Autumn's progress

Even though I cling on to any shred of Summer for as long as I possibly can, the day comes when warmer clothes are needed, hot drinks are more appealing than cold and there's that slightly woody scent in the air that signifies the change in season.  The recent equinox heradling the official start of Autumn, followed by the powerful Harvest Moon means there's no denying the advance of this 'season of the mind' described in Jane Alexander's  excellent book 'The Natural Year' as a 'wake-up to the psyche after the langour of Summer'.  Jane explains how the key focus is on finding your path in life through assessing your career; making changes where necessary, trusting your intuition; fine-tuning your environment; becoming organised and managing stress.  

In the pagan tradition the Autumn equinox is seen as a festival of purification and September is a month of 'letting go'.  I think it's also fascinating that to the Chinese Autumn is a time for storing what's necessary and getting rid of what's no longer needed.  A time of clarity, relinquishing things both physical and emotional which no longer have a place in your life.  An inspiring concept the reality of which has far reaching impact, creating a sense of balance and being centred.

In letting go my sadness of Summer's end I shall embrace substituting outdoor swimming for walking and embark on a pleasurable time of nurturing, nesting, being aware there is always a choice - perhaps not in the outcome of a situation, but certainly in how we deal with it.  Whilst the colours of the leaves begin to change, I will be mindfully space clearing, completing a much overdue sort out of my wardrobes, gardening, preparing my home for the colder weather ahead and focusing on a fresh direction with work.  All within the framework of love, friendship, family and home that to me provides the best foundation for a truly fulfilling life. Relevant to any belief system I think Harvest Festival is a wonderful time to give thanks and enjoy the tradition of appreciating the fruits of the land.  This connectedness provides a rhythm to our year that irrespective of how quickly life may seem to be flying by, gives a sense of inner calm and grounding.