An Invitation to Honor Samhain with the Faeries

Fairies are drawn to joyful and playful activities in nature, and this delight persists even during the year’s darker months. Every year at this time, I am reminded of their lively spirit as the boundary separating worlds becomes thin during the enchanting season of Samhain and Halloween.

If you’re having a surge of creativity or feel the impulse to connect with nature, even if it’s just a moment in your garden before the chill of winter settles in, it’s likely that you’re being called to engage in lighthearted playtime with the fairies.

The best times to bond with the Faeries or Fae correspond with the seasons when energy portals open during the cross-quarter holidays: the Summer and Winter Solstices, alongside the Spring and Fall Equinoxes.

These seasonal shifts have historically been celebrated in ancient pagan rituals and holy days, such as Imbolc (St. Brigid’s Day) on February 1st, Ostara (Easter) around March 21st, Beltane (St. Walburga’s Day) on May 1st, Litha (St. John’s Day) around June 20th or 21st, Lammas (Day of Bread) on August 1st, and Samhain (All Saints’ Day) on October 31st.

Traditionally observed as a time to pay tribute to our ancestors and contemplate the cyclical nature of life and death, Samhain on October 31st represents the midpoint between the Autumnal Equinox and the Winter Solstice. This unique time invites us to transcend the mundane and delve into the mystical and magical. The lingering ambiance of autumn, coupled with the impending winter in the Northern Hemisphere, cultivates an atmosphere of introspection and connection to nature, making it a prime moment to commune with the ethereal beings of nature.

The woods are filled with fairies! The trees are awakened: The river is brimming with them. Observe their playful dives and glides! Such amusing little spirits! Such delicate little beings! They twirl and leap, prance and peek, And raise fairy cheers! ~ William Allingham

Recognized for their playful yet deep essence, the Fae become more accessible during this season, inspiring us to open our hearts and minds to their insights and wisdom. Whether your goal is to enhance your spiritual journey, usher joy and abundance into your life, or simply to revel in the wonders of nature and the unseen realm, the upcoming days present a gateway to enchanting dimensions where the Fae await your summons.

I believe that the faeries hold a special connection with the season of Samhain as their mythical homeland, also known as Faeryland or Elfland, shares qualities reminiscent of the afterlife or “the land of the dead.” Rosemary Guiley, a well-known author and expert in folklore and mythology concerning faeries and supernatural entities, describes how time shifts in Faeryland, allowing a human day to span years, paired with its constant twilight reminiscent of the thinning veil separating our world from the next during Samhain.

The term faerie (or fairy) is derived from Latin fata (fate) and the Old French faerie (enchantment). In French tales, a faerie was portrayed as a woman skilled in magic and the potency of words, stones, and herbs.

Faeries are a type of elemental being acknowledged in various mythologies and mystical traditions, embodying mystical entities or spirits that represent the four classical elements: earth, air, fire, and water, as they exemplify the traits associated with each element.

Faeries act as guardians of nature and facilitators between the human realm and the spirit world. Spending time outdoors and soaking in the energy of flora, trees, flowers, and herbs draws us into the magical healing realm of the faeries. They wish for us to remember our shared existence on this beautiful planet, thus encouraging us to respect nature by recycling, utilizing natural products, and cleaning up litter when we encounter it.

Fairies are also attracted to love and romance. Before winter descends, subject to favorable weather, pack a cozy autumn picnic and invite your loved ones, kids, or pets to a cherished natural spot. Perhaps a serene pond, a bubbling stream, a park, or a tranquil forest calls to you. Upon arrival at your picnic setting, warmly invite the “little people” to partake.

You just have to keep your eyes open. If you don’t, you might overlook them, or perceive something else—something you anticipated rather than what truly exists. Faerie whispers fade into mere wind, while a bodach… scurrying over the street becomes nothing but a piece of trash caught in the wake of a bus ~ Charles de Lint

Always make sure to leave an offering for them, like a little treat of honey, cream, bread, or grains, and you’ll discover that magic starts to manifest in your life! By connecting with the fairy realm through nature, offering sweet delicacies, or simply by reaching out, they will grant wishes and infuse your life with enchantment!

I previously resided near Ann Arbor, Michigan, while studying at the Avalonian Seminary. An author within my group had extensive knowledge of faerie magic and myths. She revealed to me intimate details about the elves and ways to connect with them. One piece of advice was to wear a seven-pointed star pendant, which I did adopt. Additionally, she mentioned the significance of the number seven, indicating it was emblematic of the fairies and held auspicious meaning.

One day while alone at home, ready to commence work in my home office, I decided to treat myself to some chocolate chip cookies from the kitchen first. I broke one cookie into eleven pieces and arranged them on a special plate, bringing them to a top-floor room. I spoke aloud, “Fairies, I have a sweet treat for you!” then exited and closed the door behind me.