​​Annual Samhain Celebration
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This Year's Celebration: November 7, 2026 | 7PM
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Cultures all over the world have holidays around November 1 honoring and celebrating those who have gone before, such as All Saints Day and Dia de los Muertos, that make up the origins of what we celebrate as Halloween*. Samhain is one of the eight Wheel of the Year holidays, celebrated by many people who practice Pagan or Earth-based spirituality. Full Circle's Samhain event is centered around walking the labyrinth where participants are invited to walk the labyrinth in honor of their ancestors. It is a beautiful, healing way to be present in loss and to honor our beloved dead. Some years, we wept in grief, smiled at memories and others, we have found peace.
About this Ritual
Full Circle has been hosting a Samhain observance and labyrinth walk since 1997. Since then, this solemn ritual has been offered yearly with very little exception. Samhain translates to “Summer’s End” in ancient Gaelic. It is a holiday that reminds us that all seasons come to an end, and as such, it is a holiday dedicated to honoring endings in our lives--including the end of life. In this ritual we honor people in our lives who have passed away--our beloved dead. During our ritual we have time to call out the names of those we are remembering and we participate in a walking meditation in their honor in the labyrinth.
Content Awareness
This ritual is one of remembrance–there may be smiles and laughter as we fondly remember good times; there will likely also be tears and sadness. This ritual may call up strong feelings, please know that these feelings are welcome here. Also that if you choose to keep these feelings at a distance, that is fine, too. It is important to note that tonight’s ritual is offered as a spiritual practice. While spiritual practice can be a part of a person’s overall wellness, it is not a replacement for professional physical or mental healthcare. If you or someone you know needs support, please seek professional help.
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Other Solar Holidays
We periodically host additional Solar Holidays as the group's energy permits.
Check the Facebook Event's page for upcoming dates.
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*"Halloween... has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced “SAH-win”), a Pagan religious celebration to welcome the harvest at the end of summer, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor saints. Soon after, All Saints Day came to incorporate some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before All Saints Day was known as All Hallows Eve, and later, Halloween.” (Thomas, 2021).
Thomas, H. (2021) The origins of Halloween traditions: Headlines & heroes, The Library of Congress.
Available at: https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2021/10/the-origins-of-halloween-traditions/
(Accessed: 20 October 2024).
