This is inspired by a Samhain invocation that was spoken at a Gardnerian Gather in Florida back in 2019. It was spoken by an Elder High Priestess whom I greatly admire, Lady Diana.

My version is not exact but it captures the essence of what she spoke that night. It was truly magnificent and something I will treasure forever!

“Gather we here on the eve of Samhain,

Some to remember, and some to mourn,

All to unite in hand and heart,

To witness the misty veil depart.

Stand we now upon this hallowed ground,

Whilst spirits roam through the earth unbound.

Ash to ash and bone to bone,

They rise from the depths of sea and stone.

Seek their wisdom within the whispering wind,

Through curling smoke, our love we send.

On this night, when the leaves do fall,

Gather we here, hearkening to the call.

We raise our hands to welcome you all,

Our Ancestors, both great and small.

We welcome you on this sacred night of Samhain!

Come, warm yourselves by our flickering flame!

Join our merry rite within the Witches’ round,

Hail and welcome, Beloved Dead!

Come, dear souls, and join the feast,

As we leave the Circle round, our joy increased.

Follow hence and bring a chair upon this merry ground,

Yet when the sun doth rise, retreat must be profound.

Depart from this realm and come again next year,

The Circle is open but remains unbroken here.

Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again!”