It's that time of year again - Autumn parties and Fall festivities.

Okay, we all know that Autumn is the time of harvest where we gather the bounty of our efforts from our hard work. This is also considered the time of change, transition or death since the pace now quickens as winter hastens to kick in and the night becomes longer as the days shorten. During this time, we see brilliant displays of color splashed all around us - leaves on the trees, flowers and plant folliage and, of course, there are many displays of pumpkins, squash, gourds and colored corn. Hanging colored corn around a room or decorating a door with it can create a bountiful mood.

Here are some interesting beliefs about corn and it's magical qualities. White or snow/silver queen corn is believed to sweeten people up to a new idea or to form a friendship. Yellow corn would help seal a deal or bring out fullness of friends/relationships. Corn served with unsalted butter was believed to be good for emotional ties and corn with salted butter was to be good for business.

Squash and pumpkins are sacred to Oshun (African/Cuban goddess who resides over love and gold). In Native American and European lore, the pumpkin was eaten for prosperity or fertility. Spiced pumpkin is believed to make wishes come true. Jack-o-lanterns were believed to scare away harmful forces. You may also see many as table decorations, centerpieces or they are placed on porches and used to decorate outside.

Pomegranates, in Middle Eastern traditions, represent prosperiety. In Greek lore, it represents female power and mystery.

Apples, of course, can be eaten at any time of year, but it is said that when they are ingested in the fall season, they bring special blessings. The apple has been known to be the fruit of the Goddess and represents her creative power. Should you take an apple and cut it in half (horizontally), you can see the five pointed star known as the pentagram. (For more on the pentagram symbol, please see my article/note about it).

Many types of spicy foods are served during this season. Spicy foods warm the blood, create energy and can open the sinus's to prepare the body for the oncoming winter. Have a joyous and festive fall season.