Merry Meet and Blessed be
Autumn Contemplation
Fall is a reaping time of year. It connotes not only the harvest but the beginning of the coming
of winter, which is often associated with "death" as nothing grows, all is covered in snow and the days are very short.
Traditionally, it was the time of year to rest in order to begin the sowing of the spring season.
During the fall, preparations were made for winter in order to survive. Wood needed to be cut and stacked, meats
cured and stored, fruits and vegetables dried, preserved and jarred.
Many today do not need to do this but many are deeply affected by the lessened day. Those sensitive
to the lack of sunlight especially can become lethargic and depressed.
As a pagan, I observe the fall as an opportunity for me to do my mental and emotional housekeeping
as well as strengthen my spirituality so I can move through the winter months more graciously.
Unlike most, I live on a farm and can be outdoors long enough to avoid the symptoms I suffered in
the city when I could not get enough daylight. As a writer, my hours are my own and the nightime is my work time anyway
so I have been able to work around the short winter days.
To me, the fall is a sacred time. Samhaim is my most sacred sabbat during which I allow myself
to do special service to my beloved dead as well as do a self inventory of the last year. You see, Samhaim (or Halloween)
is the witch's New Year and I observe it as such. I use it not so much to put forth resolutions but to leave my problems
and obstacles behind. Please read my article on "The Lore Of Halloween".
