The Beauty Witch: October

With the stirring of leaves
comes the stirring of the cauldron
conjuring the winds of destiny
to weave within the season of change,
as the hands of fate
release you to the stars

With Autumn’s overwhelming beauty and contagious electricity swirling all around, it is nearly impossible not to get caught up in the wild desire to create, yes?  It’s that heightened sense of painting everything vibrant colors right along with nature, a pure harmonic bliss infused with sensual overload. And why not? There is so much energy available right now for doing fabulous things! Stirring the cauldron both at home and out in the world has never been more pleasurable: from concocting spicy potions to exploring ruby-leaved paths, this fleeting Season of the Witch is to be adored, savored, and embraced with every cell of our beings. It’s no coincidence that October makes her entrance swathed in the elegance of Libra energy, touching a wand of beauty to everything she sees. The vibe is distinctly social, harmonious, and friendly, with a balance between home and the outside world unique to the allure of Fall. We effortlessly blend into nature, whether swanning about in cognac velvets or adorning our lairs with candlelit pumpkins, the abundance is such that we simply become one with her, delighting in every sybaritic detail. Catch her while you can, my Loves, before quieter winds are felt.

LIBRA POWER CARD: Justice Balance intuition with expertise. Karmic laws are in play. Use your third eye to see clearly.

Because, of course, there is a fervent desire right now to get it all done before Winter finds us, which will culminate with our Full Moon this month. But more on that in a minute. On October 3^rd, Pluto will go direct after a retrograde spell beginning back in April. The planet of transformation has demanded that we dig deeply within ourselves over the past six months and now begs the question, “Well? What have you figured out?” As Pluto becomes direct the opportunity arises to take what you have learned and use it out in the world in whatever ways you appear as a public person, be it in the workplace, at school, or in social situations (this includes your media accounts.) Though Pluto can be excruciating, just think of him like a Dark Moon; the death before the rebirth, the letting go, the Big Purge. It’s just that he isn’t very subtle. You will thank him though, ultimately, for clearing out the sludge so that you can return from the underworld much lighter, and ready to implement change. Do take action now, my Darlings, as Mercury once again retrogrades at the end of the month. On Samhain, no less. But don’t let that spoil your fun – it’s just too good a month! Go into Smart Witch mode early, and you’ll be fine.

So, armed with newly-understood transformations ready to launch, and lovely Libra vibes everywhere, you can create like mad as momentum builds toward the Full Blood Moon in none other than action master Aries on October 13^th (5:08pm EST.) The Moon goes void-of-course fifty minutes later, so get your rituals in earlier – ideally late afternoon. It is at once a time of releasing the old and embracing the new; a Moon of karma, reincarnation, and balance between the inner and outer, dark and light, past and future. With the gauzy veil between the worlds thinning, you can access information now that will guide you through the long months ahead, as you enter the internal spell of the year. As for the external value of this lunation, Mars-ruled Aries Moons are powerhouses: ambitious, energetic, and in charge. The timing couldn’t be better for putting ideas into motion, with bright, center-stage confidence that fire signs effortlessly possess.

And what a witchy gift of a month for celebrating! The Full Moon sets the charmed tone for our beloved Samhain later this month, so why not get the festivities going right now? Aries Moons are potent times for fire rituals – be it an outdoor Fall bonfire or candles alight inside the home – mirroring the magick of the Samhain fire. I can’t think of a more divine post-ritual celebratory nibble than this one, my Darlings. I’ve conjured a sexy, sophisticated version of the classic pumpkin pie filled with seasonal magick, vibrant vitamins and minerals, and made it completely free of all things that can zap your beauty and energy. Try this plant-powered bite once, and you will be concocting it throughout Autumn, skin aglow and oh-so-ready to shimmy into slinky sorceress couture!

Samhain Sorceress

Beauty Bite
Yields four tarts

For the crust:
1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least two hours, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
6 large pitted dates
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of Celtic salt

For the filling:
1-1/2 cups organic pumpkin pureé
1/3-1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil
2 tablespoons tapioca flour
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 tablespoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice

*organic pumpkin pie spice may also be used in place of the spices

First, combine all your crust ingredients in a food processor, and pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly. It will be sticky. Press a bit between your fingers – if it holds together, it’s ready. Using about two tablespoons of mixture per tart pan, press the crust firmly and evenly into each mold. Place them on a baking sheet, and pop them into the freezer.

Next, whisk all filling ingredients together in a large bowl until well blended. Taste it. Add more spice or maple syrup as you wish. If you cannot consume any natural sugars, raw coconut nectar is an excellent very low-glycemic substitute, or you can use non-glycemic stevia, though it will alter the taste somewhat.  Take the tarts out of the freezer, fill them evenly with pumpkin mixture, and chill until about ½ hour before serving. I like to adorn them with seeds and found pine cones (discarded by squirrels after they’ve devoured the seeds within), then serve on a gilded platter for a comely balance between nature’s beauty and artisanal glam.

These are so delish! Creamy, spicy, lightly sweet…and the crust is fabulous. Tapioca flour ensures a fluffy lightness while adding gluten-free fiber, and maple syrup adds major beautifying minerals and metabolic support – not to mention the magick of the sacred maple tree.  Dates make another fantastic natural sweetener loaded with nutrients and the powers of strength and heightened spirituality. They make a chic dessert rich enough for two forks, or, even better – a morning bite beneath the furry coverlet. They freeze well too, just defrost in the refrigerator well before serving. Savor each forkful, knowing that you have plant magick on your side to support and feed both inner and outer beauty. And remember, whatever the potion you are concocting, you are infusing it with the energy present within you at that moment, so be sure to keep it clear, positive, and focused.

Cashew & Pumpkin Seed   A dynamic duo for conjuring beauty and wellness, they are also a perfect solar/lunar balance, bestowed with the gifts of courage, healing, and creativity. This pair keeps your skin supple and your hair strong!

Pumpkin Abundant and healing, everyone’s favorite Fall ingredient is Moon-ruled and packed with vitamins A and C, two of the most effective anti-agers around. Consuming pumpkin regularly keeps your skin bright, regenerated, and glowing as it empowers your entire body with good health.

Coconut Lunar coconut purifies as it heightens psychic powers. One of the healthiest fats to consume, coconut hydrates skin from the inside out and adds a sweet buttery texture to foods.

Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves & Nutmeg These heavenly-scented spices are age-old healers infused with potent fire magick to bring love, passion, abundance, and increased abilities in the witches’ realm.

Allspice Adding a bit of earthy groundedness to the blend is sultry allspice, blessed with the vibration of money magick, just in time for a few new Fall additions to your closet!

Beauty Witch Secret:  Pine cones have long been symbolic of fertility and sexuality, but even more so of enlightenment and opening the third eye – It’s no wonder the pineal gland gets its name from these beauties. With their perfect sequencing, they have a similar Sacred Geometry as that of a rose or sunflower.

As the month progresses, we begin to feel the passionate fire entwine with the equally fervent, but distinctly quieter energy of the Sun moving into sultry, intense Scorpio on October 23^rd.  Now the darker half of the month, and indeed the year, begins, and right behind it a New Moon that does not suffer fools. On October 27^th (11:39 pm EST) the Scorpio New Moon ushers in an amplified manifestation of that transformative energy I mentioned earlier. This Moon is complex, demanding that you to not only understand but follow your spiritual and artistic path in this life. As such, it’s an auspicious time for beginning a new path in the direction that pulls you – from way down deep – towards something that you know will fulfill, even if it isn’t quite what you originally had in mind. Anything, or anyone, that merely puts you through the motions is not where you are headed. Use this Moon of rebirth (and the energy of this entire month) for finding your spirit’s purpose, and doing what is needed to get you there.

Now, of course, you will have to look your brightest when facing that new path, won’t you? For that, mes amours, I have a special potion reserved just for this moment: a renewing concoction that banishes old cells, clarifies, tones, and wards off potentially intruding wrinkles. It is scented for Autumn, so you will love it even more, with wild witch magick for fueling passion, manifesting in carnal romps and revealing your life’s purpose.

Scorpio Rising

Facial Exfoliant & Masque
Yield 3-4 treatments

2 teaspoons coconut flour
2 teaspoons flax seed meal
1/2 teaspoon ground clove
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
20 drops carrot seed oil

Blend all ingredients together, stirring clockwise. As always, hold your vision and feel it in your body as you concoct. Store the potion in a glass jar, tightly capped or corked, until you wish to use it. When you are ready, add a teaspoon to a small bowl, then add spring water until the potion takes on the consistency of a medium-thick paste. Now apply he masque to a clean face, gently but thoroughly massaging in circular motion. It feels amazing! Add a bit more masque and leave the potion on for 10-20 minutes for its nutrients (and magick) to penetrate the skin, and your entire being.  Remove first with a warm, damp face towel, then splashing with water until all traces of masque are removed. Pat dry, and follow with your beauty oils and crème.

Coconut The beauty magick of coconut when applied topically moisturizes skin while keeping bacteria out. Used in powdered form, it makes a beautiful masque base for incredibly soft skin.

Flax Fiery flax heals skin, prevents wrinkles, improves tone and texture, and ups hydration. It also brings forth formidable beauty, protection, and wealth magick. 

Nutmeg, Cinnamon, & Clove This trio keeps your skin clear, increases circulation, and treats hyperpigmentation while gently adding to the exfoliation powers of flax and coconut flour. 

Carrot Seed A natural sunscreen, carrot seed oil contains high levels of antioxidants and amps up circulation for a healthy glow. Carrots also contain love and lust vibrations.

Beauty Witch Secret:  Floral waters make for lovely additions to masques in place of spring water, just be aware that they will also add to the intensity of any blend. For non-sensitive skin, rosewater is a brilliant age-delayer, lavender works well for acne prone skin, and chamomile soothes even the most sensitive. Good, organic floral waters can be found at natural food stores, or better yet, concoct your own!

We bring October to a most enchanted close with everyone’s favorite holiday: Samhain. On the eve of October 31^st, the Witches New Year honors our ancestors, our loved ones who have passed on, and the final harvest. Letting go of what no longer suits us is in perfect balance with embracing new beginnings, and I always love this simple, but powerfully effective ritual as a way of really being at one with the energy present, and using it wisely. It’s a sensual way to get ready for your evening out, and also a beautiful ending to the night. Whichever way you choose, experience it fully, and do so with intention. After all, it is our Season.

And with that, my Loves, I shall leave you to your conjurings. I bid you the most gorgeous October, filled with pure inspiration…and I want to hear all about your adventures!

Love and Stardust,

Xo Alise