The Fall or Autumnal Equinox will arrive later this year on September 23rd of 2011, bringing us reminders of the coming of winter. Many festivals around the world observe this as a time for mindful gratitude of harvest and the hearth as a symbol of family, friends and the home
For our ancestors, the Autumn Equinox meant food bounties as the results of hard labours. Also known as the Feast of Avalon, it is also associated with apples as potent symbols of death, rebirth and transformation and the time to honor the dead. Avalon is one of the Celtic names given for the Island of the Blessed Dead and literally means the "land of apples."The name itself is derived from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night) as the sun enters the sign of Libra: The constellation appropriately represented as scales and balance.
And the intention of holding both light and dark within us.
We are clearly living in a time where life feels darkly uncertain and can shake our very foundations or belief systems. Understandably this loss of control can perpetuate fear. Rituals including dream practices can help ground us and deepen the process, allowing access to the wisdom in us. For the Equinox is also the fruits from the ‘seeds of dreams’ we had planted in the spring. This would be a potent time to incubate dreams of appreciation and guidance, without holding onto the outcome.
A ritual you can practice is writing on a piece of paper or object (like a stone) with your intention. For example you might write: “Though I have experienced tremendous loss, I am grateful for my friends and family. Please bring me guidance and make these transitions gentle and loving.” Hold the paper or object and meditate on these words with deep feeling right before bedtime. Give yourself as much time as you need. Be sure to keep a journal of your findings in both dream and waking time over the next few days.
The Autumn Equinox can be a celebration for the blessings of life itself, for loved ones both living and dead and when we feel out of balance with life’s changes. Remember this is Libra’s time of harmony. Therefore the equinox holds tremendous potential in asking for direction in dreams while we hold true to our selves.
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