Ahhh... the season of the Witch is now upon us. Wouldn't you agree that something always feels different within the 8 days between the Autumn Equinox and October 1st? A sudden shift. A distinctive new energetic current. A spirit of return.
And so, we begin.
October 1st, 2021: We are now at a half-point point between the Last Quarter Moon and the Dark Moon. As of today, energy will begin to contract, and anxiety may heighten. It may feel as though time is slipping away, yet your to-do list is only growing.
Tonight's Waning Crescent in Leo will suddenly confront your perceptions of self-worth. People tend to feel underappreciated on this day. Make it a point to compliment, thank, and recognize those around you - especially those who serve you. Nurses, baristas, gas station attendants - whoever you come into contact with today. It will mean more to them than you will ever know.
October 6th, 2021, Dark Moon (4:05am PST / 7:05am EST): As the Moon disappears from the autumn night sky, we now experience the Dark Moon in Libra. Tonight, most will question their place on this Earth, their relationships, and how they earn a living. Knowing perfectly well who reads my newsletters and forecasts (hello there!), I am perfectly aware that you are an introspective soul (yes, you!), and the energies of this Dark Moon will likely be all too familiar.
Alternatively, extroverts and those who rarely delve into the dark nights of the soul, may be hit especially hard by this Dark Moon's influence. Be gentle with loved ones, especially romantic partners.
Let's discuss October's Dark Moon Rituals:
October 6th, 2021: After 5 months in retrograde, Pluto turns direct! This year, Pluto retrograded on April 27th, which began to peel away and expose past emotional wounds and the shadow sides of the psyche. Secrets are often revealed (or rather awkwardly exposed) within 48 hours of Pluto Direct. If you have been withholding information, you better prepare and quickly come up with an explanation or an excuse. Your secrets may suddenly come to light in the most unexpected of ways. You've been warned.
October 8th, 2021, Witch's New Moon: As soon as you see the very first sliver of the Moon, know that is the Witch's New Moon is upon you. That will be the ideal time to begin new ventures, plant new seeds of manifestation, and draw new love into your life.
If repetitive or challenging roadblocks are preventing you from accomplishing a desired goal, perform the Dispel & Conquer Ritual preferably today - or, if not possible, within the upcoming week.
Okay, okay, back to October...
October 11th, 2021: Saturn Retrograde comes to an end and stations direct. While the post-shadow of Saturn Retrograde will be with us until mid-January, as you can now expect productivity to rapidly increase, while procrastination will rapidly decrease.
This is excellent news for those who have been feeling in a rut the last few months! Think back to the projects you started but did not complete in April or May. It is time to revisit that which you had abandoned. You will now have the energy. You will now have the time. And if you need an extra boost or a headstart, the Fearless Determination Ritual will get you right back on track.
October 13th, 2021: The First Quarter Moon compels us to take action and reminds us of our power. If wanting to arouse romantic interest and rapidly increase (or open) communication with a love interest, now is an excellent time to do the Always on Their Mind Ritual. Rituals for influence and control are also particularly powerful when started tonight.
October 18th, 2021: Mercury retrograde comes to an end! As does Jupiter Retrograde. Marvellous day, indeed! In the days to come, communication, bizarre electrical maladies (has your phone been having seizures like mine?), and travel disruptions will come to an end. So sit back and take a deep breath. Shake it all out.
And then maybe pour yourself a glass of prosecco... You earned it. The last couple of months were tough!
October 20th, 2021, 7:56am PST / 10:56am EST: The first Full Moon of autumn is in the determined sign of Aries. And with all these retrogrades ending earlier in the week, now is the time to harness the energies that surround you and dwell within you. Nothing, and no one, can stop you now. The assertive Aries energy and the magnetism of this Full Moon will power through anything you put in front of it.
October 22nd, 2021: Sun enters Scorpio and (almost) instantly influences us to get more in touch with our mystical. The lifeforce withdraws from the world of mundane activity and dives deep into the underworld of the psyche.
Issues surrounding control and power struggles may arise during the next three weeks. Something to watch out for: do not dwell on other peoples drama or the 'who is doing what' with their lives. Gossip suddenly becomes a lot more enjoyable under this transit. Don't give into it. Disengage, don't give your power away. Only focus on yourself.
Let's discuss rituals. Scorpio energies seamlessly (almost frighteningly so) can crawl into people's emotions, permeate their subconscious minds, and swiftly plant seeds that quickly sprout into forests. Keep in mind; this energy mostly only impacts romance and sex. Plan to begin your love spells, especially sex magick, on November 12th.
Why November 12th? Sun will still be in Scorpio, and the Moon will be at or past the First Quarter phase. That will be the ideal time for love spells (including sex magick), devotion rituals, etc. Start planning now!
October 31st - November 2nd, 2021: You may call it Samhain, Halloween, All Hallow's Eve, Witches New Year, All Souls Day, etc.. It is of my favourite times of the year. Despite this, with English being my second language, I hold no preference for a particular name for this day. In my mind, it needs no name - it needs no introduction.
I am always eager to reconnect with my ancestors. During this time of year (in the Northern Hemisphere), it is easier to do so.
With the thinning of the veil, it is an excellent time to (re)establish communication with your ancestors to ask for guidance, protection, and if it applies to you, ask for fertility. In most cases, ancestors are also eager to answer very specific questions. See Ancestral Spirit Communication Ritual for more information and instructions.
Between October 31st and November 2nd, I recommend crafting an offering altar for the deceased. Photographs, candles, food/drink offerings, meditation (or prayer). In addition to the offering altar, I always set a place for my ancestors at the dining room table. I am Eastern European and of deep rooted-in-the-Earth Slavic ancestry. I leave a small glass of vodka, bread, fermented vegetables, something sweet, and a small plate of food of whatever I am cooking that evening.
On the morning of November 2nd, I bury the offerings in my backyard. However, many choose to place the offerings outside on the night of November 1st to allow wild animals to feast on the food.
I encourage you to draw from your own cultural heritage and figure out the most appropriate for you and your ancestors. Cigars, wine, plantains - offer what would make your ancestors delighted to visit with you.
Wishing you an unforgettable month of mysticism, magick, and ancestral reconnection.
Love & Magick,
2 comments
Molly
Thank you for your astrological readings. I love them! They are my go-to for guidance each month. I love your story of finding your craftshop in Portland. Is it open to fellow witchs to visit? If I ever make it up to Portland, I’d love to see it. Happy Autumn and Happy Halloween. 🎃
Asia P
I just want to thank you for creating and posting these monthly articles. I always look forward to reading them and the information is so helpful! I have almost all of your products and they have helped me so much in developing my craft. I hope you enjoy this Fall season and Happy Halloween!
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Old World Witchcraft replied:
Thank you so much for your kind words! Enjoy this wonderful season – magick is truly in the air… :)