The Autumnal Equinox on September 21st traditionally marks the end of Summer and turns us towards the Western position of the Medicine Wheel. This is the place of the BEAR who offers a reflection of inner vision, inviting us to go deep within (the caverns of our mind/body/spirit) and do a little soul searching. It is an end time for most of our spring and summer projects and for many, a very welcome time of rest and return to more predictable schedules.
Fall is a wonder full time of the year to slow down, integrate new knowledge and reflect on what direction our lives have taken and what we may need to do now to better prepare ourselves for where we are going. Just as we survey our spring and summer gardens, taking note of what fits or what's needed for next year, so too does our spiritual garden now benefit from fall's crisp vision and review. When we look within our own darkness, our outer light just seems to illuminate.
The color black is often associated with the Fall season, which is represented by the West on the Medicine Wheel. Relative to the 3rd Eye Chakra, the color black encourages us to look beyond the illusions and reminds us that without the dark, there would be no light. The secret is to find the harmony and acceptance within both our shadow self and illuminated self. This is the visionary's spot atop the mountain, where one easily looks back to see clearly, the footsteps of their chosen path. All of the places we've been and all of the experiences we've had up until this time culminate here in the West.
As BEAR energies of the West remind us to start heading towards the cave for hibernation, it is also a time to reflect on the strength and healing that Bear Medicine brings. Tapping into our spiritual toolbox in this way is a beneficial practice when the Autumnal Equinox announces the arrival of Fall.
In the seasons of life, we do well to pay attention to the cycles of nature. Learning to align with each of these seasonal energies opens us up to experience a more harmonious and deeper connection not only to ourselves, but to all of life that surrounds us.
We are all connected through this intricate web of life.
What touches one, touches all.
The Lakota term this "Mitakuye Oyasin" - "All our Relations".
Happy cave time to all!
~*~
Medicine Wheel
Fall