September’s Shadows: Autumn is in the Air
“All the months are crude experiments, out of which the perfect September is made.”
— Virginia Woolf
September is said to be a holy month.
Which makes sense when we consider the gravity of endings.
Because whether we view September as the end of summer or the end of a year (and precursor to the Witch's New Year), the seasonal torch is switching hands.
When the Autumnal Equinox arrives (Sept. 21st/22nd in the Northern Hemisphere and March 20th/21st in the Southern), Mother Nature parts the veil and we step into the dark half of the year. Unlike the Spring Equinox when we expand, stretch, and reach for the light, right now, we have our eyes on the shadows.
And what beautiful stories they tell.
However, it's easy to understand the worries that plagued the old world about the finality of summer, for even if harvest season was bountiful, people would soon face the harshness of winter, when Death was most apt to visit.
Luckily, in the ancient Greek world, Persephone and Demeter had a remedy for anyone who feared the shadows: an invitation to their annual gathering, the Eleusinian Mysteries. Although their secrets were never revealed, historians believe that the Greater Mysteries began on September 18th, just a few days before the Fall Equinox. Whether it lined up with this event, the full (or dark) moon, or another astrological alignment is up for debate, but this nine-day festival was one of the most revered in the Greek and Roman worlds.
The details remain murky, but most scholars suggest that the Mysteries centered around Persephone and Demeter's story – specifically the abduction of Persephone (then known as Kore), the maiden's descent into the Underworld, and her eventual transformation into Persephone, Queen of the Dead.
Allegedly, the Eleusinian Mysteries were born from Demeter's grief. After her daughter's abduction by Hades, Demeter wandered the earth for nine days searching for her missing half. Eventually, she stopped in Eleusis and found work as a nurse.
Not long after, Demeter revealed herself as the goddess of earth and grain, and requested the people build her a temple. In return, the Earth Mother shared some of her most closely guarded rituals – secrets that came to be known as the Eleusinian Mysteries. The temple at Eleusis is said to be where Persephone reunites with her mother in spring, and where they part ways in the fall.
People who took part in the Rites of Demeter attained greater spiritual understanding, with many claiming that they no longer feared death – because according to the Mysteries, the soul endures.
When talking about the cult of Demeter and Persephone, the Roman philosopher Cicero, who was initiated into the Mysteries sometime in the 1st century, stated that “they seem to be in recognition of the powers of Nature rather than the power of God.”
Perhaps this is why September is said to be a holy month, at least according to Persephone, Demeter, Mother Earth, and the mysterious, ever-changing song of the seasons.
So, in honor of autumn, the Eleusinian Mysteries, and our descent into the dark months, I'm thinking a Harvest moon ritual is in order – what do you think?
The moon waxes full in just over a week, but until we meet again, a few questions to ponder alongside your tarot deck:
Card 1: This month or moon cycle, what areas of your life will undergo transformation?
Card 2: How might the shadows assist with this endeavor?
Card 3: Is the soul eternal? If so, what is the lesson in receiving this knowledge?
When thinking about harvest season, what ‘endings’ would you like to remember?
One last thing - if you're in the mood for a conversation about nostalgia as a muse, the ritual of remembering, and the magick of autumn, check out Episode 71 of the Magick & Alchemy Podcast by Tamed Wild! Featuring our very own Caitlyn Barone (Little Witch Books' co-creator and illustrator extraordinaire), three witches sit down to discuss 90s nostalgia and working with our own inner little witch. Listen here.
And because we often get asked about raising real-life little witches and Pagan children, our conversation about nostalgia magick might hold some keys for you. No matter our age, remembering the things we loved as youngsters have a way of leading us where we long to be – the wild garden of childhood.
_______________________________________________________________________________
'Little Witch Hosts Samhain Supper: A Pagan Children's book about autumn, ancestors, and the Season of the Witch' is now available for pre-order on our website! In the mood for fairy tales, folk magick, and book-related updates? Hop over to Little Witch's Instagram and join the discussion.