Make this your Season of Magic & Renewal

Because there’s nothing more magical than living true to who you are

I’m often asked, “How did you know you were a witch?” For me, it wasn’t a sudden realization or a grand initiation. It was more of a gentle awakening—a recognition of the magic that has always surrounded me, especially during this time of year, when October’s crisp air brings a sense of possibility and enchantment.

The magic is in the earth beneath my feet, the herbs in my garden, the changing seasons, and, most importantly, in the way I care for my family, my animals, and all those I love. Being a witch, for me, is about living with intention, healing, and finding wonder in the simple, ordinary moments that bring life its richness—especially during this season, when the veil between worlds thins, and I feel the presence of my ancestors more deeply.

Becoming a witch wasn’t about casting spells or joining a coven. It was about discovering the magic that’s present in the very fabric of life. As the golden light of October bathes the world in warmth, I feel the pull of the earth, the rhythms of the moon, and the quiet longings of the heart even more keenly. It’s not a belief in the supernatural—it’s a deep connection to the natural world and the sacred energy that flows through everything, particularly in these autumnal days when the leaves swirl and the air carries a hint of mystery. During this special time of year, I also take time to honor my ancestors, feeling their presence as I prepare the land for winter and gather the last of the garden’s bounty.

Herbalism has always been part of me, long before I ever knew to call it that. As a child, I would wander through gardens, gathering wildflowers and herbs, feeling the pull to bring nature’s magic into my hands. Over time, I’ve grown into that instinct, learning to craft remedies and balms from the herbs I tend. There’s a special kind of joy in walking through my stillroom on a crisp October morning, where jars of dried leaves and petals line the shelves, waiting to become teas, salves, or something delicious simmering on the stove—filling my home with the comforting scents of the season. In these moments, I often reflect on the wisdom passed down from my ancestors, imagining them tending their own gardens and crafting their own remedies.

As I’ve become a grandmother, that magic has deepened, especially during this time of year. There’s nothing quite like sharing the wonder of autumn with my grandson, Wolfie. Together, we pick berries, gather herbs, and make simple potions—just as I did when I was little, wandering through my aunt’s garden in the October light. His eyes light up when we make lavender lemonade or crush mint leaves in our hands, and his laughter fills the room as we stir dried rose petals and glitter into a magical concoction. In those moments, I’m not just a grandmother—I’m his guide, showing him how to find the magic in the everyday, especially when the world seems to shimmer with the seasonal magic of fall.

My animals, too, are woven into all of this magic. Whether it’s my cats curling up beside me as I work with herbs, my dogs running through the garden, watching my favorite horses grazing peacefully, or my chickens clucking happily in the yard, I feel a deep connection to all of them. They, too, are part of the healing energy of my world. I believe animals can sense the same magic we can and caring for them is an extension of my practice. Whether it’s brewing a tea for a sick animal or creating herbal salves for their scrapes, they are as much a part of my life’s magic as anything else. During these cool autumn days, I find even more joy in tending to them, knowing that they feel the shift in the season as keenly as I do.

And then there’s Jim, my husband, who has been my greatest supporter throughout this journey. His unwavering belief in me has fueled my creativity and allowed me to fully embrace this path. He reaps the benefits too—whether it’s a nourishing meal, calming herbal teas, or the cozy, magical atmosphere of our home. Together, as the nights grow longer and the days shorter, we’ve created a life filled with warmth, love, and a little bit of magic in every corner. October has a way of bringing out that extra touch of coziness in our home, with the scent of apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen and candles flickering as the evening settles in.

My family is always at the heart of everything I do. Being a witch is about nurturing—creating spaces where love, magic, and warmth come together. My hearth and home have always been at the center of that, especially in autumn when the air grows crisp and the light softens. It’s where the kettle is always ready for tea, where herbs dry by the window, and where candlelight flickers through the rooms. My home is more than just a place—it’s a sanctuary, where I can slow down, breathe deeply, and craft magic in the everyday. Whether I’m baking bread, simmering broth, or preparing an herbal tincture, every act is filled with love and intention for my family.

There’s a deep satisfaction in tending to my hearth, knowing that the warmth and care I pour into my home ripple out to those I love—my family, my animals, and Jim. I’ve always believed that a cozy home is a magical one, and in October, that magic feels especially potent. So I fill my home with the things that nourish the spirit—good food, warm blankets, a thriving garden, and the laughter of children. This is also the time of year when I feel most connected to the generations who came before me, sensing their guidance as I carry on their traditions of nurturing and healing.

For me, being a witch is about honoring the earth and creating spaces of healing and magic. It’s about nurturing the people, the animals, and the home that I cherish, and finding magic in the smallest moments—the taste of fresh-picked herbs, the sound of wind in the trees, the scent of cinnamon and clove in the air. I may not cast spells in the traditional sense, but I weave magic into every corner of my life—into the gardens I tend, the remedies I create, and the love I share with my family.

Every cup of tea I brew, every candle I light, every herb I dry is an offering to that magic—a reminder that the world around us is filled with wonder, especially in October, if only we slow down enough to notice. By embracing my role as a healer, a grandmother, a wife, and a caretaker of my animals, I find that the magic I create is not just for me but for everyone I love. And in turn, it strengthens the connection to the earth, to my hearth, and to the small, sacred moments that make life beautiful.