As the northern hemisphere moves into Autumn, there is a brief period of balance; where day balances night. It is here now. Autumnal Equinox has arrived.
The energies of Mama Earth are beginning to slow and cool here in the north. Every part of Nature knows that Winter is coming.
On some level, your animal body feels this shift, this turning toward cool, dark, slow, yin energies. Your body senses it just as the squirrels and trees and bears sense it.
Honor this beautiful transition with a small ritual; say a prayer of gratitude for Mama Earth and Autumn, cook squash or pumpkin, spread flower seeds in the garden, sit or walk among the beautiful leaves and seeds and nuts in the forest, light a candle at dusk. Honor Mama Earth in some small way for this season of transition.
“The stars are like letters that inscribe themselves at every moment in the sky. Everything in the world is full of signs. All events are coordinated. All things depend on each other. Everything breathes together.” ~Plotinus, 205-270 CE
“This grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.”
~John Muir
🌎❤️
Image: Mother’s Night Sunset (eve of solstice) byNancy L
Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.
~Rachel Carson
🌎❤️
Image: Stone Face, Garden of the Gods by Nancy Lankston
Here in the northern hemisphere, summer solstice is upon us. ☀️
This is sacred Sun time. Summer solstice denotes the longest day and shortest night of the year for the northern half of the globe. And this year, solstice Sun energy is amplified by tonight’s new moon lining up with Earth and Sun to form an annular ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse (visible in parts of Africa and Asia). This is a very rare confluence of astronomical events.
Elemental energies of fiery transformation and change are bathing you now. 🔥
If skies are clear where you live, go out and soak up the sacred fire energy. This solar energy makes life possible on our beautiful Mama Earth. ☀️
Now is a great time to perform a simple ritual and express gratitude for Mother Nature’s summer abundance. Or pause and honor the sunrise and sunset as you go about your weekend routine.
Allow the sacred abundance of solstice Sun to nourish and bless you.
Today marks the cross-quarter day (halfway point) between Fall Equinox and Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere. The wheel of the year turns and the entire northern half of the planet enters into the dark part of the year. It is the time of year when the Sun drops lower and lower on the horizon, and the dark of night lasts longer and longer.
Ancient Celtic tribes celebrated Samhain(pronounced sow-in) to mark this auspicious time. According to the Celts and other pagan tribes, the veils between the worlds grow thin at this time of year. That means we can more easily connect with loved ones who have crossed over into the land of the dead. It is the perfect time to honor and celebrate our ancestors.
Celtic Samhain is also about celebrating life. The last of the harvest has been gathered up in our fields and orchards. The natural bounty of Mama Earth will bless and nourish us all winter.
As you enter into the dark half of the year, pause for a moment or two. Offer love and gratitude to Mama Earth for the water, food and shelter she provides. Say a prayer for any loved ones who have moved beyond here and now. Express thanks for everything you have harvested in your life this year.
May the Spirit of peace bring peace to your house this Samhain night and all nights to come.
