October sayings

 

Here are some interesting and very old folklore sayings about the month of October. These have passed down over time and can be associated with nature and superstition. Some will be common and others obscure. 

When deer are in grey coat in October, expect a severe winter.

When birds and badgers are fat in October, a cold winter is expected.

Leaves remaining on branches in October predict a frosty snowy winter.

Many berries mean a hard winter is likely.

Much rain in October, much wind in December.

A warm October means a cold February.

When it freezes and snows in October, January will bring mild weather. If it is thundering and heat-lighting, the winter will resemble April in temper.

A good October and a good blast, So blow the hog acorn and mast.

As the weather in October, so it will be in March.

Gnats in October are a sign of fair winter.

In cold long winters, rabbits are fat in October and November. In mild and pleasant winters, they are poor in those months.

Full moon in October without frost, no frost until the full moon in November.

These sayings are centuries old and have been known from nature observations. They say these are not based on scientific facts but they have some element of wisdom, which I could explore. The mild Autumns and Indian Summers can cause leaves to delay falling off, and the frost can occur late depending on the wind. Climate change has also created milder winters, causing animals to struggle until they find food. Many thanks to Farmers Almanac for providing a list of weather lore. 

Storm Valkyrie  

Be Autumn colours

 

As the Autumn equinox approaches, the temperatures have dropped. Now we're experiencing chilly nights and foggy days with a frosty nip outside. It's getting darker. So best keep warm by more than just sticking on heater, fixing a fireplace or hot water bottles. Using various colours and decorations inside can make someone feel more uplifted and comfortable. Indoor plants for Autumn, as the vibrant colours reflect the season's natural foliage change. Leaves of different orange, red, brown and golden hues are beautiful, and the same colours of clothes, indoors, food and cosmetics gives a sense of cosiness. Apart from looking like Autumn, it's healthy to feel Autumn and this means staying warm inside.

Lady's slipper orchids are speckled and reddish flowers. Having these about your home and office, whether real or fake, can give a pleasant Autumn grace. Other plants include Vriesea orange, fiery coloured Crotons, burgundy Calathea, deep magenta Begonia, Snake Plant, colourful Widows-thrill flowers and Philodendron that seems okay with the darkness.

For edible Autumn healing herbs, try to consume sage, mint, thyme, dill, oregano, ginger, parsley, rosemary, basil, bay, horseradish, star anise, garlic and lemon balm. They can be cooked, or brewed. Then there are the Autumn fruits and vegetables, including apples, figs, pears, grapes, nuts, blackberries, redcurrants, carrots, fennel, tomatoes, aubergine, onions, tomatoes, plums, potatoes, turnips, peppers, lettuce, sweetcorn, beetroot, beans, mushrooms, parsnips, pumpkin, radish, broccoli, shallots, suede, leeks, kale, cauliflower and celery. 

My favourite Autumn fragrances: Pumpkin spice, vanilla and ginger.

Warm Autumn gems: Fire opal, citrine, carnelian. emeralds, sapphires, garnets, topaz, rubies, tourmaline and amber. 

Storm Valkyrie   

Social anxiety

Social anxiety is a severe form of shyness and it's much worse. It's crippling of a person's confidence. It can also ruin relationships and cause further misery. Other people don't understand when someone suffers this mental illness, but they judge them as "weird". People with social anxiety are told not to worry about it as everything they fear is imaginary. Well that is easy to say but hard for the sufferer to believe it. They need to be given healing.

There is much more help and advice on social anxiety now than there ever was years ago. People recommend CBT, or cognitive behavioural therapy, which are techniques and ways of dealing with social anxiety. There are lots of self help books and videos on CBT. Other forms of help is talking therapy, counselling and relaxation. Seeking advice on the internet can also work wonders because there are tons of helpful replies on internet forums, communities and groups. 

Social anxiety could get worse and may cause other illnesses, including depression, avoidance personality disorder and agoraphobia. Find someone to talk to. Get proper guidance and treatment. Believe in yourself as a good person and remind yourself that you're not alone. Speak to your GP, tutor, family member, friend and/or counsellor.  Tell them how social anxiety is making you feel. Getting words out in the open is another way of communicating about your social anxiety.