From the time they burst forth in the spring until they are whisked away by the wind in the autumn, leaves enfold the world with aerial enchantment. Personifying energy and growth, leaves give magic and personal endeavors an encouraging boost. In autumn, leaves embody the turning cycle of the wheel of the year. In the autumn, gather the most colorful fallen leaves and allow them to dry. They will curl into various shapes. Pressing autumn leaves preserves their original shape. Place a few between two layers of paper towels on a table, and then put a large book or two on top to keep them flat. It will only take a couple of days.

A method called rubbing can be used to save the image of a leaf, which can be incorporated into a journal or book of shadows. This can be done with fresh or dried leaves, although you will need to be especially careful with dried ones. Position the leaf underneath the page where you want its image, and then carefully rub with the side of a colored pencil over the paper. The details of the leaf will be captured.

Using dried leaves is an easy way to incorporate the energy of trees into spells and rituals. Also place dried leaves or leaf rubbings on your altar as a reminder of transition and change as the earth prepares for a winter’s rest and we prepare for our journey through the dark of the year.