The Healing of Harvest

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The time has come at 9:30am EST we entered into the Autumn Equinox: meaning day and night are equal lengths and provide for us balance that occurs only twice a year. Use the weeks near it to bring about acceptance beyond belief. 

The time is harvest. In the agrarian life autumn is a time of harvest. And yes when we think of this time of year there comes to mind pumpkins, apples. straw, and everything orange, red and yellow. But these are not the true boons of autumn, but rather a mere commercialization of a larger more powerful time. To me harvest is one of the best times to clear out completely. No stalk, stem, or leaf shall remain. It is also a time to really view what work has been done. So, no we don't need false congratulatory ceremonies for ourselves, but more of a deep quiet understanding of our individual and collective big pictures in life. See the growth, see the maturation, and see where perhaps things did not manifest. Let autumn's balance reveal the enormity of who we are, where we are, and pull back any veils we've been using on ourselves.

The time is fearless. For me this autumn is my opportunity to see my contracted and expanded selves. I am using this time to hone in on fears or doubts, face them head on, move past them and then watch them in my rearview mirror. There has been a need for some of my gifts and frankly I have shirked them for many reasons (all seem like a good idea, but not legitimate), but no longer will I give into the shadow side of myself. This is my season of yes and I accept. Also I want to make sure I too am not ghosting myself spiritually and really standing in my power to accept what the ancestresses/ancestors have for me. If COVID has taught me anything it's tomorrows are all gifts.

The time is intentional. On a cross quarter day like the Autumn Equinox I say to us all take advantage of the great power and thinning veil between spirit and physical worlds. Today is the start of something amazingly beautiful and we all have the chance to begin again. Set forth intentions (big or small) and see how they manifest over the season. And none of these have to be large or internet posts. I find my deepest self understandings come in the quietest of whispers that are fleeting and I often can not repeat their true meaning. Be good to yourself this season and also to others. Wishing us all a most fruitful Fall season.

Autumn Totem - Wild Boar

Totem Meaning - Confrontation

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Move through conflict with speed and power

Thicken my skin

My strength will reveal my treasures

Face the unfaceable

Protect and uphold Family

Autumn Concept - Loss

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Loss is not loss if I find the gift beneath it

An ending is just before a beginning

Acknowledge my losses to be empowered from them

I have oneness with all that there is

Embrace equanimity

Autumn Foods

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Root Vegetables

Cold Weather Greens

Raw Seeds/Nuts

Spices 

Sweet and Heavy Fruits

Autumn Flower - Sunflower

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Fertility

Health

Wisdom

--Shamanic Drea

The way to find a way

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Balancing Act
At approximately 3:40am EST we entered into autumn. Today is the Autumn Equinox meaning day and night are equal lengths and provide for us balance that only comes twice a year. Use this equinox and the days and weeks near it to bring about balance to all aspects of our lives. Forget a clear and concise plan or goal, just put one foot in front of the other and step purposefully on your own path this autumn.

Fear no fog
Be it love, abundance, spiritual understanding or social consciousness this autumn can be the clearing we need, without realizing it. Often times in my own life when I have feared or worried the most what's gotten me through my fog has just been one step, then another, then another until eventually I have reached the place I didn't even know I was meant to go. This picture above symbolizes what our lives look like we when are sort of on a path and sort of not. A path without definition and many parts ahead that are nowhere near clear, but we still must move on, knowing that all will be revealed in divine time.  Take steps, be afraid and do it anyway, and most of all know that nothing we do is truly in isolation for our ancestors and guides move through this life with us, especially when we feel the loneliest.

Anchor in a fog
My own fog lies in making decisions around what is next on my spiritual journey and how and where am I meant to show up. And guess what? It's really foggy for me now, but I am anchored in knowing this fog will clear as long as I am willing to step onto that path and know a journey awaits with an unknown destination. Am I up to the challenge, yes just like we all are, but I also will keep tabs on myself by journaling, being in nature as much as I can and being open to hear the messages from some of the most unlikely sources, cause frankly that's how my folks like to show up :)

A set up
On a cross quarter day like the Autumn Equinox I say to us all take advantage of the great power and thinning veil between spirit and physical worlds. Today is the start of something amazingly beautiful and we all have the chance to begin again. Set forth intentions (big or small) and see how they manifest over the season. And none of these have to be large or internet posts. I find my deepest self understandings come in the quietest of whispers that are fleeting and I often can not repeat their true meaning. Be good to yourself this season and also to others. Wishing us all a most fruitful Fall season.

Autumn Concept - Misalignment for Alignment

This autumn I ask us all to be comfortable with discomfort as a way to gauge just where we need to be and use that as a landmark on how to get to that place of alignment, comfort and joy. With all that is going on in the world right now happiness, laughter, and beauty are things we must not take for granted. So join me in getting it oh so wrong so we can work to get it just right. And clearly I do not want any of us to stay in misalignment but I ask you trust me (and my guides for that matter) to let your personal tracks in life come a bit off the rails in order to put them back. Perfection, precision and self doubt do not belong in any configuration of what I am asking you to do. On the craziest of days laugh it off, take a nap or hit reset (sometimes that's the only way). As Voltron needed alignment to totally activate all parts into a higher functioning unit, so do we (shameless 80's cartoon reference for sure).

Autumn Foods

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Root Vegetables

Cold Weather Greens

Raw Seeds/Nuts

Spices 

Sweet and Heavy Fruits

Autumn Ritual

credit: kunc.org

To create your own autumn ritual follow these few steps below but feel free to add, take away or edit, this is a springboard for creating ritual, not a blueprint. As the picture above shows ritual is all around us and helps us through the unimaginable. Here's to a successful ritual.

                     Make time in the first few days of Autumn 
                                             

                     Find quiet and undisturbed time

                     

                     Listen for Autumn intentions 

                     Write down your Autumn intentions 

                     Meditate, pray, or focus on these intentions                      

                     

                     Revisit these intentions as needed this Autumn

---Shamanic Drea

True Equality

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Balance before Us
The Autumnal Equinox has debuted at approximately 4:02pm on Friday Sep. 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere and we are still within our first 24 hours. The significance of this is that there are only two times a year (autumn and spring equinoxes) where day and night are equal lengths. Meaning that on these days balance is possible in ways unimaginable. On this Autumn Equinox I want us all to grab equality and hold on to it with fierceness. If ever a time existed to give us an opportunity to look balance and harmony in the face and say yes it is this moment. Of course there will be antics (mine have already started), but all I need to say is this season is my season of balance.

Growing darkness
As our days grow shorter and our nights grow longer we need to capture the power of dark time and rest more, savor time in the house, and approach each day with a gentleness that will ease into our everyday activity. On the horizon this Autumn are festivals, holidays, and weather change but on the inside we must prepare ourselves to gain from this time or else all potential can be squandered.

Making it so
Many transitions physically, geographically, and financially are upon my horizon this Autumn and in the midst of all of that I am focused on staying my course and not being distracted by the curve balls life will throw me. Although I can be quite focused I can also let things pop into my psyche that are none of my concern. This time of year I will lean towards mine own understanding. And this season I will be supported by meditation, routine exercise, cleaner eating, lots of rest and plenty of good hydration. All of this seems formulaic but making these prescriptions my mission instead of my default is something all together different.

Standing with Me
Now that you know what is it I want to share ways you to can benefit from not only the equinox by the entire season of Autumn. Listed below are suggestions, information, and tools that can help you find your way this season when things get rough, and they will get rough it's the nature of life.  See them as an introduction to whatever you will decide will guide you this season. Lastly I challenge us all to keep some sort of journal or written account of our life this fall so when it ends and winter comes we have something to reflect upon and see just how far we have come.

Autumn Concept - 

Hearing the Divine Feminine Within

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Listen and trust to Myself

Stay true to my Thoughts

Stand my Ground

Take time to Listen to the Divine Feminine

My Strength is my Shield

Autumn Foods

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Root Vegetables

Cold Weather Greens

Raw Seeds/Nuts

Spices 

Sweet and Heavy Fruits

Autumn Elements

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Air Element - incense, fans, breeze

Fire Element - candle, fire pit, chimney fire

Water Element - bowl of water, mist, spray

Earth Element - Stone, figurine, flowers

Spirit Element - Written intentions

Autumn Ritual

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                           Make time in the first few days of Autumn 

                           Gather your autumn elements 

                           Find quiet and undisturbed time

                           Listen for Autumn intentions 

                           Write down your Autumn intentions 

                           Meditate, pray, or focus on these intentions

                           Know you have the power to manifest all things

                           Revisit these intentions as needed this Autumn

Autumn Affirmation

Divine Feminine within bless me in ways I think impossible, open my heart to the power of who you are that lies with in me,

This season transform my world view and my place in it and make sure I am working for the greatest and best good for all,

When I am doubtful remind me of my wisdom, strength, courage, compassion, love, and joy

--Andrea

Think a New Thought

Begin again

In just an hour or so the moon will enter into a new lunar cycle and this one will be in the sign Virgo. More than just a time of efficiency and a critical eye Virgo has blessings to bestow upon us all.  When Virgo rules know all things can live up to a higher standard and with this high achievement comes an earthly level of compassion that most people don't see. Take time during this cycle to "get your house in order" in all aspects of your life. And just how is that done? Well knowing that Virgo is ruled by Mercury is a start.

Go for the gut
Mercury lays out for us newness is the most amazing way. This planet offers new thinking, learning from our flaws, and personal balance. At its core Mercury is the manifestation of "trusting your gut" or rather your Solar Plexus Chakra region. Not often accentuated or epitomized our inner voice, intuition or guts are here to lead us, steer us, and help us stay clear of trouble. Ask yourself "how do I fair with my guts?"

Being destiny
My path this Virgo cycle will be about being silent, hearing my intuition and actually doing as I am told. I know, novel idea, right? For me ideas abound always but I falter when it comes to letting things play themselves out. I will challenge myself this lunar cycle to feel my way through and just be with the manifestation of things. Although I am the Queen of planning I do realize that things that are destined just occur. Likewise I will not lean towards whims without action. I am working to find that balance of being my solutions, not looking or finding them.

Centering self
This lunar cycle take time to focus on being intentional, being honest with yourself, and being open to the possibilities that are waiting just for you. Below are nudges as to when or how or even where you can find your own center this cycle. Be free to try these and other sources of guidance.

Virgo Lunar Cycle Concept - New Thinking

credit: CEB

New Ideas are Brewing

Allow Newness to Grow

Open my Heart and Mind 

My Intuition gives Insight

Virgo Lunar Cycle Totem - Jaguar

Totem Meaning - Reclaiming Power

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Patience is Rewarded

Trust my Instincts

Be Stealth 

Do the Unbelievable

Go Beyond What I Imagine

--Andrea

Ascend in Autumn

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Seasons change
As with the coming and going of the tide we have made it to and through another cross quarter day this year, namely, the Autumn Equinox. Our day light will grow shorter in the Northern Hemisphere and those of us will a fall season will see the leaves turn color then drop. This season, between Summer and Winter, is to me the quintessential symbol for change.

The Change you need
Change will come physically to our world, be it weather, clothing, or food.  Spiritually Autumn is such a great space to do the work that is necessary before the slumbering months of Winter descend upon us all. Many of us want to enervate new things or work on issues and Autumn is the right time of year. Often thought of as just transitory on the way to Winter, Autumn serves up its own dose of power, magic, and conjuring.  Just step outside, see the changing colors and inhale the morning dew. Set an intention this season, make it small and obtainable, then stick to it. All things are possible if we break them up into smaller pieces. Decide your piece this Autumn and succeed!

I too must change
My Autumn is going to be anchored on dreaming my biggest dreams. Once these dreams have been conceived I am taking the necessary steps to ensure that they manifest into reality. This season I am confident of who and whose I am. I am taking large doses of my own medicine. My steps towards the next version of myself are steady and daily. No big pronouncements just everyday work. I am going out into nature each morning, giving thanks and being open to the healing power that outdoors has for me. Inner demons will be slayed this season and when the sun sets on this Autumn it will have been a good one.

Change, make it real
Lay it out for yourself and this season make your own personal rituals around fulfilling your Autumn intention/s. Now ritual is any and all things you set that you continue to do like a walk, a meditation, a journal entry, a meal or a mantra. The how, with whom, and when is completely up to you. I want us all to think about creating ritual to mark and reinforce our spiritual endeavors. Below are just a couple of tools to point you in the direction that you will choose this season.

Autumn Concept - Liberation through Healing

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Be ready to Receive

Discard struggle and embrace Love/Compassion

See the Resolution

Knowing when to need Others is Key

Autumn Animal Totem - Fox

Meaning - Camouflage

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Being Present and Unseen

Camouflage launches me into unknown Spaces

Adapt of Die

Control my Energy and Aura



Autumn Mantra

This is my golden opportunity to step into the next 
iteration of myself,

I accept help from all and know that I am blessed, I am sacred, I am divine.

--Andrea

Quivers of quickening

credit fullmoonphases.com

Building blocks
The moon is currently waxing and has reached its First Quarter phase as it grows to fullness. The true beauty of this time is there is so much growth available to us and in a relatively short time too. Known as the Spring Time of the lunar cycle, a waxing moon is the perfect time to plant seeds for short term situations.  And these seeds will glean rather immediately. So be joyous, be courageous, go for what you want during this waxing phase.

What is waxing
Now although the moon is waxing I think it best to share that this entire lunar cycle is in the Sun Sign of Virgo. Known as the Virgin, but more zodiacal as the archetypical teenager, this sign is ruled by the dear planet Mercury. Meaning to get to what would be a good luck for us this entire cycle should be thought of in more Mercurial terms.

Murky Mercury
To know Mercury is to know how to harness and utilize some of the most powerful energy there is in the zodiac. Although currently in a retrograde state, there are gifts at our feet that if we can learn to wield will have lasting benefits.  Think of Mercury as a teacher full of pranks and tough love learning. At the end of the day Mercury does want us to win he will just teach us in convoluted sometimes painstaking ways. It's all good, just be on the look out and know you are up to the challenges, for they will appear, no doubt.

Sans questions
This Virgo cycle for me is about seeing the next phase, not knowing much about where it leads and walking into it anyway. I naturally question the unknown so to take it on knowingly and purposefully is a tall order for me. For surface things like work or civic endeavors I easily charge into the unknown, but things closer to me like love, family, and inner work, well I will go, but with lots of hesitance and questioning. For the remainder of the waxing, full and waning time in Virgo I am focusing my energy on embracing the unknown, seeing it for what it truly is (without judgement) and allowing the future to unfold.

Chart your course
One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to imagine our reality. When we do this we unknowingly set in motion energy that will eventually lead to manifestation. So, take the first step today (whether you have before or not, that does not matter). Decide now what issue or situation, then use the tips below to guide the development and progress of that issue or situation. Take the reigns and walk into your future.

Work in Virgo Lunar Cycle

Compassion

Precision

Friendship

Get Your House in Order

Virgo Lunar Cycle Concept - The Quickening

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See my next phase and be unafraid

See fears, do nothing, let them pass

Stay Grounded in new understanding

Compassion and Detachment 

Virgo Lunar Cycle Herbs/Essences

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Anise - Air Element - Connect to other planes

Lily of the Valley - Air Element - Anointing

Valerian - Earth Element - Psychic Protection

Virgo Lunar Cycle Stone - Topaz

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Mental Acuity

Flexibility

Uplifting

Virgo Lunar Cycle Affirmation

As I stand on my threshold I ask the Divine Mothers to place in my heart and soul the knowing that fear is a thing of the past,

I realize that obstacles will arise and all I must do is see them as such and move forward understanding they will NOT journey with me,

Lastly, I will give myself ample time and space to become grounded in this new reality, this is not a time for loss of patience or focus. I am quickening.

--Andrea

Don't have a Fall of follies

The planet mercury will go into a retrograde period tomorrow, September 17th.  A retrograde is when the planet is supposed to move and what we see moving are different actions.  When this happens, all forms of communication are off kilter.  To say the least. snail mail, email, cell phone, home phone, speaking to others, speaking to yourself, and don't even think of signing a contract or wonder why negotiations are not going well...

For me, a person who's ruling planet is Mercury, I can only hope that my connection to the planet links me in ways that allow me to embrace it's energy, albeit contrary sometimes.  I will mark these dates and heed it's presence.  This last retrograde of the year sits right up on the edge of the Fall season, meaning all of our harvesting and transitions could have the potential to go a bit helter skelter. My hope is that by knowing ahead of time it may glean some positively beautiful experiences.  

So if things seemed to be going oh so right, sit back, relax and let things ride over the next few weeks. Don't take things or people personally (especially yourself).  Most importantly remain open to the communication you have with yourself.  This relationship has the potential to grow at leaps and bounds during the retrograde.


Even as that God of Communication does his usual trickery, we can move forward, albeit at a totally different speed.  Take a look below at the days and times when the retrograde turns and when it goes direct again.  Also be sure to notice the planets and remember retrogrades can be felt up to seven days before its onset and sometimes seven days after it goes direct.  Good Luck! We can do this!!!

September 17, 2015 18:09 GMT 2:09 PM EDT 11:09 AM PDT

0°5' ↔ 15°55' Libra

October 9, 2015 14:57 GMT 10:57 AM EDT   7:57 AM PDT

See the you that you are

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She shines on Sunday
Welcome to your next chance to keep your growth going! On Sunday Sep. 13th at approx. 2:41am EST we enter our newest lunar cycle (new moon time) and it is in the zodiac sign of Virgo.  New moon time is a starting point to see yourself with clear vision, listen for purpose and then set intentions that can be focused on for the entire lunar cycle (around 28.5 days).

Set up for activity
This particular time of the year is always full of activity with schools beginning/returning, the change of seasons and not to mention in a few days Mercury will retrograde again (but let's discuss that more in another post). So set yourself up for success by thinking of how to utilize the power a Virgo lunar cycle brings to you.

Know the sign
Virgo, the actual mid point in the zodiac cosmology, is often represented as a young maiden. I suggest we remake Virgo to be that strong, independent, teenage self that most of us still carry around with us and that hard working, detailed oriented, gonna push through spirit that is associated with this sign will help immensely. If you subscribe to nothing else this cycle be committed, patient and open to seeing what spirit has for you to learn.

Be my own master
Wow! Where do I begin? I am grateful to see another Virgo lunar cycle which is my marker for another year of life and I can tell you being a woman born under the sign of Virgo can be quite a challenge, but I have settled into seeing the gifts this sign brings to me and subsequently the rest of the world.  Just yesterday the message descended upon me that it is time to stop apprentice-ing my life and begin Mastering it.  I have paid my dues and now I must step up, step out, and be the total, public, charged me that was meant for this lifetime. Yes, I am moving up and on, but most importantly I am getting closer to aligning the inside and outside me.

Chronicle your path
Below are thoughts, ideas and ways to contact your inner self. Make the connection, hear the messages, take action, and know you are loved throughout this process.  I highly suggest you journal with what you want, how you progress and where you end up.  Most times what we think is less than what we are able to do in the end, but rarely do we document it for ourselves.  Do it this cycle.  A journal, a file, note cards to yourself, whatever method, chart your evolution.

Work in Virgo

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High Standards

Purpose's Precision

Building Foundations

Friendship

Virgo Lunar Cycle Concept - Reflection

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 Take a true look at myself

Observe all I see without judgement

Commit, be disciplined, stay focused

Looking will take time

Virgo Lunar Cycle Herbs/Essences

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Anise - Air Element - Clairvoyance

Lavender - Air Element - Retention

Valerian - Earth Element - Balance

Virgo Cycle Stone - Turquoise

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Earth and Sky connection

Grounding

Meditation

Virgo Lunar Cycle Affirmation

During this cycle I commit to taking time to truly see me without comment or question,

As I glaze upon myself I am open to all that I see and feel,

For this time will be a catalyst for great change, forward movement, and my continued evolution

--Andrea