The Samhain and Halloween festivities often end on Oct. 31st, but many people don’t realize that the period of Samhain extends well into November. We are speaking in terms of seasons , and this season is that period of preparing for the darkness, the cold and a time of going inward both spiritually and physically for those in colder climates. I live in the Northern Hemisphere in a temperate climate and this time of year we have little swimming pool weather.
All around nature prepares to wind things down. Animals collect food to get them through the cold months and some, after feasting on the harvest to fatten themselves up, hibernate.
It makes perfect sense that this is a time for thanksgiving. After all, like attracts like, and by being grateful we draw more to us to be grateful for! In the US we celebrate Thanksgiving and this is a perfect opportunity to exercise our powers of manifestation to bring what we need to get us through the dark months.
One very magickal food for this time of year is cranberries. They represent abundance, healing and love.
Now, I can’t imagine eating an entire bowl of these tangy little guys even with plenty of sweetener! But have you ever noticed how they add just the right flavor to complement so many other food flavors? That’s a clue that their magickal power goes a long way. Try crafting some of these vibrant berries into your witchy decor. When strung with popcorn with intent you can invite more of that prosperity we associate with the grains.
I know a lot of people associate these garlands with decorating a Yule tree, but I’m sure you can come up with some creative ways to use them. They might make a wonderful nature offering when hung on an autumn shrub. Here is a link to a site with some great info and spells on how to use cranberries:
In my neck of the woods we celebrate el dia de los muertos or The Day of the Dead on the first few days of November. The celebration is based on the Christian holy day of All Saints Day. However, the holiday as celebrated in Hispanic communities has roots in the indigenous pagan customs. This is a time to honor the ancestors, after all, but in true pagan style, we honor them with joy and celebrate their spirits. Honoring all aspects of life is important to the pagan way of life and so attending the local dia de Los muertos celebration has become a tradition!
The Feast of Hecate is celebrated in November. I’ve heard both November 13 as well as November 16 as being her dates.
Here is a picture of an altar I set up in her honor in the past. One of her associations is dogs, and being a dog mom to 3 rambunctious canines, I think Hecate “gets me”. I hope she does. She is one goddess I always kind of feel is there in the background. She’s about wisdom and has never forced her guidance but rather likes to observe what choices we decide to make. That’s my take on her anyway. I like to think she watches over my pooches, too.
Speaking of canines, one member of that family that we see represented a lot in November is the fox.
This year foxes seem quite popular in the fashion and home decor department. I will take that as a message that fox as a spirit guide is telling us something. Right off the top of my head I know that fox is resourceful and cunning. “Sly as a fox” they say. But foxes are that way as a method of survival. This year has presented us with many challenges. To me fox is telling us to use all our senses to outwit the opposition. That fits. Fox is also telling us to not give up but to be a survivor. Here’s what some others say:
The leaves of autumn seem so jewel like on the trees as they are released to the earth to nurture the life that returns in the spring.
There are lots of great spells you can do with autumn leaves. Why not write what you’d like to release to the universe on an autumn leaf and either burn it or bury it in the earth? Or this:
This could be a great activity for the November full moon known as The Beaver Moon. And how appropriate a name is that for a time when we are preparing for the winter ahead? Those busy beavers are pros at constructing those impenetrable watery condos to protect their families from the harshness of winter. This year (2025) the beaver moon falls on November 5th. It’s in the sign of Taurus and those with Taurus qualities are home lovers for sure.
So it’s time to hunker down! Create some hygge by bringing out the comfy pillows and throws as you light a candle and drink some spicy chai tea. Journal about all you are grateful for and have a blessed November!
Sarina 🦊
The Magickal Cottage 