Today marks the end of summer, as Samhain or ‘Sow een’ translates to summer’s end. And now we embrace the Darker half of the year. While remembering loved ones and our ancestors, it’s a time of reflection and withdrawing into oneself.

We would have been either up Whitby for the Goth Weekend, or down Cornwall for the Dark Gathering as this time of year is hugely busy for us, and we take our most special times away here. But this year we have our daughters Graduation on the 1st All Hallows Day, All Saints Day, so we are being sensible and staying home to plan for that.

But there are things we can do at home, light a candle for the spirits, make beautiful hearty food to prep us for winter, eat apples in a crumble to honour the time of year, and leave our offerings outside. And hopefully if the weather permits some fire to sit around and watch.

The veil is at its thinnest, so people will light their candles to guide loved ones home, so light a candle, add some oils or herbs, and put near a photo.

We have family things to do the next day, so we won’t be doing much ourselves, probably do things slowly over the month of November, to truly appreciate the darker months and pay our respects.