Samhain

'An excellent and comprehensive exploration of this fascinating subject.' - Philip Carr-Gomm, author Druid Mysteries 'Samhain was the entry point into winter, a time of hardship, cold and hunger ... It was also a time of introspection, of communing with the dead and the otherworld - themes that have somehow survived, albeit distorted, into the modern era.' The modern celebration of Halloween is derived from the ancient festival of the dead known in Ireland as Samhain. It is from Ireland that we have inherited most of our Halloween traditions, mainly through the diaspora. Delving into the ancient past, this book uncovers the history of this festival in Britain, Ireland and Brittany, including the forgotten goddess Tlachtga and the sacred temple of the Druids in Co. Meath, where the first Halloween fires were lit.

LUKE EASTWOOD is an author, artist and musician who spends his spare time writing book and articles and editing Pagan Ireland magazine. His photography has been used for book covers and album covers, as well as being sold in small galleries. He organised the long-running Nua Art Exhibition and Éigse Spiorad Cheilteach, and gives talks about various aspects of Ireland's history and folkore at festivals and events across Ireland. He lives in County Kerry.