"The month of October is incredibly important to me, and my interpretation of it may differ from others. The first thing I recognize is all the experiences I’ve gone through and manifested over the previous nine months. This time of year, marks not just the turning of the seasons but also an opportunity for reflection as we approach the end of the year. It’s a period essential for change and transformation, much like the Death card in Tarot, which symbolizes letting go of the past and embracing the new."
-Artemisia Lore
One aspect that many people don’t talk about is that this is considered the Witch's New Year. As darkness takes over the light, we transition from the Autumn Equinox (Blog Post)—where day and night are equal—into longer nights. This shift creates a perfect balance, allowing us to get a lot done during the day while still having time to spend in solitary practice or spend time with our families. It’s a wonderful opportunity to cook hearty fall meals and immerse ourselves in studying and researching our craft. This October, I plan to bake apple pies and cook hearty stews while burning herbs and incense in my cauldron.
Embracing the weather patterns in October not only enriches our spiritual practices but also grounds us in the rhythms of nature. As we move through this transformative month, let’s allow the elements to inspire us, guiding our intentions and rituals toward personal growth and connection with the world around us.
Here are some ways to connect with the weather this time of year:
- Observing Nature: Take time to observe the changes in your environment. Notice the colors of the leaves, the crispness in the air, and the shifting sunlight. These natural changes can inspire your rituals and enhance your connection to the earth. Each element of nature holds energy, and recognizing these shifts can deepen your spiritual awareness.
- Weather Rituals: Use the changing weather as a backdrop for your rituals. If it's rainy, consider performing cleansing rituals, using the rain's energy to wash away negativity. On sunny days, focus on gratitude and manifestation, harnessing the sun's warmth to fuel your intentions. Windy days can be ideal for releasing what no longer serves you, allowing the breeze to carry away your burdens.
- Seasonal Altars: Adapt your altar to reflect the current weather and seasonal changes. Incorporate elements like fallen leaves, acorns, or stones that resonate with the energy of the season. Use candles in autumnal colors to represent the transition from light to dark, helping to create an atmosphere that aligns with the month’s energy.
- Weather as a Reflection of Emotions: The changing weather often mirrors our emotional states. Embrace the melancholy that comes with shorter days and longer nights as an opportunity for introspection. Allow yourself to feel and process emotions that arise, using the quiet time of fall to connect with your inner self.
- Connecting with Spirits: Many traditions believe that the veil between worlds thins during October, making it easier to connect with spirits and ancestors. Use this time to honor those who have passed by incorporating their favorite items or foods into your rituals. Allow the energy of the weather to guide your interactions, inviting spirits to share their wisdom during this reflective season.
Just the other week, I discussed the significance of ancestor altars (YouTube Video Here), which become particularly important during this time. October is a heavy period for ancestor worship, and it’s a time to delve into the darker aspects of ourselves. I find that quietness, solitude, and cleansing my altar while focusing on ancestor work are crucial practices for this month. As we move into this season, many holidays start to emerge, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Even if many of us do not celebrate these holidays—especially those of us who are practitioners of the craft and understand their historical significance—it’s still a time to come together with loved ones. Engaging in ancestor work during this period can be incredibly grounding and beneficial.
For my personal practice, I like to pull out my essentials for this time of year. This includes items like pumpkins, apples, statues, darker-colored candles, black candles, purple candles, red candles, and cinnamon. These items help me perform various spells, including protection spells, manifestation spells, and return-to-sender spells if needed. In my book, Learn Witchcraft from a Different Perspective (book on Amazon), I discuss my experiences with Hoodoo and The Orishas and how they influence my practice.
Last year, I also delve into this topic in my YouTube video on working with spirits, where I share how particular spirits guide me, helping me find focus in my craft and promoting personal growth.
As we approach the end of the year, this time is significant as we transition into a new year. Halloween serves as a pre-New Year celebration for many practitioners. So, what do you enjoy doing at this time of year? Do you decorate your home, set out an altar filled with food, cook, or spend time with family? Or do you prefer solitude and personal reflection? Personally, I take pride in what I do and like to give thanks—not only to my ancestors but also to the universe, my spirit guides, and my protectors. During this season, many people visit cemeteries to leave offerings or simply to show gratitude for the lives of their loved ones. I find this act of remembrance deeply meaningful.
Additionally, we must acknowledge the significance of the Full Moon in October. For witchcraft practitioners and spiritualists, the full moon is a time of heightened energy, intuition, and manifestation. It serves as a powerful reminder of our connection to the universe and can amplify our rituals. Under the glow of the full moon, we can set our intentions and release anything that no longer serves us. This lunar energy enhances our practices, guiding us as we honor our ancestors and work with the spirits that aid our growth. As the full moon illuminates the night sky, take a moment to reflect on your intentions. Are there specific goals you wish to manifest? Perhaps there are aspects of your life you wish to release. This time under the full moon can be incredibly powerful for such practices.
- Timing: The Hunter Moon occurs in October, following the Harvest Moon, and is traditionally the full moon that helps prepare for winter.
- Hunting and Gathering: It symbolizes a time to gather resources, reflecting on what we need to store for the coming months, and encourages preparation for winter.
- Introspection and Reflection: The energy of the Hunter Moon invites practitioners to look inward, assess personal goals, and reflect on what they want to manifest in their lives.
- Protection and Gratitude: This moon phase is often used for rituals focused on protection, gratitude, and honoring the harvest, recognizing the efforts made throughout the year.
- Connection with Ancestors: Many practitioners use this time to connect with ancestors, offering thanks and seeking guidance as they prepare for the darker months ahead.
This October, I invite you to engage with your ancestors, honor the spirits, and embrace the transformative energy of the season. Whether through solitary practices or shared moments with loved ones, this time can be filled with reflection, gratitude, and a deep connection to the spiritual realm. How will you celebrate this month, and what intentions will you set under the full moon? Together, let’s make the most of this magical time, recognizing the importance of the past while embracing the future that awaits us.
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