Samhain is an intensely magical time. Not only is the veil between worlds at its thinnest, but Autumn is a symbol of the in-between, a changing of seasons and a shifting of energy. Many witches use Samhain as a time to manifest what they want for the year ahead, using the high vibrations of the Sabbat to perform love divination spells.
Love divination is particularly prominent during this season. Historically, the Samhain celebrations, including the fire festivals, were large social events and became an important time in matchmaking, explaining why so many love divination charms originate from this spoke on the Wheel.
Throughout history, people have turned to Samhain for insight into their romantic futures. Here we’re sharing some traditional charms and rituals for the practice of love divination. Whether you’re seeking guidance on a current relationship or hoping to attract a new love, these time-honoured love divination rituals can help reveal what the coming year might hold for your love life.
Love Divination for Samhain
How to Read Your Fortune by the White of an Egg
‘Break a new-laid egg, and, carefully separating the yolk from the white, drop the latter into a large tumbler half full of water; place this, uncovered, in some dry place and let it remain untouched for four-and-twenty hours, by which time the white of the egg will have formed itself into various figures—rounds, squares, ovals, animals, trees, crosses, &c.—which are to be interpreted in the same manner as those formed by the coffee-grounds. Of course, the more whites there are in the glass, the more figures there will be. This is a very pretty experiment, and much practised by the young Scotch maidens, who, however, believe it to have more efficacy when tried on either Midsummer Eve or Hallowe’en (31st October).’ (Noe, 1885)
To Determine Your Future Spouse
‘The young people determine the figure and size of their husbands by drawing cabbages blindfold on All-Hallows even; and like the English fling nuts into the fire; and in February draw Valentines, and from them collect their future fortune in the nuptial state.’ (Pennant, 1776)
Dream-Producing Charm
‘She who desires to know to what manner of fortune she will be married, will grate and mix a walnut, a hazelnut, and a nutmeg. Mix them with butter and sugar into pills, and swallow them before going to bed. If her fortune is to marry a gentleman, her sleep will be full of golden dreams. If a tradesman, odd noises and tumults. If a traveller, then will thunder and lightning disturb her.
Lemon-Peel Charm
‘Carry two lemon-peels all day in the pocket, and at night rub the four posts of the bed with them. The future spouse appears in sleep and presents the dreaming girl with two lemons. If he does not come, there is “no hope!”
Cabbage-Pulling Charm
‘The maiden walks backwards till she gets to the cabbage-bed, and pulls the first she stumbles over. If large, it is a good omen. If much earth clings to it, he will be rich; if it is straight, he will be well-favoured; if crooked, he will be ugly or deformed; if the stem tastes sweet, his temper is an easy one; if bitter, it is cross-grained.
Lime-Kiln Charm
‘Steal out all alone to the lime-kiln and throw in a clue of blue yarn. Wind it in a new clue (or ball) off the old one, and toward the latter end something will hold the thread. Demand “Who holds?” and the kiln-pot will reply by naming the Christian and surname of your future husband.
Shirt-Sleeve Charm
‘Dip your shirt-sleeve in the water of a spring running south, and go to bed, leaving it hanging before the fire. Sometime near midnight the apparition of your future wife will come in and turn the sleeve as if to dry the other side of it.
Glass and Candle Charm
‘Take a candle—go before the looking-glass and eat an apple—combing your hair all the time. As you gaze you will perceive the face of your future husband or wife peeping over your shoulder.
Apple Charm
‘Apples play a prominent part of Hallow-een. Apple-pairings flung over the shoulder always fall into the mystic letter on that night. Apple-seeds may be named and stuck on either cheek, the one which sticks longest indicating the decree of Destiny.
Nut Charm
‘Nuts too. The nuts are named and laid in pairs on the embers of a wood-fire. If one nut snaps and flies away from the other it means separation. If it returns, re-union is indicated. If both burn together, the course of true love will run smooth.
Ladybird Charm
The “Lady-Bird” charm is one of the prettiest, though it could hardly be adapted to an evening party.
One of the cunning, winged things is caught and held tenderly, while this rhyme is repeated—
“This lady-fly I take from off the grass,
Whose spotted back might scarlet-red surpass.
Fly, Lady-bird! North, South, or East, or West—
Fly where the man is found I love the best.”
The insect is then released, and flies at once where it—and fate—has willed.’
(Holland, 1871)
Love Spells
A Grimoire of Ancient Charms, Lore, and Ceremonies
For deeper insight into love, romance, and matters of the heart, our grimoire Love Spells will guide you. Celebrating the ancient art of love divination and magic, this collection of authentic traditions includes charms to manifest love, promote self-love, and heal broken hearts.
