Ah, yes. Fall. The beautiful collage of
vibrant crimson and piercing rustic golden hues that cascade along
our senses. That crisp, refreshing breeze that glides effortlessly through
our breath. The smell of fresh harvest and warm apple cider that lingers
eagerly at our taste buds. True, most of us can easily describe the changing of
the season, but how many of us can look past the visual and examine on
yet another level? The metaphysical level, perhaps a spiritual level?
While, it's certain that with every season there is a distinct sensory
explanation; there's also an underlying one that we as human-beings seem
to forget. And that, is how each season affects us.
On Thursday, September 22nd -- the Fall Equinox will
officially commence and grace us with an extraordinary view of the
Harvest Moon. By definition, the word equinox can be
described as "an astronomical event in which the plane of the Earth's
equator passes though the center of the Sun" and is often referred to as
the "Edge of Night and Day". A day, in which they will
meet one another on equal ground.
The Fall Equinox is celebrated in many different ways, by
many different cultures. Commonly known as Mabon, Wiccan and Pagan share the
idea that this is a time to give thanks for the crops and nourishment that have grown as well
as the acknowledgment that the fertile soil that cared for them has
died and will return anew. Parallel to that, this is a time for
story-telling; stories that are rich of the cycle of life, of death and
rebirth. The Equinox suggests balance, not only in nature, but also within
ourselves for embracing the months that lie ahead. It is a time to surround in
the company of others, raising energy vibration as a whole.
This is
a time that has been referenced to honor the dark, as well. Too often
we as human-beings neglect that without darkness, day would cease
to exist. Thus, returning to the importance of balance. With night, day
will soon follow in the same that an ending, will bring about yet another
beginning. And, so on.
One way to
combat change and negativity is to smudge. What is smudging? Smudging a technique
used and widely respected by many cultures. This ritual begins with burning sacred
herbs to produce a smoke cloud which is used in various cleansings, prayer
ceremonies, purification and healing rituals. It is suggested that with
every season a person should smudge their home, property, business etc. Another
great time to smudge is when you purchase a new home, move into a new apartment
or buying antiques.
Have you
ever felt as though negativity seems to follow you? Or perhaps when
you return home for the day, unmotivated and depressed? That could very
well be stagnant and negative energies lurking about within your personal
quarters or even "closer to home" and within your energy field, or
aura. What's truly wonderful about smudging is that it's simplistic and
effective. You will need a bundle of choice herbs -- usually Palo Santo,
Sage, Sweet Grass, or a combination of varies others along with those
mentioned -- an Abalone Shell to hold the herbs safely and catch any
falling residue, a feather to help direct the smoke and love and respect.
Dead Sea Salt for protection and a bell to sound out negativity. Think of
smudging as cleaning your house as you would for guests, expect in this manner
you are cleansing negative energies that no longer serve you to
clear the way for more positive energies to be welcomed into your personal
space.
Remember
that here at the Infinity Center, we have informative and helpful staff to
guide and welcome you into this transition of the upcoming season. We also
carry everything you would need to smudge, including a “how to” sheet! Come
visit us and allow us to help ease you into balance.
Happy Fall!
