October arrives with mist and memory. Leaves tumble from the trees in shades of amber, gold, and russet. The air starts to smell of woodsmoke, decay and damp earth. Days shorten noticeably, drawing us indoors to the warmth and light. The land is letting go. This is a month of endings, reflection, and deep magic. A time when the natural world reminds us that release is as sacred as growth.
October carries us towards Samhain, the ancient Gaelic festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. Traditionally, Samhain was a time to:
- honour ancestors and loved ones who have passed on
- light protective fires
- reflect on the year’s lessons and acknowledge the cycle of life, death, and renewal
In folklore, the veil between worlds is believed to grow thin, allowing messages, memories, and wisdom to pass between the living and the dead. From the last day of October into the start of November, cultures across the world celebrate this time of year with very similar themes of honouring our dead, warding off evil spirits and listening to ancient wisdom. October teaches us that letting go is part of living. The trees release their leaves without fear. The earth begins to rest. The cycle continues. May this month bring you wisdom, remembrance, and peace in the beauty of change.
In the Studio
October always feels contemplative. I am reviewing past events and sales. Looking at what has been successful and what has not, taking note of what work I have in stock and what commissions I need to complete. I am also preparing to make items for the Winter, and I find myself drawn to darker clays, smoky glazes, and pieces that feel rooted in ritual and remembrance. This month I will be making more sculptures exploring folk lore and tales, plus items for the home such as candle holders, jugs, salt pigs, bottles and containers, vessels decorated with animals, foliage and ancient symbols.
The studio becomes quieter. The darkness is drawing in, and the cold is making itself felt. This is a time where I start to slow down, explore ideas and take some much-needed rest.
A Small October Ritual
Create a small ancestor remembrance space or altar.
Place a photograph of your relatives or loved ones that have passed on, a treasured object that reminds you of lost loved ones, or simply a light a candle on a shelf or table, add a small bowl or vase of flowers, leaves or seed heads from the garden or gathered from a walk in nature. Spend a few moments remembering those who came before you and offering gratitude for the paths they helped create and the knowledge, stories and experiences they handed down through the generations. Be grateful for this generational wealth and understand that you too will pass on this knowledge to the next generation. Understand that memory and knowledge sharing is its own kind of magic.