As we approach the Autumnal Equinox or Mabon, (22 September) one of two days each year in which day and night are equally balanced, light and dark stand equivalent, we are given an opportunity to address the need for greater balance in our lives. The Equinox also supports changes made through the year that create more balance in our lives, homes communities, and our world. For many of us it is the beginning of a slower pace, time to reflect on the rapid growth of summer.
Autumn, The West, The Harvest, the time of the sunset, when birds fly to roost, day begins to yield to night… In the plants it is a time of fruiting, all the potential of the next generation held in a vessel of possible future.
The time of completion…this quadrant of the compass point also reflects a sense of community. To gather in the harvest requires many hands. Living, even if just for the brief time of harvest, in a communal fashion offers the deep connection a social species requires. With a single purpose: the harvest, we solidify our common bonds our unity.
Mabon is a celebration of perfect balance. Feasting on a bountiful harvest is a common thread through the ages. The early days of autumn are tawny and golden punctuated with riotous reds. While we celebrate the intensity of color and abundance of the harvest we are also aware of the coming darkness. The festivities last long into the night.
Affirming that death is a natural part of our lives is another aspect of the season. Not solely the death of the physical, but the death-change-transformation of ideas, relationships, ways of being, or habits, this season gives us pause. It also offers assurance that we will rise again just as surely as the sun.
Blessed is this time of balance. Blessings on you all this Mabon.
*anna
I could use a little balanced
By: on thehomefrontandbeyond on September 20, 2012
at 12:32 pm
Drink it in Louann 🙂
By: oceannah on September 20, 2012
at 1:07 pm
me too Louanne…but I hope it hurries up 😉
By: oceannah on September 24, 2012
at 1:12 pm
Beautifully written. Words to remember. It’s caught me by surprise, as the hot, summer days are still upon us, so the shortening of the day has not hit me, yet. I’m sure it will. – Kaye
By: latebloomershow on September 20, 2012
at 12:49 pm
Enjoy that SUN for us Kaye 🙂
By: oceannah on September 24, 2012
at 1:11 pm
Thanks Kaye I imagine it is harder in a climate that is less changeable?
By: oceannah on September 20, 2012
at 1:08 pm
well said, bring on the slowness of winter…balance…need some soon.
By: Tri-grandma-try on September 20, 2012
at 10:14 pm
Same here Cindy!
By: oceannah on September 24, 2012
at 1:05 pm
Love your leafy heart – great colour!! What are they anyway? (That’s what my Burning Bush is supposed to look like, right?; )
By: Deb Weyrich-Cody on September 20, 2012
at 10:45 pm
Wow! Forgot to say “Happy Mabon to you and yours!”
Hugs , Deb
By: Deb Weyrich-Cody on September 20, 2012
at 10:46 pm
Good Mabon to you Deb blessings for a balanced season.
By: oceannah on September 24, 2012
at 1:03 pm
And unto you as well my friend.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined” ~ Thoreau
– Sent from the iPhone of Deb Weyrich-Cody
By: Deb Weyrich-Cody on September 24, 2012
at 2:14 pm
Happy Mabon, my friend 🙂
By: flamidwyfe on September 22, 2012
at 5:45 am
And good Mabon to you Sandi 🙂
By: oceannah on September 24, 2012
at 12:59 pm
Great reminder to savor the present and to tune into the natural cycles around us. Needless to say, I missed it…but I’m inspired, and can take it into the new week. Thank you!
By: amyturnertaylor on September 23, 2012
at 11:16 am
you merely missed the day Amy, not the season ;o
xo
By: oceannah on September 24, 2012
at 12:59 pm