of Darkness” (the one we built together earlier in the month) with all we wish to release before our descent to the darkest part of the year. When we have loaded the Wreath, together we will open the Samhain Gate, reaching between the worlds. Calling up upon each other and our guides, we will cast our loaded Wreath through the gateway, releasing it in a sacred cauldron fire. As we gaze upon the flames, we will seek healing from the light born in the shadows that shines wisdom on our transformation.
When the embers have burned down, we will release our circle, casting it out into the Cosmos.
Afterwards there will be time for enjoying special snacks, socializing in community and if you choose, spending more time at the Ancestor Altar.
A Word About Ancestor Work: We respect everyone’s agency in our ritual space, so you get to choose who among the Ancestors you wish to honor, work with and/or not work with. Remember, Ancestor Veneration also includes those who are not of our blood; our chosen family, kindred, spiritual lineages and more, recognizing our greater interconnectedness.
This Ritual will be both Indoors & Outdoors: Our Ritual will be both indoors and outdoors, so dress accordingly for the weather. (We will have a pop-up canopy if the weather looks questionable.)
Facilitated by Winifred and Anthony, participants are invited to actively participate in co-creating deep and sacred work inside a safe, ritual space held within a magickal circle of protection.
Once the Ritual ends, attendees are welcome to stay for sharing in a light snack and socializing.
Winifred and Anthony both have many, many years of experience and training in mindfully guiding deep magick within community ceremonies. Our Rituals are intentionally kept small in the number of attendees, so we can facilitate a more focused and deeply supportive magickal experience.
This SECOND of TWO OCTOBER RITUALS will be on Wed. Oct. 30th from 7-9 pm
Cost $15 (for each ritual) helps cover the cost of the resources it takes to prepare, create and hold sacred space. Pre-Registration strongly encouraged so we can plan accordingly, HOWEVER you can pay at the door at the time of the Ritual. Please arrive by 7:15 pm. You can sign up ahead of time by CLICKING HERE or pay at the door.
About Winifred Costello:
Winifred has over 30 years experience, training and practice in Paganism, Witchcraft and Folk Magick Traditions. She weaves together her knowledge in the Craft with the spiritual tools of Energy Healing, Reiki and Tarot to help students create empowered transformation in their lives. She is an Intuitive Tarot Reader, Reiki Master Teacher, Certified Hypnotherapist and Past Life Regression Certified Facilitator. She is the Proprietress of AwenTree and the Founder & Mentor of the Witching Well Community. Winifred is a forever student and currently enrolled in Year 5 (Ministry Training) in the Temple of Witchcraft Mystery School.
About Anthony Gladu:
Artist, Gardener, Herbalist, Magickal Practitioner and Tarot Reader. Anthony has been on his spiritual journey and practicing Witchcraft for many years. He recently completed the coursework of Year 3 in the Temple of Witchcraft Mystery School. Anthony is excited to be able to facilitate safe, sacred space for folk to gather together for ritual and a bit of magick.