October is a month woven with mystery. The air turns crisp, the veils between worlds grow thin, and magic dances in every shadow. From the first golden leaves to the night of Halloween, this is the season when the unseen becomes visible, a time when witches, dragons, and forest spirits step quietly into our world once more.

Although many see magic today as a playful party theme, in Slavic lands it’s always been part of life itself, a sacred knowledge passed down through stories, herbs, and rituals.

 The Magic of Love

In Bulgarian folklore, love itself is an enchantment, and herbs are its gentle allies. Our grandmothers knew that a sprig of basil could keep a lover faithful, that ivy promised a bride happiness, and that mistletoe — sacred even in winter — could bring true love before the year’s end.

A pinch of ginger was burned to strengthen passion. A cup of lemon balm tea calmed hearts after quarrels. Dill washed away jealousy, while valerian, beloved of the forest nymphs, reminded mortals that love must be handled with care.

And when longing turned to loneliness, charms existed to call a soulmate in dreams:

“St. Luke, St. Luke, be kind to me,
In dreams let me my true love see.”

These simple rituals weren’t only spells; they were acts of hope, reminders that love is as natural and mysterious as the plants growing by our doors.

Herbs of Protection

But in the old tales, not every magic was sweet.

In Slavic mythology, fiery dragons (zmey) and restless spirits tested humankind’s courage. To guard their homes, villagers burned St. John’s wort, wormwood, or wild savory, letting their smoke cleanse both air and soul.

Girls wore melilot to protect themselves from unwanted dragon passion or to break it, if already caught in its spell.

These herbs taught an important truth: the same earth that grows tenderness also offers protection. Magic, like life, requires balance.

Witches, Wizards, and “People with Knowledge”

This season also honors those who carried that balance, the witches, healers, and “people with knowledge.”

In Slavic folklore, both women and men practiced magic. The word ved’ma (female witch) and vedun or ved’miak (male witch) come from vedat’ — “to know.” To be a witch was to be one who knows.

These wise folk understood the four elements — fire, air, earth, and water — and used herbs to make or break spells of love, health, and fortune. Their power wasn’t tied to the Devil, as later Western tales claimed, but to nature itself.

Legends even say that those born as sorcerers bore a hidden mark, a small tail, and guarded a secret black book filled with recipes for charms and potions. Whether truth or fable, these stories remind us that knowledge, especially of the natural world, was once considered the greatest magic of all.

And if you hear a whisper in the sky on Halloween night, perhaps it’s Baba Yaga herself, the most powerful Slavic witch, flying in her mortar to visit friends or to stir a cauldron of laughter and mischief.

Baba Yaga book: https://ronesaaveela.com/ronesa-aveelas-books/spirits-creatures-a-study-of-series/a-study-of-baba-yaga/

From Folklore to Oracle

Every herb, every spell, every whisper from these tales has inspired our Oracle of the Slavic Soul — live now on Kickstarter.

Each card in the deck reflects an ancient symbol of love, protection, or wisdom, brought to life through original art and stories.

As you brew your tea, carve your pumpkins, or dance under the October moon, remember: magic isn’t just in the past. It lives wherever there is curiosity, courage, and love.

Join us in the Circle of Magic and back the campaign today: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ronesa-aveela/slavic-divination?ref=3dp9ve

Why This Deck Is Different

This isn’t a mass-produced deck. Every single card, from the design to the art to the messages, was created by me. No teams, no factories — just passion, intention, and spiritual guidance are its foundations.

Inspired by ancestral wisdom, the mystical legacy of Bulgaria’s own Baba Vanga, and the healing energy of my grandmother, this deck is deeply personal and energetically alive. The deck’s wisdom comes from my book 77½ Magical Healing Herbs.

It’s my heart in card form, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Rooted in Heritage

I was raised in Bulgaria, where mysticism is woven into everyday life. Stories of Baba Vanga, the blind prophet, were told like legends but also like truth. Her presence, and the quiet power of my grandmother, instilled in me a deep respect for intuitive wisdom. This Oracle deck carries their essence.

More than a Deck

The campaign offers more than an oracle deck. We have an art book of the herbs uses (the same herbs as in our book 77½ Magical Healing Herbs). Plus posters and individual art prints.

Special FLASH REWARD

Be sure to check out the campaign beginning Saturday, October 18, at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. We’ll be offering a WEEKEND SALE until Tuesday at 9 p.m., where you can ADD a second oracle deck for $20 off the regular price.

Select a tier that has an oracle deck.During the check-out process, look for the ADD-ON that says “FLASH REWARD – ORACLE DECK WEEKEND SALE” and select it. You can add up to 10 additional decks.This flash reward expires on Tuesday, October 21, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.

Here’s the campaign link again: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ronesa-aveela/slavic-divination?ref=3dp9ve

***

And now for another special treat…of the culinary kind.

Grandma’s Magical Pumpkin Sweet

(A Bulgarian Autumn Delight)

Legend says that every pumpkin hides a little sunshine — and this cake captures it all.

Ingredients of Warmth & Magic

3 golden eggs1 cup sugar (for sweetness and joy)1 cup grated sweet pumpkin1 cup chopped walnuts1 pinch of cinnamon (add as much as your heart desires)2 teaspoons vanilla1 cup flour1 packet baking powder

How to Make It

Beat the eggs with sugar until light and frothy. This is where the magic begins.Add pumpkin, cinnamon, and vanilla.Stir in the flour mixed with baking powder.Finally, fold in the walnuts . Their oils will make the cake tender and rich.Pour into a greased, floured baking pan and bake at 180°C / 350°F until golden.

Finishing Touch

Sprinkle with powdered sugar like the first snow of autumn
Let it cool. Patience keeps the sweetness intact.

Serve with tea, love, and a story from your grandmother’s kitchen.