Archive for Wednesday 18th September 2002 - Autumn Equinox
At the Autumn Equinox, which this year falls next Monday, day and night are in perfect balance. For our Celtic ancestors it was a time to celebrate and give thanks for what the year had brought them.

Their spiritual tradition closely matched the cycle of nature. And as summer merges into autumn and then into winter, their focus was inwards – to recuperate, assess, contemplate and plan, so as to emerge in the spring energised and ready to make their aspirations real.

Glennie Kindred, an expert in Celtic ways, says: “The traditions connect us to nature at every season and helps us understand that we are part of that particular season.”

At this time of the year, she recommends getting touch with the resonance of autumn: “Go out into nature and connect. Feel and understand the balance between day and night. This will let you attune to your inner world – your intuition and dreams. Also you can metaphorically gather in your harvest - it is a time of gratitude for what you have gained throughout the year.”

For further insights, you can order Sacred Celebrations by Glennie Kindred from Mirror Direct for £9.95 (UK p+p is FREE) Offer open to United Kingdom only.
Call 0870 0703 200 or send cheque/PO, payable to Mirror Direct, to PO Box 60, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0TP

Eight Celtic reasons to celebrate
These Celtic festivals celebrate the cyclic flow of the year:
Autumn Equinox (September 20-23) A time of gratitude for the year’s achievements
Samhain (end of October) A time to contemplate and explore our inner world
Winter Solstice (December 20-23) A time to honour the turning of the cosmic clock
Imbolc (end of January) First of the spring celebrations
Spring Equinox (March 20-23) Time to start realising your plans for the year
Beltain (end of April) A celebration of the earth’s energies at their most active
Summer Solstice (June 20-23) A time for both rejoicing and contemplation
Lammas (end of July) First of the harvest festivals

Mark Winter