At Samhain, the veil between the worlds is thin. Here’s what this means.
The veil between the worlds is thin.
Perhaps you’ve heard this phrase, particularly in October, and even more particularly around Samhain or Halloween.
But what exactly is this veil? And why is it thin? And why does it matter?
This post explores the meaning of the phrase, “the veil is thin.”
Let’s begin this exploration by considering that on one level, we are each separate beings with our finite little lives. But on a truer level, we are each infinite and eternal. We have no beginning and no end. And we are one with each other and every single thing.
At Samhain, that relentless, all-pervasive Mystery is as close as it ever gets. And now we’ve arrived at what we mean when we say “the veil is thin.” You might say the veil is the place where the everyday illusion of separation brushes up against the divine truth of eternity and universal interconnection. The place where form meets spirit, seen meets unseen, known meets unknown.
When we meditate or perform ritual, or when we have a mystical experience of any variety, this curtain parts and we are able to gaze into the place of power, the place between the worlds.
Why does the veil thin throughout October, and particularly at Samhain? Because the days are getting shorter and the natural world is preparing to temporarily withdraw from the realm of life and growth. The harvest cycle is waning, but it’s not gone. This means Samhain is a transition: a doorway between the season of life and the season of death. Beneath this realm of constant change, there is a wide open space of eternity. A place of stillness in which the appearance of change arises. A serene openness to which we will always return, and with which we are one, even at this very moment.
This, my friends, is why we love fall. It’s also the meaning of “the veil is thin.”
Because the veil between the worlds is thin in October, we feel drawn to certain themes at this time of year. Namely…
Death
There’s no denying that as we approach Samhain and Halloween, whether or not you’re magically inclined, death is the primary cultural symbol. Scary movies, ghosts, graveyards, zombies, and skeletons abound. When the veil between the world parts, our finite nature meets our infinite nature, so the realms of the living and the dead naturally intersect.
Black Cats
If you’re friends with a black cat, you likely know that that consciously connecting with them can be like gazing beyond the veil of time and separation, and looking straight into the heart of magic. Why? It’s a mystery. But it’s absolutely true.
Magic and Witchcraft
In the space between the worlds of form and spirit, we bravely gaze into the realm of death and transcend our fear so that we can draw upon the infinite power that is our birthright. Here, everything is illuminated with that special light that reminds us that mundane is the illusion and only magic is real.
Did this explain the meaning of “The veil is thin” for you?
If you still have questions, feel free to leave them in the comments.
You may also like these 22 Samhain Quotes to Inspire You This Halloween and these 9 Ways to Sensitize Yourself to the Thinning of the Veil.
Wonderful, as always. You are so informative and inspiring. I definitely feel more witchy at this time of the year, especially this year, or it could be as I travel further down my path, my intuition is constantly getting stronger. I often thank my Lucky Stars that I stumbled across your books years ago. You have been a Guiding Light (among a few others) to whom I feel truly blessed to discover.
Except, if we look at this Energetically, we see that it was all meant to be. Thank you for being you, and dedicating your life to Shining Your Light to others like a beacon. Love x
What a lovely comment, Gabrielle! Thank you. And thank YOU for being you as well. Most important work there is. <3
My daughter sent me your web site today. Nov 30 will be a year since my 45 year old son passed. . I have been in a dark place . Severely depressed and withdrawing from people and not taking care of my health. My birthday is Nov 7. I don’t know if that had anything to do with my recent experiences. Today I went for a walk with my pup. Immediately I met a young mother and we struck up a pleasant conversation that was politely personal. Not a lot but somewhat personal. We walked to the Market and stopped in several shops . I had pleasant conversations all day with everyone I came into contact with. I enjoyed the nature around me. I could even smile at things that would normally irritate me a little. All of that was beautiful especially considering I was feeling like a robot or that there was no purpose for me anylonger.
But I had long conversations with 3 people that I had a magical connection to. I had the most phenomenal day I think o have ever had. So much in one day was astonishing. I have had immediate connections with strangers before now and then but the magic was everywhere today. My pup and I left home at 11:30 am and returned at 7:30 pm! I recently had a very vivid and happy dream visit from my son and feel he has let me know he is ok and no worries . Because ‘i’m Still here Mom. Now I feel like the thinning veil could be why I finally saw him and I feel he assures me that it’s ok for me to have a good day. This wasn’t just a good day. It was enlightening, euphoric and positive reinforcement
Long comment I know. Just very excited and grateful for the day. I only read your info after the day was done. So your info was even more enlightening. Thank you.
Rosemarie, wonderful to hear! Brightest continued blessings to you.
Your comment brought me to tears. I have a son & my birthday is November 7th too 🙂 Thank you for being strong and for being a vessel of light. sending you so much love and magic xo
Thank you for this. I searched for the information and got exactly what I wanted in the most beautiful way.
Lots of syncronicity.
And I read it as my black cat rested peacefully in my lap.
Thank you! 🙂
=^,^=
Hi my name is Deborah I lost my soulmate, it will be two yrs on New Year’s mourning, 2019. It has been heartbreaking and the Grief,Guilt, for two Yrs I have asked God! Please bring him back! Knowing full well he can’t! Yes! He has shown us he Loves us! He is watching over us! But I can’t let it go! I have five beautiful, Wonderful Children with him! But I feel cheated! We were both LDS! Both baptized! I have this Need! To see him! Talk to him! Do You think this could Ever happen during this time! I read this November 11 is a the most Powerful Manifesting Day of the decade! 11:11:11 I also readit represents two pillarsa gateway!which opens a direct portal between divine inspiration and grounded manifestation! On November 11th could I have a chance to beable to see him? Talk to him? What can I do to make this happen? I need it! Thank You! And Yes! I too have a birthday Nov 1st…..I took have felt miserable!
Deborah, I am so sorry for your loss! Have you gotten any grief counseling? I recommend starting there.
So the veil thins at Samhain, when can we expect it to it agai? I keep reading different dates.
Hi Amber! Could you clarify your question? I don’t understand.
How long does the veil stay thin after Halloween or is Halloween the last day its thin.
It stays thin. Samhain is the portal between the realms and the cycles around the wheel of the year. On either side of the portal, it fades to open and then becomes slowly less translucent. Everyone’s different in what they perceive, but I actually feel it all the way through Winter Solstice and even New Years. For me, January is when it starts to feel like it’s less thin again.