Samhain is Irish Gaelic for the month of November, (pronounced sow-an) commonly celebrated on November 7th. This Sabbat is also know as Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic), Shadowfest (Strega) Martinmas (Scottish) is celebrated on November 11th. And it is known as Hallowe'en, October 31st.
This holiday is considered the witches' New Year, representing one full turn of the seasonal year. This is the last of the three harvests Sabbats. One thing Samhain has always been, and still is wholehearted feast, a Mischief Night.
At one point Samhain was moved from its original date of 13th of May to the 1st of November. This did not stop the traditions and in The England Reformation Act All Hallows was abolished. It was not formally restored until 1928 by the Church of England "On the assumption that the old pagan associations of Hallowe'en were at last really dead and forgotten; a supposition that was certainly premature:"
This Sabbat is widely recognized as the feast of the dead, and it is dedicated to the ancestors. Sometimes a candle will be lit in a window to provide guidance for those that have parted. A common tradition is that of setting a place, for those long gone, at the table, or to set a plate of food outside the house. Samhain fires that used to be set on the hillsides to burn are still found in some places. Though now they are usually individual family fires instead of the grand bon-fires of a village. Trick or Treating has now found a home at Samhain, some places the children ask for pennies or other forms of cash. Apples, candy and parties are common occurrences these days. Though there are many different variations around the world. Another tradition is to set up a display table that holds pictures and memorabilia of those that have passed, telling tales of old heroes and memories.
This is the time when all things wax and wane. And on this evening the powers of life, of magick, and of creation are at their highest. It is a time when the veil between the mundane world and the strange and beautiful realms of elphame becomes thin indeed. The art of divination is practiced mainly at this time. The season creates a psychic height and the mysteries that surround the festivities of this time of year encourage the desires.
A thought to remember, spirits should not be forced back. If a spirit is looking to speak, it will find someone to speak through.
Some things you may wish to have handy for your celebration are cords for severing, offering of food, the Saturn square, your cauldron (with charcoal for burning scents), and a wand for the Lord of Misrule (if you plan on including him in your ceremony).
The cauldron is placed in the centre of the Circle, with glowing charcoal in a tin lid or other container inside it, and incense to hand.
Your home, altar and cauldron can be decorated with seasonal foliage and fruit-among which apples, and if possible nuts on the twig, should feature prominently. Candles are traditionally brown, orange, yellow, white, and/or black. These are the main colors of the season. If you only have a desire for two or three then I would suggest black, yellow, then orange. While you are at the store purchasing things for you celebration I'd like to add that now is an extremely good time to buy a new broom for yourself, and one for the house as well.
All Sabbats are feasts, but Samhain is of course especially so. Food and drink should be ready for the end of the ritual. Nuts should be included; the tradition of roasting them to read the future from the way they jump (a form of divination best approached in a light-hearted spirit!) is practicable only if you have an open fire in the room. In Ireland, "barm brack", a dark brown loaf or cake made with dried fruit, is as much a feature of Hallowe'en. Don't forget the apples, and treats. Go ahead and spoil yourself a bit.
If you are celebrating the Sabbat this year, do not forget the Great Rite, whether it is symbolic or actual. Of all the festivals this is one that it is definitely a requirement. Samhain is a celebration of the dead, and such a celebration should really include a celebration of life.
If you are interested in learning more about Samhain I would highly suggest that you read: "What Witches Do", by Stewart.