Modern life curses our existence with an endless list of things to do. It can be difficult to make time for the important things in life, like mindfulness, spending time with your friends, and cackling in the middle of the night. This Halloween, make time for yourself and your friends and host a magical cosy coven night in by following this practical witchy checklist. 

Our Oíche Shamhna witches’ guide will show you how to craft an altar with your coven and embrace your inner witch with thoughtful curses and moonlit manifestations. 

Altars
Every artist has their workshop, every actor their stage and every witch needs an altar. Whether it’s a bookshelf, a table or a secret cabin in the woods, altars can be big or small. There is no right or wrong when it comes to altars; it’s about what works for you. Common items to add to altars include pictures of loved ones, candles, incense and objects that have personal meaning for you. 

Mini-Besom
Every witch needs a besom (broomstick). A great addition to your altar is your own handmade mini-besom. All you’ll need is some twigs, cotton buds, string, and scissors. Paint and glitter are an optional add-on.

Enchantment box
The next item on our witchy checklist is enchantment boxes. Make a personalised enchantment box that can be used to attract wealth, good fortune, or imbue sacred items with energy from the moon.

Rune crafting
Craft your own runes to imbue magic and meaning into your sacred space. You can paint the symbols onto stones, carve them into wood, or use moulding clay. Then use ancient Irish ogham script to connect with the magic of the land.

Sculptures
If you have moulding clay left over, create sculptures of old Irish deities, animals or other representations of nature that are meaningful to you.

Bonfires
Whilst bonfires are frequently seen in Ireland during Halloween, they are also unsafe and illegal. As a meaningful alternative, we recommend setting fire to the patriarchy.

Should that burning urge remain, why not try a full-moon manifestation ceremony? Either alone or with friends, light a candle and look into the flame. Take five silent minutes to think about your life, goals you want to achieve and problems you want to overcome or let go of. Then manifest the vision of your life with those changes and bring a better future into being.

Hopefully our witchy checklist will grant you the cosy coven night in you desire. But if you’re looking for more fright in your night, check out our curated list of must-see Halloween films.