As autumn folds in on itself and the nights grow long, we enter that liminal season the ancients called Samhain — the time when the veil between the worlds is thinnest. It’s the witch’s new year, a sacred hinge of time when spirits drift closer and the air hums with the energy of endings and beginnings.

It’s no surprise that as October darkens, everyone seems to want to reach out to the other side. Curiosity is natural — the idea of speaking with a loved one lost, of feeling their presence again, is a comfort and a mystery that calls to us. But this desire must be tempered with respect. Because while the veil may be thin, the boundaries between the living and the dead still matter.

The dead are not ornaments of the season or curiosities to be summoned for amusement. They are who they were in life — complex, emotional, layered beings. A spirit may still hold the same personality, fears, or attachments that defined them before death. Someone who was confused, angry, or struggling with mental illness in life may carry echoes of that struggle after crossing over. They do not suddenly become all-knowing or enlightened. Some may not even realize they are dead, caught in a loop of memory or emotion.

The Spirit World Deserves the Same Dignity as the Living

When we call to the dead, we’re not just “ghost hunting.” We are opening sacred doors — doors that deserve to be approached with reverence. Here are some ways to communicate respectfully and safely during Samhain or any time you reach across the veil.

1. Create a Sacred, Protected Space

Never attempt to contact spirits in chaos or casual energy. Cleanse the space with smoke, sound, or salt. Light candles with intention — white for peace, black for protection, purple for spiritual connection. Call upon your guides, ancestors, or protective deities to guard the space. Remember, when you open the door to the unseen, not everything that wanders through is meant for you.

2. Set Your Intention Clearly

Before beginning, decide who you wish to communicate with and why. Are you seeking closure, comfort, or guidance? Speak your purpose aloud. Spirits are drawn to intention — the clearer your heart, the clearer your connection. Vagueness invites confusion, and confusion invites interference from wandering entities who may not be who they claim to be.

3. Invite, Don’t Command

You cannot demand an audience with the dead. You can only invite. When you call upon them, do so with courtesy. “I welcome only those spirits who come in peace and love.” This statement of boundary ensures that you’re speaking to benevolent energies. Always ask permission before communicating or asking questions.

4. Recognize the Humanity in Spirit

Remember, a spirit’s personality remains. Someone who was shy may still be quiet. Someone who was humorous may still play tricks with lights or scent. Be patient and kind. Don’t press for answers or proof — sometimes, simply acknowledging their presence is enough.

And know that some spirits are still healing. A person who struggled with mental illness or trauma may appear fragmented, emotional, or confused. Offer compassion, not fear. They are still in process — as we all are.

5. Do Not Assume All Spirits Understand Their Death

Not every spirit knows they’ve passed. This is especially true in sudden or tragic deaths. If you encounter a confused energy, speak softly: “You are safe. You’ve passed from this world, but there is light waiting for you.” You can light a candle and pray for them, asking your guides or ancestors to help them cross. Never mock, provoke, or exploit such spirits — they deserve peace, not performance.

Offer Something in Return

Spirits appreciate offerings, just as our ancestors did in life. Leave flowers, water, bread, rum, or incense as tokens of gratitude. It’s a simple gesture that shows respect for their time and presence.

7. Close the Door Properly

When you’re finished, thank the spirits who came and gently close the veil. Snuff out candles (never blow), ring a bell, or say: “I release all who have gathered here in peace. Go with love.” Then cleanse yourself and the space. Leaving a door open between worlds can lead to unrest — both spiritual and emotional.

8. Not Every Presence Is a Spirit

Energy lingers. Grief, memory, and trauma can echo in places long after death. Sometimes what we perceive as a ghost is an imprint — a residue of emotion. Other times, it may be a thoughtform, or even our own projection. Use discernment. And remember that skepticism is not the enemy of spirituality — it’s the ally of wisdom.

This Samhain: Walk with Reverence

This season, when the veil grows thin and the dead draw near, walk softly. Let your curiosity be balanced with compassion. Speak to the dead as you would to the living — with love, patience, and understanding.

The dead do not exist for our entertainment. They are our teachers, ancestors, and mirrors. Some are lost, some are resting, and some simply come to remind us that life — and love — never truly end.

May your candles burn steady, your heart stay open, and may the spirits you meet be gentle, wise, and kind.

Blessed Samhain.
🖤