Falling between the Autumnal Equinox and Winter Solstice, the festival of Samhain (pronounced 'sow-en') marks the close of the 'light half' and heralds the oncoming 'dark half' of the year. For the early indigenous peoples of Europe, Samhain was a time of celebration. The last harvest was gathered from the fields and herds were thinned to provide sustenance throughout the cold winter months. It was a time of giving thanks for the bounty of the Earth, for introspection, and for remembrance of those who had passed on.

The veil separating the spirit realm from that of mortals was believed to be at its thinnest at Samhain, making it an auspicious time to commune with ancestors and loved ones who'd crossed-over. Offerings were laid out for the dear departed, places set at tables, and candles lit in windows to guide wandering spirits home. Over time, these Pagan practices honoring the dead were replaced with Christian ones (such as All Souls’ Day), and eventually morphed into the secular holiday of All Hallow’s Eve – Halloween. For modern Pagans, Samhain remains one of the most important festivals in the Wheel of the Year; one of the four ‘Greater Sabbats’ celebrated by Wiccans.

On Saturday, October 15th, Pagans from across New England will gather in Nashua, New Hampshire for Celebrate Samhain – a day-long festival dedicated to observing and celebrating the traditions of Samhain. Now in its eleventh year, Celebrate Samhain has grown into one of the preeminent festivals of its kind – attracting attendees from as far away as Florida, and Canada.

Scheduled presentations include “Ghosts: The Truth About Earthbound Spirits & Apparitions” by noted intuitive and author Dr. Kevin Ross Emery; “The Wicked Witches of New England” by author and host of New England Curiosites, Roxie Zwicker; and “Moon Magic” by master astrologer, Dorothy Morgan  Other featured guests include author and founder of Cucina Aurora, ‘Kitchen Witch’, Dawn Hunt; Cunning man Jeffrey Cerneson will explore second sight and dreaming awareness; and a closing ritual will be presented by Lyrion and Raven ApTower (Wiccan). Festival favorites, recording artists Jenna Greene and Brian Willowfire return with their ethereal mix of Celtic-inspired mythic song.

Magical merchants from near and far will be on hand displaying unique handcrafted items and must-have wares and a number of the region’s best-known intuitives will be on hand to offer Tarot and psychic readings.

Admission for the day (including all workshops and performances) is $8 per person with donation of a non-perishable food item for the Food Drive ($10 without donation). Under 10 with an accompanying adult is free. Celebrate Samhain takes place at the Courtyard Marriott Nashua located at 2200 Southwood Dr, Nashua, NH. For more information: www.Facebook.com/NHSamhain