By paying attention to balance in our lives, we promote harmony, which tends to make life more comfortable.
Note to folks in Texas: This is what autumn looks like!
“Autumn has returned… Trees are falling asleep…As though time has stopped for a while…”
Monday, September 22, 2014, is the Fall Equinox. You may also call it Mabon, Harvest Home, Second Harvest, or Cornucopia; all are names for the same season. Select from among the colors red, orange, russet, maroon, brown, deep gold, and violet for your dress and table or altar coverings. Decorate with gourds, pine cones, acorns, apples, ivy, autumn leaves, textured fabrics such as velvet and corduroy, and scales or balance beams. This is a festival of abundance; be abundant in your decorating.
Lord Sun enters the sign Libra today. Libra’s symbol is the scales, which signify balance. Daylight and dark hours are equal today, another manifestation of balance. By paying attention to balance in our lives, we promote harmony, which tends to make life more comfortable. By making sure to give time to personal and spiritual, as well as professional, activities, it becomes easier to maintain a better day-to-day balance in all aspects of life.
Gaelic mythology honors Cerridwyn at the Fall Equinox; she may be represented by her symbol, the cauldron, as well as by the apples, nuts, and seeds you make available for you and your guests to eat as they enjoy a buffet that also includes breads, berries, pomegranates, root veggies such as carrots, potatoes, and onions, cider, and fruit wine.
Be sure to share any leftovers, as this is an activity that promotes prosperity. These leftovers may be shared among your guests or given to the homeless. It is not the person receiving this intimation of prosperity that is the important feature of this action; the act of giving counts for much more.
Druids honored the Green Man by making libations to trees; you may choose to utilize this custom by drinking a toast to nearby trees. You should also be sure to drink a toast to all your preferred or favorite Matron Goddesses.
There are many other activities you and your guests may enjoy. Some are: to balance a raw egg on its larger end; to recount stories of how different families celebrate the different seasons; to share how each guest becomes aware of the changing seasons.
Traditionally, quilts were started at the Fall Equinox as this was a time when indoor activities were becoming more prevalent. You could honor this custom by starting a project to complete by Candlemas (February 2). Any project that you feel would bring more balance into your life would be a good one.
It is important to speak your specific thanks at this festival. You can go around the table, each person saying who or what they would like to honor. You may say “Thank you, Mother Earth, for the food we are enjoying,” Thank you for being in my life, _____ and _____, my closest friends who know me best,” “Thanks to Spirit for putting me in the right place at the right time for the job I now have,” or whatever words best convey your feelings of thankfulness. The act of thanking releases energy that can also boost prosperity in the coming months and year.
[Kate Braun was a contributor to the original Rag. Her website is www.tarotbykatebraun.com. She can be reached at kate_braun2000@yahoo.com. Read more of Kate Braun’s writing on The Rag Blog.]
