Witch in the City: Samhain ideas for the urban jungle

by Jessica St. Hill

Pagan: Samhain (Halloween) can be celebrated by pagans anywhere, but we come up with Samhain ideas for rituals that can take place in the urban jungle, not the lovely old forest one would prefer...

There is a very strong school of thought that affirms that a witch's place is in the country. Far be it for me to say that one with a strong connection to the Earth in all Her power would deny the inherent value and joy of one's bare feet in the dirt and arms firmly hugging the nearest rowan tree. But the reality is today's witch is more likely to be bedding down in a tiny midtown walkup than the traditional, cozy forest-bound cottage.

Book after book on Paganism, Wicca/Witchcraft, and other nature-based religions would almost have it seem that one is not truly even a viable Witch unless she can surround herself with the trappings of the so-called natural world. This, I would humbly put forth, is bollocks.

There is as much spirit and power in the thrum and pulse of a city street (or suburban cul de sac) as a country lane; as much strength and wisdom in a multi-story building as the tallest sycamore. These places created by man have been embued with the energy of all the people, events, emotions, and history occuring within, and without, their walls. The wonderful Christopher Penczak outlines many of these principles in City Magick: Urban Rituals, Spells and Shamanism, a fantastic book that changed my outlook entirely.

The problem for urban witches remains: how does one celebrate the most important and sacred holiday in the Wheel of the Year for most Pagans - Samhain - without the rural environment practically required for most of its most treasured rituals and traditions? It's far simpler than you would think. With a small shift in thinking and some creativity, you can create a beautiful Sabbat celebration that rivals the most elaborate country festivities. I have included some popular tradtions and their urban counterparts.

Samhain Apples for the Dead

Many Witches and Pagans, as a matter of tradition, bury apples or other fruit near to the front door as offerings for the dead as they travel between the worlds on this day, when the veils between life and death are thinnest and most easily pushed back. The tradition is an old one and city Pagans lament their lack of earth next to a front door to carry it on. One might as well lament a lack of chimney and tell a child Santa cannot come this Christmas!!!

This is easily remedied and makes a beautiful ritual. Simply bury the apple in a potted plant and place it by your front door on a stoop or, if theft of the plant is feared, on a windowsill or balcony. If the pot is a plain one and the plant easily replaced, even if it is taken, see it as a blessing to whomever it has gone to, and who knows, perhaps michievous Samhain fairies are actually the culprits!

The Samhain Bonfire

Bonfires are lovely and exciting and often the cornerstone of a huge Hallow's Eve celebration. I say, fire is fire and the spirits won't decline to bless you or your rituals because the flames are modest. A small hibachi grill or cauldron filled with wood and herbs and set alight on a balcony, porch or even fire escape is sufficient to awake the spirits and draw them near. Those that leap over fires on Samhain and Beltane may even find that this is far safer than attempting to hurdle a taller, more robust fire. If your space doesn't even include a patio or outdoor space, travelling to a park with public grills, or even staying in with a stout pillar candle is fine, too. As with all things magick, the important thing here is the intent.

Carving Pumpkins/Turnips at Samhain

Many people don't realise it is actually the carvings of turnips that dominated early Hallow's Eve festivities, not today's more popular pumpkin.

Many city folks will purchase and carve pumpkins, but are reluctant to place them outside, if in small flats/apartments, especially if the neighborhood is not a very good one. Returning to the original turnip carving is a lovely way to honour this tradition, but with a vegetable small enough to display in a windowsill. I am lucky enough to have an apartment on the ground floor and can set many turnips along my wall as luminaries, which also makes for a nice display for little ones trick-or-treating. Turnips are small and round, and don't lend themselves to elaborate carvings, but look absolutely beautiful hollowed out and filled with a tealight candle. They resemble delicately painted porcelain, very lovely.

Samhain Feast for the Dead

Sure, you can have a meal anywhere, but it IS more difficult in a smaller space, especially with guests. While a full Dumb Supper (so called because often in honour of the dead there is no speaking during the meal...a feat I have personally never been able to pull off) with several courses served with elegance is wonderful, a nicely-laid buffet eaten off of one's lap is just as fun. Potlucks are great fun for Samhain, and don't underestimate the wisdom of a dessert and drinks only party for close, like-minded friends. The intent is key, once again, and one can always just have a nice Cakes and Ale after ritual as the meal portion of the holiday.

For every Samhain tradition that seems to require the space, time, and resources that at first glance seem only available to country dwellers, there is a simple fix for those of us that are city-bound. Spirits don't ignore cities in favour of forests and woods; just the opposite. Trade a haunted hayride for a tour of haunted houses in your city. Have a seance or make your own ouija board for fun and possibly receive some unexpected ghostly wisdom in lieu of a huge bonfire night.

The possibilities are endless. And again, the point is to honour the dead and see in the Witch's New Year with joy and love. Happy Samhain!

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