Autumnal Equinox 2020
Dear, Calm and Innocent Children of the Earth,
The Autumnal Equinox, when Night and Day are of equal length, is upon us. Fall is here. No matter what else is going on, the Great Wheel of the Year is still turning.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Harvest is being brought in, Fall leaves and pumpkins are showing up, houses are being prepared for Winter and we human's can feel the change in the angle of the Sun's light.
As Night begins to lengthen, the Natural world begins to share. The shortening of daylight triggers plants to produce and disseminate their seeds; berries and nuts are plentiful; potatoes are getting fat, waiting undergound to be dug up like treasure.
In the Pagan world, this is the time of Mabon, the second harvest. It is a time to celebrate and give thanks for the Earth's bounty. It is a time to share what we have.
We understand the changing of the seasons. We understand Harvest and Winter and the renewal of Spring. We learn these cycles in our first years of life.
It can seem dificult to understand what's happening on Earth right now. But there are some things that don't change and maybe those have been the most important things all along.
The Anishnaabe Elder, Dave Courchene says,
"The principles of our understanding, of the survival of the people, have always been based on peace, harmony and respect for all of life."
These principles can seem like fairy tales. In a materialistic world, they can seem like something we can only wish for. In the most difficult of times, these principles can seem like a luxury.
But they are the most practical. They are basic to our survival.
This is a time for courage. Courage to connect. Courage to Share. Courage to Love.
May you breathe easy,
Mary
_____________________________
Willing
Let me listen.
Let me not know what to say.
Let me receive the world
as it slurs and shrieks,
hums and whispers,
speaks and bleats.
Let me lean every closer in.
There are walls I have built
in my ears. There is so much
I would rather not hear.
Let me listen.
Let me receive with wonder.
Let all be worthy of note.
Let me be witness, eavesdropper,
spy.
Let me never pretend
to be deaf.
Let the world slip into me
and change me
as light changes a room.
Let me be silent, let me listen,
and in listening,
let me be new.
...Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
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Click on the links below for more information about Equinox, Mabon, Native Americans and our featured poet:
https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/autumnal-equinox.html
https://www.learnreligions.com/all-about-mabon-the-autumn-equinox-2562286