As August sunlight slips away and dusk creeps up on us earlier every day, it’s time to pause. Take a breath. Turn our hands to the tasks before us as Autumn Equinox approaches.
This in-between time of harvests means the growing season is starting to wind down. As we busy ourselves in the garden or at the farmer’s market, we are grateful. Some of us will “put up” seasonal vegetables and fruits for the winter ahead. Others of us will declutter to reclaim spaciousness or begin to plan for regeneration next spring.
In a few days, the Autumn Equinox will be upon us. The midpoint between Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice, it represents solar and lunar, light and dark, masculine and feminine in a perfect, sacred balance. Autumn Equinox, observed on September 21, is also called Mabon on the Wheel of the Year. Mabon is an old harvest celebration which lies in equal distance between Lughnasadh/Lammmas and Samhain. Sometimes called a pagan Thanksgiving, Mabon is often seen as a time to offer gratitude and release things which do not serve you.
Let’s think about that.
Where can you utilize the wisdom of decrease and reduction in order to improve your work and life? For example, now is a good time to bring a close to bad relationships, whether negative social ties or professional ones. It may be time to change unhealthy habits or release limiting beliefs. Reflect on your successes, then be willing to let go of things that did not support your success.
If you are like me, you are tuning into the need for balance in your life. I am noticing where things are out of balance, and how that depletes my energy and resources. As I get older, I am learning to balance the quiet time I need with the demands of active care-giving and spiritual work. I am noticing that I spend more time indoors these days and look forward to the respite of cooler temperatures that make time spent in nature more comfortable.
Balance is not stagnant. Like a wellspring, it is both still and moving. Balance is about energetic flow. Let’s ask ourselves what actions we might take in order to support positive flow. What changes need to be made so that we are walking in balance on the Gaia, the Mother of Us All?
As the first color tips the leaves of the deciduous trees of my area, I’d like to share an inspiring poem with you that celebrates this time of year. The poem shows how harvests in the past offer us a pathway to our ancestors and to renewal. The images are beautiful.
Feel free to read it aloud!
Autumn
by Bliss Carman
Now when the time of fruit and grain is come
When apples hang above the orchard wall,
And from the tangle by the roadside stream
A scent of wild grapes fills the racy air,
Comes Autumn with her sunburnt caravan,
Like a long gypsy train with trappings gay
And tattered colors of the Orient,
Moving slow-footed through the dreamy hills.
The woods of Wilton at her coming wear
Tints of Bokhara and of Samarcand;
The maples glow with their Pompeian red,
The hickories with burnt Etruscan gold;
And while the crickets fife along her march,
Behind her banners burns the crimson sun.
Are You Ready for More Guidance? Turn to the Elements for Creation Insights
If you have done a reading with me in the past, chances are I’ve introduced you to the Elemental Forces of Creation Oracle. It is an excellent resource for balanced working during the days leading up to Autumn Equinox.
Want a deck or to do a reading? Let’s talk.
When the elemental Oracle is part of your practice, it’s possible to get additional guidance from each element.
Begin by pulling a single card daily. This can be a way to add a level of insight to your daily practice or to your regular divination deck.
Then, consciously tune into each element at Equinox, expressing gratitude, and asking for guidance regarding ways to cultivate balance in your life and work.
This ritual is simple, and anyone can try it. Call in sacred space and light a candle or candles on your altar. Start by giving thanks to each respective element. Then ask the question.
Give thanks to Earth and ask, “What is my message of balance for my creations?”
Give thanks to Water and ask, “What is my message of balance for my creations?”
Give thanks to Air and ask, “What is my message of balance for my creations?”
Give thanks to Fire and ask, “What is my message of balance for my creations?”
Give thanks to Spirit and ask, “What is my message of balance for my creations?”
Want to go deeper? Let’s talk.
Love,
Susan
This in-between time of harvests means the growing season is starting to wind down. As we busy ourselves in the garden or at the farmer’s market, we are grateful. Some of us will “put up” seasonal vegetables and fruits for the winter ahead. Others of us will declutter to reclaim spaciousness or begin to plan for regeneration next spring.
In a few days, the Autumn Equinox will be upon us. The midpoint between Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice, it represents solar and lunar, light and dark, masculine and feminine in a perfect, sacred balance. Autumn Equinox, observed on September 21, is also called Mabon on the Wheel of the Year. Mabon is an old harvest celebration which lies in equal distance between Lughnasadh/Lammmas and Samhain. Sometimes called a pagan Thanksgiving, Mabon is often seen as a time to offer gratitude and release things which do not serve you.
Let’s think about that.
Where can you utilize the wisdom of decrease and reduction in order to improve your work and life? For example, now is a good time to bring a close to bad relationships, whether negative social ties or professional ones. It may be time to change unhealthy habits or release limiting beliefs. Reflect on your successes, then be willing to let go of things that did not support your success.
If you are like me, you are tuning into the need for balance in your life. I am noticing where things are out of balance, and how that depletes my energy and resources. As I get older, I am learning to balance the quiet time I need with the demands of active care-giving and spiritual work. I am noticing that I spend more time indoors these days and look forward to the respite of cooler temperatures that make time spent in nature more comfortable.
Balance is not stagnant. Like a wellspring, it is both still and moving. Balance is about energetic flow. Let’s ask ourselves what actions we might take in order to support positive flow. What changes need to be made so that we are walking in balance on the Gaia, the Mother of Us All?
As the first color tips the leaves of the deciduous trees of my area, I’d like to share an inspiring poem with you that celebrates this time of year. The poem shows how harvests in the past offer us a pathway to our ancestors and to renewal. The images are beautiful.
Feel free to read it aloud!
Autumn
by Bliss Carman
Now when the time of fruit and grain is come
When apples hang above the orchard wall,
And from the tangle by the roadside stream
A scent of wild grapes fills the racy air,
Comes Autumn with her sunburnt caravan,
Like a long gypsy train with trappings gay
And tattered colors of the Orient,
Moving slow-footed through the dreamy hills.
The woods of Wilton at her coming wear
Tints of Bokhara and of Samarcand;
The maples glow with their Pompeian red,
The hickories with burnt Etruscan gold;
And while the crickets fife along her march,
Behind her banners burns the crimson sun.
Are You Ready for More Guidance? Turn to the Elements for Creation Insights
If you have done a reading with me in the past, chances are I’ve introduced you to the Elemental Forces of Creation Oracle. It is an excellent resource for balanced working during the days leading up to Autumn Equinox.
Want a deck or to do a reading? Let’s talk.
When the elemental Oracle is part of your practice, it’s possible to get additional guidance from each element.
Begin by pulling a single card daily. This can be a way to add a level of insight to your daily practice or to your regular divination deck.
Then, consciously tune into each element at Equinox, expressing gratitude, and asking for guidance regarding ways to cultivate balance in your life and work.
This ritual is simple, and anyone can try it. Call in sacred space and light a candle or candles on your altar. Start by giving thanks to each respective element. Then ask the question.
Give thanks to Earth and ask, “What is my message of balance for my creations?”
Give thanks to Water and ask, “What is my message of balance for my creations?”
Give thanks to Air and ask, “What is my message of balance for my creations?”
Give thanks to Fire and ask, “What is my message of balance for my creations?”
Give thanks to Spirit and ask, “What is my message of balance for my creations?”
Want to go deeper? Let’s talk.
Love,
Susan
