Honouringthe Veil: Celebrating Samhain in the Southern Hemisphere
As the days shorten and the air grows crisp in late April and early May, those attuned to the Wheel of the Year in the Southern Hemisphere begin to feel the deep pull of Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. While Northern Hemisphere traditions place Samhain on October 31st, aligning the sabbat with our seasonal cycle means celebrating it around April 30th to May 1st—a time when the land truly begins its descent into darkness.
Samhain (pronounced sow-in) is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals. It marks the final harvest, the end of the light half of the year, and the beginning of the dark half. It is also a time when the veil between the worlds is thinnest, offering us a powerful opportunity to honour ancestors, spirits, and the mystery of death and rebirth.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the Wheel of the Year spins differently. Celebrating Samhain in autumn rather than spring aligns us with the true energetic rhythm of the land. Trees shed their leaves, the nights grow longer, animals begin to retreat, and we are called inward—to reflect, release, and remember.
Aligning the sabbat with the actual seasonal cues around us honours the original purpose of Samhain: to acknowledge the changing of the Earth’s cycle, the wisdom of impermanence, and the beauty of death as part of life.
Samhain Correspondence
Other names: The Great Sabbat, All Hallows Eve, All Saints/All Souls Day(Catholic), Day of the Dead (Mexican), Witches New Year, Celtic/ Druid New Year, Shadowfest (Strega), Martinmas or Old Hallowmas (Scotttish/Celtic) Lá Samhna (Modern Irish), Festival of the Dead, Feile Moingfinne (Snow Goddess), Hallowtide (Scottish Gaelis Dictionary), Feast of All Souls, Nos Galen-gae-of Night of the Winter Calends (Welsh), La Houney or Hollantide Day, Sauin or Souney ( Manx), oidhche na h-aimiléise-the night of mischief or confusion(Ireland), Oidhche Shamna (Scotland)
Deities: The Crone, Hecate (Greek), Cerridwen (Welsh-Scottish), Baba Yaga (Russian), Bast (Egyptian), Persephone (Greek), Hel (Norse), Kali (Hindu), all Death & Otherworld Goddesses, Horned Hunter (European), Cernnunos(Greco-Celtic), Osiris (Egyptian), Hades (Greek), Anubis (Egyptian), Coyote Brother (Native American), Loki (Norse), Dis (Roman), Arawn (Welsh), acrificial/Dying/Aging Gods, Death and Otherworld Gods
Colours: Purple, black, orange, silver
Symbols: Pine cones, autumnal flowers, wheat stalks, acornsApples, autumn flowers, acorns, bat, black cat, bones, corn stalks, colored leaves, crows, death/dying, divination and the tools associated with it, ghosts, gourds, Indian corn, jack-o-lantern, nuts , oak leaves, pomegranates, pumpkins, scarecrows, scythes, waning moon
Cook a feast of remembrance, using seasonal produce
Reflect and release
Connect to the spirit – it’s a great time for divination work
Embrace the darkness – take time for silence, solitude and inner reflection. Journal, meditate or walk at dusk
What we’re doing
I made a couple of batches of soup and this delicious potato and bacon soup was our tea with cheesy toast. I light a candle to remember loved ones who have passed. I’ll also do some journaling. If you’d like to grab the journaling prompts I’m using, you can grab them here.
Celebrating Samhain in the Southern Hemisphere invites us to honour both tradition and place. It is a time to pause, remember, and reconnect with the natural cycle of life and death. As the Earth sleeps, so too can we dream more deeply, tend to our inner world, and prepare for the rebirth that will come again.
May this Samhain bring you peace, clarity, and connection—to your ancestors, your spirit, and the sacred rhythms of the land.
Today (25th April) is ANZAC Day, a day where Australians and New Zealanders pause to remember the sacrifices of soldiers past and present. Sharing ANZAC biscuits (yes it is a biscuit – not a cookie!) on this day is more than a culinary tradition—it’s a way to honour history and connect with community.
Few treats carry as much historical significance—or delicious nostalgia—as the humble ANZAC biscuit. Crispy on the edges, chewy in the centre, and golden with a hint of caramel, these iconic biscuits are a beloved staple in Australian and New Zealand homes. But their charm goes far beyond taste: they’re steeped in wartime history and national pride.
ANZAC biscuits originated during World War I, named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). These biscuits were baked by the wives and mothers of soldiers and sent in care packages to the front lines. They were designed to last the long journey across oceans without spoiling—made without eggs, using ingredients that were accessible and shelf-stable at the time.
ANZACs, as they are lovingly know as, are protected by law. The term ANZAC itself is legally protected by Australian law and there are very strict rules around the use of the term Anzac biscuits.
The use of the word ‘Anzac’ in the commercial production and sale of Anzac biscuits is usually approved, however the biscuits must not substantially deviate from the generally accepted recipe and shape, and must be referred to as ‘Anzac Biscuits’ or ‘Anzac Slice’ (not ‘Anzac Cookies’). Where a recipe or the finished product substantially deviate from the generally accepted form (e.g. include ingredients such as chocolate or fruit), the manufacturer should consider renaming them so that the word ‘Anzac’ is not used.
Recently DVA has noted a significant increase in applications to use the word ‘Anzac’ in the production of Anzac biscuits where recipes include ingredients that cater for specific dietary requirements, including gluten free and vegan ingredients. If recipes substitute ingredients for dietary requirements, this is not considered a deviation. Permission to use the word ‘Anzac’ has been granted for the production of such Anzac biscuits where ingredients have been substituted.
From the Australian Government Department of Veteran Affairs, Use of the word “Anzac” Guidelines
Want to give them a go yourself? This recipe is from the Australian War Memorial
ANZAC Biscuits
The following recipe comes from the Australian War Memorial.
2 cups rolled oats
½ cup white sugar
1 cup plain (all purpose) flour
½ cup butter (melted)
1 tbsp golden syrup
2 tbsp boiling water
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
Preheat oven to 160℃ (320℉).
Combine oats, sugar and flour.
Mix golden syrup, boiling water and soda until they froth. Pour into butter.
Combine butter mixture with dry mixture.
Drop teaspoons of mixture onto a lightly floured tray, allowing room for spreading.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes then remove to a cooling rack.
Instead of a floured tray , you can use baking paper on your tray.
For crispier biscuits, allow to cool on the tray.
Baking, Snack
ANZAC, Biscuit
Whether you’re honouring ANZAC Day or just craving a warm, homey biscuit, these little golden discs are a perfect way to celebrate a shared heritage—and indulge in a bit of history with every bite.
Have you made ANZAC biscuits before? Do you make yours with coconut? Share your thoughts or your favourite version in the comments below!
Do you ever feel like your brain is like a cluttered desk, complete with scattered thoughts, to-do lists, and random reminders? If so, a brain dump might be a perfect way to clear your mind and kick-start your productivity. This simple yet powerful tool will help organise your thoughts, reduce stress, and make the most of your planner.
What is a Brain Dump?
A brain dump is a free-flowing exercise where you write down everything that’s on your mind. There’s no structure or organisation required—just get your thoughts out on paper (or a digital note). The goal is to declutter your mind and create clarity, making it easier to prioritise and take action.
Now some people aren’t a fan of the term Brain Dump so I asked Chat GPT to give me some alternatives and it came up with:
Now that you know why a brain dump is helpful, let’s talk about how you can make it a part of your planning habit.
Set Aside Time Choose a time where you can sit down without any distraction. Most individuals like to do a brain dump at the beginning of the week or end of the day to clear the thoughts from their mind.
Write Everything Down Grab your planner, or a blank piece of paper, and start writing. Don’t worry about making it neat or tidy—just let yourself flow – but make sure it is readable. Write down tasks, worries, reminders, ideas, and anything else that’s floating around in your head.
Categorise Your List Tasks & To-Dos: Actionable items that need to be accomplished. Appointments & Deadlines: Important dates to keep track of. Ideas & Notes: Creative ideas or projects. Reminders & Errands: Miscellaneous tasks that need to be completed. Other: Add your own categories. Don’t add too many though or you can get overwhelmed.
Prioritise & Plan Now that your mind has been cleared, transfer your important tasks into your planner. Use time-blocking, to-do lists, or a priority system to plan out your calendar. Make sure to tackle urgent and important tasks first.
Repeat Regularly A brain dump is not a one-time solution—it’s a habit. Develop a routine to do this exercise on a weekly basis or when your mind is full.
This year I’m splitting my year into quarters. I’ll do a Brain Dump and a Reset Week (I’ll be doing a post about this soon) at the start of each quarter. Since we’re coming up to quarter two, I’m sharing my process. I make sure I’ve got a some blank paper in my planner and I just write a list of anything that is in my brain. Once I’ve done that I go back and mark each point with a coloured dot that corresponds with my key. The areas I’m using for my key are:
mental health
physical health
household
personal development
social
partner
family
uni
work
Anything that has a due date or event date goes in my year at a glance or monthly if it is soon. Some of the remaining items will go in my Future Me Problems spread. I’ll check this spread too to see if there is anything upcoming that needs to be dealt with.
A brain dump in your planner is a game-changer for productivity and mental clarity. When you regularly get things out of your head and into their place, you will feel more on top of your goals and tasks. Give it a try and experience the relief that a de-cluttered mind brings!
Do you brain dump as part of your planning? I’d love for you to share with me in the comments!
As the world turns, the equinox arrives, marking the perfect moment when day and night are equal in length. While many people associate this time of year with spring in the Northern Hemisphere, the autumn equinox in Australia ushers in a different kind of magic. Here, it signifies the shift from the scorching summer heat to the more temperate and mellow days of autumn.
What Is the Autumn Equinox? The autumn equinox occurs when the Earth’s axis is neither tilted toward nor away from the Sun, causing the Sun to be directly above the Equator. This results in approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. In the Southern Hemisphere, it marks the start of autumn, and for many, it’s a time to reflect, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty that unfolds during this gentle transition.
Autumn in Australia: A Season of Colour and Change Unlike the usual images of autumn with golden leaves in places like the United States or Europe, Australia’s autumnal colours are unique. In the southern states, especially Tasmania, Victoria, and parts of New South Wales, the trees begin to show off their rich, warm hues—think fiery reds, oranges, and browns. It’s the perfect time to visit national parks or take scenic drives, such as the Great Ocean Road, where autumn leaves create a breathtaking landscape.
In contrast, many parts of northern Australia, including Queensland, have a subtropical climate where the seasonal changes are subtler. While it’s still warm, the temperatures become more bearable, and the humidity starts to drop. The air feels fresher, making it a fantastic time to explore the tropical rainforests or enjoy the beaches with fewer crowds.
Autumn Equinox Correspondents
Names: Autumn Equinox, Mabon
Deities: Demeter, Bacchus
Colours: Maroon, orange, purple, scarlet, deep green, gold, brown
Symbols: Pine cones, autumnal flowers, wheat stalks, acorns
Visit your local farmers market and buy in season fruits and vegetables
Perform a gratitude ritual
Cooking with in-season foods
Do a home protection spell
Go outside and enjoy the autumn sunshine
Go apple picking then make an apple dessert – apple pie, apple crumble, baked apples
Meditate to reconnect with Mother Earth
Make a broom
Journaling
Light black or white candles
Dry leaves
Declutter your space
Have a harvest meal with family and friends.
Donate or volunteer at your local animal shelter
Have a go at making cider
Drying herbs
What we’re doing.
A quiet day for us. I worked on decluttering my craft space so I could do some prep for our monthly crafternoon and some monthly memory planner catch up. I set up a small alter and did a home protection ritual. We made carrot soup with fresh local carrots, stewed apples and made apple pies and made a small batch of tomato relish. Wrote a gratitude list for the first quarter of the year.
As we move through this transition, let’s take a moment to celebrate the changing of the seasons, not just in the world around us, but within ourselves. The equinox reminds us of the beauty of balance and the power of nature to renew, refresh, and inspire.
So, on March 20th/21st, why not step outside, take in the changing light, and appreciate the peaceful shift that autumn brings to Australia?
Finishing off my planner set up for 2025 with my Misc section. This is where I house things that don’t go in my monthlies, yearly collection or long term collection. Mind you some of these things could go into the Yearly journal or the Long Term collection, just not this year.
My Misc section so far includes:
Future Me problems (things I want to do sometime)
Cleaning routines
What can I do in 15 minutes (aka Quick wins)
When Did I last….
To Be Read List
2025 Bookshelf
Movies to watch
Movies watched
Shows to watch
Shows watched
Podcasts to check out
Podcast tracker
Present ideas (for when someone, namely the kids, mentions something they want)
I’m also including my March set up for your viewing pleasure. For March I decided to go with an Autumn theme as March marks the start of Autumn here in Australia. For 2025 I’m trying to use up my stash of Planners Anonymous kits from the past 6 and a bit years. The kits I’m using for March are:
