Though every Samhain takes place before the secular new year begins, it is the Celtic New Year and the time of final harvest, a time of preparation for winter, contemplation of the past year, and a time when the veil between the worlds is thin and our honored dead may walk among us. Samhain 2009 therefore marked the first ritual of our 2010 ritual year. These pictures are from the festivities after the rite, which took place by candlelight only, but we had a wonderful - if solemn - time throughout!

This is the altar as it looked after the ritual. Our fire is on the right, the offering bowl and plate in front, a cauldron for the well on the left, and the tree behind it. The wooden centerpiece was made by Johann Ristr, a fine piece.

We had a secondary altar set up with the feast for the dead that came to join us, as well.

Jorja made an awesome jack-o-lantern out of a turnip (and hey, that's a bit more appropriate, anyway!).

Young and old, we welcomed the dark half of the new year amid our feasting.

We had quite a few conversations, as always, over mugs of mead!

... supplied by our very own mead mistress Pamela, of course!

Jorja shows off her Halloween costume, an egyptian scarab.

We brought along a washbin, water, and apples. Guess what Chris is doing!

Chris, flanked by Ronnie and Gaarik, survey the apple-bobbing.

Tony, in an elaborate yellow-and-blue Celtic costume, tries his luck.

In ancient times, apple-bobbing was divinatory; for us, it was mostly for fun (and a candy prize), though we admit to hoping for good fortune anyway.

Gaarik and Lyle enjoy watching the after-rite festivities.

Gaarik then takes courage to try apple-bobbing himself. He succeeds, but not without a serious pain in the neck! (Yes, that's me, on the floor, writhing in agony. Laugh it up. *grin*)

Alyssa prepares herself for her try at the apples.

Lyle holds back Alyssa's hair while she dives in.

A final look at the altar pieces before we head home - this was the fire set up.