The Wild Wisdom of Autumn
Today, we mark the transition into the dark half of the year, as the leaves on the trees turn red and orange, and we turn inward. But what exactly is the Autumn equinox, and why should we take notice of it?
The Autumn equinox usually falls on or around the 21st of September, though its date can vary depending on the Earth's position in its orbit of the Sun. This year, we observe it on the 23rd of September. "Equinox" means "equal night" and refers to the times of the year when the day and night are of equal length. In Autumn, the nights grow longer, and we enter the half of the year when the night is longer than the day.
Now, you might ask, why should we take notice of these seasonal festivals? Well, the changes that are happening out in the natural world also occur within us. We may live lives somewhat separate from nature and her cycles, but we still follow the seasons physically and psychologically in terms of our energy levels and moods.
As we shift into our more introverted or introspective selves during Autumn, it helps to work with the energy of the season, its wisdom, and its medicine rather than fighting against it. Instead of wondering why you can't keep up with the non-stop energy of summer and thinking something is wrong with you, try to connect with the wisdom and medicine of Autumn.
Ways to connect with the Spirit of Autumn:
Spend Time in Nature: Autumn is a time of change, and there's no better way to connect with its spirit than by spending time in nature. Take a walk in the woods or a nearby park and observe the changing colours of the leaves, the crispness in the air, and the sounds of the wildlife. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh air and be present in the moment.
Reflect on Gratitude: Autumn is also a time of harvest and giving thanks. Take a moment to reflect on the things in your life that you are grateful for, and consider expressing that gratitude to others. Write a letter or send a message to a loved one, expressing your appreciation for their presence in your life.
Create an Autumn Altar: An altar is a sacred space where you can connect with your spiritual practice. Create an altar with items that represent the spirit of Autumn to you, such as leaves, acorns, pumpkins, or candles. Spend time in meditation or prayer in front of your altar, connecting with the energy of the season.
By connecting with the spirit of Autumn, we can deepen our understanding of the natural world and ourselves. These are just a few ways to connect with this season, but feel free to explore and find what works best for you.
I invite you to really connect with the spirit of Autumn and honour this shift on the wheel of the year, both within and without. Take a moment to reflect on what this time of year means for you, and consider how you can embrace its teachings to enrich your Spiritual Rewilding journey.
On the Spiritual Rewilding course, we explore the importance of working with the wisdom and medicine of the seasons to reattune ourselves to the cycles of nature. The natural world follows a cyclical pattern, and our disconnection from this pattern has caused much of the environmental and social issues we face today. Through the course, we learn to connect with the spirit of each season, its teachings, and the way it affects our energy and mood. By working with the wisdom and medicine of the seasons, we can develop a deep sense of respect and gratitude for the natural world and find harmony within ourselves. Through this process, we learn to live in balance with nature, fostering a sustainable and regenerative future.
So, Happy Autumn Equinox! May this season bring you peace, introspection, and connection with the natural world.