Honoring the Ancestors with Your Voice

The celebration of Samhain (pronounced Sáh-wen) is an ancient Celtic festival that has been practiced for centuries. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark half of the year and winter. It is celebrated on October 31st and is considered to be one of the eight modern Pagan Witches’ Sabbats. It is a time to give thanks for the final harvest, remember our ancestors and honor the dead, as well as celebrate the cycle of life and death. On this day, the veil between the living and the dead is said to be at its thinnest, allowing us to connect spiritually with our family and friends who have passed on before us.

By honoring the dead with our voices, we can keep their memories alive and ensure that their spirits will never be forgotten.

All Souls Night

I remember when I first heard “All Souls Night” by Loreena McKennitt. I had just moved to Florida after graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and I was out with a friend shopping at a record store. Remember those? I put on a pair of headphones and “All Soul’s Night” started playing. My mouth dropped. Although most people didn’t understand the meaning of the words, I knew exactly what she was singing about. I couldn’t believe there, in a popular music store, prominently displayed was a “PAGAN” (for all intents and purposes) CD album for sale. I immediately purchased it.

Samhain

I had the pleasure of meeting and listening to Alexander James Adams perform way back around the turn of the century (yes we can say that now) at the Heartland Pagan Gathering in Kansas. I was blown away. I also worked on The Red Album CD project with him where he recorded “Hypocratic Oath”, and I recorded “Born of Crime”. If you like his music, I have several brand new copies of “Festival Wind”, which he released as Heather Alexander, still in stock here: https://paganmusic.com/product/festival-wind-by-heather-alexander/
You can also purchase the Red Album at PaganMusic.com: https://paganmusic.com/product/the-red-album-pagan-voices-for-reproductive-rights/

For Those Who Brought Us Here

George Nicholas‘ voice is super clear and awesome. He has a style that I enjoy wholeheartedly! Did you know he’s an artist and muralist? How cool is that? So much talent!

Who is the Horned God?

The Horned God, a figure of the underworld, is honored during Samhain. He is often depicted as a figure with horns and is associated with the cycle of life and death. He is the guardian of the dead, the guardian of the underworld, and the keeper of the mysteries of the afterlife. During this time, witches and pagans alike gather to honor the Horned God and to remember their ancestors. They also use this time to reflect on their own lives and to give thanks for the blessings they have received.

By honoring the dead with their voices, they can connect with the spirit world and gain insight into their own lives.

Death’s Lullaby

I wrote the following song, “Death’s Lullaby”, from the perspective of the Horned God. Wiccans hold the belief that The Horned God, known as the Lord of Death, serves as their source of comfort and solace following death and prior to reincarnation. They also believe that he governs the Underworld or Summerland, where departed souls dwell while awaiting their rebirth. “Death’s Lullaby” is filled with his longing because he truly cares for those who enter his realm on their way to the Summerland. He welcomes them back with open arms and gives them peace, relaxation, and regeneration so that they might be reborn again. Full Lyrics here: https://www.alexianmusic.com/blog/death-s-lullaby-lyrics Of course, you can purchase all my music and merch, and even join my exclusive online community “Coven of Cool Kats”, at https://www.alexianmusic.com/store

From Persephone

We just blended this song into our own coven’s Samhain ritual as the Maiden gracefully ushers in our visiting ancestral spirits, while the High Priestess warmly embraces their presence at the heart of our sacred circle. You may want to consider incorporating “From Persephone”, along with any other songs in this blog post into your own celebrations and sacred rites.

Ancestor’s Song

Kellianna has always been a favorite Pagan recording artist of mine. Her voice is strong and clear, and her melodies and lyrics are well-written, enjoyable, and sacred. You can feel the magickal energy flowing through the music directly into your soul. “Ancestor’s Song” is no different.

Honoring the Ancestors Through Rituals and Offerings

Rituals of honoring the ancestors are powerful ways to connect with the spirit world. During this time, pagans will often make offerings to the dead, such as food and drink, flowers, and incense. They will also light candles and recite prayers to honor their ancestors and ask for their guidance. This is a time to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us, and to give thanks for the gifts they have left behind. By honoring the dead, we can keep their memory alive and ensure that their legacy lives on.

Veil is Thin at Samhain

“Veil is Thin at Samhain” and Flora Water is a new discovery of mine. I absolutely love the dissonant melodic notes contained within it ringing over a droning background, which puts you into a grounded, centered state of consciousness. An absolutely beautiful song for reflection, sacred moments, and honoring the ancestors.

Deity

Wendy Rule has been a long-time friend from way back. Victor, my husband, and I have produced concerts for her in the Orlando, FL area on many occasions when she came through town on tour. We used “Deity” in a public Samhain ritual for the Central Florida Pagan community way back in the 90s. A ritual that is still talked about to this day. Even though the song is not specifically about Samhain, Wendy’s dark haunting fae vocals and the message of the song’s lyrics “…. never alone” lend themselves to a Samhain feel. Every time I hear this song I’m back in that ritual in front of the entire local community witnessing people crying uncontrollably from the energy of the ritual and the sounds of Wendy’s voice. I smell the Patchouli and Cinnamon oils diffused in the air and I feel the weight of the Dark Lord’s crown on my head. Goosebumps!

Wise Grandmothers

While doing research for this post, I ran across this very sweet and endearing song by Tara Wild. There’s so much love in it that I HAD to include it. A beautiful chant for connecting with your Grandmother ancestor spirits. For as we will see below, chanting is one way to use your voice to honor your ancestors.

Open Thy Throat and Sing the Sounds of Thy Soul —Alexian

Below I’ve created a list to discover various ways to honor the departed and establish a profound connection with the Horned God. Singing, chanting, dancing, and drumming all play a significant role in this sacred practice – not to mention the power of reciting poetry.

• Singing traditional songs of the harvest season: a powerful way to connect with ancestors and celebrate the final harvest.
• Sing an ancestor’s favorite song to them: sing a song that you know they enjoyed when they were alive.
• Reciting poetry about the ancestors: another way to honor the dead and connect with the Horned God.
• Chanting: used to call upon the Horned God for protection and blessings and also call upon your ancestor’s guidance.
• Drumming and Dancing: creates a rhythm that brings energy to the ritual; the energy that you are raising in your ancestor’s honor.
• Telling stories of ancestors: a great way to honor them is to remember their stories and pass them on to other members of the family and friends.
• Speaking words of remembrance and gratitude: another form of honoring your ancestors.
• Calling out to the ancestors: makes a direct connection with the spirit world. Don’t be shy, open your mouth and speak to them! Call them into your sacred circle by opening your mouth and speaking the love within your heart.
  
  … For to truly love, you must meet, know, remember, and love them again. Blessed Samhain! Alexian 🎃

Ancestors

A perfect song for CALLING OUT to your ancestors, “Ancestors” by Quantum Lila has become a favorite evocative chant for Samhain.

Samhain Song

We have been carrying Lisa Thiel’s music in our PaganMusic.com store for decades, and in fact, we still have several brand-new copies of her CDs in stock. Probably out of print by now. Can we say VINTAGE Collectable Item? https://paganmusic.com/?s=lisa+thiel&post_type=product

You can read many more articles about Samhain, by the diverse blogger/musicians of Pagan Song, on our Samhain Page.

For more information about Alexian, including his collected articles here on Pagan Song, his bio, and links to Alexian’s sites on the web, check out Alexian’s artist page here on Pagan Song.

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