The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a time when the veil between worlds thins, illuminates the power of transitions—between seasons, cycles, and phases of a woman's life. Often regarded as the forerunner to modern-day Halloween, Samhain invites us to honour the natural rhythms of our bodies and the cyclical nature of feminine wisdom. As the year drew to a close, the Celts embraced this liminal space, reflecting on the past, the lessons learned, and the potential for new beginnings.
In women's wellness traditions, these natural rhythms and patterns are understood as the foundation of feminine power. Just as trees release their leaves, Samhain calls us to release what no longer serves our wellbeing—whether it's outdated beliefs about our bodies, harmful wellness practices, or societal expectations that disconnect us from our natural cycles. We create space for authentic self-care and transformation by consciously releasing these limiting patterns. The Celts embraced this deeply, often extinguishing their hearth fires during Samhain, only to rekindle them, symbolizing the renewal that comes with each menstrual cycle and life transition.
Samhain does not actually fall on October 31st this year. It is celebrated at the midpoint between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice, marking the transition from the light half of the year to the dark. This mirrors the wisdom of women's bodies, which naturally flow between periods of high energy and necessary rest. The specific date of Samhain varies, as it is influenced by the moon's cycles—a celestial rhythm that has long been associated with women's monthly cycles. In the northern hemisphere, Samhain generally falls around early November. This year, the Samhain celebration will occur on November 7th.
While Halloween and Samhain share some overlapping symbolism and traditions, they are distinct. Samhain remains a potent and sacred time governed by the cycles of the earth and the wisdom of our maternal lineages. As we journey into the darker half of the year, may we also embrace the magic of this restorative phase, honoring our bodies' need for rest and renewal.
As we didn't have a Pause The Week session this week, I offer you some journal or thinking prompts to explore this theme. As nature slows down, our bodies often call for more rest and reflection:
What does your body feel like when it's truly rested? Describe the sensations.
List three ways your energy naturally shifts with the seasons
What would your self-care routine look like if you fully honoured your body's need for winter restoration?
Write a permission slip to yourself for slowing down during this darker season.
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