If you missed the swarms of people flooding coffee shops and all o the posts on the internet, it’s pumpkin season again. Pumpkin spiced everything is available for autumn – even though it may not be autumn just yet. It is approaching fast.
The Wheel of the Year is turning and we are transitioning from summer to autumn. Some – much like myself – have been ready for autumn since last year and could not wait to be rid of summer. It is finally almost time for the Autumnal Equinox.
September 22nd not only marks the first day of autumn, but also the second harvest called Mabon. This is the time of transition and harvest – literally and figuratively. It is also a time of balance and realignment. Before it is Samhain (the third harvest in Celtic tradition) and darker months to come, we must ground ourselves, stay focused, and be present.
There are two equinoxes each year. “Equinox” comes from the Latin words “equal” and “night”. This is because there are the same hours of day as there are for night. For the spring equinox the days grow longer and for the autumnal equinox the nights grow longer. As we prepare for autumn – beyond replacing our blood with pumpkin spice and wearing scarves and oversized plaids – this is the time to decide how you will move forward.
Reflect a bit on this past year thus far. Have you reached your goals? Did you have any goals? What would you like to do from this point on? Only you can really know the answer, but now is the perfect time to try and figure that out. Reap what you have sown all year to this point. Look at yourself and where you are in life right now. Really analyze it. Now, what can you do from here? If it helps, you can write it down in a journal, but it is important to reflect and be present. Take note on how you feel. Are you accomplished? Are you not exactly reaching your goal? Are you happy?
If you don’t necessarily celebrate or acknowledge the Celtic holiday of Mabon, it is never a bad thing to take a step back and evaluate yourself, be present, and realize what you need to do in order to complete and accomplish what you want. Reap your harvest (your past actions that lead you to this point and take responsibility) and move forward in a way that will benefit you best. I promise if you follow these steps and simply enjoy the now you will be more peaceful and even surprised what you can attract and get done.