This poem was inspired by the palette of autumn. The season is rich and regal in her shades majestic. Where spring and summer glitter in the glory of sunlight, autumn basks in the matte hues of dusk. F. Scott Fitzgerald reflected, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the autumn.”
Just as the spring equinox is a season of rebirth and renewal, the autumn equinox is a season of rest and reflection. As the leaves carpet the ground and provide shade and shelter for creatures small and sacred (butterflies, bees, birds, squirrels and other creatures), so various cultures around the world honour the Season because of the balance of light and darkness; day and night. The season is a message from Nature that balance is essential. The duality of Life and the equality of Life.
Just as nature makes provisions for all, the spiritual meaning of the Equinox is to encourage people to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and treat all beings with respect and kindness. Autumn has historically been prominent because of the approach of harvest time in agricultural societies. Many festivals also coincide with the season, which gathers family, friends and the community together to rejoice and revive friendship and fellowship.
Nature also bestows her blessings during the season, before the frost of winter fair floats through the autumn air.
The breeze of autumn that blows across the ocean blue bears tidings from far and wide, including sacred rain, to replenish earth for the next harvest. The aura of rain /water serves as a sacred symbol of spiritual cleansing in many cultures. It is believed to be a celestial ablution that purifies a person and is associated with the blessings of the sun /son.
Therefore, rain /water is believed to serve as a messenger of the universe, which carries cleansing, divine justice and the manifestation of hopes and wishes. The energy a person emanates – whether negative or positive – near rain/water is the energy the water absorbs and returns to the person when they come into direct contact with the water (rain bath as well as drinking water and bath water).
Water, water bless
bring good tidings to all
banish their sorrows
so they may awake
to a new tomorrow
Season of hibernation and homecomings
The autumn equinox is a season for homecomings.
Many animal beings make preparations for the arrival of Winter during autumn by entering a state of hibernation – a deep, sleep — like state that permits them to conserve energy, avoid the scarcity of food and re-emerge refreshed in spring.
Hibernation is a survival strategy of nature that allows animal beings to endure the cold and darkness of winter days. Bears, ground squirrels and certain birds are some species that seek hibernation during autumn.
Autumn is also a season of homecomings. Family and friends gather for the feasts and festivals hosted during the season and of course – due to the winds circulating outside the home and the earlier arrival of dusk, children seek the comfort and warmth of indoor activities to partake in more. Traditional activities such as jigsaw puzzles, puppet shows, art and craft, assisting to bake, home decorating and similar activities are fond memories I hold of childhood days during the autumn season abroad.
As the poem truly states:
‘but no wind or chill will freeze
their joyful hearts and happy Home.’
Blessed be all children during this year’s autumn equinox.
Autumn morning colours. Picture: WWW.PEXELS.COM/Olivier Darny
An illustrations of fall by a lake. Picture: SUPPLIED
An illustration of children playing in the outdoor during autumn. Picture: SUPPLIED
