As the last of the leaves tumble and the nights stretch their inky fingers across the sky, the wheel of the year turns to Samhain. For many in the world of modern witchcraft, this ancient Celtic festival is more than just Halloween’s mystical cousin—it’s a sacred pause, a time to honour ancestors, embrace transformation, and cozy up with the earthy magic of Samhain herbs.
Samhain: A Time Between Worlds
Traditionally marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, Samhain sits at the threshold between life and death, light and dark, past and future. The veil between worlds is said to be at its thinnest, making it a powerful night for divination, spirit work, and reflection.
For today’s witches and pagans, Samhain is a chance to check in with personal cycles, shed what’s no longer needed, and plant intentions for the darker months ahead. Think of it as the witch’s New Year’s Eve, best celebrated with candles, cauldrons, and perhaps a steaming mug of herbal tea infused with your favourite Samhain herbs.
Herbs of Samhain: Earthy Allies for the Dark Half
Nature has a way of offering exactly what we need. As the earth quiets, certain herbs step forward to guide us through this introspective season of modern witchcraft.
🌿 Mugwort – The quintessential Samhain herb. Mugwort opens the gates of intuition and dreamwork, making it perfect for divination rituals or anointing candles before tarot readings. Burn it lightly or sip as a tea (if safely sourced and used mindfully).
🌿 Rosemary – A herb of remembrance. Burn rosemary to honor ancestors, or add it to protective charms to cleanse lingering energy from the old year. Plus, its clean, piney scent feels like a warm hug from the forest.
🌿 Sage – Classic for purification. Whether you prefer garden sage or another variety, it’s ideal for cleansing your space before ritual work or after a long night of festivities.
🌿 Cinnamon – Sweet heat for the season! Sprinkle it in spellwork for prosperity and protection—or stir it into cider to welcome abundance into your home.
🌿 Thyme – Associated with courage and connection to spirits. Use it in incense blends or carry a sprig to keep your energy strong during darker days.
🌿 Wormwood – Mysterious and potent, wormwood has long been linked to communication with the unseen. Traditionally burned in small amounts to aid in spirit contact, it’s an herb to handle with respect and care.
A Simple Samhain Herbal Ritual
Try this gentle rite to honour both nature and your own journey:
Light a black or orange candle. Arrange a few of your chosen Samhain herbs around it - rosemary for memory, mugwort for insight, and cinnamon for warmth. As the candle burns, reflect on the past year: what you’ve learned, what you’re releasing, and what seeds you’ll nurture through the winter. When you’re ready, thank the herbs and scatter them in your garden or compost, returning their magic to the earth.
Closing Thoughts
Samhain reminds us that endings are simply beginnings in disguise. The herbs that dry and wither now will return in spring’s first breath, just as we, too, renew ourselves through the quiet of winter. So pour a cup of rosemary tea, whisper a thank-you to your ancestors, and step boldly into the dark half of the year - your magic, and the magic of modern witchcraft, is only growing deeper.