Tuesday, September 18, 2012

The Autumn Equinox


"In the garden, Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year, bringing us the fruition of months of thought and care and toil. And at no season, safe perhaps in Daffodil time, do we get such superb colour effects as from August to November."

Rose G. Kingsley



Played hooky today.  My body was craving for some much-needed rest.  Besides, when I awoke this morning and heard the sound of the rain beating down on the AC, I pulled the covers up and went right back to sleep.  It's still like night out there, and it is coming up to 8 am.  They say later the rain is going to get much worse, a tremendous storm they say with high winds and drenching rains, perhaps even a tornado.  We've been getting them a lot lately here.  Changes are occurring.  Let's face it and be honest.  I heard the weather report last night and already had my mind made up.

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the Autumn Equinox is almost upon us. After this past summer, I know most of us are eagerly awaiting it. Some call this day Mabon and consider it the second harvest celebration, and although most of us consider Labor Day to be the unofficial start of Autumn, it is the Autumn Equinox that truly marks the official beginning of Autumn. The days are growing noticeably shorter, and there is a crispness in the air and although the leaves have not begun to change, we know that will happen soon enough. The weather here in the city has been so wonderful that I haven't wanted to stay inside. There is nothing like the feeling of your hair blowing in the wind...and not caring how mussed up it gets. 

The Autumn Equinox has been revered and celebrated since ancient times as a time to share our abundance and showing gratitude for all the bountiful blessings that Mother Nature has given us. For our ancestors, this day of equal balance between light and dark was a powerful time. Most harvest crops were collected, and it was not only a day of thanksgiving, but also a reminder that it is time to prepare for the winter. 

It is a time of drawing inward and taking a moment to think about what the 'harvest' of our lives has been.  It is a time of balance, a day where light and dark stand equal as we prepare to begin the dark part of the year. It is also a time of the year when we begin working towards finding a balance in ourselves by making peace with the dark and considering it a part of the light, for without one, we could not have the other. We must use this time wisely as a time for meditation, contemplation, reflection and giving thanks for those things we so often take for granted. 
Be thankful! 

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

Author Unknown



6 comments:

  1. Oh what a perfect illustration!!! Oh happy sigh...

    Do many children still know/remember the delightful smell of burning leaves??? We haven't been able to burn leaves, for years, around here.

    I know, it's for safety and a good reason. But still, I am so happy that I had a childhood, in which leaves could be burned in simple piles. :-) Thank you for the lovely memory.

    ENJOY your needed day off!!! :-)

    Gentle hugs,
    "Auntie"

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  2. It is raining here as well Mary, has been all night long. A wind picked up during the night
    and most of the leaves on the squirrel tree outside my window have fallen to the ground.

    I have been doing a lot of thinking lately
    about all the changes I have been through in
    my life. About how many times I have been
    knocked down and had to start all over again.

    I truly am grateful for each and every blessing
    that has been gifted to me, for each and every
    time God helped me to rise again.

    I learned something new today from your blog.
    I did not know about the balance of dark and light being equal at the equinox. I can see how important this would be.

    I love it when I learn something new. So, I am
    thankful today for you teaching me this.

    We are all teachers and students of life.
    Enjoy your much needed day off Mary and I
    will do the same.

    hugs and love Sharon

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  3. I wish that we had a weather change here in So. Cal to make the beginning of true Autumn and the slow giveaway to Winter coming up, so I delight in hearing about your rain and you snuggling in. Part of me loves the darkness and the other part of me, just wants to metaphorically stay home under the blankets and some days we can have both. Have fun for me.

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  4. Good morning Mary......Everyone needs to play hooky once in a while. (O:
    I loved this post today about Autumn....especially you term about the "harvest of your life".....I believe as we age....we do more and more of that....I know I do.

    Stay well sweet friend,

    Jo

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  5. Did some walking in the rain myself last night. For clothes shopping, I will do anything. ;0) Tagged along with Ed's daughter and g daughter to Kohls and Victoria Secret where I bought some pricey and sexy underwear. What the HAY...just once in a lifetime it's okay to splurge.
    Hope your Hooky Day was spectacular!
    (((hugs)))Pat

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