There’s more to watch out for than just witches in the month of October; folklore and mythology warns us against many beasts and creatures this time of year. Black cats, ravens, werewolves and pucas lurk behind every corner as Samhain grows nearer. Read on to see what the best practices are for warding against these 8 autumnal creatures this October.
Ghosts
Ghosts are known to be out and about around this time of year. As the saying goes, “the veil is thin,” the veil in question being the one that divides our world from the world of the dead. So, you don’t have to be a medium to see these spectral sights this time of year.
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How To Protect Yourself
This one is pretty easy because most Halloween traditions are for the specific purpose of guiding spirits home and driving the unwanted ones away. Carving a jack-o-lantern is meant to spook specters and protect your home, so carve out the scariest face you can muster and set them out as your first line of defense.
Black Cats
Black cats are associated with witches, often thought to be their familiars. A witch’s familiar is a spiritual being sent from the underworld to aid and protect her. They’re thought to not be real cats, but demonic entities taking the form of an Earthly being as a means to blend in.
How To Protect Yourself
Any cat lover knows that the little demon inside of them is what makes them so loveable, but if you would prefer to steer clear from any black cats this October be sure to hang some mirrors outside by your front and back door. Mirrors placed at an entry way make it so that no one meaning ill will may enter your home without having that evil intention sent back towards them.
Black Dogs
Black dogs have long since been an omen of future catastrophe across cultures. Thought to be hounds sent directly from hell, these black dogs are larger than normal with red eyes. Seeing a black dog, especially near a crossroads, could mean a storm, famine, a freak accident or death was looming close by.
How To Protect Yourself
Black dogs are thought to be shapeshifters, so the best form of protection is the use of silver. Charming silver jewelry in order to create an amulet of protection against the ill wills of black dogs is an easy and effective way to protect yourself.
Ravens
In myth ravens have the gift of prophecy and psychopompery (they are a bridge to the world of the dead). In everyday life ravens are feared because of their penchant for eating dead things. Larger than crows, ravens are an imposing and dark figure in the sky.
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How To Protect Yourself
Keep your yard free of rotten fruit or vegetables, and always secure your garbage bins. Since these creatures are drawn to death and decay, a clean, lively yard helps keep them away. Still, remember that ravens act as psychopomps, they guide animals to the other side. So, the next time a pet passes, you might notice their quiet presence.
Banshees
Banshees are usually seen before they are heard. The cry or wail of a banshee is an omen of death. Banshees are typically women, either a young maiden or an old crone, and often take the form of a deceased female relative. They are usually found washing clothes in a river.
How To Protect Yourself
Stay away from rivers and don’t engage in any reckless behavior. Banshees don’t cause death, they are merely a harbinger of what is to come. If you hear the banshees call it may already be too late…
Werewolves
These creatures are shapeshifters, controlled by the moon; they cannot change at will but do so unwillingly on the nights of the full moon. For most of the month they are normal everyday people, but upon the full moon they turn into bloodthirsty beasts.
How To Protect Yourself
October 5th, 6th and 7th in 2025 will be when the moon is full, so staying indoors on those nights is imperative if you want to avoid werewolves. For further protection, plant aconite AKA wolfsbane in your garden and near the entrances to your home or property.
Pucas
Pucas are small mischievous shapeshifters who can take on the appearance of many animals, but always with dark fur. They can even change into humans but always with some animal feature like pointy ears or a tail. Mostly harmless, they enjoy confusing humans by giving bad advice or for taking them on a wild ride through the countryside.
How To Protect Yourself
Pucas only live in the wild, so city dwellers need not fear them. For those who live a less urban life, always keep spurs on your shoes. A good kick from your pointy boots will ward the mischievous creature away.
Fairies
Fairies take many shapes and forms, but one thing is always true: they love to trick and bamboozle humans. If you have the unfortunate lot of being lured into one of their fairy rings, once you find your way out again, 100 years will have passed and all your loved ones have gone.
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How To Protect Yourself
Iron is the best tool to ward against fairies. Keep an iron token, charm or trinket on your person to ward off any sneaky fairies that may be lurking close by.
The post Scary! How to Protect Yourself Against These 8 Autumnal Creatures appeared first on askAstrology.
