Halloween, a beloved holiday marked by costumes, candy, and eerie decorations, has a rich and multi-cultural history. It traces back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrating the end of harvest and the thinning of the veil between the living and the dead. As Roman and Christian traditions merged with Samhain, the holiday evolved into All Hallows' Eve, eventually becoming Halloween. In America, it transformed further with the blend of various immigrant traditions, giving rise to the modern celebration we cherish today.

Mictecacihuatl, the Lady of the Dead, is a pivotal figure in Aztec mythology, embodying the profound duality of existence. As the goddess of death and the underworld, she and her consort, Mictlantecuhtli, oversee Mictlán, guiding souls on their journey to the afterlife. Her skeletal visage, emblematic of the calavera imagery, is central to Dia de los Muertos, a festival celebrating life and honoring the deceased. Beyond Aztec culture, Mictecacihuatl's symbol of life and death resonates globally, encouraging a deep understanding of transformation and renewal.

Kali is revered as the cosmic force that upholds the balance of existence, confronting ignorance and ego with fierce determination. Her myth, particularly her battle against the demon Raktabija, highlights her role in ending stagnation and malevolence. Kali’s symbolism extends into modern culture, representing transformation, empowerment, and the radical embrace of one’s true self.

Ereshkigal, the ancient Mesopotamian goddess of the underworld, reigns as a formidable guardian of the realm of the dead. Known as the "Lady of the Great Earth" or "Queen of the Great Below," her domain, the Kur, is a shadowy and mysterious place. Her role as an overseer of death and transformation connects her with other underworld deities like Persephone and Hel, highlighting a shared human intrigue with the afterlife. Integral to Mesopotamian cosmology, Ereshkigal also holds a celestial connection as a symbol of Venus, embodying both the mysteries of death and the cycles of rebirth.

On October 14th, the skies will feature a striking New Moon Annular Solar Eclipse in Libra, famously known as the 'ring of fire' eclipse. This annular event, visible from the northwestern US to Central America and Brazil, offers a rare celestial display where the moon creates a stunning ring around the sun. Eclipses like this symbolize new beginnings and changes, urging us to confront endings and reevaluate our desires, particularly in relationships. The New Moon in Libra highlights personal growth through balance and harmony, making it an ideal time to set intentions for improved partnerships and effective communication.

Medusa, with her snake-covered head and petrifying gaze, is a striking figure in Greek mythology, symbolizing transformation and the power of vengeance. Originally a beautiful priestess of Athena, she was cursed by the goddess after being assaulted by Poseidon, transforming her into a monster with serpents for hair and a gaze that could turn anyone to stone. This transformation, seen by some as both a punishment and a form of self-defense, underscores the often harsh and complex nature of the Greek gods. Medusa's legacy endures as a symbol of empowerment and resilience, resonating through literature and art as a potent figure of transformation and strength.

Continuing Spooky Season with more Dark Goddesses, this time we're delving into Celtic mythology with Cerridwen. A powerful sorceress and symbol of transformation, Cerridwen is renowned for her cauldron of wisdom, which she intended to bestow upon her son but instead became a vessel of profound alchemical change. Deeply connected to the moon, she represents cycles of renewal and the mysteries of existence. In modern Pagan and Wiccan traditions, Cerridwen's cauldron and lunar affiliation underscore her role as a guide to personal growth and mystical insight.

Oya, the Yoruba goddess of wind, storms, and transformation, is a formidable deity whose legend spans both physical and metaphorical realms. Commanding the elements of wind and storms, she embodies the tumultuous forces of nature and the transformative power of life's storms. Her narrative includes a dramatic transformation from a river goddess to a tempestuous force, catalyzed by her relationship with Shango, the god of thunder. As a guardian of the underworld and guide for departed souls, Oya symbolizes the profound renewal and cyclical nature of existence, linking life, death, and spiritual transformation.

Celtic mythology reveals a profound depth through the figure of the Morrigan, the Great Queen or Phantom Queen. As a tripartite deity, she embodies three distinct aspects—Badb, Macha, and Nemain—each representing war, sovereignty, and chaos respectively. Known for her shape-shifting into a crow or raven and her ability to foretell death and battle outcomes, the Morrigan was central to Celtic beliefs about war and sovereignty. Today, she remains a symbol of strength and transformation, celebrated in modern Celtic and Pagan practices for her enduring power and influence.

As we approach the last Supermoon of 2023, the Harvest Full Moon in Aries invites us to navigate the tension between personal ambition and relational harmony. Aries' fiery drive for success clashes with Libra's call for balance in relationships, creating a cosmic tug-of-war between self-focus and connection. Mars in Libra adds a layer of complexity, urging us to weigh our personal desires against our responsibilities to others. With asteroids like Pallas advocating for justice and Vesta promoting nurturing, this Full Moon challenges us to find a dynamic equilibrium between our goals and the needs of those around us.

Hel, a prominent figure in Norse mythology, embodies the intricate interplay between light and darkness as the guardian of the underworld. Daughter of Loki and Angrboða, her role as keeper of Niflheim underscores the duality of existence, marking a realm for souls who did not die in battle. Depicted as a living corpse or spectral figure, Hel symbolizes the balance between life and death. Her influence endures in modern culture and spiritual practices, representing the transformative journey through darkness and the cyclical nature of life.​

Nyx, the primordial goddess of night in Greek mythology, is a shadowy and majestic figure born from Chaos. She envelops the world in darkness, embodying the profound and hidden aspects of existence. As a divine mother, Nyx gave birth to significant deities like Eris and Nemesis, who influence cosmic balance and human affairs. Her realm and progeny reflect the complex interplay between light and darkness, and the mysteries of the human soul.

Mabon: Mabon, occurring around the autumnal equinox, marks the transition from summer to fall and symbolizes balance and reflection. Named after the Welsh mythological figure Mabon ap Modron, this period echoes themes of harvest and the underworld. Though a modern term, Mabon aligns with ancient harvest celebrations and is observed globally through various festivals, such as the Moon Festival in Asia and Michaelmas in the Christian calendar. This time is a poignant reminder of nature’s cycles and the balance between light and darkness.

Jungian archetypes, as elucidated by Carl Jung, represent universal symbols and themes embedded in the collective unconscious. These archetypes, such as the Hero, Wise Old Man, Mother, and Trickster, transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, revealing deep psychological and spiritual truths. Far from a modern invention, these archetypal figures have appeared throughout human history, offering profound resonance across different cultures. Exploring these archetypes provides a path to self-discovery, connecting us to our shared human heritage and guiding personal growth and transformation.

Lilith stands as a prominent figure in the Dark Goddess Pantheon, evolving from the rebellious first wife of Adam to a symbol of wild feminine power. Her mythology intertwines with various cultures and figures, reflecting her complex and shifting nature. Symbolically linked with serpents and the ouroboros, Lilith represents transformation, renewal, and the challenge to patriarchal norms. Her story underscores themes of sexual autonomy and the rejection of societal constraints, positioning her as a guardian of women’s empowerment and the untamed feminine essence.