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The Harvest Moon (full moon nearest to the Autumn Equinox) is absolutely amazing - here's my comments of last year -

With the night’s drawing in I only managed 4 times up and down the loch as the last skier of the
evening, the water was flat, not a drop of wind, as I dropped in after the 1^st 2 passes I was in absolute awe as the biggest orangest moon came out of the hills in the East – superb. And that calm still there this morning as I walked by with the dogs, pale pastel sky, birds flying south, the hint of cold to come so subtle as to be almost alluring….yes autumn is here.

For our Celtic ancestors this was time to reflect on the past season and celebrate nature's bounty and accept that summer is now over. Harvest Home marks a time of rest after hard work, and a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of nature.

This is the time to look back on the past year and what you have achieved and learnt, and to plan for the future.  

The Latin word for Equinox means 'time of equal days and nights'. To astrologers this is the date on which the sun enters the sign of Libra, the scales, reflecting appropriately the balanced day and night of the equinox. After this celebration the descent into winter brings hours of increasing darkness and chillier temperatures. It is the time of the year when night conquers day.

Meditation

The Autumn equinox celebration was Michaelmas, the feast of the Archangel Michael.

Ageing Goddess
The triple Goddess - worshipped by the Ancient Britons, is now in her aspect of the ageing Goddess and now passes from Mother to Crone, until she is reborn as a youthful virgin as the wheel of nature turns. At the Autumn equinox the goddess offers wisdom, healing and rest.

It's wonderful to have taken this opportunity to celebrate this time in my home. A few years ago now Bill Ligetwood explained to me how my house had been built on the site of an ancient temple - it was a longer story which I'll no doubt tell one day. Since then myself and my home have had a few incarnations but from my experiences at Callanish and particularly at the site of the Triple Goddess - and my urge to buy mirrors and so on with the triple goddesses I fell the garden is now maturing into that temple - I hope you all have fun there.

I used to dread the winter but these celebrations have made me see it a different way and this time we will be able to use that enjoyment to help others to - win/win - that's what I call a result. So dig deep, drag along your friends and party baby party!!!!

Winter Care

Along with winter comes the environmental, lifestyle and hormonal changes that can disrupt our body’s equilibrium. During this traditionally trying time, linked to the dark and coldness of Yin, comfort can be found by introducing the warmth of Yang. Indulge in products and daily rituals that cosset the body and stimulate the senses. Hydrate the skin with oils.

Aromatherapy can help us through the change in seasons. Inhaling essential oils can send signals to the brain to bring harmony and healing. Two or three drops of pure essential oil in water in a oil burner is a great way to enjoy the powers of essential oils.  Make sure that the oils you buy are pure to give you the healing benefits of their properties.  Check that they have the Latin name of the plant the oils are derived from on the label, it should also display a best before date, and there will be oils available at differing prices e.g. eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus) is an economically priced oil and real rose (rosa damascena) is an expensive one (but worth every penny for its fabulous soothing, balancing properties). 

If you love smells and relaxation look out for my soon to be released CD Lavender Shavasanna on http://www.vickirebecca.com/shoppy.htm

Enjoy the touch of a therapist….

Stress Busters http://www.vickirebecca.com/therapies.htm

Or simply luxuriate in a hot bath with some of those wonderful oils.

Let salads give way to hearty stews and soups. Opt for anti-oxidant loaded foods such as berries, peppers, oily fish for anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids and potent herbal teas such as rooibos and Matcha. Roasted sweet potatoes, bananas, hot milky drinks and dark chocolate all boost your spirits and balance emotions. Drink lots of water. Get as much sunshine as you can – go out for even 10 minutes during the day. Meditate. Set goals for next year.

To Autumn

O Autumn, laden with fruit, and stained
With the blood of the grape, pass not, but sit
Beneath my shady roof, there thou may'st rest,
And tune thy jolly voice to my fresh pipe;
And all the daughters of the year shall dance,
Sing now the lusty song of fruits and flowers.

 

William Blake

013398 87184

www.hypnotherapyaberdeen.co.uk