Fall Equinox

[Lunaine]

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, the Fall Equinox is this month. I wanted to post this a bit early to give people time to respond. Do you have any special plans for the Fall Equinox and what are they? If you haven't planned anything yet, what would you like to do? And how will you incorporate your Pantheist beliefs into your celebration?

For those of you in the southern hemisphere, please feel free to answer the same questions for your upcoming Spring Equinox. :hahugh:

[Windsmith]

My wife and I are going to be sharing an intentional meal together. I had this great idea at the end of last month, and maybe it'll turn out to be better suited to Lammas, but I know myself well enough to know that if I had to wait until next August to try it out I will completely forget.

So we're going to cast our circle early in the day, then head out to either the farmers' market or our local co-op and pick out some seasonal fruits and vegetables. This is part of our committment to eating more local foods - when they're in season. For me, this feels very true to my Pantheistic beliefs in that it brings me more in tune with the rhythms of the planet. Then we're going to make some fabulous food with our produce (navratan korma, most likely), and eat it! Simple but powerful, and I'm very much looking forward to it.

[airmist]

Thanks for the question, Lunaine.

I have not planned anything for the equinox and probably won't. I have not usually celebrated either equinox with any particular ritual or activity. I do remember or note it in my meditation for the day. Particularly I like to note the ephemeral nature of "balance" in that the equal day and night status is so fleeting, but already returning.

I am, however, interested in any celebration or activities others may do. I love to borrow freely.

[peggyelizabeth]

I haven't been posting much lately b/c of a new job, but looking forward to the equinox pulled me out of lurk mode.

I'm planning on attending the local Renaissance festival (again) and enjoy some street theatre. Since this time of year makes me think of apple and grape harvests and that makes me think of Dionysus who is not only the Greek wine god, but the god of theatre, and well, there you go.

And I do really know that that's not a totally pantheist way of connecting to the equinox, but somehow that's what it is in my mind, which is strange b/c Dionysus is the only god to whom I feel any connection (metaphorical or otherwise). I guess it's all those Greek plays I had to read in theatre history...

My husband and I also celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary on the 14th, so a dual celebration may be in order.

[airmist]

I'm planning on ... enjoy some street theatre. Since this time of year makes me think of apple and grape harvests and that makes me think of Dionysus who is not only the Greek wine god, but the god of theatre, and well, there you go.

And I do really know that that's not a totally pantheist way of connecting to the equinox ... celebration may be in order.

You made me want to celebrate; who cares if I don't particularly note the specific day! I treat it as half way through the Harvest season starting around August 1, but your comment about the apple and grape harvests and just the outsisde joy of the time were enough to make me smile.

I too have a specific diety I like to feel connected to sometimes. I know, maybe a throwback to a monotheistic upbringing, I am pantheistic, but I don't care. I suspect if all of us here (MW) who didn't start here worried about rationally justifying in an internally consistent manner everything we felt, none of us would be here. We'd still be back where we started. I'm going out to enjoy any way I feel.

[Tullip Troll]

Fire, drumming, making soap for the winter, letting our Goddess out. Hubby and Girlfriend and her hubby, not sure about the rest yet, everyone is so spread out these days. Ill be 36 weeks pregnant so perhaps I'll be asking for strength and courage as well.

[Diotima]

I won't celebrate equinox specifically, but at this time of the year, there is lots of celebration going on in my life.

-I observe first days of every new season. September 1st was first day of Fall, and so I changed my altar display to a Fall display and did a prayer ritual.

-Harvest season is here! I and DH are not professional farmers, but growing part of our own food is important to our lifestyle and spirituality. Since we live in North, fall comes early and this week is our main harvest week. All this week, I will prepare specifically foods that include produce from our garden, including first tastings of many of the canned goodies we made earlier in the summer.
During the coming weekend, we will have a bigger dinner, candlelight and gardening talk. We will also pour beer onto our vegetable patch in honor of Pellonpekko, the Finnish god of farming. I have lately felt the call of the ancient faith of my country. I'm a Pantheist at heart, but do not feel it excludes honoring specific Deities. In any case, Finnish Gods/Goddesses can be seen as metaphors for elemental forces, or certain aspects of reality. However that may be, I just do what feels right and proper.

[Windsmith]

I will also be celebrating six months with my latest pet...named Equinox, who came to me fortuitously on the spring equinox, through an unusual set of circumstances, when I was completely down after some painful experiences with a friend.What kind of critter might Equinox be, cheddar?

[Windsmith]

Equinox is a siren, an aquatic salamander native to the coastal region of the South Eastern states. They get to be about four feet long.Like this (http://www.livingunderworld.org/gallery/photos/caudata/sirenidae/siren/lacertina/)? I'm not much for amphibians and reptiles as pets, but I gotta say - that is one cute salamander!

Wishing you both many happy (re)turns!

Hmmm...how to work a salamander named Equinox into a celebration of the Equinox...

[Jadewynd~]

I have already started preparing for the Equinox. Out with the old and in with the new and ritually cleansed my home like I do every year. Cleansed and changed my altar set up since, I plan to be away before , during and after the Equinox. So being that my trip will place me around nature it's a good time to tune into the changing of the season. I plan on doing a ritual celebration on the day of the Equinox, harvest and make some tasty bake dishes. These is one of my favorite times of the changing from summer to fall; I love fall.

[cheddarsox]

I have already started preparing for the Equinox. Out with the old and in with the new and ritually cleansed my home like I do every year. Cleansed and changed my altar set up since, I plan to be away before , during and after the Equinox. So being that my trip will place me around nature it's a good time to tune into the changing of the season. I plan on doing a ritual celebration on the day of the Equinox, harvest and make some tasty bake dishes. These is one of my favorite times of the changing from summer to fall; I love fall.

I am off work today, and you inspired me. I did some serious "out with the old" and it feels Sooooo gooood.

[Jadewynd~]

I am off work today, and you inspired me. I did some serious "out with the old" and it feels Sooooo gooood.


It does! Think light :woot: , glad to have inspired ya. :)

[Windsmith]

Lunaine, I do believe I'm going to sticky this thread. Lately I've heard a lot of people express frustration with the lack of references for those of us who practice Pantheism as a religion, the lack of guidance for what to do.

So I'm going to pop this thread up into Stickyville where we can always find it, and as the year rolls on, let's get discussions going for all the holy days that pop up - solar, lunar, whateverar! If there are no references for us, let's make some for ourselves!

[Windsmith]

I was just thinking this morning that it's almost time to roll out the song I sing around the Equinoxes. Here's the fall version. Sorry I can't think of a way to convey the tune, but, hey - this way you can come up with your own tune that works for you.

When the sun comes up in the morning
When the moon comes up at night
We are living here in the balance
In between the dark and the light.

Now the wheel rolls on to autumn
Ever longer grows the night.
Still we find our place in the balance
In between the dark and the light

Fast the winds of change are blowing
Calling us to do what's right.
We will work to keep the balance
In between the dark and the light
In between the dark and the light.

Does anyone else have songs or chants or prayers for this holiday or season that they'd care to share?

[Windsmith]

OK, gang. Last night my wife and I planned our menu for our ritual feast, and I am soooo excited I had to share:

Soup course:
--sweet potato soup and toasted sourdough bread with roasted garlic
Main course:
--butternut squash risotto with dried cranberries and toasted pine nuts
--broccoli with garlic butter
Dessert:
--baked apples filled with oats and brown sugar

What's anybody else got stewing for an Equinox celebration?

[Windsmith]

Well? How was Equinox for all and sundry?

We had a great time. The prep work took way longer than we anticipated, but it was well worth the effort. The food was delicious, and we had a great time cooking together (and having a kitchen big enough to hold us both!) - with intention, in sacred space.

While we ate, we toasted the season and each other. We talked about our favorite things about Autumn, shared cherished memories from this time of year, and made resolutions about what we hoped to harvest and keep in balance in our lives this season.

Also, ending a ritual pleasantly stuffed is kinda cool.

How were things for everyone else?

[Windsmith]

That sounds like fun Windsmith. Unfortunately, I was unable to do anything for the equinox because I've been really busy with school and work. But I do plan to have a fall-type celebration sometime soon when the leaves start to change. I am going to plan a day for my boyfriend and I to go out and just appreciate the season. I'd like to maybe go to a corn maze, eat pumpkin donuts and drink apple cider, take some pretty fall pictures, etc. Just anything to enjoy the beauty of the season.I understand the business, Lunaine. I think if we'd given ourselves any wiggle room, we'd've said, "Uh, let's do this some other time." Which would've meant never. :bigredblu Although I will take any excuse not to do my homework. I'm such a slacker.

Your fall celebration sounds lovely! I've never done a corn maze before. Which is weird, since they're such a huge deal around here. I just keep managing to miss them somehow. Ah well. C'est la maïs.

[MankyCat]

I went apple picking and picked a few pumpkins too (for cooking). Wanted to get a huge sunflower head for the seeds, but held off.

But the little bean in me also decided to celebrate by making its presence more than known. Oh the joys... :gagged:

[Windsmith]

I went apple picking and picked a few pumpkins too (for cooking). Wanted to get a huge sunflower head for the seeds, but held off.

But the little bean in me also decided to celebrate by making its presence more than known. Oh the joys... :gagged:Sounds fun!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who uses food words to refer to babies born and unborn. One of my co-workers is pregnant, and I always refer to him as "Mr. Peanut."

[cheddarsox]

We managed to get together with several sets of friends over the course of the weekend. ate black/white equinox cookies. I made a summer and autumn fruit pie. Did my ritual of dedication for the next six weeks, and got started on Days of the Dead art.

All in all a very nice observance. I have a few loose ends to tie up...need to put up the autumn calendar, but in spite of the fact that we were denied our bonfire, we did the holiday up right!

cheddar

[Windsmith]

ate black/white equinox cookies.Gah! cheddar! Did you make these or buy them? If you made them, can I have a recipe? I had been thinking that these would be fabulous, but my wife led me astray with the promise of baked apples - which I ended up making, the sneaky minx! :lol:


Did my ritual of dedication for the next six weeksCan you say a bit more about what this entails? It sounds very cool.


and got started on Days of the Dead art.Ruh-roh. Does it take that long? The missus and I are thinking of doing an Ancestor altar for Days of the Dead this year; should we be starting now?


I have a few loose ends to tie upYup. I know for loose ends. Sometime Monday I smacked my forehead and said, "The altar! We forgot to put the fall decorations on the altar!" Ah, well. Good thing Autumn's going to last...a week or two (stoopid 11-month winters, grumblegrumble).

Your celebration sounds lovely, cheddar. Thank you so much for sharing it - and inspiring some ideas for next year. Mwah hah...hah.

[cheddarsox]

Gah! cheddar! Did you make these or buy them? If you made them, can I have a recipe? I had been thinking that these would be fabulous, but my wife led me astray with the promise of baked apples - which I ended up making, the sneaky minx! :lol:

Can you say a bit more about what this entails? It sounds very cool.

Ruh-roh. Does it take that long? The missus and I are thinking of doing an Ancestor altar for Days of the Dead this year; should we be starting now?

Yup. I know for loose ends. Sometime Monday I smacked my forehead and said, "The altar! We forgot to put the fall decorations on the altar!" Ah, well. Good thing Autumn's going to last...a week or two (stoopid 11-month winters, grumblegrumble).

Your celebration sounds lovely, cheddar. Thank you so much for sharing it - and inspiring some ideas for next year. Mwah hah...hah.

Black/White Equinox Cookies

White side

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp almond extract (or other desired flavor)
2 tsp grated orange rind or 1/2 tsp orange extract (if desired)
beat together

then add

1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups flour
mix into soft dough. Place on floured waxed paper or parchment and form into a roll.

Black side

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg

beat well, then add

1 1/4 cup flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon

mix into soft dough. turn out onto floured waxed paper and form into roll.

flatten one side of each dough roll on counter. slightly wet flat side of one roll, press flat sides of rolls together and roll into uniform roll, half black, half white. Wrap and refrigerate till well chilled, at least four hours. Cut into thin cookies with a sharp knife. Bake on a lightly greased or parchment covered baking sheet at 375 for six to eight minutes (depending on thickness)


Dedication: on each solar holiday and crossquarter, I dedicate myself to a spiritual/lifestyle discipline for the six week period, until the next holiday. I often use a piece of jewelry or something like that I can wear to remind me of my commitment and focus. These vary according to what is going on in my life, and which areas I need to focus on. I usually meditate beforehand on what my focus for the next six weeks should be.

I am an artist, and a great deal of my art is Mexican style folk art, inspired by the Days of the Dead, that is why I use the six weeks prior to it. Though honestly, in some parts of Mexico, six weeks is hardly enough to do the preparations, it is a very important holiday. It is one of the most important holidays in my family as well, and I do try to create several new art pieces each year in a variety of media. I also use this time to gather other people together to work on art, and teach them about the Days of the Dead and share stories of our ancestors.

A lot of the art is paper mache, which involves steps and needing to dry between, etc, so that takes time. It is really like a season, not just a one day holiday (or actually a three day observance)

I have a lot of ideas, I hope I find the time and energy to bring them to fruition.

cheddar

[Eleisawolf]

So, we've come around again...

I decided to re-up this thread instead of creating a new one because... guess what, my dear friends: it's been a full year of us figuring out our pantheist ways of celebrating the cycle of the year!

We have come full circle and are ready to roll around again. So the question arises for me as it may be arising for others: what will you do to celebrate this Fall Equinox?

I would like to try to get Cheddar's idea of a group ritual going again. Let's try to incorporate something that we define as a common element into whatever ritual we do. Ideas?

For me, this holiday is bread and honey. Wine, too. The grain harvest and the honey harvest happen at this time of year, and the wine is beginning to be made as the grapes are ripe and ready to harvest. So I make a honey wheat bread and drink wine and celebrate the arrival of my favorite part of the year--autumn. I admit that as much as I love each season, this is the one where my heart is truly awake somehow, and revels in the changes that give this season its particular beauty and that bring me to ponder, at once, richness and want, life and death, success and struggle.

The other thing I notice is that the large rolls of harvested grass begin to dot the prairie. See, open space around Colorado is used to help support the ranches--buffalo, elk, cattle--for feed and bedding through the winter. So on public lands, the mowers come through and create huge rolls of grass to make hay and straw for that purpose. They sit around in the various fields until someone comes to pick them up for storage. Even around my office, open space areas are mowed for that purpose.

I'd like to find a way to incorporate that into my celebration. I recognize that I don't always give thanks for the living critters who make up my omnivore's diet. I don't always remember to thank the spirit of the cow, or the buffalo, or the chicken, or pig, that dresses my table. I'd like to make a ritual about keeping the four-leggeds warm and safe and thanking them for the lives that give me sustenance, to help create a marker for that purpose, since I don't always remember to do it at meals. I want to create that awareness for myself.

It's also, of course, the start of preparations for hibernation, which reaches a climax at Hallows' Eve. It's the balance of night and day before night takes over. I do like the metaphor of Oak King and Holly King as a way to recognize that--Grandfather Frost, the Holly King, takes over from the Sun, the Oak King.

So are there any things here that we can agree on for a ritual element we can share? Or does anyone have other suggestions?

What shall we do as we head into autumn? What do you want to do for yourself and for one another?

Peace

[airmist]

Thanks for the seasonal cyclical recognition, Eleisawolf. I enjoyed your images and ideas as well as bringing back the post from last year; a nice seasonal return.

As I posted last year, I don't do any particular ritual for the Fall Equinox although I do note the time in my daily ritual. But your thoughts are nice and I'll keep them in mind too as a sort of entry way to preparation for my new year around Samhain.

And it would be nice to hear from any Southern Hemisphere folks so we can at least spiritually join in their seasonal turn.

[Windsmith]

As some of you know, my wife and I recently had two different working groups open themselves to us. After working with both for a while, we felt that one was working for us and the other was not. We bowed out of the one and set our sights on the other. But it now appears that some of the very things that discomfitted us about the group we left - in particular, the forced and enforced feeling it had - are the very things whose lack may presage the downfall of the group we stayed with. Repeated attempts to form Fall Equinox plans have come to naught.

My frustration with the group is probably a rant for a different thread, but for now we're left without plans. But we're going to be on Mackinac Island for the actual holiday; I think we'll just leave ourselves open to whatever amazing and unforeseeable ritual opportunities present themselves in the moment. Spontaneous spiritual outbursts...could be fun!

[Heart of All]

As some of you know, my wife and I recently had two different working groups open themselves to us. After working with both for a while, we felt that one was working for us and the other was not. We bowed out of the one and set our sights on the other. But it now appears that some of the very things that discomfitted us about the group we left - in particular, the forced and enforced feeling it had - are the very things whose lack may presage the downfall of the group we stayed with. Repeated attempts to form Fall Equinox plans have come to naught.

My frustration with the group is probably a rant for a different thread, but for now we're left without plans. But we're going to be on Mackinac Island for the actual holiday; I think we'll just leave ourselves open to whatever amazing and unforeseeable ritual opportunities present themselves in the moment. Spontaneous spiritual outbursts...could be fun!

I'm sorry your plans fell through.

But what you said about the spontaneous spiritual outbursts is interesting to me. In the little tradition I'm creating for myself, the fall equinox is the day to celebrate humanity and what I like about being human. I'm going to dance and spend time with friends and meditate and things. And, hopefully, have some spontaneous spiritual outbursts.

[Novembers River]

As some of you know, my wife and I recently had two different working groups open themselves to us. After working with both for a while, we felt that one was working for us and the other was not. We bowed out of the one and set our sights on the other. But it now appears that some of the very things that discomfitted us about the group we left - in particular, the forced and enforced feeling it had - are the very things whose lack may presage the downfall of the group we stayed with. Repeated attempts to form Fall Equinox plans have come to naught.

I have never done well in groups, for any interest in my life, for these types of reasons. The larger a group gets the more difficult it becomes to please everyone and fulfill everyone's needs when it comes to spirituality.

I'm a fairly private person, though, so staying solo in my spiritual endeavors just works for me.


I think we'll just leave ourselves open to whatever amazing and unforeseeable ritual opportunities present themselves in the moment. Spontaneous spiritual outbursts...could be fun!

The Universe will provide. Enjoy the island!

[Novembers River]

With the recent hurricane that has hit our area my plans may be changed a bit. Thankfully power was restored to our home yesterday (5 days without power has both pros and cons), so I'll be able to do more cooking.

I believe I'll be cooking a hearty meal which will include home baked bread. I'd also like to bake an apple pie or turnover.

All this if I can get the supplies I need. Small, local markets are still shut down due to Ike and many larger grocery stores are as well. The few that are open tend to have a waiting line just to get in.

We'll see.

[Windsmith]

But what you said about the spontaneous spiritual outbursts is interesting to me.It's interesting to us, too - in a very Minnesotan, "Hmmm, how interesting" (which is usually code for "I think your idea is insane but I'm too polite to say so) way. But we're going to work to keep our hearts and minds and eyes open and hope that some amazing opportunity presents itself. I'll update when I get back.


I have never done well in groups, for any interest in my life, for these types of reasons. The larger a group gets the more difficult it becomes to please everyone and fulfill everyone's needs when it comes to spirituality.

I'm a fairly private person, though, so staying solo in my spiritual endeavors just works for me.That's part of what makes this frustrating: there are only five of us! And four of the five consist of two couples, so it shouldn't be that hard. But I guess it is.

I don't know. My wife prefers to work solitary; I prefer a group. For a while I was trying to be satisfied with my wife being my group - and I do love working with her - but I need more interaction than that. It's become harder to find people to work with, though, since we became more adamant about wanting to be part of a group with more compatible beliefs - as far as we know, there isn't a group of nondeistic Pagans running around our area.


The Universe will provide.We just have to keep ourselves open to recognizing whatever's being provided!

Thanks!

[Heart of All]

It's interesting to us, too - in a very Minnesotan, "Hmmm, how interesting" (which is usually code for "I think your idea is insane but I'm too polite to say so) way. But we're going to work to keep our hearts and minds and eyes open and hope that some amazing opportunity presents itself. I'll update when I get back.


:( I didn't mean it like that. I actually do think it's interesting and it's something I'm also planning to do.

[Eleisawolf]

Well, my holiday will probably be spent trying to get my dog and cat to avoid killing each other, somehow. But in the meantime, I'm going to make the bread I make for each autumn equinox and enjoy the fall that has certainly come.

Today we saw a tree that had only two branches turned and the rest still green. It was lovely...

And I had ice cream for dinner.

And tomorrow is Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Good weekend, I hope...

Peace

[Eleisawolf]

Talk Like a Pirate Day was fun, by the way.

Tomorrow, as part of my enjoyment of the equinox:

I'll be offering homemade honey whole-wheat bread to friends to whom it has been promised.

I'll be participating in a discussion, at the Episcopal church where I have found community, involving the balance of religion (spirituality) and science. This is a discussion I will be involved in and partly hosting over the next few weeks and perhaps into the future as requested. This week delves into cosmology, while the weeks in which I will be more active will involve evolution and cognitive neuroscience, two areas with which I am fascinated from both a spiritual and scientific POV. I recommend, by the way, that anyone who has spiritual ecstasy when considering the sheer awe-striking capacity of the brain should pick up Newsweek Magazine for the week of September 22, 2008. Don't let the cover, "What Women Want," fool you. The majority of the issue is dedicated to various areas of cognitive neuroscience. Anyway, as one of the resident pantheists in the church (albeit perhaps the only non-deistic one), it's a good role for me to play and one I'm embracing whole-heartedly.

I'll be celebrating my father's (and, prematurely, my own) birthday--with him. What a gift to live near one's parents when a good relationship exists.

I'll be enjoying the presence of our newly adopted Siberian Husky mix, Sa'rits (Ute word, meaning "dog") and the many challenges and lessons she will offer over the course of our lives together, along with our enjoyably bold and energetic kitty, Sasha.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2863605521_cf225f46af.jpg?v=0

(Yes, she's very skinny---not sure if that's a result of neglect or just shelter stress... we're working on getting her to a healthy weight, though...)

I'll be howling at the moon, welcoming my most beloved autumn, and enjoying the holiness of the items of "second harvest"---honey, wine, and grain.

I'll be lighting my Russian vigil lamp to remember Tika, who left us at the Spring Equinox, and Basha, who left us at the Winter Solstice. 6 and 9 months ago exactly. Numbers that are multiples of 3 are holy to me for their various "magical" properties in the world of mathematics and their correspondences across much of human experience. Our girls left exactly 3 months apart on two of my sacred days. 3, 6, 9. It's partly because of this (along with the fact that it's a Sunday, during which I have more time) that I'm celebrating the equinox on the 21st, even though, technically, it's the morning of the 22nd this year. Note that 21---as 2 + 1---is also a 3.

This season reminds me of the stretching we have to do to survive as a thin-skinned species with big brains. I will continue to reap the harvest before all chances to do so end on Hallows' Eve. What I reap, I will store and use and feed on through the winter in preparation for a new burst into the life of spring. May such harvests bring hope and peace and satisfaction to each of us.

Peace, and blessed, joyous equinox to you all.

ETA: I will share a thought with all of you at some point during the day---May you be fulfilled. Perhaps that simple thought can be part of everyone's ritual, as a way for us to connect as a community. It's not complex, and hopefully won't conflict with your ritual intents... Let us know what you do and how it works for you...

[cheddarsox]

Thanks for sharing your plans and and update of whats going on with you!

I am using the equinox as the beginning of a "sabbatical" so if you don't see me round much, that's why. I'm going to try some different strategies of how I spend my time and interact with others, and see how that goes.

I've been having some serious health issues lately and am hoping that tweaking other areas of my life will also bring relief in that area.

I was at a harvest festival two weekends ago and a lady there was selling pottery lanterns, the pottery "globes" have cut outs in various shapes...and when a votive is lit inside they throw the shapes of the cut outs on the walls and ceiling of a dark room.

the glazes and shapes of the saucers fit the theme of each lantern. I purchased one, beautifully glazed in autumn/woodsy colors with various leaf shaped cut outs and sits on a large curled leaf base...for the autumnal equinox. And I chose a blue one with sun images sitting on a star shaped base for the winter solstice.

I have asked her if she has a website or someplace on line with photos that I could tell my friends about, because her lanterns are lovely and she has many themes, and takes custom orders as well! So, if you work with certain images, symbols, etc...she'd create a lantern with the symbols, colors, etc that you like.

She also has some more traditionally shaped cylyndrical lanterns, but I like the globe shaped one's best.

She said that a website was too costly just now, but I suggested she create a photobucket or even a "myspace" where she could at least let people look at her works...but I think she thought I was being pushy...she's not responded to my last e-mail.

But I do think her lanterns would appeal to many pagan types (I told her that I thought people with nature based spiritualities would love her work)...oh well.

I'll see if I can't get my daughter to upload a couple of photos of mine so I can post them here...

yesterday we went on a walk in the mountains, the recent hurricane related rains have brought forth a bloom of mushrooms/fungi, fall really is the best time to do a mushroom walk. We saw hundreds of kinds!

Today I will change the altars over for the season and create a hearty meal of the autumn's bounty, and dedicate myself to my six weeks of ...I'm not sure what...brutal honesty...creative work...keeping my mouth shut and my ears and eyes open...coming to terms with some changes in my life that I've been resisting.

I will think of my friends here, who I appreciate so much, who challenge and encourage me in all the best ways.

cheddar

[Windsmith]

:( I didn't mean it like that.I know you didn't, HeartofMoon. You're a better person than that. We just feeling uncertain of ourselves and of how well our endeavor was going to work.

It worked like a charm, by the way. We cast our circle in the morning before we walked into "town" and just let the wonder of being in such a unique place flow through us. We were at the Grand Hotel (http://grandhotel.com/), and to our great amazement, we discovered they have a labyrinth (http://watermelondreams.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/labyrinth.jpg)! It's gorgeous and secluded and so serene. Leora and I walked it, and once we were done, we looked at each other and said, "Hey, we just had our ritual, didn't we?" We didn't feel we needed anything else, though we kept our circle up until right before we went to bed. The whole day became ritual - a normal day (though the day was, in fact, anything but normal) made sharper, somehow more real because of the attention we were paying.

[Windsmith]

This year, Leora and I will be taking a spiritual retreat day on the 21st. On the 22nd, we will mark the Equinox with a mystery dinner; that is, we have not planned what we will be eating but rather will compose a meal of whatever arrives in our CSA share tonight or can be obtained at the farmer's market on Saturday. This seems a great way to acknowlege the harvest: you can plan and plan, but ultimately you must deal with whatever the Earth provides.

On the 26th we're having a few friends over for a harvest potluck. We're trying to see about rebuilding some community ties.

[Eleisawolf]

This equinox, I've found myself in a place of extreme unbalance. So, I'm working on balance, which of course is appropriate right now.

Unfortunately, this balance is going to take a long time. It is needed in my external, physical world, and in my internal, emotional/mental world. Which of course is all physical... but the external stuff feels more tangible.

Still, none of it will be easily resolved. Hopefully, I'll find the path through, on a balance with myself, the world, and what will come.

Peace

[*oonagh*]

i keep it simple with prayers at the altar. in keeping with my pantheistic beliefs, i mark the changing of the seasons and the full and new moons, but i keep it very simple remembering the cycles of nature.

[TygerTyger]

I just observe, experience and enjoy.

Watching the seasons change helps put my own problems/concerns into perspective, not by making them any less important, just reminding me that everything changes and what was a pain in the neck today will probably be forgotten when the future becomes today, but the beauty of existence will continue.

Stop. Look. Listen.

For just one moment in each day.

Existence is everything.

[SparkleWytch]

I plan on doing some meditation and reflecting on the things that I am thankful for. My family is going to have a big home cooked meal as well.

[Melian The Maia]

It's a lovely rainy day outside so I'm just going to enjoy the view outside (from the comfort of my warm room) this Mabon. It'll the first of what I hope to be many that I'll be celebrating today. I plan to tend to my flowers, meditate of the meaning and significance of Mabon and cook something special with what I have in the kitchen.

Happy Fall Equinox/Mabon everybody! :mmm: