Dear Wild Ones,
With Mabon and the Autumn Equinox now behind us, I can feel the air continuing to change. There’s a tangible shift in the energy, as if the Earth has paused between the last warmth of summer and the quiet depths of winter.
I often think of this in-between time as the VOID—a space where everything begins to shift, but we haven't quite settled into the new rhythm yet. It’s the season of Indian Summer, a moment of stillness where our bodies and souls are adjusting, preparing for the inward journey ahead.
This year, I’ve spent time in my own shadow world, navigating intense emotions and a fiery period of transformation and growth. Now, I feel the calming embrace of autumn gently settling in. There is a deep sense of comfort here—a moment to exhale after the intensity of summer’s highs and lows. The season invites us to slow down, to rest, and to find peace in the gentle rhythm of the changing Earth.
Nature still offers her wisdom, guiding us to connect with the land, forage for wild foods, and reflect on the unseen parts of ourselves. This sacred slowing down is an invitation to listen closely to the earth’s quiet whispers, to honor her cycles as we prepare for our own descent into stillness.
Lately, I’ve been sipping on Elderberry syrup with rose hips, Siberian ginseng, and ginger—a warming drink that grounds me, strengthens my body, and soothes my spirit as I prepare for the darker months. It feels like a gentle, nourishing embrace from nature herself, offering resilience as we journey inward.
If you’d like to try it, here’s the recipe—a way to bring a bit of this grounding energy into your day:
Elderberry, Rose Hip, Siberian Ginseng, and Ginger Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon elderberry syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried rose hips
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger root, sliced or grated
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon (about 30 drops) Siberian ginseng tincture
- 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil.
Add the ginger and rose hips: Once the water is boiling, add the ginger and dried rose hips. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer with the lid on for about 10 minutes.
Strain the tea: After simmering, remove from heat and strain the tea into your mug to remove the ginger slices and rose hips.
Add Siberian ginseng tincture: Stir in ½ teaspoon (30 drops) of Siberian ginseng tincture into the hot tea.
Stir in the elderberry syrup: Add 1-2 tablespoon of elderberry syrup and stir until fully mixed.
Sweeten (optional): If desired, stir in 1 teaspoon of raw honey for added sweetness.
Enjoy this warm, restorative beverage.
This is a potent brew and perfect for supporting your health during the seasonal transition!
Equinox Reflection Ritual with Tarot
As the Earth shifts and the VOID opens before us, we are invited to pause and reflect—not just on the changing seasons, but on the subtle and profound shifts within ourselves. This in-between time, where summer's brightness fades and winter's stillness beckons, offers a powerful opportunity for introspection. It is in this space of transition, where we are neither here nor there, that we can gently explore the dualities within—our light and shadow, our joys and griefs, and the transformations we have undergone.
One of the most powerful tools for navigating this period of self-reflection is the Tarot. The cards offer us a mirror, reflecting the energies of both our conscious and unconscious selves. Through a sacred Tarot ritual, we can dive deeper into the balance of light and shadow, seeking clarity as we prepare for the inner journey that the darker months require. This practice, rooted in ancient wisdom, helps us gather insight and guidance, offering us a map as we venture inward, ready to embrace whatever the VOID may reveal.
Create a Sacred Space:
Light a candle and surround yourself with seasonal herbs like mugwort for intuitive clarity, sage for protection, and elderberry for resilience. Place your Tarot deck on a sacred cloth or altar space.
The Tarot Spread for the Equinox:
Draw three cards:
Card 1: What light do I carry forward into the darker months?
Card 2: What shadow aspect of myself needs to be embraced or integrated?
Card 3: How can I find balance between these opposing forces?
Herbal Tea for Reflection:
Brew a tea with mugwort (for insight), chamomile (for calming), and lavender (for clarity). Sip slowly as you interpret your cards, allowing the plant spirits to open the gateway to your deeper consciousness. Meditate on the messages the Tarot reveals and how they reflect your current journey.
Astrological Insights and Moon Phases
Following the Autumn Equinox and the powerful Lunar Eclipse on September 17, 2024, we are moving through an intense period of release and transformation. This Lunar Eclipse marked a time for deep emotional clearing, offering us the chance to sever old ties, close karmic cycles, and let go of what no longer serves us. The waning moon that followed invited us to continue this process of release, making space for new energies to enter as we step into the darker months of the year.
Looking ahead, we are approaching another significant event—an Annular Solar Eclipse on October 2, 2024, in Libra. This solar eclipse brings themes of balance and harmony, urging us to reassess our relationships and how we navigate connections with others. This is a perfect time to reflect on your personal and professional partnerships, exploring how you can bring more balance and clarity to your interactions.
This period of eclipse energy aligns with a larger eclipse series along the Pisces-Virgo axis, which began in September 2024 and will last until 2027. This series emphasizes healing, intuition, and finding balance between our dreams and reality. As we move deeper into this cycle, the energy will support themes of self-care, service, and spiritual growth, helping us navigate both the practical and mystical aspects of our lives.
If you’ve been feeling heightened emotions or unexpected revelations, it’s the influence of these eclipses stirring up deep patterns and calling for transformation. Align your equinox rituals and personal practices with these cosmic shifts, using the energy to support your growth, healing, and inner balance.
Herbal Allies for Shadow Work & the VOID
As we move into the darker half of the year, we are invited to work with our shadows—the parts of ourselves that have been hidden, denied, or suppressed. Shadow work requires gentle but honest reflection, and certain herbs can support this deep, transformative process:
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris):
Revered for its deep connection to dreams, intuition, and the unseen realms, mugwort has long been regarded as a powerful ally for those exploring the depths of the psyche. This plant opens pathways to the subconscious, making it an ideal companion for shadow work and inner journeying. As the veil between the conscious and subconscious thins, mugwort guides us through the liminal spaces, where we may meet parts of ourselves we have long forgotten or denied.
To harness its power, burn dried mugwort as an incense to purify your space and call forth clarity during meditative or divinatory practices. Alternatively, steep it in tea before bedtime to enhance dreamwork, inviting vivid, intuitive dreams that reveal hidden truths. Whether through smoke or sip, Artemisia vulgaris offers profound guidance on the journey within, helping us uncover and embrace the shadow aspects of ourselves with wisdom and compassion.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra):
Both a revered physical protector and a spiritual guardian, elderberry has long been treasured for its potent healing properties. Known to bolster the immune system, Sambucus nigra not only shields the body from external threats but also fortifies the spirit, offering emotional resilience in times of transition and introspection.
As you descend into your inner world during shadow work or seasonal shifts, elderberry’s energy surrounds you like a protective cloak, helping you build strength from within. Its berries, often crafted into syrups or teas, provide not just physical vitality but also a sense of rootedness and security, allowing you to explore the depths of your soul with confidence and grace. Whether taken as a remedy or used symbolically in rituals, elderberry stands as a steadfast ally, supporting both your physical well-being and emotional endurance as you journey inward.
Sage (Salvia officinalis):
Traditionally known as a potent cleanser of both physical and energetic spaces, sage is a time-honored herb for clearing away stagnant energies and dissolving old patterns that no longer serve us. Salvia officinalis has the unique ability to purify the air and the mind, creating an environment conducive to spiritual work and self-reflection.
Before engaging in shadow work, meditation, or any ritual that requires introspection, burning sage can help you cleanse your space and clear the pathways of your energy field. As its smoke rises, visualize it sweeping away negativity, limiting beliefs, and blockages, leaving you with clarity and openness to embrace transformation. Whether used to prepare a sacred space or initiate personal healing, sage is a powerful ally, encouraging renewal and making way for new growth on your spiritual journey.
Ogham Wisdom: Exploring the Trees of the Equinox
The ancient Celtic Ogham system connects us to the sacred trees of the Earth, offering profound insights during this time of year. In the season of Mabon, as trees begin to shed their leaves, we are reminded to release what we no longer need. Two Ogham symbols are particularly powerful during the Autumn Equinox:
Duir (Oak)
Duir (Oak) in the Ogham tradition holds deep symbolic meaning, especially as it relates to the Autumn Equinox. As one of the most powerful trees in Celtic lore, Oak is often regarded as the king of trees, representing strength, endurance, and the ability to stand firm through all seasons of life. At the Autumn Equinox, when day and night reach their moment of balance, Duir (Oak) reminds us to root deeply into our personal truth, even as we prepare to face the coming darkness of the year.
The Oak is more than just a symbol of strength; it is also considered a bridge between the worlds. Its deep roots anchor it in the Earth, while its towering branches stretch toward the sky, symbolizing a connection between the physical and spiritual realms. In the context of the equinox, this is especially significant, as we find ourselves at a threshold—a liminal space between the brightness of summer and the introspective descent into winter. Just as the Oak stands at the crossroads of earth and sky, we are asked to balance both light and shadow within ourselves.
As we move through the equinox and journey into the darker months, Duir invites us to remain grounded and centered, drawing strength from our roots—our values, experiences, and inner wisdom. Like the Oak, we are reminded that resilience comes from standing firm in the face of the unknown. This is particularly relevant during shadow work, as the Oak teaches us to trust our inner strength, even when confronted with aspects of ourselves that may be uncomfortable or difficult to face.
In the Ogham, Duir also carries the wisdom of endurance. The Oak does not grow quickly, but its longevity speaks to the value of patience and steadfastness. During the Autumn Equinox, we are encouraged to reflect on our personal growth, acknowledging how far we have come while preparing to nurture the seeds of transformation through the darker, quieter months ahead.
Thus, the Oak becomes a potent symbol of balance, endurance, and groundedness at the Autumn Equinox, guiding us to embrace both the light we carry forward and the shadows we must explore in the turning of the wheel.
Ngetal (Reed):
Ngetal (Reed) in the Ogham system carries profound symbolism, particularly in relation to the Autumn Equinox and the descent into the darker months. The Reed is known for its ability to bend with the wind, grow in challenging conditions, and thrive near water, making it a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the ability to navigate emotional depths. As we approach winter, when the veil between worlds thins and introspection deepens, Ngetal (Reed) becomes a powerful guide for the journey through the underworld of our own soul.
Reed is intimately connected with transformation and the cycles of death and rebirth. Just as the reed bends but does not break, it reminds us of the importance of flowing with life’s cycles—embracing change, trusting the process of letting go, and understanding that, even in moments of loss or darkness, there is potential for renewal. During the Autumn Equinox, when the earth is poised at a moment of balance before descending into winter, Reed teaches us to surrender to the natural ebb and flow of life, allowing ourselves to be shaped by the forces around us, rather than resisting them.
In Celtic lore, Reed is often seen as a guide through the underworld—a symbol of the soul's journey through the hidden, shadowy aspects of life. It helps us navigate the emotional and spiritual depths that we may not have fully explored, offering a pathway through our subconscious. As we face our inner shadows during the darker half of the year, Ngetal encourages us to trust in this descent, knowing that in these depths lie the hidden truths and wisdom we need to carry forward.
Furthermore, Reed’s association with water—often representing emotions, intuition, and the subconscious—makes it a powerful ally for emotional healing and self-reflection. In the liminal space of the equinox, Reed offers its strength, reminding us that by bending with the currents of our inner world, we can access a deeper understanding of ourselves. As we move into the winter months, it invites us to look within, where the seeds of renewal are germinating in the rich soil of our introspection.
In the Ogham, Ngetal represents the inevitable cycles of life—a reminder that after death, there is always rebirth. As we enter the quiet of winter, Reed encourages us to find peace in the process of transformation, trusting that the dark, reflective phase is a necessary part of our journey. It is through this surrender to life’s cycles that we uncover the truths hidden beneath the surface and emerge stronger, wiser, and more aligned with our inner self.
Thus, Ngetal (Reed) becomes a profound symbol of guidance, flow, and renewal at the Autumn Equinox, helping us navigate our emotional and spiritual depths with grace, resilience, and trust in the cyclical nature of life.
Sacred Nature connection and Ritual for the autumn times
Take a Nature Walk & Forage for Wild Foods
To truly connect with the energy of the season, begin by walking in nature and seeking out the treasures the earth still offers before winter’s quiet embrace. Foraging is a beautiful way to root yourself in the present and honor the gifts of the land. Autumn is a prime time for harvesting wild mushrooms, which thrive in the cool, damp environment of the changing season.
If you are unfamiliar with mushroom foraging, consider signing up for a local mushroom foraging walk or workshop. This is not only a chance to gather food, but an opportunity to deepen your relationship with nature, learn from experienced guides, and become attuned to the subtleties of the earth’s rhythms. Mushrooms, much like the Ogham symbol of Reed, grow in the shadowy, hidden places of the forest, offering a connection to the underworld and the unseen mysteries of life.
As you walk through the woods, look for mushrooms such as chanterelles, boletes, or turkey tail—each with its own medicinal and nutritional properties. When you find a mushroom, pause to connect with it, offering gratitude before harvesting. The practice of foraging teaches us to take only what we need, respecting the natural cycle of growth and decay. This act of mindful harvesting mirrors the balance we seek within ourselves during the equinox—knowing when to gather and when to release.
Meditate with the Trees
Once you’ve foraged your wild foods, seek out a quiet place beneath a tree—preferably an Oak or Reed, both of which hold powerful symbolic meaning in the Ogham.
If possible, sit beneath one of these trees, or carry a small branch of Oak or Reed with you to serve as a focal point for your meditation.
Close your eyes, place your hands on the tree’s bark, and breathe deeply. Visualize the energy of the tree flowing into you, grounding and steadying your spirit. In this moment, ask the tree for guidance as you prepare for your personal journey inward. If you’ve been foraging, allow the presence of the mushrooms and wild foods around you to deepen this connection, reminding you that the Earth supports you, even as it enters its quiet phase.
As you meditate, reflect on the themes of release and acceptance.
What emotional or energetic burdens are you ready to let go of? What gifts have you gathered, both externally from the Earth and internally from your life experiences? The trees, with their deep roots and high branches, help you hold this balance—standing firm yet flexible as you navigate the transition from summer to autumn.
Leave Heartfelt Offerings
In gratitude for the guidance and sustenance you have received from nature, leave a small offering at the base of the tree. This offering can include herbs such as sage or elderberry, both known for their protective and cleansing properties. You can also leave part of your foraged finds, such as a few wild mushrooms or berries, as a symbol of reciprocity with the Earth.
Offer your thanks to the tree and the land for their wisdom. You might say, "Thank you for your strength, your resilience, and the gifts you offer as I prepare for my own journey within. May this offering nourish you as you have nourished me." This act of gratitude not only honors the natural world but also reinforces your connection to the cycles of life and death, growth and release, that the VOID represents.
If you’ve foraged mushrooms, consider how they serve as a metaphor for the season’s energy. Like mushrooms, which grow in the hidden, shadowy places of the forest, the insights you seek during this time may be found in the parts of yourself that have been kept in darkness. By honoring these hidden gifts, you invite deeper healing and transformation.
Reflect and Journal
After your meditation and offering, take time to reflect on your experience. What did the Ogham symbol—whether Oak for strength or Reed for emotional adaptability—reveal to you during your meditation? How did the act of foraging connect you more deeply to the earth’s rhythms and your own inner cycles? What emotional or spiritual insights arose as you walked through the forest, gathered wild foods, and communed with the trees?
Journal your thoughts, paying attention to any recurring themes or feelings. This act of reflection helps to anchor the lessons you’ve learned, providing clarity as you move further into the VOID and the introspective months ahead.
Bonus: Foraging and Cooking with Intent
As an added layer to your ritual, you can prepare a meal with the wild foods you foraged, infusing your cooking with intention and mindfulness. For example, if you’ve gathered mushrooms, consider making a simple mushroom soup or sauté, focusing on how these Earth-born foods nourish not only your body but also your spirit. As you prepare and consume your meal, reflect on the balance between giving and receiving, and how the Earth supports you in both sustenance and wisdom.
Preparing for the Descent: Honoring the Dark
As the equinox passes and we journey toward winter, the Earth’s energy begins to slow, gently inviting us to mirror this rhythm in our own lives. Winter is a season of stillness, rest, and deep integration—a time to descend into the underworld of our inner selves. Just as the trees shed their leaves, we too are called to release what no longer serves us, making space for transformation and renewal when spring arrives.
This time of year is not only about spiritual reflection but also about offering our bodies the rest and nourishment they need to sustain us through the darker months. Just as the earth retreats into itself, we must honor the need for slower rhythms and self-care. Our bodies crave warmth, grounding foods, and immune support as the external world shifts around us.
Nourishing ourselves with wholesome, seasonal foods like root vegetables, warming soups, and broths offers physical and emotional comfort during this time of transition. Immune-boosting tonics like elderberry syrup, rose hips, and Siberian ginseng help strengthen our defenses, offering both protection and resilience as we adapt to the colder months.
As we descend into the quiet of winter, let us honor the darkness not with fear, but with reverence—embracing this time as a sacred pause. In this stillness, we are given the gift of rest, an opportunity to deeply nourish both body and soul, so that when the light returns, we are ready to rise again, renewed and vibrant.
Enhance Your Ritual with Sound: Autumn Equinox Playlist
To deepen your equinox experience, I’ve curated a playlist designed to support your journey through the Autumn Equinox. Filled with grounding tones, gentle drums, and nature-inspired sounds, this playlist will help you connect more deeply with the earth and your inner self. You can access the playlist [hehttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/7DrMSU8Z2ZoTDZ8jS25HZ2re]
Mabon Blessing for the Wild Ones
As the Equinox turns and balance is near,
May light and shadow both draw you near.
Wild ones, embrace the Earth and Sky,
With open hearts as the seasons fly.
The sun now fades, the night grows long,
Yet in the dark, you still belong.
May Elder and Sage guide your way,
Through autumn’s depths and winter’s stay.
Release with grace what no longer serves,
Trust in the change that the wild deserves.
Blessed be the ones who roam,
In the wild, you are always home.
Blessed be,
Wild mamma
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