Happy Autumnal Equinox, Happy Mabon!

Each life fulfills its proper cycle, laying aside the old and embracing the new. This is the way of the eternal chain of living. I celebrate the fullness of my life and the harvest of this year’s lessons. The year wheel turns, and the bounty comes. To the good seasons that have gone, and the good ones yet come. To good friends and the beauty of autumn.

The autumnal equinox has arrived, a day of equal day and night, a day to recognize the bounty of this year’s harvest, and day to pay respect to the impending winter and waning light. Autumn is a contemplative time of year, with its cornucopia of seasonal colors and flavors to awaken and delight our senses and spirit. Pumpkin, squash, foliage, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg. It is a time to reconnect with nature, the paradise that is our planet, the mystery of our existence, and the cycle of death and rebirth.

It is also a time to reflect back on this past year’s accomplishments and challenges. Another year has almost elapsed, and it is already close to the end of September. It might seem difficult to feel celebratory when many of us are also hurting from a poor economy, are unemployed, have debt (many of us have massive student debt), have no health care, et al. But now, more than ever, it is vitally important to recognize that there are certain forces outside of our control, that the universe works at its own pace, and that we must maintain our health, sense of humor and remain in high spirits. The one thing that no one can take from you is your crown or your spirit. Further, no matter what our lot in life, it is always important to turn attention away from the self and remember there are always certain privileges you have that others do not.

There is a fundamental shift taking place in the way of life here in America. Materialism and corporatism are proving to be less than sustainable cultures. There is an uncertainty in the air. We are being forced to rethink this classist, feudal system, find new ways to challenge it and expose it, hold its enablers accountable, and return to simplicity and equity.

Now is the time to remember that we are guests here on planet earth for some period of time, unbeknownst to us. The changing of the seasons occurred long before we were here and will continue long after we are gone. Now is the time to find ways in which to create and share value while we are still here. Positive energy begets positive energy and bears fruit.