these Equinox seasons are never balanced.
there is always disruption,
recalibrations,
upheaval and change.
This Autumn time,
when leaves change and fall
at first slow and then torrential
like the rains that have become the norm
or the winds that take down limbs and electricity,
is full of magical beauty and enchanting light.
And also much sorrow, challenge and grief.
We learn to let go,
to release and allow endings,
to go into the darkness
and dream.
Large Moon rises rapidly
over the trees glowing with color and a lavender sky.
The land is silent mostly
except for the crunch of leaves
from busy squirrels and deer.
Occasionally there is the tapping of a woodpecker,
even the calls of the Katydids/Crickets/Cicadas have gone.
Garlic still needs to be planted, dahlia tubers yet to be dug and stored,
more sticks needed.
We are not ready for Winter and also longing for hibernation.
The cold is here as we await the deep freeze
savoring the bright angled orange sunlight.
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Each night we feed our Beloved Dead and other Spirits who wander,
may they not go hungry,
may they know we love and remember them,
may they go on their way in peace.
May we all allow grace into our lives,
may we all be present,
may we find our strength and balance.
Some notes and pics from our ritual:
Autumnal Equinox
in the gentle
but steady
rain
chili & chips & tomatillo & guac
and salad and more salad
warm bread
deviled eggs & Wisconsin Cheese
watermelon
and plum pie
and plum cake
and peach/pluot/raspberry crisp
gluten free chocolate/cranberry cookies
& mead
Harmony
How are you feeling
the balance?
Walking into this new season
grounded in Winter boots
it's not yet
but it's coming
unexpected and last minute imbalance
boundaries are good
protection is necessary
timing is everything.
It's easy to generate hurt
without intention
-kindness-
people & acceptance
unprepared but able to make do
showing up is what matters
there is enough
we are enough
Balance as flowing
not static suspension
but ease of movement
coming to this time of balance
of equinox & harvest
has been really hard
us & Cal & Kane & Carol
& Katrina
& Elizabeth
& Nicci
& Mary Jane
no small dogs
smoke rising to the clouds
looking & seeing
paying attention
with all the senses
-Vision-
wet but not soaked
strong fire
fed with deep breaths
with the fanning cardboard
gone flappy by the end
we are human and here
it's good to cry
it's ok to be hurting
to go through this life
joys & challenges
giving thanks
Forgiveness
everyone deserves a second chance
especially you
let it go
on the directions
filling the hole in the North
with watermelon juice
there is nothing else
just now & here
working with what is
fanning the fire with our collective breath
lingering and returning
fire
cozy new jacket with deep side pockets
many layers
rain coats & jackets
dampness
like a dream
thick fragrant smoke
the gifts of our omens
from the Spirits of Nature & Place: Othalla -Sacred Enclosure- the keeping safe and storage
from the Gods & Godesses: Mannaz -the Self- helping us to figure out who we are
for the Season: Berkanu -the Birch- birth and new beginnings
Ohgam for the Season: Ngetal -Reed, what is below ground and is flexible,
often associated with all the cool healing stuff
Harmony
please forgive me
please forgive us
allow self-forgiveness
let it go!
the waterfall of thanks
missing you and loving you
