Here on the surface of the sun, Fall is not generally measured by a change in the weather. It’s not unusual for Halloween to hover in the 90s, so we don’t measure by temp. There are more subtle changes.
Ladies who live in The Dale and surrounding areas emerge more during the daylight; after Summer heat hovering in the 100s makes us indoor folk for a few months. When we decide we’ve had enough of that nonsense, we venture out in Fall clothes, daring the sun gods to smite our efforts. It’s also time to dust off our brooms, plant some gardens and create all the witchery of the season.
Is it the return of the coven on AHS? Perhaps Midnight Margaritas with our favorite aunties? Or the knowledge that our own local white witch named Stevie, invokes not just the songs in our hearts but dancing under the moon with our best gals? No, we don’t long for the return of Fall on the surface of the sun. What makes you think that?
Weekend plans do, indeed, include various garden shops. Annuals, veggies and a smattering of herbs will overfill the pots on the patio. How else will we fill the cauldron? Lighting way too many candles and sipping wine in the semi-dark further enhances the magic.
I blame Contractor Girl. A night spent on the Lido Deck reminded this girl of all the witchy Fall things. Dresses with sleeves. Wild hair. Soup. With bread. And potions.
Perhaps tea featuring chamomile, cinnamon, vanilla or cardamom? Apple donuts make a girl’s heart sing. Root vegetables, if you like that sort of thing.
Should we step out of the summer comfort zone? Paint your nails OPI’s Big Apple Red and slather your lips with L’Oréal’s Paris Rouge. Un-witchy types are just naturally more afraid of the girls with red lips and nails. Embrace your power. Are you a Gillian or a Sally? Pick your witch and emulate with gusto. Are you The Supreme from AHS Coven of yesteryear? Channel her wisdom and all black wardrobe. Or are you a Stevie? Kind, enigmatic, drawing in others with your innate kindness and artsy soul?
No matter your witch, you’ll be judged, so you do you. Witchy girls were called wicked for plant remedies, working as midwives, having financial independence, owning property, or the big one–speaking their minds. That one can still get you burned.
Did you know that having cats was evil because they were believed to house spirits? Count me in. Skittish Tabby has never felt more powerful. Astrology. Over 40 and unmarried. A mole, freckle or birthmark. Natural remedies. All on the list of witchy things to get you charred in the town square. Ooh–also, too many, or too few–friends. No word on what the proper number was. Just don’t have too many.
There’s only one way around it. Light a fire under the cauldron. Make some soup. Bake some bread. Have your million friends over. Talk astrology while you pet cats on the veranda planted with herbs, flowers and overspilling with candles. Wear dresses and bare feet.
Sounds like a perfect night. Just the kind to make us cackle, non?
