5 Simple Samhain Spells

Work some magic this Halloween to honor the darkness and embrace the light.

As you may know, October 31st is not just Halloween—it’s also the ancient pagan festival of Samhain (pronounced SOW-in), the sacred turning point that marks the Witches’ New Year.

In Samhain: Rituals, Recipes, & Lore for Halloween, author Diana Rajchel explains:

“To the Celtic people, Samhain marked the start of the winter season. It was the time when…the final harvest was gathered before the inevitable plunge into the depths of winter’s darkness. Fires were lit to help wandering spirits on their way, and offerings were given in the names of the gods and the ancestors. Seen as a beginning, Samhain is now often called the Witches’ New Year. We honor our ancestors, wind down our activities, and get ready for the months of introspection ahead.”

At its heart, Samhain is a portal between worlds—a time when the veil is thin between the living and the dead. It invites us to face the darkness with courage, honor our ancestors, and embrace the mystery, wisdom, and renewal that await us on the other side.

These five simple Samhain spells are designed to help you work with the unique energy of this powerful season. Choose one (or more) that speaks to your heart, and perform it anytime between now and Halloween.

(There are Amazon affiliate links in this post.)

Samhain Spell #1: Overcome a Fear

Our modern Halloween traditions—costumes, haunted houses, and scary movies—mirror an ancient instinct to transform fear into empowerment at this time of year. This Samhain spell helps you do just that.

You’ll need:

A scary mask to represent your fear
A bouquet of chrysanthemums (any color)
4 white candles and matches or a lighter

Create a small circle around yourself with the four candles, placing them at the compass points (east, south, west, north). Light them in that order, moving clockwise. Scatter the mums around the circle as you go.

Call upon the Divine in whatever way feels powerful to you. Speak from your heart about the fear you wish to release, how it has affected your life, and your readiness to transform it into strength.

When you feel ready, put on the mask. Feel yourself shifting from fearful to fearsome. Stand tall and repeat the following invocation, facing each direction:

East:
I am no longer fearful, but fearsome. I throw off the burden of fear and am purified by the element of Air.

South:
I am no longer fearful, but fearsome. I throw off the burden of fear and am purified by the element of Fire.

West:
I am no longer fearful, but fearsome. I throw off the burden of fear and am purified by the element of Water.

North:
I am no longer fearful, but fearsome. I throw off the burden of fear and am purified by the element of Earth.

Then face east again and say:
I am free. I am powerful. I am courageous. I am strong. Thank you, Goddess. Thank you, God. Blessed be. And so it is.

Extinguish your candles, put on some music, and dance in front of the mirror in your mask to shake off any lingering fear and reclaim your joy. Make sure to be silly about it.

Samhain Spell #2: Connect with a Departed Loved One

Samhain is a time for honoring and connecting with our ancestors and beloved dead.

You’ll need:

A framed photo of your loved one (human or animal)
A black or white candle
A sweetgrass braid and a heatproof plate

Light the sweetgrass braid so it smolders gently, releasing fragrant smoke. Move counterclockwise around the room, allowing the smoke to purify the space and open a doorway of light. Hold the plate underneath to catch any burning embers. Then safely extinguish the braid. (Perhaps using water.)

Sit before the photo with the candle nearby. Light the candle, gaze at the image, and allow yourself to feel the presence of your loved one. Use your love as a bridge to them. You will sense their love coming back to you. They may offer you comfort or even a message. When this feels complete, thank them, send them even more love, and release the vision gently.

Schedule a session with me, no matter where you are in the world.

Samhain Spell #3: Increase Your Magical Power

This Samhain ritual is a bath spell for cleansing and empowerment, perfect for renewing your energy and reconnecting with your spiritual strength.

You’ll need:

A red candle (and candle holder if it’s not a jar candle)
1/4 cup sea salt
Cinnamon and/or clove incense and incense holder

Draw a warm bath. Light your candle and incense, then dissolve the salt by stirring clockwise with your right hand. As you stir, visualize radiant light rising from the earth through your feet and descending from the cosmos through your crown, meeting at your heart. Let that light flow through your hand and into the water.

Say aloud:

“At this sacred time of Samhain, as the veil thins,
I call upon the ancient magic of God and Goddess, Cosmos and Earth.
Please purify me of illusion so I may embody my true magical power—
bravely, fully, and with love.”

Waft the incense around your body, then soak in the enchanted water for at least 20 minutes. Feel your inner light strengthening with every breath.

Samhain Spell #4: Protect Your Home from Unfriendly Spirits and Unwanted Energy

During Samhain, the spirit world is especially active. This simple garlic protection spell helps keep your home peaceful and protected.

You’ll need:

9 cloves of garlic
A half-pint mason jar
Olive oil

Empower the garlic by holding it in sunlight for a moment. Peel and chop it, then place it in the jar. Fill with olive oil and stir nine times clockwise. Let it sit overnight.

At sunrise, go outside and lightly anoint your front door with the oil. As you do, envision bright, protective light filling and encompassing your entire door like a shield. Repeat this as you move clockwise around your home, anointing each door and window. (You can do this indoors if you live in an apartment.)

You can save the remaining oil for future protection work—just know that you’ll smell a bit like garlic if you use it on your skin.

Samhain Spell #5: Gain Insight and Wisdom

Because the veil is thin, Samhain is one of the most powerful times of year for divination and spiritual insight.

You’ll need:

An opal (or another intuition-enhancing stone, like moonstone)
A white candle
A tarot or oracle deck

If possible, charge the crystal in the moonlight for a minute or two. Place it beside the candle and light the flame. Center yourself and bring to mind the situation you’d like guidance on. Speak from your heart, asking for clear and helpful insight.

Shuffle your deck and lay out four cards around the candle and crystal like flower petals:

Top: Your current situation
Right: Your hopes, fears, and expectations
Bottom: The root or karmic lesson
Left: Divine guidance for how to move forward

Spend time feeling into the imagery and messages before consulting your guidebook.

(If you’re new to tarot and want to learn, here’s a quick video on how to begin.)

Keep the Magic Flowing

Are you going to try one of these Samhain spells? Or do you have Samhain tradition you’d like to share? I’d love to hear from you. Please chime in below!