The veil- that magical time when the boundaries between the realms of the living and the dead are at their most delicate, like the last thread of a spider’s web in the morning dew. Whether you’re into ghosts, ancestral spirits, or simply love the idea of sneaking a peek into another dimension, the concept of the thinning veil has something for everyone.
Around this time, especially as we roll into Samhain, the air is ripe with mystery, mischief, and maybe a little magic. You can almost feel it, can’t you? The gentle nudge on the back of your neck, as if someone—or something—is watching from just beyond the shadows. Not to alarm you, but you’re right. The spirits are closer now than they’ve been all year, waiting for the perfect moment to step through.
So, what is this “veil” that everyone talks about, and why does it thin around Samhain? Let’s have a look at the deliciously witchy mechanics behind it, and I’ll even throw in a cheeky recipe for a veil-inspired dish that will leave you feeling a little… between worlds.
What is the Veil, Anyway?
The veil is often described as a sort of ethereal membrane that separates our physical world from the spirit world. Think of it as the mystical equivalent of a set of blackout curtains. For most of the year, this veil is tightly shut, keeping the two realms blissfully unaware of each other (most of the time). But, as the seasons turn, and Samhain approaches, that curtain becomes more like a lace netting—there, but barely. The spirits start pressing their ghostly noses against it, curious about what the living are up to, while we witches and magic-lovers seize the opportunity to connect with the unseen.
The thinning of the veil isn’t just limited to Samhain. It also happens during other significant times of the year like Beltane, when the natural world is humming with life and fertility. But, at Samhain, the atmosphere is different. There’s a reverence, a quiet recognition that we are teetering on the edge of something bigger and older than us all. It’s a time to honour ancestors, perform divination, and for some, perform rituals that are… how shall I put this… a little darker than usual. (A little dash of dark deeds, if you will… just like in my Samhain book- link below if you fancy a read)
The Origins of the Thinning Veil
The idea of a thinning veil goes back centuries, with roots in ancient Pagan traditions. Samhain was celebrated by the Celts as the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark half of the year, a time when the natural world dies back, and the dead are thought to return. In Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, people would leave food and offerings out for wandering spirits, lighting bonfires to guide their way. Because, you know, a hangry ghost is the last thing you want in your house.
In those times, this thinning was considered both an opportunity and a risk. While you might get a friendly visit from Great Aunt Agnes, you could just as easily attract something far less pleasant. That’s why so many Samhain traditions are about protection: carving pumpkins (or turnips, if you’re feeling historically accurate) into ghoulish faces to ward off malevolent spirits, or wearing costumes to confuse them into thinking you’re one of them.
In the more witchy circles, the thinning veil is seen as a time for serious magic. Divination, scrying, spirit communication—these are all activities that thrive under the influence of a paper-thin barrier between worlds. It’s prime time for reaching out to your ancestors or getting some answers from the other side.
How to Harness the Power of the Veil
For witches, the thinning veil is a magical time to be alive—and possibly, not so alive. If you’re looking to work a bit of veil magic, here’s where the fun really begins. There are loads of ways to tap into the energies that swirl around this time of year, whether you’re a seasoned hedge-witch or just testing out your first broomstick.
🍁Divination 🍁
This is your best bet for contacting the spirit world. Whether you’re using tarot cards, runes, or even a black mirror, Samhain is the best time to get clearer messages. The spirits are chattier, and the answers come quicker. Just remember to give a little something back, whether it’s a candle for your ancestors or a bit of food for the wandering souls.
🍁 Spirit Work 🍁
Feel like having a séance? Go for it! Call upon your ancestors, invite them to tea (figuratively or literally), and ask for their guidance. Be respectful, of course; no one likes a rude house guest, even if they’ve been dead for centuries.
🍁 Protection Spells 🍁
While the thinning veil offers plenty of opportunities for connection, it can also bring in some unwanted energies. Beef up your wards, make a protection jar, or sprinkle a little salt across your threshold to keep any malevolent forces at bay. (Sulphur works a treat for that too, but it’s a bit more pungent for the neighbours.)
🍁Cleansing Rituals 🍁
The end of the harvest season is a great time to clear out the old and make space for the new, both physically and spiritually. Clean your home, cleanse your aura, and get rid of any energy that’s lingering like last year’s Halloween decorations you forgot to put away.
Kitchin’ Witchin’ : Wisp Cakes
Since we’re talking veils, I’ve got just the thing—a light, airy treat that’s perfect for this time of year: Wisp Cakes. These little bites are soft, almost translucent, and have a hint of something otherworldly. They melt in your mouth, like the sensation of a ghost slipping past you in the night.
🧁Ingredients 🧁
• 100g plain flour
• 75g caster sugar
• 75g butter (room temperature)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• A sprinkle of cinnamon (because everything in life needs a bit of cinnamon)
• A touch of edible glitter (because why not? It’s magical!)
🧁 How To 🧁
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. (Or grease it up if you want to live dangerously.)
- Cream together the butter and sugar in a bowl until it’s light and fluffy, like the wisp of a spirit that’s just floated past your window.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each one. This is where the magic begins, as the mixture will start to transform before your eyes—like the veil, getting thinner with every beat.
- Fold in the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Add the milk and vanilla extract, gently stirring until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, well, you’ve just made ectoplasm. (No worries, though—you can add a bit more flour to fix that.)
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the tray, spacing them out. These little wisps will spread as they bake, so give them room to breathe, just like you’d want your ghosts to do.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. They should be soft and a little squishy, like the faintest touch of a spirit passing by.
- Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cool, dust them with edible glitter to give them that otherworldly shimmer.
🧁Serving Suggestions 🧁
Wisp Cakes are perfect for sharing with spirits, ancestors, or even your next-door neighbour who keeps asking about the weird lights coming from your window late at night. Enjoy these delicate treats with a cup of tea or hot cider, and as you eat them, take a moment to reflect on the season and the thinning veil. You might even hear the whispers of the otherworld slipping through.
So there you have it—a little something to honour the thinning veil and keep you sweet at the same time. Whether you’re diving deep into the mysteries of Samhain or just here for the magical snacks, may your connection to the unseen be strong, and your treats be deliciously spooky.
Happy Samhain!
For more no nonsense Samhain goodies check out my guide here: ‘The Wayward Witch’s Guide to Samhain’ available in paperback & pdf.
There’s also a compendium of October magick available as a free download here.
