  Spiritual
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Hi, I'm Sophy ~ your editor for this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter. This week we'll talk about the Autumnal Equinox.
The Rev. Scotty McLennan, author of the book Finding Your Religion, compares humanity's innate need for spiritual searching to climbing a mountain. In his view, we are all endeavoring to climb the same figurative mountain in our search for the divine, we just may take different ways to get there. In other words, there is one "God," but many paths. I honor whatever path or paths you have chosen to climb that mountain in your quest for the Sacred.  |
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Autumnal Equinox
On September 23 at 5:51 EDT, the Autumnal Equinox occurred in the Northern Hemisphere, ushering in the beginning of fall as summer came to a close (though you wouldn't know it where I live, as it's still over 90 degrees here in central Illinois)!  In a June issue of this Spiritual Newsletter I shared some information about the Summer Solstice, and in this issue I want to share briefly about the Equinox.
The word "equinox" comes from the Latin term "æquinoctium" which comes from the term "æquus" (equal), and "nox" (night), and it refers to the event that occurs twice a year when day and night last for the same length of time -- each lasting 12 hours in duration. Mythically speaking, from a pagan point of view, the autumnal equinox is the day of the year when the god of light is defeated by his twin and alter-ego, the god of darkness, and night conquers day. Six months later the god of light once again conquers the god of darkness during the Vernal Equinox, and the cycle of life continues.
The Autumnal Equinox is also known as: Alban Elfed, Autumn Equinox, Cornucopia, Feast of Avilon, Festival of Dionysus, Harvest Home, Harvest Tide, Mabon, Night of the Hunter, Second Harvest Festival, Wine Harvest, Witch's Thanksgiving, and the first day of autumn. In ancient times, the Autumn Equinox was cause for a variety of pagan festivals, among them the celebration of the birth of Mabon, the son of Mordon, the Goddess of the earth. It was also seen as a time to celebrate with a variety of Harvest Festivals for those living in the Northern Hemisphere. In fact, the full moon that arrives this week (on Wednesday) is traditionally known as the Harvest Moon, because the light of the full moon that arrives closest to the Equinox was used by farmers to harvest their crops late into the night (and sometimes until dawn).
Religious practitioners around the world observe many seasonal days of celebration during this time of year. Most are religious holy days, and are originally linked in some way to the fall or autumn equinox -- common themes found worldwide during this time of year focus on balance, harvesting, hunting, and remembrance of the dead. While pagans and other earth-based religions predate most other world religions, many of the holy days that occur within some of those other religions at this time of year are derived from original pagan celebrations. For instance, the "Feast of Booths" or "Sukkot" is a Jewish holy festival that occurs around this time of the year and includes giving thanks for the fall harvest. Replacing the fall equinox in Christianity is Michaelmas, the feast of the Archangel Michael, observed by some Christian practitioners on September 29.
The changing of the seasons can be significant for a variety of spiritual reasons, whether or not one observes it ritually or religiously in any way. Not only does the leaving behind of summer and the return of fall signal a change in weather, it also signals a change of attitude and sentiment for many people as they enjoy the beauty of the fall colors and prepare for the cold of winter. Many stories and poems are written around the theme of the changing seasons, both literally and metaphorically, as our bodies and spirits tune themselves to the rhythm of the seasonal progression.
As you celebrate the coming of fall in whatever tradition or path you follow, may it serve to remind you of our connection to the earth, and help inspire you to stay in touch with that part of your spiritual core that dances with the rhythms of nature.
Happy Fall! Happy Equinox!! Sophy |
Below you'll find some offerings from other WDC members about the equinox, fall, or changing of seasons. Please let the folks know if you read their piece by leaving a thoughtful comment or review.
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Thank you for the responses to my last newsletter about forgiveness! 
From Vivian 
Forgiveness is a very timely topic. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas. ~~ Viv
You are welcome, Viv, and thank you for your comment. I think forgiveness is a timely topic all of the time! Wonder what the world would be like if there were more of it!
    
From jaya h  :
A good essay on 'forgiveness'
I liked it. Is the topic 'Choices' ever appeared in the newsletter?
It's just a suggestion,
Jaya H.
Thanks Jaya, glad you liked the essay. I'd be happy to do a newsletter about "choices" -- if you have something specific in mind regarding the topic, please email me so I have a better idea of what you are interested in about "choices."
From Zeke 
True forgiveness is a rare commodity between us weak humans. Only God's pure forgiveness is completely real. When we forgive each other, the memory of what we are forgiving cannot be erased from our memories. With God, who makes everything possible, forgiveness comes with erasure of His memory of the sin.
Zeke
Thanks for your comment, Zeke. While I agree that we may "forgive but not forget," I personally think forgiveness itself is a powerful step in the right direction toward healing and growth. And it can be a very real experience for us as human beings, whether or not we walk any particular spiritual or religious path.
From blstelljes
I think that forgiveness from one religion to another is very similiar. I like the article and enjoyed reading it very much. I'm a Christian and believe forgiveness is love unspoken
Thank you for your comment! I love "forgiveness is love unspoken." Very beautiful, and true.
Please keep your comments and suggestions coming! And if you have idea for a future newsletter topic, make sure to drop me an email!
Until next time! Sophy |
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Spiritual: September 26, 2007 Issue [#1967]
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