Halloween is that time of the year, which in different cultures has great importance. Samhain, Halloween, All Saints Day are happening at the same time asking for our attention. So what does Halloween symbolize and what are spiritual rituals for Halloween?
Connection is the main reason why we practice rituals. The more the symbols would make sense to you, the better you would connect via these symbols to yourself, to the moment and something bigger than you.
That is why I am talking about Halloween symbolization and giving some inspiration for spiritual rituals for Halloween, for you to find your own way to connect.
Let’s start. Shall we?
What does Halloween symbolize?
We all get excited when it is Halloween season. People wear different costumes, decorate houses with different symbols, do some spooky rituals, and so on. But what does Halloween symbolize in your life? What significance does it have to your spirit?
Well, once you know the meaning of different symbols of Halloween, you can answer that question by yourself. Below I have discussed the meaning of some of the most common symbols of Halloween:
- Witch: The cover between this world and the next world is the lightest on Halloween. It is believed that witches can talk to the dead this time by performing various rituals. Celtic culture describes them as supernatural female healers.
- Halloween bat: Bats are nocturnal and associated with vampires. During the Samhain festival, Celtic used to burn bonfires as the harvest season came to an end. It would attract bugs which attract bats. The Halloween bat symbolizes death and rebirth. And Halloween is often interpreted as the feast of the dead.
- Halloween cat: People usually see black cats as symbols of evil. Druids (members of the high-rank class of Celtics) used to throw black cats into the sacred bonfire and burn them alive during the festival of Samhain. They believed that evil humans and witches could turn themselves into cats.
- Skull & Skeleton: Many believe that the spirit of the dead can walk on earth on Halloween. Skull & Skeleton remind us and are symbols of the dead. That’s why they are heavily used during the holiday.
- Scarecrow: Scarecrows are symbols of the harvest. They remain on the field to scare the crows away. On Halloween, scarecrows symbolize protection from unwanted visitors, such as evil spirits.
- Corn Husks: Corn Husks symbolizes the end of harvest and the start of a new season. This is what Samhain used to mean, which is the root of Halloween.
- Candy Corn: Candy corn also refers to changes in season. Currently, they are not much popular on Halloween but were once with the Samhain festival.
Besides these symbols, you may also know the following meanings:
What does the pumpkin represent and symbolize in Halloween?
If you have read my previous articles about Halloween, you already know the story of Jack-o’-lantern. Pumpkin on Halloween night symbolizes protection from evil spirits. Maybe Stingy Jack is still somewhere out there looking for a home. Spooky pumpkins with faces and lighting may help you scare him away from your home.
What colors are associated with Halloween and what do Halloween colors signify?
When it is Halloween, you will see black and orange colors in most of the decorations. These colors look so natural with Halloween that not many people think about why only these specific colors? I know there are a few more colors like purple is also a popular Halloween color. But Black and oranges are most used on this holiday. Below I have tried to explain their association with Halloween:
Black
Black is used to symbolizing the dark times that are coming with winter. However, black is also associated with death. As Halloween is the occasion to remember the dead, you can wear a black dress to mourn for your ancestors.
Orange
As winter is coming, the strength of the sun gets lower. Celtics used to create a great bonfire to assist the sun on Samhain. Orange came from the color of the fire. It symbolizes man’s helpfulness to the sun. The color orange also symbolizes the turning of green leaves to orange.
What does Halloween mean to me?
There are a lot of dark stories related to Halloween. But does that mean we need to get scared? For me, the answer is no. To bring balance to life, we need both dark and light. Carl Jung explained in his theory of individuation how important it is to embrace the dark and light side of ours to become a whole person. You can read more about Jung’s ideas in my interview series here.
He also believes that we all are connected to our ancestors through a shared set of experiences. So, Halloween is the occasion for me to connect with my ancestors. It’s an occasion to accept my dark and light side, and thanks to my ancestors for whom I am who I am. That’s why it is essential to me to perform all the spiritual rituals of Halloween fully.
Spiritual rituals for Halloween
Halloween is a perfect time to reflect. There are also some scary and spooky rituals you can perform on this sacred day. Below, I will provide you with some pagan rituals as well
Pagan rituals for Halloween
Samhain was the celebration of a new year to the pagans. It is the start of a new journey, and today many Wiccans and pagans perform the rituals of letting go of things that do not matter in life. You can have a deep look at your spiritual self this Halloween. Think about what is important and what is not. Then try to throw away the unnecessary things. You can read about the Samhain rituals more here. (link to blog post)
Rituals for Halloween night
On Halloween, you also can summon your spirit guide or spirit animal. I always seek guidance in life from my spirit animal. Halloween can be an excellent time for you to do that.
Besides, some spooky and scary rituals for Halloween are:
Spooky rituals for Halloween
Wearing scary costumes and going to treat-or-treating are very popular traditions and rituals on Halloween. You also can try to connect with your ancestors by playing the ouija board. Sounds spooky, right?
Scary rituals for Halloween
Scary rituals for Halloween include playing games that are fearful enough to scare the heart out of you. Some of the scariest games in Halloween include Devil’s mirror and Gazing at the mirror. You can look at the mirror; you may see your future or may summon the devil. Then you also can play the midnight game to summon the midnight man. Some people say pagans used to play this game to test bravery.
Rituals for the full moon on Halloween
The full moon works in a cycle, and the same rule applies to our life. When it is the full moon on Halloween, you can follow the rule to perform rituals of self-reflection, let go, and acceptance. Sit on meditation and reflect on your inner self, let go of the things bothering you, and finally accept what is left in you. You can get more ritual ideas for the full moon, in another blog post, here.
Ritual to embrace your dark side
Below, I will share with you the exercise that Debbie Ford gives in her book called The Dark Side of the Light Chasers. This exercise takes place at the end of the 7th chapter called Embrace Your Dark Side. It is a great ritual to do on Halloween night.
“Do this exercise when you are very relaxed, after a walk or a bath. You are going to meet your inner voices so you want to have your mind as quiet as possible. Early in the morning or before you go to bed is also a good time. Put on some soft music and light an aromatherapy candle to help you create a relaxed mood. Close your eyes and start following your breath. Take long, slow, deep breaths, retaining the breath for five or more seconds, and then slowly exhale. Do this four or five times until your mind is quiet.
Now imagine stepping onto a large, yellow bus. Take a seat in the middle of the bus. You’re feeling excited about taking a long-awaited trip. Imagine riding down the street on a clear, beautiful day. You’re sitting there minding your own business when someone taps you on your shoulder. You look up and this person says, “Hello, I’m one of your sub-personalities and all the other people on this bus are also your sub-personalities. Why don’t you get up now and walk around and see who’s on your bus.” You get up from your seat and you walk through the entire bus looking at all the different people in their seats …
You see before you every kind of person—tall people, short people, teenagers, and old people. There might be circus people, animals, and homeless people. With you on the bus are people of every race, color, and creed. Some of them are waving to get your attention, others may be hiding quietly in the corner. Continue to walk through the aisles, slowly visualizing all the characters on the bus. Now the bus driver directs you to allow one of your sub-personalities to take you for a walk off the bus in a nearby park. Take your time and allow one of your sub-personalities to come and take your hand, and escort you off the bus into the park.
Sit down next to this person and ask his or her name. Ask that person to tell you what trait he or she represents along with a name. For example, if you meet someone angry you could name this person Angry Alfred or Angry Ann. If you don’t hear a name you give that person one. Take all the time you need. Notice how this person is dressed and looks. What does this person smell like? Notice his or her mood and body language. Take another deep breath and ask, “What is your gift to me?” After you have received the gift, ask, “What do you need to be whole?” Or “What do you need to integrate into my psyche?”
After you have heard every answer ask this person, “Is there anything else you need to say to me?” When you are finished make sure you acknowledge and walk this person back to the bus. When you are ready open your eyes and write down the messages you received from your sub-personality. Then take out your journal and write for at least ten minutes about your experience.
Don’t worry if you did not get all the answers you needed from your subpersonality It takes time and practice to hear all of their messages. Make a date with yourself to do it again. This is an exercise that requires you to surrender to yourself, so make sure you have created a safe environment for the process.”
What does Halloween mean to you?
You have read the meaning of the symbols of Halloween. So, now what do you reckon? What does Halloween mean to you? No, I can not answer the question. It is only you who knows the importance of Halloween in your life.
Conclusion
The sacred day can bring a lot of positivity to your life. When you perform a Halloween ritual, there is an intention behind it. The intention will shape your Halloween experience.
You can also be interested in these articles below,
What Does Halloween Represent?
The Meaning, Story, and Symbolism of Easter
What Is and How to Do a Full Moon Ritual?
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so, you can pin it to your Rituals Board!
