September is a month where the past and present seem to collide, with each day offering a mix of ancient traditions, celestial wonders, and the subtle shift from summer’s embrace to autumn’s cool whisper. As the days shorten and the nights grow longer, a sense of mystery hangs in the air, inviting us to reflect on the traditions, superstitions, and natural rhythms that have long defined this time of year.

St. Matthew’s Day, on the 21st of September, has been a day for watching the skies, with old weather lore suggesting that a bright and clear day would promise a good wine harvest the following year. On the 29th, we celebrate Michaelmas, a feast day for St. Michael the Archangel, once marking the end of the harvest season. Traditionally, families would gather around a table set with a roast goose, believed to bring prosperity in the coming months. There’s also the age-old belief tied to Michaelmas that blackberries should not be picked after this date, as they are said to be cursed by Lucifer, who was cast into a blackberry bush by St. Michael.

Superstitions and folklore are alive in September. With the veil between our world and the spirit world beginning to thin, this month is often associated with protection rituals. An acorn in your pocket, for instance, is said to prevent you from getting lost during your travels—a small but powerful token of the ancient Druids’ reverence for the oak tree.

Astronomically, September is a month of balance and transformation. Around the 22nd or 23rd, the Autumn Equinox occurs, when day and night are in perfect harmony. This equilibrium is fleeting, as the nights will soon begin to overtake the days, ushering in the darker half of the year. The Harvest Moon, the full moon closest to the Equinox, often rises in September. This moon, with its bright and lingering light, once allowed farmers to continue their harvest well into the night. It’s a sight that has inspired countless tales and traditions, as well as a deep sense of connection to the cycles of the earth.

For those born in September, the sapphire is your birthstone. This stunning blue gem has been cherished throughout history, not only for its beauty but also for its reputed powers of protection and wisdom. In ancient times, it was believed to ward off envy and harm, and its connection to the planet Saturn adds an air of discipline and structure, guiding those who wear it through the challenges of life.

The historical significance of September is also profound. On the 25th of September in 1066, the Battle of Stamford Bridge took place, a pivotal moment in English history that marked the end of the Viking era. This month encourages us to reflect on such events, to consider how the past has shaped the present, and how the echoes of history continue to resonate in our lives.

As we transition into autumn, the traditions of preserving the summer’s bounty come to the fore. Whether it’s making jams, pickling vegetables, or preparing the larder for the winter ahead, September is a time for reflection, for preparing and savouring what the earth has given us before the chill of winter sets in.

At Mysterious Times, September is a month of exciting new content. We’re thrilled to announce new book releases from Kirst D’Raven, whose latest works promise to captivate and inspire. Regular features such as “On This Day in UFO History” continue to delve into the unexplained, offering insights into some of the most mysterious events in modern times. And every day, we’ll be publishing original articles that explore the enigmatic and the arcane, examining the strange and wonderful aspects of the world we live in.

We’re also expanding our collection of books, featuring even more titles that explore the mysteries of the world, from ancient legends to contemporary paranormal phenomena. Our links page has been refreshed with a curated selection of websites that are sure to intrigue and inspire, offering new avenues for discovery and exploration.

September is a month that invites us to slow down and appreciate the beauty and mystery of the changing seasons. Whether it’s the glow of the Harvest Moon, the deep blue of a sapphire, or the comforting warmth of a time-honoured tradition, there’s something magical in the air. As you explore the pages of Mysterious Times, we hope you’ll find inspiration and a deeper connection to the mysterious times we live in.