As this season progresses we are entering the final harvest the time we put the fields to bed. It has become commonplace to revel in all the spooky and fun activities that Samhain has to offer and forget some very important aspects as well that pertain to the agriculture year.
Samhain is the start of winter as we all know unless you live in tropic or subtropic regions there isn’t anything growing starting about Halloween time until spring. So before the harsh winter settles in you need to prep your fields and gardens, harvest all the root vegetables, and everything else you wish to keep in your cold cellars for the winter. I will admit in these times of supermarkets that you can get any type of fruit or veggie all year long (for the right price) most of us don’t have cold cellars any more. Even still a lot of us still have gardens and even patio pots. These are the modern-day fields and gardens.
Of course, you want to harvest all the produce that is still available for you, and if there are some green tomatoes you can let them sit on a windowsill to ripen. You can also can and pickle what is left if you are so inclined. You will also want to clear away all the dead or dying plant material. Even if it is still green soon enough you will have a hard enough frost or even freeze that is going to kill the plants. Besides it is too late in the season for new fruit to appear there isn’t enough light and the nights are too cold for the summer vegetables. Also, don’t forget the weeds (at least what you consider weeds) if you can remove as many of those seeds as possible will leave you with less weeding next season.
What is the reason for all of this? We are entering the season of rest and rejuvenation a time to look inward and work on us without the daily summer choirs. Not only can the land rest and become new so can we which for the farmer is from Samhain until Imbolc when the animals are giving birth. During this time it’s perfect to start a daily meditation, reading, and learning new skills. Things you just didn’t have time for over the summer and with the strange weather this world is seeing anymore you may be stranded for a few days a perfect time to do some of these things.
We are also entering into a time of new Samhain is also the witch’s new year not unlike all the other new years that are celebrated throughout the world at different times. With this said you can also make the day a time for realizing the old and after the stroke of midnight bring in all that you wish to have in the new year. A fun way to do this is with flash paper not only is it a fun effect it also brings in the fire magic that this festival is known for.
I have given you a lot to think about this week and hope you can incorporate some of it into your magickal life. Till next time.
Blessings,
High Elder Redhawk
