Autumnal Equinox - Harvest and Transition

   I almost forgot to write the column for the Autumnal Equinox - as it began to transition so subtly it seemed to overlay with Summer and Late Summer. But the days are definitely getting cooler and sunset is so much earlier that there is no denying the transition has begun. Things are slowing down. Transitions can be difficult but best to just go with the flow of things.

   It is always a time of preparation. Late Summer was our first clue and even that is never clearly defined. It's  not as though the calendar decries that you will wake up one morning and say oh yes it is Late Summer. Autumn you feel gradually and so allows us to adjust.

   After one of the hottest summers since they started to keep records in modern times I was glad for some relief from the intense heat of July. 103 degrees was a bit much - especially in a house where it is designed to hold heat. And yet I do love Summer.

   In Europe there were also dangerous heat waves in places where there are never or very few air conditioners - because it wasn't needed. In Spain people died between intense heat and fires. It has been an unusual Summer indeed.

   There were wildfires up in Canada as well - with the smoke permeating here as well - but not as long as last year's fires. Intense heat, dryness and lightning can be a dangerous combination.

   While enjoying the beginning of Autumn to arrive in a few days one can't help but wonder what kind of Winter we will have here in the Northeast - with several bad storms last winter and severe cold. Of course it is not as cold here as up north, but for us it was cold indeed.

   For health we continue to prepare and gravitate even moreso than in Late Summer towards the heavier foods. Getting proper rest is also helpful and meditation for those who meditate. Autumn and Winter are a time of rest and going inward.

   The element for Autumn is Metal which represents the mineral ores and salts of the Earth. It is also aligned to mental energy, the nervous system, communication and connections. The body part with Autumn is the lungs and large intestines. Coughs often develop in Autumn so good to cleanse the lungs especially if exposed to alot of air pollution, exhaust fumes, allergens and smoke. Once I turn off the air conditioners I make sure to keep my Hepa air filter running - especially at night. The large intestines of course eliminate waste so good to make sure you are eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid refined or junk food or anything greasy. Otherwise you set yourself up for a Winter of illnesses.

   I don't tell people to do a "cleanse" per se - because people can get carried away with severe cleanses or cleanse too often. It puts stress on your body to be in rigorous cleanse at all times. Just find the right balance for yourself.

   The emotion associated with Autumn is worry and grief - best to let things go. Yes some sadness of past events always seem to emerge in Autumn but again time to let go.

   The climate associated with Autumn is dry so make sure to stay hydrated.

   And don't forget to take walks once the leaves turn into their glorious colors.

   

Until next,

Maery

p.s. as we go inward it is a good time to do alot of reading

my books are available on Amazon - 2 to do with being gluten free

"Gluten Free on the Go - You Can Take It With You"

And "Gluten Free - Tradition and Home Cooking"

Enjoy