If a year was tucked inside a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour. -Victoria Erickson
Each year I wait patiently—warm mug in eager hand—for the arrival of the next coming autumn. And each year, when the last of the white-hot curtain that is September begins drawing to a close, I am welcomed again by her familiar embrace. You see, I am a person who loves all of the seasons . . . just not equally. So, when my favorite of the four quietly slips out of hibernation—all witchy and wonderful—I, too, am at last awakened. The death that inevitably comes with each autumn somehow stirs my own sleeping soul.
Now you might be able to understand why I've created an entire website dedicated to the season. I want this to be a place where, yes, we can share in all of the little delights that the sweet season brings—from the shedding of leaves to the chill in the air. But even more than that, I want this to be a place where both you and I are free to dance with death, to whisper sweet nothings to the wind. Above all, I want this to be a space of surrender.
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ 🍂 ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
If you're new here, welcome! We are oh so happy to have you. If you've 'subscribed' to previous years' newsletters, welcome home. I've missed you. Things are a bit different this year. For one, I'm no longer going to be scribbling down strangers' email addresses in local bars or persuading friends to come along for the annual autumn excursion. We have an actual subscribe button now at the bottom of each page, so if you wish to join the mailing list, you can easily do so of your own accord. Furthermore, I'll still be sharing my usual autumnal thoughts and recommendations, but I also have a couple fun new additions this year.
Perhaps my favorite 2022 addition is the 'Covenstead' page. There, each and every one of you can share any fall-themed treasure your heart desires, and you can also like and comment on one another's posts. If I especially love your post, it just might be featured on the homepage under 'New This Week.' The shared gallery that is Covenstead allows the opportunity of community in a way that I've never before been able to offer, which was always one of my goals in creating this little cyber space: to bring people together over a shared love of (or at least growing like for) autumn.
Below, you'll find a quick run-down of each of the main pages you can access on this site. Do let me know if you have any questions.
Grimoire: As both a writer and an autumn enthusiast, you can imagine that I have a lot to say about the season. From book recommendations to general commentary, new posts are added to this little spell-book-of-sorts every Thursday until Thanksgiving.
Music: Fall just wouldn't be the same without some background music to match the mood. Whether it be spooky or snug, here you'll find a variety of playlists tailored to suit each autumnal aura.
Covenstead: Maybe you recently wrote a poem about a pumpkin or visited a haunted house. Whatever the autumn activity, this is where coven members can meet to share slices of the season from each of our own delicious points of view.
In addition to the three main pages, there's also a chat button at the bottom left hand corner of each page. There, you can ask me questions or send me suggestions and I'll respond as soon as I can. After creating an account, you can also chat with other members of the coven if you're both online. To create an account, just click on the witch hat at the top right hand corner of any page. I've never before created a website, so I'm sure I'll have some kinks to work out along the way. If you see something that doesn't seem right, let me know and I'll do my best to fix it. If you'd like to know more about how this little autumn oasis came to be, I encourage you to explore its virtual walls. The 'About' page is a splendid place to start.
*Disclaimer: While I've edited this site to make it accessible and user friendly on any device, it was in fact designed on a laptop. The user experience will therefore be the most intuitive and satisfying when accessed via laptop or desktop computer.
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ 🍂 ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Now that you know what you're in for, I thought I'd kick off the season with a fall bucket list. Be the first to complete each item on the printable list below and you just might win a bundle of autumnal joy—courtesy of yours truly. Keep in mind, pictures of each completed activity must be added to Covenstead to receive credit.
I tried to include something for everyone here; that being said, the list is, in part, designed to push participants out of their comfort zones. Even if something doesn't seem like your cup of tea, I encourage you to try it anyway! Who knows—you just might find a new favorite hobby. I can't wait to see photos of all of your autumnal adventures.
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ 🍂 ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Before we part ways for the week (that is, unless we cross paths in Covenstead), I have one final activity suggestion. In preparation for her arrival, I've been following several different autumn-themed meditations. I know not everyone is the meditative type, but it's no secret that meditation does wonders for both the mind and body, so it can't hurt to give the videos I've listed below a listen.
A Time for Balance ~ Autumn Equinox Meditation (This one's great in the morning.)
Guided Meditation for Deep Sleep - Autumn Walk (Try this one if you're having trouble sleeping.)
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ 🍂 ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Credits
I'd like to give a huge shoutout to Faith, my sweet friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, for designing this site's logo. I love you, bitch; you're a star.
If you've ever taken a poetry class with me, you probably know that my titles tend to be terrible. Thank you to my uncle, Matt, who came up with the title of this week's grimoire post. I still think it's kind of redundant, but I guess poetry trumps redundancy.
Finally, thank you to all the wonderful artists (who will likely never see this website), without whom the bucket list wouldn't have been nearly as aesthetically pleasing. Links to their works are listed below.
Until next week, stay cozy.
With warmth and whimsy,
Cat
Comments