This is such an important topic, and I felt a deep urge to write about it because I’ve been observing so much unawareness around what Halloween truly means and represents. It seems we’ve strongly deviated from its original purpose, and I believe we can focus on a more aligned intention. This isn’t just an important message for Halloween; it’s something we should all be conscious of in our daily lives.
The Origin of Halloween
How familiar are you with it? Do you know why we’re celebrating Halloween at all?
I mean, I come from Germany, and Halloween only came to us in the ’90s or so… So, here in Germany—and honestly in so many parts of Europe and other places around the world—most people don’t actually know what Halloween truly is. So, if you don’t know either, it’s all good! Nothing wrong with you. But I want to take this moment, because it’s important, to help us understand what Halloween was originally about.
Halloween’s roots go back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”), celebrated in Ireland, the UK, and parts of northern France. Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter—a time the Celts saw as the season of death and renewal. On the night of October 31, they believed that the boundary between our world and the spirit world thinned, allowing spirits—both helpful and harmful—to slip through.
To protect themselves from any unwelcome spirits, people would gather around huge bonfires, dress up in costumes, and leave out offerings of food and drink. This wasn’t just a night for fear; it was a time for honoring ancestors and making peace with the unknown forces in life. The Celts used these powerful rituals to cast away anything that could bring harm or darkness to themselves and their loved ones.
Then, as Christianity spread, Samhain started blending with All Saints’ Day on November 1 and All Souls’ Day on November 2. This mix eventually turned “All Hallows’ Eve” into the Halloween we know now, but back then, it was still deeply rooted in respect for the unseen and a commitment to protecting the light in the darker seasons.
So, if you look back, Halloween wasn’t just about thrills or scares. It was a sacred time, a night to honor the past, to keep our spirits safe, and to find light in the dark months ahead. And also within ourselves!
Do you want to dive a bit deeper than listen to my podcast episode: Samhain – A Halloween Special
What Is Has Become Now
Halloween today? It’s nearly unrecognizable from its sacred origins; it’s like a whole different holiday! It used to be deeply revered as a time to protect ourselves from darkness, but now it has lost much of its sacred essence, which is very sad, in my opinion. Of course, customs change as we evolve, but I think the meaning of Samhain has taken a toll.
Only a few people know about the origin of Halloween/Samhain, and it feels like it’s been turned completely on its head. There’s nothing wrong with fun, of course, but the whole essence of this day has drifted away from its original purpose, and I can’t help but feel like something precious has been lost. That’s what I mean by darkness infiltrating sacredness.
Through commercialization (not that it’s generally a bad thing), we can see the shadow side of it. What was once a powerful spiritual occasion has been transformed into a night of thrills, spooky fun, drinking, and gatherings where everyone lets out their crazy dark side. Again, there’s nothing wrong with that, but I think we lack intention and awareness—all while its original meaning quietly fades away.
What started as a sacred night to ward off darkness has, over time, flipped completely. Instead of gathering with intention to protect ourselves and our communities from unwanted energies, we’re dressing up in scary costumes—not to keep anything at bay, but just to have a good time. There’s nothing wrong with fun, of course, but I can’t shake the feeling that something deeply meaningful has slipped through our fingers.
Think about it: those little customs we still hang on to—like trick-or-treating, costumes, and spooky decor—once held so much meaning! Costumes weren’t just for show; they were meant to shield us and keep negative forces at a safe distance. Now? We’re putting on scary masks and walking right into the darkness instead of pushing it away. I get it; it’s fun, it’s thrilling, but in all this excitement, we might actually be inviting in the energies that Halloween used to help us guard against.
It’s like we’ve forgotten that Halloween wasn’t just a night to be scary—it was a night to be safe, to reconnect with what protects us, and to honor the people and memories that still bring us light. Instead, it’s become a night to celebrate all things dark and eerie, often without any deeper connection to its sacred roots. Somewhere in this drift, we’ve turned Halloween into something it was never meant to be, and I can’t help but wonder…what would it be like if we honored its true purpose once again?
The Veil Is Thin
During this time of year, the boundary between our world and the spirit realm becomes a little less rigid. It’s like an open invitation for the spirits of our ancestors and other energies to cross over and connect with us. This moment is sacred—a beautiful opportunity to honor those who walked before us, reflect on our roots, and maybe even seek a little guidance from the other side. And please, let’s make sure that any energies we engage with are truly serving the highest light and love of all!!!
I remember some valuable advice from my former spiritual teacher, Pamela Aaralyn. She taught us to ask any entity we connect with the same question three times. If they answer consistently in the same way, we can trust that they come with good intentions. But if there’s even the slightest deviation in their responses, it’s best to step back and not inquire further.
Shaman Durek, such an incredible soul, also emphasizes the importance of asking the spirits we engage with if they serve the highest purpose and the greater good for humanity. It’s a beautiful reminder to approach these connections with discernment and intention, ensuring that our interactions are aligned with love and light.
As I have mentioned earlier, this thinning of the veil gives us a chance to really acknowledge our ancestors and the profound impact they’ve had on our lives. It’s a time to celebrate their memories, share stories, and feel that deep, soulful connection that transcends time and space. I love the idea of creating an altar—a special space filled with photographs, mementos, or even some of their favorite foods. Light a candle and take a moment to reflect on the lessons they’ve passed down and the love they continue to share with us from beyond. It’s like keeping their spirit alive in our hearts.
But here’s the thing: while this is such a beautiful time for connection, it’s also super important to approach it mindfully and safely. Again, I can’t stress this enough, when we engage with the spirit world, we need to ensure our intentions are pure. So, take a moment to set a clear intention for your practice—whether it’s seeking guidance, healing, or simply honoring your ancestors. Create a space that feels sacred to you. Maybe light some incense, play soft music, or bring in crystals known for their protective qualities. Whatever resonates with you!
If you want to connect with the other side, you could try practices like meditation, journaling, or just sitting quietly and inviting the presence of your ancestors. It’s so important to remember that you’re opening a door to energies that may have their own stories to tell, so trust your intuition and be discerning about who you welcome into your space. Surround yourself with positive energy, and if things ever feel a bit off, don’t hesitate to close that door and return to the present moment.
Engaging with the thinning veil can be such a profound experience. It’s not just about remembering those who have passed; it’s also about reflecting on our place in the great tapestry of life. It reminds us that we’re never truly alone—our ancestors are right here with us, guiding and supporting us as we navigate our own journeys. So this Halloween, take a moment to connect, to honor, and to embrace the magic of the thinning veil. It’s a beautiful doorway to wisdom, love, and a deeper understanding of our connection to the past.
Beware: Don’t Worship Darkness
Darkness is clever, and it can slip in almost unnoticed, weaving itself into places we wouldn’t expect. It has a knack for masquerading as love and light, which is why you’ll sometimes find toxicity—and even outright darkness—lurking in the New Age spiritual community. It’s here that darkness can wield its greatest power, hiding behind a facade of enlightenment and “higher wisdom.”
But don’t be fooled; it’s not just in spiritual circles. Darkness shows up in our everyday lives, too—in our thoughts, in the quiet judgments we pass, in subtle ways we give in to fear or resentment. It’s everywhere, whispering its presence in the background. Little hint: it’s hiding in movies, songs, books, and especially social media, subtly shaping how we think and feel. Just be aware of what you’re consuming!
And here’s what I’ve found: when I feel that pull, that shadow trying to influence my thoughts or mood, I remind myself, “I’m stronger than you.” Saying this out loud can be transformative. In that instant, when I command my own strength and bravery, the energy shifts, the darkness dissipates, and I feel grounded again.
When we’re mindful, we can choose not to let this subtle darkness take hold. Instead of letting it slip in, we can pause, breathe, and realign with the energy of love, with thoughts that uplift and empower. We can strengthen our own light by questioning anything that doesn’t serve our highest good. Darkness may be everywhere, but it loses its grip the moment we recognize it—and choose to stand firmly in the light.
Now, Bringing It Home: Why We Don’t Need “Scary” This Year
Especially this year, with so much war, horror, and heartbreak in our world, let’s think about what we’re actually feeding with our energy. Instead of celebrating fear and dark forces, maybe we should look inward, exploring those parts of ourselves that are drawn to the thrill of the darker side. Ask yourself—what is it that intrigues me about these forces? Why am I drawn to them? The moment we start that self-inquiry, darkness begins to lose its power over us.
When we take a good look at the state of the world, it’s clear: we don’t need more bloodshed or celebration of fear. Truly, we don’t. Personally, I find it deeply disturbing, and I hold hope that as a collective, we’ll start making better choices, choices that are rooted in awareness and intention, rather than unconscious attraction to the forces that fuel so much of the suffering we see today.
May we turn our focus to peace. May we cultivate unity—one love, one humanity, ONE. Let’s choose this Halloween to celebrate not what divides or terrifies us but what brings us together and heals us. It’s a choice, and every choice adds to the energy that shapes our world. So let’s make it one of light, compassion, peace, and courage.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!
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