SAMHAIN 2023 CEREMONY VIDEO

by Oct 31, 2023

Below is the video of the Samhain Celtic Cross-Quarter Ceremony by Dr. Karen Ward and John Cantwell, originally aired live on October 31st, 2023.

*Please note that there is a blurred background at the beginning that will be removed soon into the recording.

THE CELTIC FESTIVAL OF SAMHAIN

If there is a glorious moment where all the energies of the Celtic seasonal festivals end and enter a new cycle, it is at Samhain. Unique energies of Nature that embrace us halfway between Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice deliver us into Samhain, (pronounced Sow-whin). While the light in our days has been fading since the Equinox behind us, our Ancestors held the coming of darkness as the setting for new life to begin, we remember their wisdom. Just as they saw dusk as the true beginning of a new day, so Samhain’s delivery of us into darkening days is a delivery into Nature’s New Year. We are born in darkness during the nine months or thereabouts in our mother’s womb. The darkness is where life begins, quietly, beautifully and to the ordinary eye, unseen. The experience of Samhain is a profound festival of renewal, our Ancestors spoke of “the veils between the Worlds being thin”, their eloquent vision of a change in the weave of time and space at this special moment in the year’s turning. Samhain is a portal as much of death as birth, with the wet, decomposing leaves on the ground as the seeds germinate in the dark soil.

Samhain’s guide and guardian at the true beginning of Winter is An Cailleach, The Crone (On-Kal-y-ack), the personification Winter’s expressions as we, like animals and plants, are called to quieten, rest, go within and ease into the contemplative rhythm of hibernation. We are delighted to offer you a unique opportunity to join us live online from your home for ceremony to lift you into harmony with the colder, darker evenings with some of the many wonderful rituals associated with the Crone An Cailleach, Samhain and the Winter season.

HOW TO PREPARE

Create sacred ceremonial space in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed by other people or loud noises. You may want to make a small altar, light a candle and have your drum, and rattle available, as well as paper and pen. Darken your room if possible and allow yourself to be fully present.

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About the author

John Cantwell & Dr. Karen Ward

John Cantwell & Dr. Karen Ward

John Cantwell and Dr. Karen Ward are husband and wife, co-founders and directors of Sli An Chroí Shamanism since 2005. They met during the auspicious week of the Solar Eclipse in August 1999 and share a life of ever deepening connection to the natural world. The ancestral lineage of Shamanism in Ireland, including that of Druidry, is a precious resource for them.  Bringing warmth, integrity and gratitude into all of their work is a vital aspect of their vocation. After years of holistic therapy and teaching experiences coupled with shamanic initiations, they both began to hear the palpable call to invite others to awaken to their Celtic soul destiny. Taking a step into the unknown, they first opened their Clinic and School of Irish Celtic Shamanism in 2005 which has grown beyond their wildest dreams. From international travel to sit, equal but different, with indigenous people from around the world, work with a wide variety of individuals, charities and organisations to maintaining a cherished community in Ireland and online. www.slianchroi.ie
John Cantwell and Dr. Karen Ward are husband and wife, co-founders and directors of Sli An Chroí Shamanism since 2005. They met during the auspicious week of the Solar Eclipse in August 1999 and share a life of ever deepening connection to the natural world. The ancestral lineage of Shamanism in Ireland, including that of Druidry, is a precious resource for them.  Bringing warmth, integrity and gratitude into all of their work is a vital aspect of their vocation. After years of holistic therapy and teaching experiences coupled with shamanic initiations, they both began to hear the palpable call to invite others to awaken to their Celtic soul destiny. Taking a step into the unknown, they first opened their Clinic and School of Irish Celtic Shamanism in 2005 which has grown beyond their wildest dreams. From international travel to sit, equal but different, with indigenous people from around the world, work with a wide variety of individuals, charities and organisations to maintaining a cherished community in Ireland and online. www.slianchroi.ie
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