Monday, September 19, 2016

Smudge into Fall

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!

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