The Forest Witch Playlist

If you're anything like me, Halloween is less about parties and costumes and more about the feeling. I know that's vague, but hear me out. Every year, right around the middle of September the strange urge to move to a cottage in the middle of the woods starts to overpower me. Now you have to understand, I'm from a huge city, I absolutely detest insects, I have horrible allergies, and I also suffer the unfortunate genetic affliction of being ginger, so the sun and I are not the best of friends. If I'm being completely honest, I'm really not a huge fan of the outdoors. But despite all of this, every year, by the time October hits I want to put on a long flowing dress and run through the forest barefoot, collecting herbs and casting spells. At night, I want to drink tea and read from big old books surrounded by candlelight. I want the sky to be overcast every day and the moon to be full every night.

So, just in case you're anything like me, and parties are not really your thing, here's my playlist to bring you into the cottagecore Halloween of my dreams.

One final note, if a big crazy party is your thing on Halloween, this playlist is also great for the end of the night winddown (and for letting everyone know it's time to get the hell out of your house.)

Happy Halloween, Witches!

Cursed - Lord Huron

"There are runes on my skin . They appear when she walks in . I am bound by her spell . I am chained to do her will."

- The perfect song to set the witchy vibes.

Old Pine - Ben Howard

"We stood . Steady as the stars in the woods."

- No forest themed playlist would be complete without this song.

Haunting - Halsey

"I was as pure as a river . But now I think I'm possessed . You put a fever inside me . And I've been cold since you left."

- The perfect blend of heartbreaking and eerie.

Silver Springs - Fleetwood Mac

"Time cast a spell on you but you won't forget me . I know I could've loved you but you would not let me."

- If we're being honest this playlist could also double as a very effective breakup playlist.

Muddy Waters - LP

"Where we end is not the way that we had planned . All the spirits gather 'round like it's our last day . To get across you know we'll have to raise the sand."

- The is something about this song that just makes me feel like a complete badass.

Cosmic Love - Florence and the Machine

"The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out."

- Picture it: the sun has gone down and you're dancing in your flowing dress in the middle of a clearing surrounded by fireflies with this song blaring.

Ophelia - The Lumineers

"Oh, Ophelia. Heaven help a fool who falls in love."

- This song is on here mostly because Ophelia is just such a great witch name.

If I Go, I'm Goin' - Gregory Alan Isakov

"And I will go if you ask me to and I will stay if you dare."

- If you've seen The Haunting of Hill House, you'll know why this song is perfect for Halloween.

Heavenly Day - Patty Griffin

"Lay here and watch the trees sway . Oh, can't see no other way."

- See above.

Resolution - Matt Corby

"So, from the cradle to quarter age . Oh, I bought the book but didn't flip the page."

- First of all, his voice is just *chef's kiss*. Second, there is just something so autumnal about this arrangement it had to be on this list.

Monster - Walking on Cars

"So I howl at the moon . I'd choose pain over you, I would."

- This one is perfectly self-explanatory

Dark Doo Wop - MSMR

"If we're gonna die, bury us alive . If you're searching for us you'll find us side by side."

- Singing along to this song feels like casting a spell.

My Tears Ricochet - Taylor Swift

"And I can go anywhere I want . Anywhere I want, just not home . And you can aim for my heart, go for blood . But you would still miss me in your bones."

- This whole album is really the ultimate cottagecore, forest witch playlist. It would have been a crime to not include at least one song.

Crystal - Stevie Nicks

"Drove me through the mountains . Through the crystal-like clear water fountain."

- Can't have a witch-themed playlist without a song from the OG witch herself.

October Skies - Mumford and Sons

"In the valley I'm free . But in the hills I soar until your silhouette is gone once more."

- The perfect haunting song to round out this fantasy.

Listen to the full playlist here: