Autumnal Equinox Greetings

If you live in the northern hemisphere (as I do) and are reading this on September 23, —you can celebrate the equinox or Mabon.

FUN FACT that I learned just today:  Harvest Moon.  It is the full moon the closest to the Autumnal Equinox (before or after).  It got its name because the light allowed the farmers to harvest end of season crops into the night by its light —the abundant fall harvest.

I didn’t grow up celebrating earth based holidays or events, yet they make sense to me now.  It is a way that I can deepen into my own connection with Gaia and earth rhythms, which, more and more soothe my soul.  Connecting to the all that I am a part of helps me to feel a deep sense of belonging and find calm.  Having a garden these past 8 years has helped me dive in to a greater understanding, appreciation and trust of the cycles of life.

This year I had ample opportunities to question some health struggles.  I didn’t understand what was happening and looked to others to help me.  After months trying to fix the problems with potions and lotions and supplements and the like —with no relief, I remembered what I have long been committed to as an approach to life/health.  Knowing that I am part of this large and grand and exceptional planet gives me confidence that healing will happen, if I just slow down and listen.  [NOTE:  this is a fantastic practice when struggling in your relationships as well].  Long story short, I asked some colleagues/friends I knew well and had shared reality with for their help.   Little by little I found myself and began to heal in a wide variety of ways. 

I am so grateful to all those who helped me find my way, including mother earth whose consistency gave me the confidence that I too have ebbs and flows and the key is to slow down, listen to what is being asked of me, remembering when I forgot. I remembered how exquisitely wise my body is. 

This equinox my ceremony is simple, since it is super rainy outside.  I have gone out appreciating the rain. I looked at all the amazing plants that are blooming now, remembering the springtime blooms and the excitement they all brought me.  Watching the blackberry plants grow new stems while the old ones dry up ready for pruning.  The asters are in bloom now.  And the wild flower meadow is flourishing.  The grass is green, the fish are thriving (so are the weeds)!! 

The world is magical if that is what you are looking for.  If you are struggling emotionally or physically, what can you hang on to that will bring you calm and confidence that you too are in a cycle and if you can understand it better and trust that you can heal?  What resources might be available to you to find your way back?  If you don’t know the answer to this, please reach out to me.  I’d love to help you.