From our friend and long-term organiser of the Unitarian Earth Spirit Network, Rev. Tony McNeile, words for Samhain:

“Greetings on the eve of Samhain. Within the cobwebs, the skeletons and the bright lit pumpkin faces is the ancient pagan festival of Samhain, the celebration of ancestors. The church superimposed its idea of praying for the unconsecrated dead, as if their souls could never leave the earth and must wander in their graveyards forever.

In Pagan times, at Samhain a family would gather to remember those who had died during the last twelve months. There might be an empty chair, or an empty place at the table. Tales were told about that life, stories were shared and memories.

They would remember that person and perhaps tell of what had been learned from them; the gifts they had given and how their characters and personalities had filled a space in the family life and the community. It might seem a little spooky in the flickering candlelight, or send shivers down the spine as the wind gusts and the rain beats against the panes.

Samhain reminds us to value our ancestors, carry their goodness within us and pass it to the following generations. Let Samhain be a celebration of respect and remembering.”