October has finally arrived!  The branches of our apple trees are heavy with fruit, the last of the harvest is ready to be brought inside and preserved.  The scent of cinnamon whisps through the air as the deep hues of red, gold, and yellow paint the leaves, inviting us to retreat inside to the coziness of the season.

My little Kitchen Witch heart beats with such resounding love this time of year.  My crockpot, that has been patiently poised on the shelf through the spring and summer, begins whispering to me thoughts of pot roast and autumnal stews. The voice of my ancestors echoes through my soul, calling me to honor the old ways.  Though of course, my ancestors would not have been using a crockpot.

Still, so much of what we practice now is the same as what those who have come before us have done. Though our methods may be different, at the core we do what we do for the same reasons.  We cook meals that put meat on our bones to sustain us through cold of the coming darkness.  We brew teas, ciders, and stews to heal and warm us from the inside out.  Most of all, we gather close to those we love – the dead and the living – to remind us of what truly matters.   

As we stand in the crisp Autumn air with our eyes turned toward the dark days of winter to come, we pause.  Inhaling deep gratitude for those we love, those we have lost, and those who are still remembered.

Blessings to you and yours in this glorious season.  May the wind be always at your back, and may your cup never run dry.

Love,

Jo