Place a photograph or treasured object, light a novena candle and accompany the moment with myrrh incense. An incense holder completes this little space of remembrance.
Candles, incense, herbs, altar objects, symbolic stones and books: find what you need to create a personal set, from a first gesture to a deeper practice.
Rooted in the Gaelic calendar, Samhain marks the beginning of the darker season. In contemporary neopagan practice it is often celebrated on the night of 31 October, with a focus on ancestors, transition and reflection.
1 November
All Saints’ Day
This Catholic feast honours all saints. In France it is also a time to lay flowers on graves and gather in remembrance of loved ones who have died.
2 November
All Souls’ Day
In the Catholic tradition, the commemoration of the faithful departed is devoted to prayer for the dead. A candle, a prayer or a shared memory can accompany this time of remembrance.
Your questions
What should I choose for a first remembrance at home?
Start with a white novena candle and a photograph or object that brings the person to mind. Myrrh incense sticks and a holder can complete the setting. Then take a little time to write down a memory or say the words that come to you.
Which candle should I choose for this moment?
A white novena candle suits a space for remembrance or prayer. A pillar candle can also form part of a seasonal altar. Choose a size and holder suited to your space, then follow the product instructions.
Incense sticks or loose incense: which should I choose?
For a simple setup, pair incense sticks with a holder. Resins and loose incense are placed on burning charcoal in a heat-resistant censer. Tongs make it easier to handle the charcoal.
How can I create a Samhain altar?
Gather a reminder of your ancestors, a candle and autumn elements. Add Samhain incense with suitable charcoal and a censer. Rosemary and mugwort feature in some traditions; choose them according to the practice you wish to explore.
Can I create a moment without a religious practice?
Yes. A photograph, a few written words, a candle or a symbolic stone can create a personal moment. The remembrance selection helps you choose objects that feel right for you.
Which objects can accompany a time of prayer?
Combine a novena candle, a prayer card and a rosary. A standing crucifix and a prayer book can complete the space. The reflection selection brings these objects together to help you create your own set.
Which books and oracle decks suit this season?
Books on Celtic traditions offer context for Samhain; prayer books accompany Christian reflection. Books about the afterlife and oracle decks devoted to departed loved ones suit those wishing to explore these themes as tools for personal reflection and practice.
— The Aeternum Notebooks
, magical practice and history.
A condensed collection of knowledge to feed your curiosity.
Aeternum is a French family business that selects products, prepares each order with care and dispatches from France. Explore our incense, ritual candles, crystals and magical ingredients. Our guides and grimoires introduce traditions and tools. Check our delivery information for the options available and contact our team with questions about products or orders.
