Once upon a November Moon…
“Her mother said fairy tales didn't have anything to do with the world, but Ofelia knew better. They had taught her everything about it.”
― Guillermo del Toro, Pan's Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun
Once upon a November moon, Little Witch wondered aloud:
“Where does magick live when the world turns frosty and cold?”
“Don't you know?” said one of the fairies as she added a few sticks to the fire, “It moves indoors to brighten up the house, keep us safe, and warm the heart of our home.”
“It also burrows into the earth,” said another fairy, “and creates cozy dens for the rabbits, bears, and other resting, woodland creatures.”
“I've even seen it in the trees,” announced the smallest fairy of the bunch. “That's why the beaver is out right now collecting limbs and leaves – to ensure he has enough magick to keep him cozy during winter...”
Hello on this full moon, witches!
This month, not only do we have a beautiful full moon in Taurus, but it's a total lunar eclipse! More on that in a minute.
Traditionally, November's moon is nicknamed after the hardworking, crafty, semi-aquatic creature – the beaver. Like other warm-blooded animals, the beaver is busy preparing his winter den. He won't burrow into the earth like his good friends the hedgehog and chipmunk, but will create a cozy, above-ground lodge with sticks, mud, and leaves. The beaver doesn't hibernate, but he still needs to keep warm and dry during the cold months.
November's moon might also be called the Frost Moon, Freezing Moon, Scratching Moon, or Digging Moon. And because of the lunar eclipse, it's also a blood moon. That means, if you are able to witness the eclipse (see if it’s visible in your area here), the moon temporarily appeared red instead of white.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, earth, and moon are aligned, with the earth sandwiched between the other two. As the moon briefly passes into Earth's shadow, the meeting casts an eerie, reddish hue onto our lunar compass.
Lunar eclipses are said to expose our shadows, and the parts of ourselves we try so desperately to hide. Traditionally, some magickal practitioners advise against spellwork during eclipses, and while our motto is always – do what feels right – this month, what feels good to us is resting. Because remember, rest is a ritual.
So, what feels good to you?
Whatever it is, we encourage you to hop on your broomstick and go after it. And if that means burrowing into a cozy little den for some R&R, well, make sure you remember to pack snacks, a good book, and a bit of magick to keep the fire burning…
One last thing before we curl up in front of the hearth and say our full moon prayers:
Little Witch Books is joining in on Folktale Week 2022! That's right, just because we're resting doesn't mean we're not having fun. Little Witch has a fun new tale to share, and you can start reading it on 11.14. There is nothing to buy, just make sure you're following Little Witch on Instagram…
Crowdfunded by you and published by Pointy Hat Press, 'Little Witch Hosts Samhain Supper' is a Pagan Children's book about autumn, ancestors, and the Season of the Witch. No matter our age or occupation, we hope that Little Witch serves as an archetype for the inner child, liminal living, and the magick that exists betwixt and between each season of life. Order today!