As the Autumn Equinox approaches, goblins and those who embrace their inner goblin prepare for The Turning, a time of gratitude, reflection, and playful revelry. If you’re new to this enchanting celebration, be sure to check out our previous blog post for a deeper dive into its origins and traditions. Today, we’re focusing on the fun part – how to create your own unforgettable Turning festival!

Preparation & Gratitude

Reflect and Give Thanks: Take a moment to pause and appreciate the abundance of the past season and express gratitude for all that you’ve harvested, both literally and figuratively. Gather with loved ones to share stories and memories, fostering a sense of connection and community. Light candles or incense to create a peaceful ambiance for reflection.

Cleanse and Decorate: Clear out any clutter or stagnant energy to make space for the new season. Decorate your home with natural elements like colorful leaves, acorns, pinecones, and branches. Craft goblin-inspired decorations like mushroom lanterns or leaf garlands to add a touch of whimsy and magic.

Feasting & Merriment

Gather ‘Round the Table: Before embarking on the Wild Wander, gather with loved ones around a table laden with delicious, seasonal food for the Feast of Falling Leaves. Share a festive meal, celebrating the harvest’s bounty and the joy of community.

Laughter & Stories: Fill the air with laughter and conversation, sharing stories and memories from the past season. Raise a toast to the Turning and the magic it brings.

The Wild Wander

Embrace the Night: As darkness falls on the eve of the Turning, gather your fellow goblins (or human friends!) and prepare for an adventure under the moonlight.

Dress for the Occasion: Don your most creative costumes and masks, light your lanterns, and set off into the night to seek hidden treasures. Let your imagination run wild and express your inner goblin!

Seek Your Treasures: The Wild Wander is a playful treasure hunt where each goblin subculture seeks out items that resonate with their unique aesthetic. Take our quiz to discover your inner goblin and find inspiration for your quest!

https://www.buzzfeed.com/merklesgoblinshoppe/whats-your-goblin-aesthetic-e22oaf07pj

Friendly Competition: Embrace the playful spirit of the Wild Wander. Try to outsmart each other, collect the most treasures, and have a good laugh along the way. Remember, it’s all in good fun!

Campfire Gathering & Celebration

Gather ‘Round the Fire: After the Wild Wander, gather around a crackling bonfire to share stories of your adventures, roast marshmallows, and enjoy warm spiced cider or other festive beverages.

Celebrate the Turning King or Queen: The goblin (or human!) with the most prized possessions is crowned the Turning King or Queen, their reign lasting until the next equinox. Celebrate their victory with cheers, songs, and playful revelry.

Decorating Tips

Natural Elements: Bring the outdoors in with fallen leaves, branches, acorns, pinecones, and other foraged treasures. Create garlands, centerpieces, and other festive decorations to transform your space into an autumnal wonderland

Warm Lighting: Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere with candles, lanterns, and fairy lights. The soft glow will add a touch of magic to your celebration

Goblin-Inspired Touches: Add whimsical elements like mushroom figurines, handcrafted decorations, and playful trinkets to personalize your space and showcase your unique goblin style.

Creating the Wild Wander

Choose Your Location: A forest, park, or even your own backyard can be transformed into a magical setting. Consider the natural features of your chosen location and how they can enhance the treasure hunt experience

Hide Treasures: Select small, nature-inspired treasures that resonate with the different goblin aesthetics and hide them throughout the chosen area. Get creative with your hiding spots!

Create a Map (Optional): For a more elaborate hunt, draw a simple map with clues to guide participants to the hidden treasures. Add riddles or puzzles to make it even more challenging and fun

Set a Time Limit: Determine a reasonable time frame for the hunt, allowing enough time for exploration and excitement, but not so long that it becomes tedious.

Award a Prize: Offer a small prize or recognition to the winner, such as a handcrafted goblin crown or a special treat.

Safety & Respect

Respect Nature: Leave the environment as you found it. Avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging plants.

Respect Others’ Property: Do not trespass or take anything that doesn’t belong to you. The Wild Wander is about finding natural treasures, not taking from others

Be Mindful of Safety: Use caution when exploring at night. Bring flashlights or lanterns, and be aware of your surroundings.

Have Fun! The Wild Wander is all about playful fun and camaraderie. Enjoy the adventure and celebrate the spirit of the Turning!

Disclaimer: This blog post is inspired by the whimsical world of goblins and is intended for entertainment purposes. Please exercise caution and common sense when participating in any activities, especially those involving outdoor exploration or foraging. We are not responsible for any injuries or mishaps that may occur during your Turning celebration.

The Turning is a time for celebration, reflection, and connection. By incorporating these tips and ideas into your own festivities, you can create a memorable and magical experience for yourself and your loved ones. Let the warmth of the feast, the thrill of the Wild Wander, and the joy of community fill your hearts as you embrace the spirit of the Turning.

We’d love to hear about your Turning celebrations! Share your photos and stories on social media using the hashtag #GoblinTurning.