I woke up this morning to -1 Celsius, the first morning since late spring in which the temperature was below zero. It is fitting as it is the first day of autumn, the autumn equinox which is called Mabon by the old Celtic world which often has a prominent role in a number of my novels.
Since my wife had to go to work early, we sat by the fireplace to have our morning coffee while it was still dark outside. There was no reason to sit on our back deck as there were no birds chirping and dashing all over the place to entertain us. Besides, we weren’t interested in layers of clothing being topped off by a light parka in order to stay warm. After all, that is what the fireplace is for, keeping warm on cold mornings.
I caught this explanation of the autumn equinox which I want to share with you: “Night and day are again of equal length and in perfect equilibrium – dark and light, masculine and feminine, inner and outer, in balance. But we are again on the cusp of transition and from now the year now begins to wane and from this moment darkness begins to defeat the light.” I tend to think of this differently though I have many resonances with Celtic mythology.
For me, the equinox is the point where I switch from outer-world focus to an inner-world focus. Diving deeper into the world of shadows, one does find light. Light hasn’t been defeated at all. Rather, it has simply gone to a quiet place in order to allow a person to get to know themselves better. During the season of light, the focus is almost exclusively on others and the outer world.
In my life, this is also symbolised by harvesting. Yesterday, I took the last of the tomatoes off the vines as I knew there was going to be a frost. Yesterday evening, all the work I have been putting into a committee had arrived at a point of completion, a harvesting and canning of ideas. I can now relax for the most part with only minor tasks in the outer world yet to need my attention.
“Mabon is a celebration and also a time of rest after the labour of harvest. In terms of life path it is the moment of reaping what you have sown, time to look at one’s hopes and aspirations and reflect on how they have manifested.It is time to complete projects, to clear out and let go that which is no longer wanted or needed.”
Diving deep into one’s inner world doesn’t mean ignoring the outer world. The outer world remains though the temperatures drop. One still has to eat and be present. To do otherwise is psychologically and physiologically dangerous. My projects that haven’t been completed are those which require a retreat from the hectic world of summer. I need the season of darkness to focus on my writing and my spiritual and psychological wellness. And that requires that I have done my outer world work with regards to my body and my relationships with others.
Hopefully, your shift from light to darkness is navigated with self-care in mind. The journey to the light of the spring equinox has now begun. We have made this journey countless times as individuals. The light is always there, waiting.