Pumpkins hold a lot of meaning and magick. 
Ruled by the Moon and the element of Water, they are a beautiful representation of the Mother Goddess. Life-giving seeds protected within her belly. Pumpkins offer protection, especially when carved. They resemble carved turnips that children carve in the UK to ward off evil during the longer nights of the season. Pumpkins also represent abundance and prosperity. Eat the roasted seeds or a delicious yummy pumpkin pie for attracting wealth in your life. I link pumpkins to home, family, homeliness, happiness, comfort, nourishing and nutrition. They represent the time around the kitchen table and company, which has been lacking so much this past year and a half. They also are closely connected to the spiritual realm and the mysteries that surround that realm. When lit on your porch, you are allowing your ancestors to find you. Since this time of year represents the veil thinning between us and the spirit world, use their magick to embrace and connect with your ancestors.
I love cooking with pumpkin and one of my favorite recipes that I make often is Homemade Pumpkin Butter. Most ingredients for this easy recipe you probably already have in your home. Here is the list of ingredients you will need. There are so many variations out there but they all are super simple like this one.Homemade Pumpkin ButterIngredients:
2 cups puréed pumpkin
1 cup white organic cane sugar
1 1/2 TB maple syrup (or my infused honey, Elderberry Chai is delicious with this)
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp sea salt
Directions: Place all ingredients into a pot over medium heat. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour into hot, sterilized canning jars. Wipe the rims, lid cans and place in a water bath for 20 minutes. Remove from the water bath and allow to cool completely. Refrigerate after opening. If you know you will eat this all within a month or two, no need to water bath. Just place it in the refrigerator after simmering and cooling on the counter.
Embrace the beloved pumpkin this time of year of bright colored leaves and cooling nights.
