I just finished a wonderful simple ritual to celebrate Mabon, the Autumnal Equinox. Late yesterday I went through Scott Cunningham's Complete Book of Incense, Oils, and Brews for his recommendations about incense to celebrate the season. I went to the garden this morning to gather bits of juniper and pine and an oak leaf. Late this afternoon my green marble mortar and pestle came out along with frankincense and sandalwood - and bits of pine, cypress, and oakmoss essential oils. That done, I sat after dinner this evening to think about what's important for me right now.
- For me, the equinoxes are a point of equipoise in the midst of the most intense change. Both in Spring and Fall the changes that happen are most intense, yet light and dark are precisely balanced in the midst of that change. This was the central theme of my work earlier tonight. After clearing a ritual space I began a simple meditation on balance and intense change punctuated by the repeated beating of a Tibetan bowl that came to me many years ago.
- I focused then on Hurricane Rita that is rushing toward the Gulf Coast, and to send what healing energy I could to those impacted by this power. From my work this evening I realize that this is a rebalancing energy, even though it is intensely destructive.
- My sister had surgery yesterday and a follow-up procedure today. I sent her what healing I could to facilitate her quick recovery.
Just after the work I am strangely calm. Perhaps I was able to ride the energies of the time to a state of equipoise that this day signifies. I will continue to focus on harvest and on bringing things home to rest in this last season of the year.
