Leaf fall

The days feel noticeably shorter, light now becomes precious and outside time is planned to make the most of October days. The harvests are all safely in and what hidden fruits remain on the trees and in the hedges, now belong as a winter larder for the lands creatures.

Now is the time of the Old Winter Goddess and darkness was as important to the Celts as the light. They had no fear of this darkening for they knew from this time of rest that spring and new life would come forth again. They understood the cycle and embraced it.

Close-up of a hand holding a small, colorful autumn leaf with red, yellow, and orange hues, on a forest trail with trees and foliage in the background.
Colorful braided wool yarn with autumn leaves on a white wooden surface.
Illustration of autumn leaves and berries in fall colors.
Watercolor illustration of two red mushrooms with white spots, growing among grass.

Samhain (sow-ein) falls on the 31st of October as All Hallows Eve when the Otherworld can be seen. In fact between now and the Winter Solstice the veil is thin and spirits might be abroad. A time for cautionary tales around the fire to keep our folk from wandering in the Wildwood. A time to honour the ancestors who gave us life and passed down their wisdom, to tell their stories and legends, for we are tomorrows ancestors.

Now is the time to allow. Set intentions down, or speak them to the wind and then let them be. When they are ready they will come back to you. Understand we all must travel this dark time to allow the roots to set down firm, it is to be enjoyed as much as the first days of Spring. And endless cycle is necessary, of ourselves, ideas and our understanding. Stand tall in the dark and be a beacon for others.

Colorful wool yarn and a cup of milk on a white wooden surface.
Ground covered with fallen autumn leaves in a forested area, sunlight shining through trees in the background.
Decorative illustration of a gold-colored botanical branch with leaves and small berries.

Time to prepare for hibernation with a good autumn clean, sort out your wardrobe, clear out herbs and spices. Go through any stashes of yarn, fibres, fabric and set plans for them or perhaps swap with friends if unwanted. Get started on a nice big winter project to keep your hands occupied. Time to get out the candles and cosy up your inside nook again.

Tidy up the garden but not too much, leave some stalks for insects to hibernate in and leaf litter to nourish the soil through the actions of the unseen hard working worms.

A cluster of small beige mushrooms growing amid fallen leaves on a forest floor with green trees in the background.
A dirt pathway leading through a wooden gate, surrounded by lush green foliage with sunlight filtering through the trees.
A sunlit forest trail with soil and leaf litter, surrounded by dense green trees and bushes, with sunlight filtering through the canopy.
A trail through a forest with fallen autumn leaves on the ground, lined by trees with changing leaves.
Close-up of a red and white spotted mushroom growing in green grass in an open field with trees and cloudy sky in the background.
A forest scene with tall trees and a dirt path covered in fallen leaves during daytime, with sunlight filtering through the foliage.
Line drawing of cherry branches with leaves, cherries, mushrooms, and berries in a continuous pattern.