Preparing For Change; The Autumn Equinox (Spell Included!)

Preparing for Change

The Autumn Equinox

 

 

As beings of this Earth, we are blessed with the cycles of Nature that come with it, and a responsibility to honor those cycles. We have our Moon, in all her beauty, shining her silver beams down upon us. And we have our Sun, warming the dirt below our feet with his golden rays. With Spring and Summer come light, rebirth and renewal, and as Fall and Winter approach, we are now fixing to enter the cycles of darkness, death and hibernation.  A change is already in the air. It is inevitable. And as the seasons prepare to change, so must we. By learning to see and accept these changes around us, it allows us to transition a little more smoothly. It gives us time to adjust our sails as we begin to enter the dark half of the year.

Of all the Sabbats and Equinox’s, I do believe that Autumn is a favorite among Pagan and Wiccan tradition. We have cooler evenings to spend outside with family and friends, circled around wood burning fires. Our “witchy” attire is pulled from the broom closet, and we are finally able to wear our favorite black skirt again (without looking downright creepy for wearing black!). Kitchen magic returns in full force, as we bake apple pies and stir cider in our cauldron.  And, even if unintentional, for a brief moment, no matter what your religion or beliefs, the meaning of the Autumn harvest, of family and communion, is honored by everyone, regardless of faith or income bracket.

Beginning to shift your own internal cycle now, will help ease you into the natural cycle of the seasons, and you will feel yourself 'going with the flow' so to speak, instead of waking up one frosty dark morning feeling disoriented and out of sorts. Just as you are watching the squirrels stock up on their winter foods, you should take note and do the same. Clean out your pantry of old, stale foods, and slowly begin to stock up on all those winter staples, like canned broth and soups. If you can your own foods, you are already stock piling those summer foods, but if you don’t, you can still find plenty to buy and store, making sure you always have a meal on hand for a cool November day. Rice, noodles, spices and canned foods are always good to have in stock, as well as all your freezer foods, like meats and frozen veggies.

I watch certain summer flowers die off in the garden, while others begin to take over and shine, and it reminds me to clear out the clutter in my home, physically and spiritually. Pick a cool sunny morning and open all the windows and doors, allowing that sweet aromatic breeze to flow through your space. Sweep every corner starting the furthest from your back door, and work your way through every room, sweeping the cobwebs and dust bunnies, until you reach the back door, sweeping it all out, releasing all the negativity with it. Now is also the perfect time of year, to pull out all your blankets and winter clothes, and get rid of what no serves you. Take inventory of the things you need, and start re-stocking now, before that first freeze hits and you are without a warm fuzzy coat! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to re-stock your magical tools too. Candles and herbs are must-haves, so burn off all those tiny candle pieces, and begin fresh for the Fall!

Fall gardening has already begun too. Garlic and leafy greens are always planted during this time of year, as well as bulbs. They need to go in the ground now, so they can lay dormant through winter, and will be ready to bloom next spring.  Mulch is also put down now, to protect your tender plants as much as possible. Those in pots need to be brought in if you can, so they can be safe throughout the cold season. Herbs can be planted now too, simply grab some tiny pots and get to planting, making sure to keep them in a sunny spot in your home until spring.

Though there is plenty to keep you busy this time of year, don’t forget to take time for yourself. As we enter the dark half of the year, it is a time for reflection. Take note and give thanks, for the things that were brought to you throughout the year. Set new goals for yourself, yet don’t forget to forgive yourself, for the things that may have fallen through this past year, or didn’t quite come to fruition as you had expected. This is a time for rest, so conserve your energy when needed, and know that a new year will bring fresh new ideas, and stamina.

To help with your transition, below is a candle prayer from my favorite author and book, By Candlelight, by Janina Renee.

 

 

For Candlelit Autumn Evenings

Light a candle of your choice, preferably one with your favorite autumn scent or color, 

then say aloud,

I set this candle

Against the lengthening darkness

Change is everywhere

And truly, all life is change

So may I honor the seasons of life

Let me savor the fleeting beauty,

And yet, let go

When time has come and gone

So may change bring new vitality

So may change bring added wisdom

So Mote it Be