October: A Witch’s Favourite Month

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, October ushers in a magical time for witches and practitioners of the craft. This month holds a special place in the hearts of those who walk the path of magic, offering a unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural wonder.

The Veil Thins

October is renowned in witchcraft circles as the time when the veil between worlds grows thin. This concept, rooted in ancient Celtic beliefs, suggests that communication with the spirit realm becomes easier as we approach the month’s end. It’s a time when many witches feel their psychic abilities heightened, making it ideal for divination and connecting with ancestral wisdom.

Embracing the Dark Half of the Year

In the Northern Hemisphere, October marks the definitive shift into autumn. For witches, this represents the beginning of the ‘dark’ half of the year—a time not of fear, but of introspection, wisdom, and hidden potential. As the nights grow longer, we’re invited to turn inward, much like the seeds nestling in the earth, preparing for future growth.

Nature’s Bounty and Magic

October’s association with the harvest makes it a potent time for magical workings related to abundance and gratitude. Witches often incorporate seasonal items into their spellwork and rituals.

Apples: Symbolising wisdom, love, and the afterlife
Pumpkins: Offering protection and warding off negative energies
Nuts: Representing fertility and wisdom
Autumn leaves: Used in divination and spells for transformation
The Acorn – is the seed of the great Oak, representing wisdom, longevity and rebirth.
I always have acorns around my home and also carry some in my pocket. Keeping acorns in your pocket, purse or wallet is said to bring in good luck. Place acorns on your altar as a symbol of strength and protection through the winter months.

Honouring the Ancestors

While Samhain (celebrated at the end of October or early November) is the primary time for ancestral veneration, many witches use the entire month of October to connect with their lineage. This might involve creating ancestor altars, researching family history, or performing rituals to honour those who’ve passed beyond the veil.

The Witch’s New Year

For many practitioners, October feels like the true beginning of the year. It’s a time to set intentions, start new magical projects, and deepen one’s craft. The energy of change and transformation that permeates the month makes it ideal for personal growth and spiritual development.

Embracing the Witch Archetype

October sees a surge in witch imagery in popular culture, thanks to Halloween. While some might find this frustrating, many modern witches embrace this time as an opportunity to reclaim and redefine the witch archetype. It’s a chance to educate others about the true nature of witchcraft and its focus on empowerment, connection with nature, and personal growth.

October’s Moons

Depending on the year, October can host either the Harvest Moon or the Hunter’s Moon, both of which hold significant magical potential. These full moons are often used for powerful rituals, spellcasting, and charging magical tools. Read more about moon magic here.

A Time of Mystery and Magic

Above all, October reminds us of the mystery inherent in the craft. As the world around us changes, we’re reminded of the cycles of life, death, and rebirth that are central to many witchcraft traditions. It’s a time to embrace the unknown, to dance with the shadows, and to find beauty in the fading light of the year.For witches, October is more than just the lead-up to Samhain. It’s a month-long celebration of magic, nature, and the self—a time when the ordinary world shimmers with possibility, and every sunset brings us closer to the mysteries that lie at the heart of our craft.

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