Living With The Seasons
A brief introduction to the coming 8 part series
I originally wrote this summary of living in the seasons about 5 years ago fully intending to post it somewhere, but never did. Now I’ve expanded on each season to include how to live within each season, what goals to focus on, and how to integrate self care as the time of year calls. Each segment will go out as a special bonus article for paid subscribers at the beginning each season beginning tomorrow with the Summer Solstice.
The Dark Season
From Samhain (October 31) to Yule/Winter Solstice (December 21) I call the dark season. We have harvested all we could and are cozying down to wait for the light. This is a time to rest and enjoy the fruits of our labors all year. In the northern hemisphere the weather is cooling and its time for a nap. Time to dream about what's to come when the light returns
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The Coming of the Light
From Yule/Winter Solstice (December 21) to Imbolc (February 2) is the time of the returning light. We have passed the longest night and light is returning. In the old traditions, animals that have bedded down during the dark months will be giving birth in time for the new growth of grass (this new grass is needed to produce milk for the babies). This is a time of preparation. The dreams you dreamed during the dark season are ready to be manifested.
The Fertile Season
From Imbolc (February 2) to Ostara/Spring Equinox (March 21) we are planting seeds and celebrating the coming of the first fruits of spring. The ground is ready to accept the seeds and your life is ready to accept the new path (skill, language, job, relationship) you have chosen to pursue this year. We have light and sunshine to work with. The early flowers, the bulbs that hibernated over the winter, now appear to brighten our outlook for our new endeavors.
Fire in the Belly
Ostara/Spring Equinox (March 21) to Beltane (May 1) is more of the same. We have planted the seeds and are now tending, nourishing, and we will begin to feel the Beltane fire, the fire in our bellies that burns with a desire to make our dreams reality. We have begun to see early progress and are burning for more. Continue working on your new projects, feeding them, and feeding yourself.
The Patient Time
From Beltane (May 1) to Litha/Summer Solstice (June 21) we are being patient. We have planted and we are tending. We may see growth in some areas but not others. Patience now. Patience with ourselves as we may be reaching a comfortable spot with our new skill. We have learned some and may become content with that level of proficiency. The fire of Beltane may have started to smolder if we feel we aren't progressing fast enough. Patience
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Midsummer
From Litha/Summer Solstice (June 21) to Lugnasadh (August 2) we prepare for the first harvest. In the old tradition, and even in some rural areas today, the children are out of school and ready to assist with the harvest. What will be ready first? Summer fruits and vegetables are ripening almost faster than they can be picked. Are you starting to see a renewed advancement in your new skill? Maybe a seed was planted that you didn't realize was in the mix earlier in the year.
First Harvest (or what I wasn't expecting)
Lugnasadh (August 2) to Mabon (September 21) is the time between first and second harvest. The days are getting shorter as we near the time of equal night again. There is a sense of urgency as we still have much to harvest but the light is waning. The children's help will be gone as they get ready to go back to school.
Preparing for the Dark
Mabon (September 21 to Samhain October 31) is a time to prepare for the darkness. The equal night has passed on the second harvest of Mabon and the last of the harvest is ready to be put up at Samhain. The fruits of this year's garden are being preserved for the dark winter nights. Each meal will be celebrated as we are thankful that we persevered all year. How will you celebrate your other accomplishments of the year? As the cycle winds down, we can look back at the seasons and see what was grown. Now we can decide how to use this bounty, this new skill. Where will the new job or relationship take us in the future?