Samhuinn Solitary Eclectic Ritual
by Aigeann

I have this (just make sure my name stays with it) and as always
only use those sections that resonate with you as well as remembering
some of the speaking parts may be simply visualized

You will need the following:

An apple
A small piece of paper and something to write with
At least one picture of an ancestor who has passed
Ancestoral offering--something your ancestor enjoyed (their favorite cookie, flower or libation, etc.)
Offering bowl (a stone or hole in the ground at the center of your
sacred space may serve as your offering bowl)
One central candle matches

NOTE: Clean, fresh water or lighting a stick of incense may also be
used as any or all of your offerings. If you are performing this ritual inside,
you may wish to take your offerings outside to be left at the foot of a
special tree or stone after your ritual is over.

I have used the term *Shining Ones* throughout this ritual. Please
substitute whatever term you use on your personal path (such as
individual deity's names, Great Creator, Spirit, etc.).

May be performed at any time of day but probably best at night since
Samhuinn is the dark time of the year.

[Opening. Some people like to ring a bell or beat a drum as a clear cut
beginning.]

Shining Ones, I ask for your blessings on this my ceremony of Samhuinn.

(Pause and continue)

In the name of the Shining Ones, my beloved ancestors, the land and
nature spirits, the World Tree as well as the Earth, Sea and Sky,
I announce this Rite of Samhuinn now open within my sacred space.

(Light your candle now and continue)

I stand here at the boundary of the old and new year.

May all receive the Shining One's blessing.

So be it (or whatever you usually say)

(Pause and then continue.)

Summer Is Gone
Now is the time of rutting, hunting, culling and migrating
The fields now the playground of the Sidhe
Biting winds strip leaves from the trees
Mulch to feed next year's growth
Gentle rains turn into snow and sleet
Replenishing our wells and lakes
Furnaces and fireplaces warm our homes
As the sun stays low on the horizon
Mother Earth rests now
Storing energy for her work next spring

I thank the Earth, Sea and Sky
For the bounty of this year's harvest
I am blessed

I send words out on the winds
Praising the Shining Ones
I am blessed

I remember my beloved ancestors this Samhuinn and everyday
Holding them close in my heart and thoughts
I am blessed

[State aloud the name of at least one of your ancestors who has passed
over as well as any thoughts you would like to express about them (a
favorite memory, etc.). As you do so, leave an apple on or near the
main altar or offering bowl.]

May they be reminded of my love.

May you know you are loved.
May you never be forgotten.

I send you my gratitude.

May I receive your guidance through this coming year.

Here standing on the edge of the new year, let me prepare for the Winter
but never lose sight that the Spring shall come again.

Here standing on the edge of the new year, may all those spirits taken
from their bodies find their way to the other side now while the veil is
open.

May those that passed with hate and bitterness in their hearts be healed
by the Shining Ones however they believe it to be. May those who were
dear to me find Peace in the knowledge they are loved and will never be
forgotten. May they rest cradled in the arms of the Shining Ones and join hands
with the ancestors until I meet with them again.

Here standing on the edge of the new year, I shall share my bounty with
my neighbor, co-worker and any child who needs it. I will look out for
others as they look out me.

May peace fill my heart and be a product of all my activities. May I
become a shining beacon of light in my home, community and country.
Let the river of love keep overflowing throughout this new year.

(Pause and meditate for a moment on your goal for the coming year. When
the answer comes to you, light their paper with the main candle and allow it
to burn to ashes in the offering bowl. Add to the ashes your offering in
memory of your ancestor.).

So be it (or whatever you usually say)

(Pause for a moment. If you have any additional work such as
divination, prayers or requests do them now.)

Peace up to the Sky
Earth under the Sky
Sky down to the Sea
Strength in every one

The new year has been born. A new start for me has begun.

(Pause for a moment and scatter the ashes and ancestoral offering to the
Earth. If you are performing this ritual inside, wait until your ritual
is over to take the mixture outdoors.)

This is a new beginning. I will not forget the lessons of the year that
has passed. I embrace this new year with determination, hope and joy.
I will extend my hand to help those around me as my ancestors extend
their hand to help me. My work has just begun.

I am grateful for the unending love of my ancestors, land and nature
spirits, the World Tree and the Shining Ones. I carry their love with
me from this ritual through the coming year. I now declare this Rite of
Samhuinn ended, but only in the apparent world.

(If it is safe to do so, let your candle burn out naturally.

Otherwise, put it out but visualize its flame burning in your heart)