Tag: samhain

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Daily Practice

Obsidian’s 13 Favorite Samhain Rock + Metal Songs and Spooky Tunes for Halloween

Band members lost in the groove during a smoky and intense live rock performance, their synergy verging on the metaphysical.

Music has always been an incredibly important part of my life.  I’m one of those people that if I hear a song in the morning on the way to work that I don’t enjoy, it can easily ruin my day.  I find myself going through waves of themes and styles with my music throughout the year; naturally, around Samhain/Halloween, my tunes take a turn towards the spooky.

Here’s a list of music I like to listen to around this time of year that doesn’t just contain the typical “Monster Mash” you hear on every single playlist.

1. Type O Negative – Black No. 1

While this song is meant as a statement against the potential vein nature of some folks in the goth culture, it ironically completely captures the spirit of the season and culture perfectly.  

When Peter Steele talks about the figure of his desire being even more enchanting than Lilly Munster or that her perfume smells like burning leaves, it makes me feel the exact feelings for Aurora.  

Funny enough, this has become our daughter’s favorite song.  She requests it all the time!

2. Cradle of Filth – Nymphetamine

Cradle of Filth is an extremely polarizing band.  Metalhead-elitists absolutely hate them.  Some non-metalheads find themselves loving them.  

Either way, if you like your music to be a bit heavier, this is a perfect band for you this time of year.  While all of their songs explore a wide variety of gothic themes, this one is probably their most popular and easily digested by the masses.

3. Rob Zombie – Dragula

This song has probably been on my list the longest out of everything else on here.  I remember jamming the crap out of this album with my dad when it came out.  

Not only that, but it’s also the second song on this list to mention The Munsters, Dragula being Herman Munster’s drag racing car in the show.  This song comes from my absolute favorite era of Rob Zombie’s music in its themes and execution.  Plus, the visuals that go along with it are amazing!

4. The Smiths – How Soon is Now

If you have consumed any “witchy” media since the early-90s, then you know exactly why this song is on this list.  For some reason, it perfectly captures the vibe of being a witch during Samhain/Halloween.  

I’m not sure if that’s just because of its heavy usage in movies like The Craft and shows like Charmed, but I absolutely love to give this song a spin this time of year.

5. Motionless in White – We Only Come Out at Night

Motionless in White’s album Creatures is an absolutely perfect 10/10 for me with any of the songs off of that album being a good fit for this list.  

But the reason that We Only Come Out at Night is a stand-out to me is the introduction of the song using the famous Bela Lugosi line from Dracula to bring you into a tune about being a vampire. 

6. My Chemical Romance – Vampires Will Never Hurt You

Pretty much any song off of the first two My Chemical Romance songs could fit on this list but the atmosphere of this music video makes it my choice.  Plus, you can’t go wrong with having yet another song about being a vampire on a Samhain/Halloween list. 

7. AFI – Halloween

While some may disagree that I didn’t put the original Misfits version of this song on the list, I tend to favor AFI’s version better.  I think I like that it has a bit more production on it.  But, I digress.  

This song is a super logical choice as it celebrates the holiday very outwardly.  Plus, the artwork for the cover of the EP this came from is incredible. 

8. Ghost – Witch Image

Ghost is one of those bands that naturally lend themselves to Samhain/Halloween with their occult/Satanist lyrical themes.  Not to mention their visual appearance has become a staple of cosplayers during this time of year.  

If you see someone walking around as a pope with skull face paint, this is the band they are portraying with their costume.

9. Slipknot – Prosthetics

Early Slipknot embodies that strange late-90s vibe that ended up being mainstream but still had a really eerie quality to it.  This song is one of the best representations of that for me.  I remember falling asleep listening to this album as a teenager and waking up when the haunting screech of this song kicked in.  

It was absolutely terrifying and I’ve loved it ever since.

10. Justin Johnson – Son of a Witch

The only instrumental song on this list, this tune always reminds me of my personal practice since I tend to lean more towards folk magick.  

I always visualize myself walking through the woods during fall, so probably somewhere in Appalachia or the northeastern United States, absorbing nature and collecting ingredients while listening to this song.

11. The Bridge City Sinners – Unholy Hymns

This song is one of the newest entries to this list and a bit outside of the norm sonically.  Thematically, it’s absolutely perfect for this time of year.  

The Bridge City Sinners take a little bit of what makes Ghost so fun and puts a bluegrass spin on it.

12. Dokken – Dream Warriors

If you are a fan of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies then you are very well aware of this song.  Working as the theme for the third installment of the franchise, Dream Warriors mixes 80s hair metal goodness with the themes of one of the creepiest slasher film series in existence.

13. Richard O’Brien – Science Fiction/Double Feature

While most Halloween/Samhain playlists will include The Time Warp, I personally think the opening song for The Rocky Horror Picture Show truly captures the spirit of the film and why it is a must-watch every Samhain/Halloween.

Doing the Danse Macabre

If you are a Spotify user and want even more songs for your Halloween/Samhain celebration, feel free to follow my Spooky Tunes Spotify playlist.  I’ve been curating it for several years and am always looking for recommendations.
Let me know on Twitter what your favorite songs on this list are or what I should add to my playlist by tagging @plentiful_earth with the hashtag #peSpookyTunes

Categories
Wiccan Holidays

Samhain Sabbat Correspondences | The Witches’ New Year

It’s finally coming! If you’re reading this, chances are: Samhain is almost here! Witches everywhere couldn’t be more excited! 

Whether you’re celebrating this Wheel of the Year holiday on October 31 in the Northern Hemisphere or May 1 in the Southern Hemisphere, many Wiccans consider this day to be the Witches’ New Year! Others regard it as the best time of year to connect with the other side!

Samhain is the Pagan holiday that comes after Mabon or the Autumn Equinox. It’s the beautiful time when the veil between the worlds is the thinnest, allowing us to easily communicate with and visit the land of the dead.

Wondering how the veil can be the thinnest during two separate times of the year for the different hemispheres? As our local plants die away during fall, this mass exit of life energy creates an energetic opening between the physical realm and the spiritual realm. Due to that, the thinning of the veil happens on a local basis. 

So, Samhain is a great time to pay respects to your ancestors, honor the cycle of life and death, and enjoy the new lives of children on this awesome day of the year!

Get the full Samhain Holiday Guide 👉

PS: You can shop for Samhain items here in our store!

Samhain Sabbat Correspondences

Samhain Magick

  • Connecting to ancestors
  • Honoring ancestors
  • Getting guidance for the next year
  • Connecting to your past, present, and future
  • Healing your inner self with Shadow Work
  • Performing yearly divination
  • Learning and seeing the unknown
  • Balancing within the circles of life
  • Reflection on the past year and planning for the next year
  • Seeing beauty and purpose in all things
  • Letting go of things that no longer serve your highest good
  • Closing a chapter or project to start a new one
  • Communicating with the dead
  • Connecting to the Akashic Records
  • Celebrating cultural heritage and history
  • Protection from harm
  • Honoring the Fae
  • Host a Mute, Dumb, or Deaf dinner
  • Building or refreshing an ancestor altar
  • Helping loved ones pass over
  • Attend or have a bonfire or fire festival
  • Contact the spirit world
  • Visit a cemetery and honor those who came before us
  • Celebrate reincarnation 
  • Learn about past lives

Samhain Symbolism

  • Death and Rebirth
  • New Beginnings
  • Healing the Past
  • Rest
  • Healing Personal Shadows
  • Healing and Releasing those who have Passed
  • Transitions
  • Arcane knowledge
  • Eternal cycles

Samhain Symbols

  • Acorns
  • Bats
  • Cats
  • Cauldrons
  • Crows
  • Crystal balls
  • Death masks
  • Fae and Fairies
  • Jackals
  • Jack-o-lanterns
  • Moon
  • Moths
  • Oak leaves
  • Oracle cards
  • Owls
  • Pendulums
  • Pomegranates 
  • Psychopomps
  • Pumpkins
  • Rats
  • Ravens
  • Scrying mirrors
  • Scythes
  • Shamans
  • Skulls
  • Spiders
  • Spirits
  • Stags
  • Sugar skulls
  • Tarot cards
  • Turnips
  • Vultures

Samhain Colors

  • Black
  • Gold
  • Orange
  • Purple
  • Red
  • Silver
  • Yellow

Samhain Deities

  • Anubis
  • Arawn
  • Baba Yaga
  • Cerridwen
  • Cernunnos
  • Crone aspect
  • Hades
  • Hecate
  • Hel
  • Kali
  • Loki
  • Morrigan
  • Osiris
  • Persephone
  • Shiva
  • Thanatos

Samhain Crystals + Stones

  • Black obsidian
  • Bloodstone
  • Carnelian
  • Iron
  • Jasper
  • Moonstone
  • Onyx
  • Smoky quartz
  • Silver

Samhain Herbs + Plants

  • Allspice
  • Apples
  • Bay leaves
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves
  • Dried leaves
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Mandrake
  • Marigolds
  • Mums
  • Mugwort
  • Nettle
  • Onion
  • Passionflower
  • Pomegranates
  • Pine
  • Red roses
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Sweetgrass
  • Tarragon

Samhain Incense + Oils

  • Allspice
  • Apple
  • Cinnamon
  • Copal
  • Ginger
  • Mugwort
  • Patchouli
  • Pine
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Sweetgrass

Foods + Drinks

  • Apples
  • Beef
  • Cider
  • Corn
  • Chicken
  • Lamb
  • Mead
  • Meats
  • Mulled wine
  • Nuts
  • Popcorn
  • Pork
  • Potatoes
  • Pumpkin
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Onion
  • Spice cake
  • Squash
  • Turnips
  • Zucchini

Shop for Ritual and Celebration Items

Shop for all Samhain Items 👉

How do you plan to celebrate the Festival of Samhain? What are your Halloween traditions? Will you honor the Celtic festivals of time past, practice modern Halloween traditions for your culture, or will you create your own Samhain celebrations? Let us know below!

Copyright 2021 Plentiful Earth, LLC. / All Rights Reserved.

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Sabbat Spells and Rituals Protection Spells Spells & Rituals

Samhain Guardian Spell

Woman carving big orange pumpkin into jack-o-lantern for Halloween holiday decoration on white wooden planks, close up view

Did you know that Samhain (pronounced Sow-In) actually dates back at least 2,000 years ago?

Where did Samhain originate?

It originated in Ireland, where they used turnips (or what the US calls a rutabaga) instead of pumpkins to create Jack-O-Lanterns! They continued to do this until immigrants from Ireland moved to America and found that pumpkins grew here and were so much easier to carve faces into because they were bigger. Thus, that tradition caught on in America.

What is the History of Samhain?

This particular story of how it came to be is actually an old Irish folk tale about a man named Stingy Jack.

Stingy Jack was a very stingy blacksmith who enjoyed playing tricks on people. (Hence why Trick-or-Treat is now a thing for Halloween as well.) Jack even wound up tricking the Devil! Eventually, when Jack died, heaven definitely did not want the trickster and the Devil had too much spite towards Jack to allow him into Hell.

Being forced to walk along the Earth, Jack took a turnip and hollowed it out, placing coal that the Devil gave him inside. A Jack-O-Lantern is traditionally used to ward off negative spirits that may walk the Earth during Samhain, as the veil has been lifted between both worlds. The faces that we all take the time to carve into the Jack-O-Lantern are the protectors of our homes.

Jack’s Samhain Guardian Spell

Here is a spell that makes that scary-looking pumpkin into a Guardian of your land and home! (Originally found in Llewellyn’s 2012 Spell-A-Day Almanac)

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Wiccan Holidays Wicca for Beginners

Samhain Pronunciation: How To Pronounce Samhain Correctly [With Video]

You’re headed to the covenstead or meeting up with your favorite Witches for Samhain Celebrations, a popular Gaelic festival ritual, but you have one giant hangup. How do you pronounce “Samhain”?

How Do You Pronounce Samhain?

The good news is – there’s not really a wrong way to pronounce Samhain.

In fact, the way you pronounce it depends a lot on what tradition you’re learning from!

In This Guide:

Popularized by Wicca, Samhain is a celebration that occurs before the Winter Solstice, around the same time as Halloween, All Hallow’s Eve, and Day of the Dead — on or around October 31.

This wonderful day is often celebrated as a time to commune with our ancestors and the passing spirits, as the veil between the worlds has become its thinnest.

The festival of Samhain is easily most Witches’ favorite Sabbat of the year, a fact we can all agree on. However, it’s easy to strike up a war of the Witches when it comes to saying the word out loud!

We know firsthand, as American Witches in the United States, how embarrassing it can be to read the ancient Gaelic word “Sam-Hayne” on paper when we’re learning and then try to say it in front of seasoned coven-mates!

We’re here to save you some red cheeks and give you the confidence to talk about your favorite holiday out loud!

The good news?

There are 3 ways to say this ancient Celtic pronunciation, each from a different region of its birthplace!

Samhain Pronunciation In Irish Gaelic – With Video!

Irish speakers flow this beautiful Celtic festival’s name as:

Samhain Pronunciation In Welsh

In Wales, you’ll likely hear this Autumn festival spoken as:

  • Sow-een

How To Pronounce “Sam-hain” In Scottish Gaelic

This version of the Gaelic term sounds the closest to the American English speakers pronunciation, “Sam-Hain”.

  • Sav-en

Now, pick your favorite way and say it with pride, Witch!

You may also like:

Copyright 2019 Plentiful Earth, LLC. / All Rights Reserved.

Updated August 8, 2022.

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Positive Quotes

If Christmas in July can be a thing, Halloween in May should Def be a Thing Quote

If you love Halloween, and this is you, let people know! Share this with your friends!

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Daily Practice

13 Halloween Movies to Get You in a Witch-y Mood

I know what you’re thinking. It’s finally October. I know I’ve been counting down since thebeginning of August. Here are 13 Witch themed movies to get you excited for Halloween and Samhain and all that fun stuff. Last Updated: 10/11/18

13 Halloween and Witch Movies to Get You in a Witchy Mood

1. Teen Witch

Where to Watch:

  • Let us know!

This is a really wonderful movie, and I think it’s the perfect way to start. At first, it’s the typical 1980s teen flick with the misfit protagonist, gorgeous love interest, and weirdo younger sibling, but then magic comes along and complicates everything. The magical parts are extra special because they feature Zelda Rubinstein, known for her role in Poltergeist, who helps the main girl Louise capture the interest of the boy she loves. After seeing this film, it’s easier to remember that magic can’t solve everything and that you need to be careful what you wish for.

2. Kiki’s Delivery Service

Where to Watch:

  • Let us know!

I love Studio Ghibli films, and I especially love this one because the protagonist is a young girl who happens to be a witch. She’s very independent and starts using her ability to fly on a broom to pay for room and board. Although this movie is fantastical, I think it’s a good one to watch if you’re looking for something cute and witchy. There’s nothing wrong with loving the witch aesthetic!

3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Where to Watch:

  • Vudu
  • Redbox

Of course, I recommend watching all the Harry Potter movies, but I think #3 suits this watchlist because it includes everything that makes up Halloween as well as different forms of witchcraft. Creepy dementors, magical candy, and the threat of a killer on the loose capture the spookiness of the Halloween season. Amid the fantasy magic of the movie’s world, there are legitimate magickal practices, though, including tasseography (tea leaf reading) and crystal scrying. The mix of reality and fantasy creates the perfect witchy movie, in my opinion.

4. Into the Woods

Where to Watch:

  • Vudu

This Stephen Sondheim musical is a retelling of several classic fairy tales, but with a morbid twist. Instead of every main character getting his or her wish and living happily ever after, everyone must face a darkness similar to real life. Meryl Streep plays the witch in this story, and that right there should have you hooked. Just like the witches in any classic tale, she wants to be younger and more beautiful, which is a real concern. Although she floats between being a good guy or a bad guy, I think she is the star of the show. If you’re not a fan of the storyline, the music should still capture your interest.

5. Howl’s Moving Castle

Where to Watch:

  • Let us know!

Yes, I have two Studio Ghibli movies on this list. No, I’m not embarrassed about it. This happens to be one of my favorite movies of all time. I love the animation, the characters, and the storyline, but I also love how magical the movie is. I don’t even care that it isn’t real magick because I fall in love with the movie every time I watch it. There’s something so charming about a young girl enlisting the help of a wizard to break a curse put on her by a witch. Even though it’s a fantasy film, serious topics like war, age, and love are discussed, so there is a lot to get out of it. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself crying.

6. The Blair Witch Project

Where to Watch:

  • Hulu
  • Amazon Prime
  • Vudu
  • Redbox

Even though this is a classic horror movie that doesn’t paint witches in a positive light, I had to include it. Three students go on a trip to film a documentary about a witch based on legends in a small town, but they end up biting off more than they can chew when they get lost in the woods where the witch supposedly dwelled. There’s nothing positive about this malevolent Blair Witch, but I love the spooky atmosphere and the convincing-looking clues left around by the witch.

7. Bewitched

Where to Watch:

  • Vudu
  • Redbox

I expected this to be a modern version of the old television show, but it is about an actor who is searching for a woman to play Samantha in his new version. Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell work surprisingly well together. Nicole Kidman’s character turns out to be the perfect Samantha because she is a real witch, which sets the stage for a perfect comedy. I thought this rom-com with a witchy twist was delightful.

8. The Love Witch

Where to Watch:

  • Amazon Prime
  • Vudu

By far, this is the most unique movie on the list. Although it was released in 2016, it has a 1960s horror style and uses Technicolor, so it will strike you as being from another era. The main character is a witch obsessed with finding love to the point of disaster. In some ways, this film qualifies as a horror movie because of the messy outcome of her obsession, but some parts had me laughing out loud. I appreciated that the magick in this movie was mostly accurate. Not only is this a witchy movie, but it also covers many feminist issues as part of the plot and dialogue, which somehow works perfectly in contrast with the vintage appearance.

9. Mary and the Witch’s Flower

Where to Watch:

  • Netflix
  • Vudu
  • Redbox

No, it’s not quite a Studio Ghibli movie, but it’s close. This is a cute little movie, but it gets surprisingly dark. Although the magic in it is mostly fantastical, I love the classic ingredients—a broom that flies, a magical school, and feline companions. It’s not quite as good as the Studio Ghibli classics, but I still recommend it if you’re in the mood for something whimsical.

10. The Craft

Where to Watch:

  • Vudu
  • Redbox

The witchcraft in this movie is almost exclusively from the left-hand path, which I don’t follow, but I thought I would include it anyway. It’s arguably a classic, and it also offers the perfect dose of spooky-scary, just like The Blair Witch Project, which is perfect for October. I don’t recommend using magick to seek revenge on your enemies, but I do recommend this movie from an entertainment standpoint.

11. Practical Magic

Where to Watch:

  • Hulu (with HBO add-on)
  • Vudu
  • Redbox

This movie is a classic if you’re a witch. My favorite thing about it is that it incorporates elements of real magic, including herbs like belladonna and the use of a besom to sweep away negativity. I also always enjoy the dynamic between the strong female main characters. It’s a great film to watch with your sister. Even though this movie captures what it’s really like to be a witch (midnight margaritas!), it also pays tribute to the traditional image of a witch, featuring a black pointed hat and a moment of magical flight.

12. The Witches of Eastwick

Where to Watch:

  • Vudu

Another classic, this movie is kind of crazy. What else would you expect from Jack Nicholson? Also, the witches are Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Cher, so it’s a shockingly star-studded cast. When all three witches are seduced by Nicholson’s character, all hell breaks loose, but not in the way you’d expect. There are a few disturbing scenes, which is why I would suggest watching this one a little closer to Halloween.

13. Hocus Pocus

Where to Watch:

  • Vudu
  • Redbox

If you haven’t seen this movie: Witch, stop reading and go watch it. The Sanderson sisters have got to be the most charming witch-villains there are. Since this was made to be a kid’s movie, the witchcraft is mostly that of a fantasy world, but I appreciate the use of a book of shadows and salt as a form of protection. I also like that the love interest’s name is Allison (tee hee, that’s my name).

Well, now you have enough to get you started. Make some popcorn, pour some apple cider, and put your feet up. Watch one or all of these movies and feel yourself get into the mood for the season. Whatever path you choose, keep being a good bean and witch on. Blessed be.

Copyright 2018 Allison Campbell + Plentiful Earth / All Rights Reserved.

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