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That period of time between autumnal equinox and Samhain is an interesting period. We move from the balance of light and dark into darkness; the veil thins; we are called to clear out the old and to make room for the harvest. People who go into this spoke of the wheel depressed find it easy to wallow and even those who don’t start out depressed can get more melancholy and introspective. It becomes harder and harder to see the light.

In some parts of the world, the weather fosters these tendencies; in Southern California, where we remain in summer until late October, there is some cognitive dissonance. That can actually increase a person’s depression, because it feels more inexplicable. It’s bewildering, when you aren’t cognizant of the cycles, to feel quiet and introspective when the weather continues to encourage you to be social.

Some traditions actually become more social during this period, as if to store up the energy and guard against the darkness. Social obligations can feel more important, more weighty. This can be overwhelming for introverts, and exhausting even for more outgoing folks. Prioritizing and pacing are more challenging when everything feels important. I, myself, have gone into the descent into darkness with a renewed dedication to my practice. This can be a time to let go of any attachment to old habits. Fall clearing is more vital to my well-being than spring cleaning. Baggage only weighs me down more, and can contribute to a dangerous downward spiral. So I am praying more, talking to guardians and totems, doing rituals to release and uplift, and doing focused meditation. Anything to keep me out of negative ego.

This might be a good time for you to take stock. What habits, beliefs and mindsets hold you back? What practices and behaviors lift you up? I am a fan of stretching my boundaries this time of year; it is not yet time for cocooning. I have written in my blog about making a commitment to write a 51-item gratitude list every day fr 21 days (or even longer, until Samhain). You could take some time every evening to examine your day, asking what you did well, what you could have done better, and where the magic/miracles/synchronicity occurred. If your self image isn’t that positive, you could challenge yourself to make a list of 100 things that you like, admire, or respect about yourself. Take a class to increase your spiritual skillset, filling in the gaps you see. Teach a class to share your skillset with others, helping them to do the same.

Remember, you are the light of the world.
Ayamanatara