As Samhain heralds the darker half of the year, we descend into the domain of darkness to explore its associations with folklore, myth, and legend. In this issue we delve into the night as the domain of shadows—the time when demonic creatures prey on the living and people could easily become the Devil’s own. We move into the darkest recesses, where monstrous creatures lurk. We gather in cold, shadowy graveyards to witness sinister rituals. We walk into the belly of the earth and merge with the shadows and the silence.

Alchemists regarded the darkening of matter as the first stage of transformation before the new light announced the completion of the work. Ancient agrarian societies knew the sun would always return. But now, with the days shortening and the nights stretching ahead of us, it is time to embrace our darker side.

Words by Sam George, Alice Vernon, Icy Sedgwick, Chris Esson, Verity Holloway, Keri O'Shea, and Rebecca Lambert. Cover image by Nona Limmen. Art direction by Nathaniel Hébert. Edited by Maria J. Pérez Cuervo.