Samhain 2026: Ancestor Remembrance, Shadow Work, and Autumn Magic

The speed at which Samhain has come upon me has been staggering. I have read that time goes faster as you get older. As you have moved through time over years upon years, things pass faster. I recall in my youth experiences were drawn out. Perception of time is part of why children are full of wonder. The other part is that everything is new to them. The first time seeing the ocean. The first time seeing a skyscraper building. Childhood is significant because it is a time when your view is one of wonder; as you have not been jaded by the world, or the cruelty of humanity.

Samhain marks the end of the third harvest on the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. This year, I’m focused on the slowing down, the change in weather, and the return of pumpkin season. I did have a pumpkin growing but it was by accident in a pot and I don’t think the seeds are viable. The pumpkin is only flowering, either that or they are males. It’s unfortunate that companies make the seeds unviable. What is the harm in people trying to grow something?

We have already had a lot of rain which is nice. My garden is still producing, but each day it is less likely that we will get more harvest. The cucumbers are on their way out as well as the tomatoes. I’m still getting some cruciferous vegetables, broccoli and kale. I am trying something new and brought the herbs inside and set up a grow light. That way I will still have my mint and basil. Once the cruciferous vegetables are no longer producing, I am going to start growing microgreens under the grow light as well.

I love to celebrate the Sabbats with seasonal foods. In the fall I transition to soups, stews, curries, and casseroles. These pumpkin Sourdough bread bowls made me so happy! I filled the bowls with a simple butternut squash apple soup and fried tofu cubes. Also, for my birthday I made carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.

Last year, I spoke about getting a Ray Bradbury book for Halloween, The Halloween Tree. I loved the book, and by complete serendipity as I was putting DVDS away at the library last week, I happened upon the Halloween Tree DVD. I love how the books speak to me at the library. If one pops out at me on the shelf, I feel it is my duty to pick it up and read it or watch it in this case.

I have been doing shadow work with releasing events that bind me and make me suffer. As the veil gets thinner, I think of my ancestors. I seek to understand them and forgive them, if necessary, this time of year. I continue to analyze what patterns they may have ingrained upon me that I am carrying.

What tools are needed?

One tool that can be used is ritual of any kind. My rituals are very simple. For Samhain, for ancestor remembrance and communing with the dead, I will draw a sacred circle, call the four elements, light candles, use crystals, and do a short meditation on my ancestors.

Candle Color Correspondences for the Ancestor Ritual

Candle magic directs intent and connects us directly to element energy. For an ancestor ritual, choosing candle colors with intention helps hold space for communion, protection, and releasing past patterns:

• Black Candle: The classic choice for Samhain and shadow work. Black absorbs negative energy, provides spiritual protection, and marks the thinning of the veil, allowing you to connect safely with those who have passed.
• White Candle: Represents pure spirit, divine guidance, and purification. Light a white candle to honor the light of your ancestors, invite peace into your space, and offer blessing to their journey.
• Purple Candle: Associated with higher spiritual awareness, psychic vision, and deep meditation. Purple candles enhance your intuition during ancestor meditation and aid in scrying or receiving subtle messages from spirits.

Crystals for Ancestral Reflection & Protection

Stones carry grounded, ancient earth energy that can stabilize your space while doing deep emotional or spiritual work.

• Obsidian (or Black Tourmaline): Essential for grounding, centering, and protection. Because ancestor rituals and shadow work can uncover deep emotional patterns or heavy energy, obsidian acts as a protective shield while keeping you anchored.
• Amethyst: A stone of spirituality, meditation, dreams, and psychic ability. Placed on your altar, amethyst opens spiritual awareness and brings a sense of peace while you meditate on ancestor forgiveness and reflection.
• Clear Quartz: Amplifies intention, protection, healing, and spiritual awareness. Clear quartz can be used to direct your energy into the sacred circle or focus your prayers for healing familial lines.
• Rose Quartz: Brings gentle energy for love, peace, and emotional healing. If your shadow work involves forgiving past ancestors or releasing generational trauma, holding rose quartz during your meditation supports heart-centered compassion.

The Ritual Steps

1. Cast the Circle & Call the Elements: Set up a quiet space, draw your sacred circle, and invoke the four directions/elements to establish a safe, balanced boundary.
2. Set the Light: Place your black candle (for protection and the veil) and white candle (for ancestor peace and blessing) at the center of your space.
3. Anchor with Stones: Arrange your obsidian and clear quartz at the edges of your circle or altar, keeping a piece of rose quartz or amethyst in hand during your meditation.
4. Ancestor Meditation: Light your candles and close your eyes. Take deep breaths. Visualize your lineage standing behind you. Offer them gratitude, release any ancestral burdens or ingrained patterns you no longer wish to carry, and extend forgiveness where needed. Close with a moment of silence before opening the circle.

Enjoy the festivities for the midpoint of Autumn. For additional information on rituals and historical Pagan lore surrounding the Sabbat, you can check out my blog post from 2023, and my blog from last year, 2025. Also, the header pic includes my fat cat, Dave.

Blessed be