WELCOME TO OCTOBER

WELCOME TO OCTOBER

Kate Belew Kate Belew
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Welcome to October and the magick of the thinning veil...Samhain is drawing closer...

Festivals and Gatherings

Each October, the wheel turns to welcome the mystery and lean into the Sabbat of Samhain. This is a time for ritual, for communication with the dead, when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest. Now is a potent time to make altars, whisper spells, divine collectively, in covens, and in solitary practice. Celtic poets called the otherworld by a myriad of names, “Honeyed Plain of Bliss,” “Apple Island,” “Fortunate Island,” “Summerland,” and “Isles of the Blessed.”

Samhain (A Gaelic word pronounce sow-win) is celebrated traditionally between October 31st to November 1 st. This ancient Celtic tradition is one of the four fire festivals marking the place between the fall equinox and the winter solstice.

After the harvest was complete, the community would meet to light a fire using a wheel. The wheel was representative of the sun. Early texts say that Samhain lasted three days and three nights, a magical, powerful number. This Sabbat is rich with traditions such as dumb supper, communication with the dead, and ancestral altars.

Other than Sabbats

The Morrigan is said to be the Celtic Goddess associated with Samhain. Her name is derived from the Old Irish for the great queen. She is associated with crows and ravens, wolves, shape-shifting, water, and sovereignty. She is prophetic and may appear before battle. If you were looking to work with a goddess during this time, the Morrigan would be a powerful Goddess to invoke; however, do not do so lightly or unprepared. First, take a deep dive into her stories. 

A few more tidbits…

The Celtic stone of October is the Opal and is said to be best for faithfulness, confidence, and clarity.

The astrologically season changed to Libra at the moment of the equinox, the symbol of the scale. Now is a good time to think about how we are bringing balance and beauty into our lives. What does harmony mean to you? How can you be both artistic and intellectual? What is your duality in these dark months?

On the Celtic Tree Calendar, Ivy is invoked during October. Ivy is the survivor, the one who overcomes challenges. Ivy is symbolic of loyalty, compassion, wits, and draws upon a deep well of grace when confronted with any hardship.

Monthly Intentions

To enjoy this liminal space, it’s a good time to enjoy and seek out mystery. Burn a bonfire, host a Dumb Supper, build an altar, leave offerings to ancestors, deities, gods, and fairies, revel in the two full moons, lean into spell work, embrace quietude, learn to listen, embrace the beyond, celebrate death, drink cider, spill some wine on your tablecloth to connect with those who have passed on, and connect with mugwort.

Blessed be.

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