Paganism in America

In America there are millions of people with just as many different beliefs. All of these groups have certain rituals that give praise, ask forgiveness, or celebrate a higher power. In the Pagan religion there is a ritual held annually on the last day of October. This ritual is called the Samhain. Followers of this religion start the ritual by creating a circle on the ground. On the north side a stone is placed. On the east side of the circle incense is burnt. On the south portion of the circle candles are lit. Finally, a bowl of water is left to the east portion. After the placement of the symbolic objects rites are said to invoke the elements and the gods. Prayers follow the invocation of the gods followed up by a meal eaten within the circle. Once finished eating, the pagan gives thanks for the food by standing and reciting more prayers. During final prayer time followers are to reflect on their personal life and any person who may have died and could be considered a lost soul. The whole purpose for the Samhain in the pagan religion is to focus on death and the underworld. All hallows eve is considered in Celtic or pagan religion as the new year. It is the time of year in ancient cultures where the weak animals were slaughtered for they could not survive the coming winter. It is the day that autumn lights slowly shifted into winter nights. Through the ritual of Samhein, one is to clear all debts of the past year, praise the deceased, and give thanks for the goods that will tide you over until bountiful times arise again.