Crisp autumn air, growing shadows, and the rustle of leaves underfoot signal the change of seasons and the turning of the "Wheel of the Year". It is time for the final harvest, marked by the pre-Christian Celtic peoples with the fire festival known as Samhain (pronounced 'sow-en').

Falling between the Autumnal Equinox and Winter Solstice, Samhain marks the close of the 'light half' and the oncoming 'dark half' of the year. For the early indigenous peoples of Europe, Samhain was a time of celebration. It was a time of giving thanks for the bounty of the Earth, for introspection, and for remembrance of those who had passed on before. To the ancients, life and death were inextricably entwined, both part of an ever-turning cycle, a 'spiral dance'.

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 Sunday, October 15th, Witches, Pagans and wise folk 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 twelfth year, Celebrate Samhain has become one of the preeminent festivals of its kind – attracting attendees from as far away as California, Florida, and Canada.

This year’s event includes presentations by award-winning authors and witches, Raven and Stephanie Grimassi; Druid Elder, author and renowned herbalist, Ellen Every Hopman; as well as presentations by noted authors Dr. Kevin Ross Emery and co-founder of The Temple of Witchcraft, Adam Sartwell. Other featured guests include author and crystal worker, Skye Stephenson; Cunning man Jeffrey Cerneson; Astrologer Dorothy Morgan; Matooka Moonbear of The Temple of Witchcraft; and herbalist Susan Marie Cote of Branwen's Dreams. Also returning this year will be ritual presenters, Lyrion and Raven ApTower (Wiccan). Festival favorites, Scott Helland (of Frenchy and the Punk), Celtic chanteuse, Jenna Greene and acapella troupe, Myschyffe Managed will be performing live throughout the day. Magical vendors 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 intuitive readings.

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