I’m not big on watching scary movies, and I don’t vibe with horror or gore, but something about October always activates my desire for a little spooky indulgence. There’s a chill in the air, I’ve switched over to my fall wardrobe, I’m sipping on something pumpkin flavored, and I want to be entertained by something a little more wicked than just the demons I’m usually summoning via dating apps. Here are few of my favorite ways I’m indulging in my more witchy side this season!
ONE | A Spectacularly Spooky Playlist
Channel your inner witch with this meticulously crafted ‘Season of the Witch’ Spotify playlist . I’ve listened to this playlist pretty much on repeat since it was sent to me. Listen on shuffle for some great seasonal hits, or listen straight through for a witchy evolution — the songs start out light and sweet about being a witch (or falling in love with one!), to the evil women they’re portrayed as, to finally a witchy revolution and the reclaiming of their power. It begins and ends with two very different renditions of ‘Season of the Witch’ and boy does it take you on a journey!
TWO | A Deliciously Evil Book
Light-hearted and cute and perfectly seasonal! A little cheesy, but in a good way.
The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling
This is the sequel to The Ex Hex, and I’m looking forward to diving into this one as we get closer to Halloween for a little rom-com escapism.
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
You love the movie, so why not read the book? There are a few in this series, and I’ve always wanted to check them out! I have this one next up in my TBR pile.
While not particularly Halloween themed, it’s definitely in the same spooky vein as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Magicians, and The Order, but way grittier. This story was compelling from the start — eerie secret societies on a prestigious college campus, an unlikely heroine, and a mysterious and sordid past slowly revealed. The sequel ‘Hell Bent’ comes out in January 2023, and I’ve been dying to get my hands on it since the last page of Ninth House. It’s also rumored to be in the works for a TV adaptation. I’ll definitely be watching!
This is my #1 top recommended read for October — it’s an incredible book any time of year, but if I could go back and read it around Halloween I just feel like I would have enjoyed it that much more. My reading this book coincided with the overturning of Roe V. Wade, and everything about the story felt so relevant to our current climate — the feelings of both helplessness and rage, loss of power, and desire for change. This book was an escape into a world that felt so similar, a historical fiction-meets-fantasy story set during the suffragist movement. I loved Harrow’s commentary on what it is to be a woman in the world, and it echoes so many of our current realities and the issues that divide us. It’s an enchanting story with themes of women’s rights, race, homophobia, sexuality, survival, and feminism. Harrow’s masterful prose will captivate and empower you.
THREE | Spooky Scary Skeleton Sweatshirt
With the season finally changing (we’ve still had some 80 degree days here in Atlanta this October!), I love going for evening walks in the cooler weather. For some reason my neighbors are really into skeleton decorations, and my sister (who lives nearby) and I will go on walks to admire (and let’s face it, judge!) all of the neighborhood decorations. We’ve come to call these ‘Skelly Walks’, and we’ll often take a hot spiced (and sometimes spiked!) apple cider beverage with us. Long story long, I thought this sweatshirt would be the perfect addition to our ‘Skelly Walks’ this year! I can’t wait to wear mine this week.
Can you believe this movie came out in 1993? Loving the resurgence in popularity with the sequel, and what a fun nostalgic way to celebrate the season than with this sweatshirt. Side note — how did none of us care to ask our parents what a virgin was after watching this film? Or did we already just accept it as an insult from Clueless (i.e.”you’re just a virgin who can’t drive”)?? Food for thought.
FOUR | Autumn Inspired Beveraginos
Did someone say beveragino? While my go-to in the fall and winter seasons is usually a nice red wine, I love to indulge in a seasonal drink variation, and these are a few of my favorites!
Apple Cider Mimosas
The same as a regular mimosa — Prosecco with apple cider in place of the orange juice, with whatever proportions you like best. I personally enjoy 1/4 cider and 3/4 prosecco! I remember going to a restaurant in Tribeca during my NYC days and have very fond memories of indulging in these. I can’t wait to host a brunch with girlfriends and serve these up soon!
Pumpkin/Octoberfest Beer with a Cinnamon Sugared Rim
While a seasonal beer is nice on it’s own, it’s 1000% better with a rim that’s first dipped in caramel or honey, and then rolled in cinnamon sugar. The BEST!
Spiked Apple Cider
Perfect in a mug on a chilly evening, or in a thermos for a walk, and SO easy, I love to add a little spiced rum to some hot apple cider — one of the best ways to warm up on an autumn night!
FIVE | A Scary Good Appetizer
I’m referencing Once Upon A Chef’s Baked Brie recipe here (because all of her recipes are amazing), but I like to alter it a little for the fall season by substituting the toppings she uses with pumpkin butter and candied pecans (both from Trader Joe’s). Such a nice combination and utterly delicious!
SIX | Get a Little Witchy and Try a Little Woo!
Every once in a while I like to indulge in something a little ‘woo’ — maybe it’s tarot cards, saging my home, or considering how the moon/astrology of the moment etc. may be affecting the collective. But one of my favorite things to do is the ‘cinnamon ritual’ on the first of the month. You can read this article to get an idea of how it works, but I like the idea of a new month bringing new possibilities, and blowing a bit of cinnamon into my home through the open door while welcoming love, abundance, and prosperity is a kind of witchy ritual that I can get down with.
Hope you enjoy your ‘spooky season’, let me know if you try any of these things in the comments below!
