October was the eighth month in the old Roman calendar. We recently experienced the Autumnal Equinox (September 23rd) and in October the leaves on many trees turn color and 'Fall' to the earth as the days become shorter and the nights grow longer. The Anglo-Saxon name for October, Winterfelleth, means 'winter is coming.' American backwoods tradition calls the October full moon the Hunters Moon.

The final day in October, Halloween or November Eve is the first day of the month ruled by the goddess Samhain. The festival of Samhain begins at sunset on October 31st, the New Year in Celtic tradition. This is the time of year that traditionally the first frosts arrive, and is also the time of the final harvest. Hence we have a great supply of pumpkin and other squash, as well as corn for our festivals.

Tradition has it that on Halloween night, when many spirits are said to be about, offerings of foodstuffs and treats were placed outside the doors of homes in the hope that wandering spirits would be appeased and not bother the people inside with pranks nor cause them harm. From this tradition our own 'Trick or Treat' on Halloween was born.

The birthstone for October is the opal. October is also known for its second summer in many Northern Hemisphere lands. In the U.S. it is called Indian summer. Daylight Savings Time ends this year on October 29th. And finally, October is also the month for fertilizing your fields for next year's growing season.

In October dung your field,
And your land its wealth shall yield.