Getting into the Autumn Spirit π
It's no secret that autumn is my favorite season. I mean, my blog has practically been autumn-themed all year long! Unfortunately, it can be hard to get into the autumn spirit when the temperatures are staying around 90 degrees (F). π© But regardless of the non-cooperative weather, since autumn has officially begun, I thought I'd recommend a few fall favorites of mine to hopefully help you get into the flow of the season!
Songs
I've gotta start with my favorite thing: music! Here are a few songs that are staples on my autumn playlists:
"All Souls Night" by Loreena McKennitt - This is the ultimate autumn/Halloween song. Celtic folk music just fits the season, and the imagery of the lyrics is so richly autumnal. Light some fall-scented candles while you listen to this for added atmosphere.
"Mummy Dust" by Ghost - Honestly, pretty much all of Ghost's songs are fitting for the season, but this is the one I usually find myself turning to at this time of year. I love the haunting piano in this song, and the image of a mummy rising from its tomb is just so classically Halloween, it's hard not to get into the spirit of the season while listening to the lyrics.
"Be All Things" by Chelsea Wolfe - Chelsea Wolfe is basically an autumn queen. This song has such a witchy, magical feel, both musically and lyrically. The strings and soft acoustics are haunting, and Chelsea's voice almost seems like an incantation.
Books
The Red Tree by CaitlΓn R. Kiernan - This is not only a season-appropriate book, but it's also one of my favorite books of all time. I will warn you that it's very, very dark. The main character is not super likable, and the relationship at the core of the story is a toxic one. That being said, this book has some of the most visceral writing I've ever encountered. It feels like a fever dream in the best way. It's about a writer named Sarah, who goes into self-imposed isolation in a rural house in Rhode Island. There, she finds an old manuscript written by the house's previous tenant, who was obsessed with a large old red oak on the property and the legends surrounding it. As Sarah explores, she falls deeper under the tree's strange spell. This book is unlike anything I've ever read. It definitely fits into the weird horror category, and I love it so much.
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow - I read this one recently and fell head over heels. It's a new classic in the haunted house sub-genre, and it has so much atmosphere. It takes place in a small coal-mining town in Kentucky that's dealing with the ravages of capitalism and corporate greed. The main character, Opal, starts working for the sole caretaker of an old -- and very much alive -- manor house. This book feels so real and fantastical at the same time, filled with magic yet grounded in actual events, and Opal has a strong voice that will keep you rooting for her the entire time.
The October Country by Ray Bradbury - If you're looking for a good collection of short stories, this is a classic, and it's one that I revisit almost every year. It was originally published in 1955, so some of the themes haven't aged super well. Just keep that in mind if you go into it, but it's still well worth a read. It's full of foreboding stories that creep up on you. "The Scythe" and "Homecoming" are probably my top favorites in the collection. They're the two that have stuck with me the most.
Movies
Ginger Snaps - I just watched this recently, and I'm disappointed that I didn't see it when I was a teenager because I would've been absolutely obsessed. It very much has that early 2000s edginess. You might want to check trigger warnings before just diving into it, but it's so spooky and good. It follows the story of two teenage sisters after one of them gets bitten by a werewolf and begins to transform. There's a lot of body horror, some endearing practical effects, and themes of growing up and coming into your own. The characters are written so well, they feel realistic, and it takes place around Halloween, so it's a great watch for the holiday.
Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum - This is my favorite horror movie of all time, after the original Halloween. It includes found footage and the supernatural, which are my two favorite horror tropes. A group of content creators decide to stream themselves exploring an abandoned asylum, and as you can imagine, spooky chaos ensues. This is genuinely one of the scariest movies I've seen. It has some seriously frightening scenes that will stick with you long after the film is over, and it's an example of found footage done spectacularly well.
Video Games
REKA - This game was released on September 12, and it's still in Early Access, so there is much more content to come in the future. What's already there is super engaging, though. Inspired by Slavic folklore, you play as an apprentice witch to Baba Jaga. She gives you different quests, you get to know the villagers and inhabitants of the surrounding forest, and you build and decorate your house, which rests on a giant pair of chicken legs. The vibes of this game are just perfect for this time of year. It's a great combination of spooky and cozy, and I can easily spend hours in its beautiful world.
Alan Wake 2 - If you haven't played this masterpiece yet, then now is the perfect time to start it. This game plays with horror tropes in really interesting ways. It takes place in a small town called Bright Falls, Washington, where a slew of cult murders have recently occurred. The town is decked out for an annual fall festival and framed in beautiful autumn scenery. It will absolutely get you into the spirit of the season!
I'm going to be participating in notebookofghosts' #31SpookyStories challenge in October over on Instagram, and I have a Letterboxd list of movies to watch for the season. What are you doing/watching/reading/consuming to get into the autumn spirit? Feel free to let me know your autumn plans in the guestbook!