Samhain – The Quiet Turning Towards Winter

As the last of the autumn leaves fall and the nights stretch long, the ancient festival of Samhain (pronounced Sow-in) marks the turning of the Wheel of the Year. Celebrated on 31st October, it’s often seen as the Celtic New Year — a moment suspended between light and dark, where one cycle ends and another quietly begins.

While most people think of this time as Hallowe’en, Samhain’s roots run far deeper. It was a time when our ancestors gathered the final harvest, lit fires to honour the dead, and prepared for the darker months ahead. Nature herself was slowing down — resting, withdrawing energy, conserving strength for the renewal to come.

The Celtic Wheel of the Year

In many ways, this seasonal pause mirrors the cycles within us, particularly for women. Just as nature moves through her phases — blooming, fading, resting, rebirthing — our own bodies, hormones and energy follow a similar rhythm. There’s a time to expand and give, and a time to retreat, reflect and restore.

Samhain invites us to honour that inward pull. To let go of what no longer serves us, just as the trees release their leaves. It’s a time to rest, nourish and prepare the ground for what’s to come.

Witches dancing around a fire

Honouring the Feminine Cycles

The folklore of Samhain is full of women — wise ones, healers and “witches” — who understood the rhythm of the natural world. They knew the value of stillness, the healing power of herbs and touch, and the importance of tending both body and spirit.

This is the perfect moment to tune in to your own cycle — whether that’s your menstrual cycle, the stage of life you’re in, or simply the natural ebb and flow of your energy.

Ask yourself:

✨ What needs releasing?

✨ Where can I create space to rest?

✨ What small rituals could help me feel grounded as the world slows down?

Seasonal Self-Care & Reflexology

This gentle descent into winter can sometimes feel heavy — energy dips, mood wavers, and our immune systems can take a hit. Reflexology at this time of year can help rebalance hormones, boost circulation and support deep relaxation. It encourages the body to settle into its natural rhythm, making the shift into the colder months feel softer and more supported.

For women especially, reflexology can be a beautiful way to reconnect with the body’s innate wisdom — that inner knowing that, just like the earth, we move in cycles. When we honour those rhythms, we find more balance, less resistance and a deeper sense of peace.

A Seasonal Invitation

As Samhain draws near, light a candle, slow your pace, and take a moment to listen inwards. This is not an ending, but the beginning of something quieter, deeper and full of potential. Winter is the season of rest, and rest is the root of renewal.

If your body is calling for stillness or a moment of nurturing, why not book a seasonal reflexology treatment to help you realign and restore as we move into winter? You can find all the details and book your session at www.ahmiareflexology.co.uk 🌿