Standing at Hekate's Gate: Our Samhain Ritual at Luna & Co.
As the veil between worlds grew thin this Samhain, something extraordinary happened at Luna & Co. Soapery. Our beloved community gathered in sacred space to honor those who came before us, guided by Hekate herself through the crossroads between life and death.
The energy in our Babylon store was palpable as dusk approached. Candles flickered at the four quarters, the scent of myrrh and frankincense filled the air, and our central altar stood adorned with pomegranates, keys, and three black candles honoring Hekate's triple form. This wasn't just an event—it was a threshold moment, a collective journey into the mysteries that connect us across time and spirit.
A Ritual Rooted in Ancient Wisdom
Hekate, the Torch-Bearer and Key-Holder, has long been honored as the guardian of crossroads and the guide between realms. At Samhain, when the boundary between the living and the dead dissolves, she becomes our sacred protector and guide. Our ritual honored this ancient goddess while creating space for deep, personal connection with our ancestors.
From the moment we cast the circle—visualizing our individual flames merging into a ring of protective fire—the mundane world fell away. We called the quarters, invoking the guardians of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. Each element brought its gifts: Air carried our voices through the veil, Fire illuminated the path between worlds, Water allowed our ancestors to rise from the depths, and Earth released those held in her embrace.
The Heart of the Working
The most powerful moment came when we called our beloved dead by name. One by one, voices around the circle spoke:
"I remember [name]. I honor [name]. I welcome [name]."
Parents and grandparents, friends taken too soon, mentors whose wisdom still guides us, chosen family who shared our path—all were invited to join us at the crossroads. Some names were spoken with tears, others with laughter. The beauty of ancestor work is that it honors the fullness of those relationships, the joy and the grief intertwined.
In guided meditation, we walked with Hekate into the mist, meeting those who had been called. Many shared afterward that they felt embraced, heard messages of love and guidance, or simply experienced the profound comfort of knowing they are not alone on their path.
Messages Written, Love Sent
Each participant wrote personal messages to their ancestors—gratitude, questions, declarations of love, updates on life's journey. These intimate words were placed in our sacred cauldron, to be burned after the ritual. As the smoke rose skyward, it carried those messages across the veil, a bridge built of love and remembrance.
We offered blessings to our ancestors and received their blessings in return. We asked for their guidance in the coming year, their protection, their wisdom. And in that sacred space, many felt the response—a warmth, a knowing, a sense of presence that lingers still.
The Feast and the Offerings
After closing the circle and releasing the quarters, we feasted in honor of the dead. A plate was set aside for our ancestors, to be left overnight at a crossroads—a traditional offering to those who walk between worlds. Laughter and tears mingled freely as we shared stories, the atmosphere shifting from solemn reverence to joyful celebration. This too is sacred: honoring death without forgetting to celebrate life.
Why Community Ritual Matters
There's something powerful about gathering in person for ritual work. When we raise energy together, when our voices blend in unison responses, when we witness each other's tears and hold space for collective grief and joy—we become more than individuals practicing magic. We become a coven, a community, a web of connection that strengthens everyone within it.
At Luna & Co., we believe magic thrives in community. Our ritual soaps and oils support your personal practice, but gathering together for moments like these? That's where transformation deepens. That's where we remember we're part of something larger than ourselves.
Walking Forward with Our Ancestors
Samhain marks the Witch's New Year, a time of endings and beginnings. As we step into the darker half of the year, we carry our ancestors with us—not as ghosts of the past, but as living wisdom woven into our very being. They walk beside us in the choices we make, the courage we summon, the love we offer.
The gates have closed now until next Samhain, but the connections we forged remain. Our beloved dead are always near, especially when we remember them, speak their names, and honor their legacy through how we live our lives.
If you missed this year's ritual, we hope you'll join us next Samhain at the crossroads. Until then, may you feel the presence of those who love you—both in this world and beyond.
Blessed be, and thank you to everyone who made this night so magical.
The Complete Ritual: Hekate's Gate
For those who wish to hold their own ancestor honoring ceremony, we're sharing the complete ritual we performed. Whether you gather with a large group or practice solo, may it serve you well.
Hekate's Gate: A Samhain Ancestor Honoring Ritual
For 15-20 people in a small indoor space:
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Altar Setup:
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Create a compact central altar (2x2 feet or 3x3 feet maximum)
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Quarter altars can be simplified to just candles at the four corners
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Movement:
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Leader may cast circle from center rather than walking around if space is too tight
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Quarter callers remain in place rather than walking to quarters
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Participants can place offerings from where they sit, passing items forward
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Acoustics: Voice will carry well in a small space - speak gently and clearly
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Ventilation: Crack a window if burning incense to prevent smoke buildup
Materials Needed
Altar Setup
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Black altar cloth
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Three black candles (for Hekate's triple form)
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Pomegranates or red apples (traditional offerings)
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Keys (symbolizing Hekate's role as keeper of gates)
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Cauldron
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Incense (myrrh, frankincense, or sandalwood)
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4 10-hour votive candles (or preferred candles for quarters)
For Participants
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Paper and pens for messages to ancestors
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Fire-safe cauldron or metal bowl (for collecting written messages to burn outside after ritual)
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Printouts for quarter calls
Circle Space
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Four quarter candles: We had these on the floor, but you can put these on the altar if space is tight..
Preparation
Timing: Begin at dusk. Samhain work is most powerful during the "between times" when the veil is thinnest.
Setup: Create a crossroads pattern at the center with your main Hekate altar at the crossing point. Position quarter altars at the cardinal directions. Ensure there's space for participants to sit in a circle around the central altar.
Roles: Assign a ritual leader and four quarter callers ahead of time. Brief everyone on when they'll speak or move.
The Ritual
I. Grounding and Centering
Leader speaks:
"We gather here tonight at the crossroads of worlds, at the threshold between the living and the dead. Take a deep breath and feel your feet upon the earth. [Pause] Feel your connection to those who walked this earth before you. [Pause] And those who will come after we are gone. We are the living bridge between past and future. Center yourself now in this sacred present moment."
II. Opening the Circle
Leader speaks:
"Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Feel your feet upon the earth. Feel the earth beneath this building, solid and strong. [Pause]
Within your chest burns a sacred flame - the flame of your spirit, your life force, your connection to all that is holy. Feel that flame now, warm and bright. [Pause]
Now, let that flame grow. Let it expand beyond your body, reaching out to touch the person beside you... and the person beside them. Our individual flames merge and grow, spreading outward in all directions. [Pause]
See it now - a ring of sacred fire surrounds us all, encompassing this space. It rises above us and flows beneath us, creating a circle of protection and power. [Long pause]
This is our circle. This is our sacred space. Between the worlds we stand, protected by our collective flame. The circle is cast.
[Ring bell three times]
III. Calling the Quarters
East - Air
East Caller lights yellow candle and speaks:
"Guardians of the East, Powers of Air, we call you here! Spirits of wind and dawn's first light, Carry our voices through the veil tonight. Bring us clarity and ancient sight, To see our ancestors shining bright.
Hail and welcome!"
All respond: "Hail and welcome!"
South - Fire
South Caller lights red candle and speaks:
"Guardians of the South, Powers of Fire, we call you here! Spirits of flame and passion's might, Illuminate the path between the worlds tonight. Burn bright the memories we hold dear, And guide our beloved spirits near.
Hail and welcome!"
All respond: "Hail and welcome!"
West - Water
West Caller lights blue candle and speaks:
"Guardians of the West, Powers of Water, we call you here! Spirits of ocean, river, and rain, Wash away sorrow, dissolve our pain. From your depths the ancestors rise, To meet us here beneath dark skies.
Hail and welcome!"
All respond: "Hail and welcome!"
North - Earth
North Caller lights green candle and speaks:
"Guardians of the North, Powers of Earth, we call you here! Spirits of stone and ancient bone, You hold our ancestors in your home. Release them now to visit here, Those we remember, those we hold dear.
Hail and welcome!"
All respond: "Hail and welcome!"
IV. Invoking Hekate
Leader lights the three black candles on the central altar, speaking:
"Hekate of the Crossroads, Hekate of the Roads, We invoke you!
In heaven, on earth, and in the sea below, Saffron-cloaked Goddess, we call to you. Daughter of Perses, haunter of liminal spaces, You who revel with the souls of the dead, You who delight in the night and wild places, Monstrous Queen, Mistress of all the worlds,
Torch-Bearer in darkness, Key-Holder of mysteries, Guide and guardian of those who wander, Leader through the shadows, Nurturer of seekers,
We stand at your crossroads tonight!
The veil between worlds grows thin, And we beseech you: come to these holy rites! Open wide the gates for our beloved dead, Guide their spirits to this sacred space, Protect us in our communion with those beyond, Grant us your ancient sight and wisdom.
Come with joyous heart, Great Queen! Come as guide and guardian! Come and stand with us between the worlds!
Hekate! Hekate! Hekate! - Hekate! Hekate! Hekate! - Hekate! Hekate! Hekate!"
Knock three times
[Pause for presence to build. Many will feel a shift in energy.]
Leader continues:
"She is here. The gates are open. We stand at the crossroads between life and death, and Hekate holds the way. Honor her with silence."
[Moment of silent reverence]
V. The Working - Honoring the Ancestors
A. Calling the Beloved Dead
Leader speaks:
"The veil between the worlds is thin tonight. Our ancestors hear us calling. They gather at the threshold, waiting to be remembered, waiting to be named."
"We call now upon those who came before us. Blood of our blood, bone of our bone, and those who may not share our blood but share our love. We remember you. We honor you. We invite you to join us here."
All participants speak names of their departed loved ones, one at a time around the circle. Each person says:
"I remember [name]. I honor [name]. I welcome [name]."
[This may take 10-15 minutes with a large group. Let it flow naturally. Some may speak multiple names, others just one.]
B. Meditation - Walking with the Ancestors
Leader guides:
"Close your eyes and take a deep breath. [Pause]
Imagine yourself standing at a crossroads at twilight. Four roads stretch before you, behind you, to your left and right. At the center stands Hekate, tall and cloaked, holding her torches high.
She beckons you to walk with her down one of these roads, into a gentle mist. You feel safe. She protects you. As you walk, shapes begin to emerge from the mist. Faces become clear. These are your ancestors, those you have called.
See them now. Some you may recognize. Some you may not. They smile at you. They are proud of you. They are glad you remembered them.
One steps forward with something to tell you. Listen now with your inner ear. What message do they bring? What wisdom do they offer?
[Long pause - 2-3 minutes of silence]
They embrace you. You feel their love surrounding you like a warm cloak. You are never alone. They walk with you always.
Hekate's torches blaze brighter now. She leads you back down the path, back to the crossroads, back to this sacred circle. You carry their love with you.
When you are ready, return to this space. Open your eyes."
[Allow time for people to return. Some may be emotional.]
C. Offerings to the Ancestors
Leader speaks:
"The dead are hungry. Not for food alone, but for memory. For love. For connection. Let us honor them now with our offerings."
Written Messages to the Ancestors
Leader speaks:
"On the paper provided, write a message to your ancestors. Thank them, ask them questions, tell them you love them. These messages will be placed in this sacred cauldron and burned after our ritual, carrying your words through the smoke to the spirit realm."
[Participants take time to write their messages - allow 5-7 minutes for this intimate work. Soft instrumental music can be played during the writing if desired.]
Leader continues:
"When you have finished, bring your message forward and place it in the cauldron. As you do, speak these words or your own:"
[Participants come forward one by one (or pass messages forward if space is very tight) and place their written messages in the cauldron on the altar, saying:]
"This offering will rise to you."
[After all messages are collected, Leader holds hands over the cauldron:]
"These words of love, these prayers, these questions rest here until the flames release them. Ancestors, we have written our hearts to you. Receive our messages when the sacred fire carries them home."
VI. Ancestor Blessing
Leader raises hands:
"Ancestors, you have joined us this night at the crossroads. We thank you for your presence, your wisdom, your love. As you return to the realm of spirit, we ask your blessing upon us, the living.
Guide our steps in the coming year, Grant us wisdom, courage, and clear sight, Protect us from harm and ill intent, And remind us always that we are not alone.
Walk with us in the darkness and the light. Blessed be."
All respond: "Blessed be."
VII. Releasing Hekate
Leader faces the central altar:
"Hekate, Dark Mother, Torch-Bearer, Key-Holder, We thank you for your presence here tonight. You have opened the gates between the worlds, You have guided the beloved dead to us, You have protected us in this sacred work.
Great Queen of the Crossroads, As you depart from this circle, We honor you with gratitude and reverence.
Go if you must, stay if you will, mighty Hekate, hail and farewell!"
All respond: "Hail and farewell!"
[Extinguish the three black candles]
VIII. Closing the Quarters
East - Air
East Caller speaks:
"Guardians of the East, Powers of Air, swift and free. We thank you for your presence here. You have carried our voices to the dead. Return now to the winds,
Hail and farewell!"
All respond: "Hail and farewell!"
[Extinguish yellow candle]
South - Fire
South Caller speaks:
"Guardians of the South, Powers of Fire, bright and burning. We thank you for your presence here. You have illuminated the space between worlds. Return now to your flames,
Hail and farewell!"
All respond: "Hail and farewell!"
[Extinguish red candle]
West - Water
West Caller speaks:
"Guardians of the West, Powers of Water, deep and flowing, We thank you for your presence here. You have washed us clean in sacred tears. Return now to your depths,
Hail and farewell!"
All respond: "Hail and farewell!"
[Extinguish blue candle]
North - Earth
North Caller speaks:
"Guardians of the North, Powers of Earth, deep and enduring, We thank you for your presence here. You have held space for our ancestors' return. Return now to your ancient homes,
Hail and farewell!"
All respond: "Hail and farewell!"
[Extinguish green candle]
IX. Closing the Circle
Leader speaks:
"Close your eyes once more and see the circle of flame that surrounds us - the sacred space we created together. See it dissipate as it’s energies go back (need something here)
The circle now is open, but unbroken and the ritual is ended. Let us feast in honor of the dead. Blessed be!”
All respond: "Blessed be!"
[Ring bell three times]
Post-Ritual
Burning the Messages
Important: After the circle is closed and before the feast begins, take the cauldron with the written messages outside to a safe location.
Procedure:
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Find a safe outdoor spot away from buildings, dry grass, or overhanging branches
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Have water or a fire extinguisher nearby
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Light the messages in the cauldron, allowing them to burn completely
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As they burn, see the messages being released and carried to our loved ones
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Let the ashes cool completely
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The cooled ashes can be scattered at a crossroads, buried, or returned to the earth
This can be done by the ritual leader alone or with a small group. I took these home, post ritual and performed this as a mini ritual itself as fire is not allowed in our shop.
Feast
Share food and drink together. Set aside a plate for the ancestors (which should be left outside overnight or buried the next day). Share stories of those who have passed. Laughter is appropriate - joy honors the dead as much as tears.
Leaving Offerings
Take the food offerings outside after the feast and leave them at a crossroads, under a tree, or in a natural space. The ancestor plate should ideally be left overnight. Dispose of offerings respectfully the next day by burying them or leaving them for wildlife.
Grounding
Encourage participants to eat and drink something, touch the earth, and ground their energy before leaving. Some people may be emotionally raw or energetically open after deep ancestor work.
Want to deepen your practice with Hekate?
Visit us in store to explore our Hekate Soap and Hekate Body Oil, ritually crafted with amber, cinnamon, myrrh, and patchouli to forge a profound connection with the goddess of witchcraft and magical knowledge. Our Hekate Ritual Body Oil is also available for anointing and devotional work.
Visit Luna & Co. Soapery
29 Deer Park Avenue
Babylon, NY 11702
TUE–THU: 12–5:00
FRI: 12–6
SAT: 12–6
SUN: 10–3
We host seasonal rituals, classes, and witches' nights throughout the year. Follow us to stay connected to our magical community!
Blessed Samhain to all who honor the ancestors. May the wisdom of those who came before light your path forward.
