Secular Celebrations - Autumnal Equinox

Secular Celebrations - Autumnal Equinox

From there, we move into the fall and come to the Autumnal Equinox and my favorite time of year. September brings the second harvest - more fruit, lots of gourds, and the rest of those autumn vegetables. Of course, there are some plants that will continue on well into the winter, but this is when most of the produce comes off the vine, and we begin storing them up for the colder months. The year begins to slide more noticeably toward winter, the leaves start to turn, and when the equinox comes, the day and night are equal once again.

This is a time for restoring balance. If things are feeling off in your home or in your life, take steps to restore that equilibrium and re-establish your routines. Cleanse your home of any lingering “summer grump” and make sure you air the place out once the weather isn’t so blazingly hot. I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of fresh autumn air in the house, especially when it has that little tinge of burning leaves to it? Mm, chef kiss, perfection. I mean, in 2020, we’re all sick of that because of the wildfires, but STILL. Do that end-of-summer cleanout, get ready for back-to-school if you have little ones, and start changing out your wardrobe.

There’s still time for a bit of last-blast outdoor fun, if you’re so inclined. Provided that the weather cooperates, you might plan one more beach day or camping trip or afternoon at the lake. Visit a farmer’s market or a harvest festival and have some fun. Visit that pick-your-own-produce farm again and bring from some seasonal fruits and veggies. I love apple-picking at this time of year, and it’s probably the thing I miss most about living in Pennsylvania. (Also, Stayman Winesaps are the tastiest apples on earth, and nothing you can say will change my mind.)

Go on a walk or a drive to view the changing leaves. Oh, and mark the day you first see leaves starting to turn. That’s a fun thing I do every year, I call it Turning Day. If there are maple trees in your area, those will probably be the ones that change first, so look for those. You can use fall foliage, acorns, and gourds to start decorating your home - real or silk, whatever works best for you.

This is another big holiday for bonfires as well - honestly, bonfires are pretty much part of ALL the holidays, they’re just fun - so if you can attend one or have one safely, that’s something to consider. Or maybe just have one more picnic or cookout before the weather turns too chilly for it to be feasible. Have a fall feast for your near-and-dear with lots of lovely seasonal produce and pies, maybe a roast fowl or brisket or fish, whatever you like best.

Speaking of food, this is my baking season. It’s finally cool enough to have the oven going without suffocating myself in the heat or running up a four-figure energy bill trying to keep the indoor temperature manageable. So if you’re a fan of baking, why not give that a try? There are plenty of recipes to choose from, like soda bread, pumpkin bread, spice cake, maple cookies, and so on.

Keep that sense of community going by making a little bit extra and sharing it with friends and neighbors. Some people do their autumn feasting around the equinox instead of in November, when Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. There is a holiday in September called Harvest Home that directly corresponds to this, so if you’d rather skip Thanksgiving but you still want to feast, that’s something to look into.

Start stocking your shelves for the winter too. Put up pickles and preserves. Refresh your canned goods and non-perishables, maybe save a few bottles of whatever libations you made earlier in the year. If you have kids, celebrate the idea of this gathering-in with a scavenger hunt. Have them help you find signs of autumn or needful items for the pantry.

As the year turns and the harvest comes in, meditate upon your own personal harvest. This might be a journaling activity. You’ve sown, you’ve tended, you’ve reaped. Now what is your harvest? What have you learned from the year? What abundance has entered your life? What have you lost? What surprised you? What didn’t go quite as you planned? What are you thankful for? What do you regret?

Meditate also upon the balance in your life. Do things FEEL balanced? Or are they out of whack? If so, how can you address this? Do you feel you need to change things, or is it more prudent to let them reach equilibrium on their own? What outside factors are affecting that balance, and what can you reasonably affect on your own?

- Hex Positive, Ep. 011 - Secular Celebrations (November 01, 2020)

Other Posts In This Series:

Imbolc

Spring Equinox

Beltane

Midsummer

Lughnasadh

Autumn Equinox

Samhain

Yule

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Ways to Celebrate Pretty Much Every Pagan Holiday

(And most of these work no matter how discreet you have to be!)

Food- No holiday is complete without a feast! Have a potluck, try a new recipe in the kitchen, or just contemplate your usual dinner and be thankful that you have food. Lots of sabbats have popular recipes or ingredients that you could try making, or incorporate those types of foods into your meals.

Spend Time Outdoors- Have a picnic, go on a walk, or just sit on a chair and observe nature for a little while. Feel the air and observe how the seasons have changed.

Pay it Forward- Celebrate family, do something nice for your friends, or volunteer in your community.  Go out and help people. ‘Tis the season!

Clean and Cleanse- A lot of holidays focus on some type of new beginnings. Clean your space and cleanse yourself of any residual energies you may be holding onto. Getting everything tidy and organized is a great way to give yourself a foundation for the coming year, no matter when that year begins!

Self Reflect- Think about where you were 365 days ago. How much you’ve grown, what you’ve gained and lost, what lessons you have been taught. What are your goals for the future? What is your next step?

Regular Worship- If you have any deities that you regularly interact with, consider giving them an offering and thanking them for just being a part of your life.

Veiling/dressing modestly in the heat (because “aren’t you hot” questions are annoying enough without actually being unnecessarily hot)!

I made a silly little acronym for you, and that’s WELLNESS! :D

W: Watch how other people do it. There are plenty of people both religious and not religious who dress modestly for whatever reasons, and looking for inspiration on the kinds of things they wear might help you out in ways I can’t!

E: Evaluate your health. Are you able to dress modestly in such a way that doesn’t flare up any health issues? Do you have skin problems that can’t handle being covered in the heat? Is it so bad you need to stay inside all the time anyways and you’re allowed to just free-for-all your wardrobe? You might have come into wanting to dress modestly already with an idea of what you wanted to cover consistently, and that might change depending on what medical needs you have.

L: Light colors. Lighter colors reflect sunlight and don’t hold heat as easily as darker colors do.

L: Loose cut. Allow air flow to cool you down! This also means try not to layer too much with overlapping layers, look into things like dicky collars it you like a collar but don’t want to layer a whole buttoned up shirt under a whole other shirt, and other such things. Except for veiling, in which case having something up high and tight off your neck is the best!

N: Natural fabrics. If it’s made of plastic (like polyester) it’ll trap heat in. Cotton and linen are your best bets!

E: Except wool! Wool will also trap heat. Always make sure you check what the actual properties are of the fabric you’re buying, there are natural fibers that insulate and there are synthetic fibers that don’t. If you want to broaden your horizons you’re going to have to google a funky word every now and again.

S: Stay on top of water consumption, sunscreen (for what’s exposed), and where you can go to cool off if necessary. Yes, it’s important for everyone, but especially if you’re more covered!

S: STOP IF YOU HAVE TO! No style of dressing is worth your health. If you find dressing modestly too cumbersome and dangerous for your health, CUT IT OUT! Know the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Know the signs of dehydration. Know when you just need to take a break and separate yourself from the heat.

Love as Venus Signs

Copyright Disclaimer ©️ All works are owned by me and I do not allow reposting or translations- only reblogging

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Aries Venus: Love is an adventure, and I dive into it fearlessly, guided by the fire within my heart.

Taurus Venus: Love is a sanctuary of comfort and stability, where I cherish every touch and savour the sweetness of affection, guided by the senses that speak to my soul.

Gemini Venus: Love is an ever-changing conversation, where minds meet and ideas dance, sparked by curiosity and the thrill of intellectual connection.

Cancer Venus: Love is a nurturing embrace, where emotions flow like tides, and I cherish the bonds of family and intimacy, guided by the soft glow of the heart's hearth.

Leo Venus: Love is a grand stage where passion shines bright, and I bask in the spotlight of affection, guided by the drama and romance that ignite my heart.

Virgo Venus: Love is found in the details, where every gesture and word is meticulously cared for, guided by a desire for perfection and a practical approach to intimacy.

Libra Venus: Love is a dance of balance and beauty, where hearts intertwine in perfect harmony, guided by the scales of passion and compassion.

Scorpio Venus: Love is a powerful alchemy, igniting flames of desire and unravelling the depths of the soul, revealing the raw beauty hidden within.

Sagittarius Venus: Love is an adventure across the horizon, where freedom and exploration intertwine, guided by optimism and a quest for new experiences.

Capricorn Venus: Love is the foundation on which I build my dreams, brick by brick, with patience, commitment, and unwavering dedication.

Aquarius Venus: Love is a boundless universe of possibilities, where we celebrate each other's individuality and soar together, free in our authentic selves.

Pisces Venus: Love flows like a gentle river, embracing all with its tender waves, and I dive into its depths, guided by the currents of my heart.

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I got almost 50 followers so here's a little treat :)

Mercury Observations: Our Anxieties & Getting Through the Day.

*DO NOT plagiarize my writing or repost on other forms of social media under any circumstances.*

*these are my PERSONAL opinions, ideas & interpretations on how these anxieties could manifest on a surface level. Keep in mind, other aspects, are also factors.* ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔっ

Mercury is the messenger of the gods and is the natural ruler of the nervous system; therefore, its location in a person's chart is a crucial predictor of their nervous system's health, resilience, and stress tolerance. This also explains why many mercury-dom individuals are often anxious and prone to shaking. Mercury also rules the third house, symbolizing the conscious mind, perception, thinking patterns, relationships, communication, neighborhoods, and family. In contrast to the 12th house, which may reveal our unconscious fears, wherever Mercury is in our charts (or Mercury's signs such as Gemini and Virgo energies) can reveal anxiety and mild fear that is much more prevalent in our everyday lives. ⋆⁺₊ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊ ⋆⁺₊⋆

Gemini in the natal chart might represent areas where we tend to over-explain and share excessive amounts of information. It may also reveal parts of our lives where there is frequently so much gossip or where it feels impossible to escape someone's opinions. Finally, it may also indicate where you might initiate gossip or drama or engage in it. Since it's mercury ruled it can also show where you tend to be nervous, for ex: gemini in the 3h might feel anxious (gemini) when driving (3h).

For instance, with Gemini in the fourth house, you may discover that your family is frequently talking about you or they love to gossip in general. You could overshare many details regarding family drama or issues with others. Or Gemini in the eighth house, where people comment on your body, sex life, and even finances. You might be continuously questioned about these topics. With Gemini in the seventh house, you may find that people are always reaching out to you and being nosy about your romantic or business relationships. However, you might also overshare regarding your love life and relationships, so be mindful of who you vent to. Gemini in the second house might cause you to reveal too much about your finances, resources, and possessions. People may discuss your possessions (e.g., "Oh, see how she has this or look at his new car! "),OR they may question your beliefs and what you stand for. Gemini in the sixth house may cause individuals in your everyday life to ask you intrusive questions or always appear to be scrutinizing your actions. With Gemini in the third house, your siblings may continually pry into your affairs (or you may gossip with them as well lmao), and your neighbors may be very nosy, peering through the blinds, criticizing you, etc.

On the other hand, Virgo could show where we are trying to keep things together. But we find that our need for perfectionism or even keeping up a specific image makes us feel even more frustrated or stressed. These problems could also lead to health issues or poor management of your routine/ care for your body due to that stress.

For example, Virgo in the 7th house and you could be very picky when it comes to picking your partners and be concerned with the image the relationship projects into the world. Virgo in the 10th house could overthink when it comes to their reputation and career or even be cautious and concerned about the opinions that the figures of authority in their lives have of them. Virgo in the 1st house could be very critical about their appearance and what people think of them off first impressions. Virgo in the 6th house could be particular in their routine, in general, and at work. They could also analyze or criticize almost every aspect of their physical body. Virgo in the 9th house could be very strict with themselves about their philosophies; the thought of their pre-existing beliefs being brought into question could make them panic. If in higher education, they could strive to be as organized as possible and have the best grades. Virgo in the 12th house, and you could constantly contemplate your fears, worry about every little thing you did throughout the day, or even berate yourself for your mistakes right before bed. Virgo in the 3rd house and you could be very critical about the relationship you have with your siblings and family members, constantly wanting to keep up a well-liked, orderly and polite image in your neighborhood and within your loved ones and peers.

Since Mercury governs the central nervous system, its placement may suggest where we require specific reassurance or tend to be more readily overwhelmed by these concerns than in other areas of our lives.

For instance, Mercury in the 12th house, and you could find yourself lying awake at night thinking about your fears. There could be a sensation of feeling voiceless or like there is no point in speaking up for yourself since you feel like no one will listen to you anyway. So you would need a lot of reassurance that your fears and concerns are valid. And that your words are as well. Mercury in the 10th house, and you could care about what the authority figures in your life have to say, or you could worry about your reputation and career choices. So you would need reassurance that you don't have to micromanage your image or constantly have to be ten steps ahead with your life choices. Mercury is in the 11th house, and you could get very nervous when it comes to the opinions of your community and friends and what they have to say about you and your goals. So you would need reassurance that you are free to be whoever you want to be without the need to ask for permission or live up to this image for others. Mercury in the 5th house, and you could feel anxious about nurturing your hobbies, inner child, and romantic interests. You could need reassurance that you are free to express yourself in the ways that seem most genuine to you, not to please others. Mercury in the 7th house, and you could feel like you have to be there to listen and consistently communicate in your relationships, both platonic and romantic. You would need reassurance that you can take time to set boundaries in your forms of communication so that you don't have to feel like you're hesitating or beating around the bush all the time. Mercury in the 9th house and you could become anxious when reflecting on your personal philosophies or beliefs, asking yourself am I truly standing up for whats right? You would need reassurance that no one is born knowing where they stand on certain topics or issues, especially societal and cultural ones. You create your own through series of mistakes, learning and unlearning.

You can use your mercury aspects, if any, whether they are harmonious or challenging, as ways to release that energy most beneficially to you; some examples:

Mercury-Sun aspects: When you live your life in the most authentic way possible (sun), you will find that you would need less reassurance from others and can communicate (mercury) in a much more direct, confident, and honest manner.

Mercury-Saturn aspects: When you find balance and try to be more stable, structured, and disciplined in your life (Saturn) without it becoming restrictive or limiting, you will find you get much less backlash from others, and you gain much more respect when you communicate (mercury). You can be truthful without being cruel, and in turn, people will seek your wisdom instead of resenting it.

Mercury-Venus aspects: The more you invest in your image, beauty, fortune, relationships, and pleasures (venus), the easier it will be to be diplomatic, charming, and relatable when speaking and relating (mercury) to others. You could benefit from writing poetry as well.

Mercury-Mars aspects: the more you learn how to be a powerful and assertive leader in a healthy manner (mars), the easier it will be to mobilize people or lead your peers with your words (mercury) and actions (mars) without being looked at as being overbearing (mars). you could be an amazing motivational speaker.

Mercury-Jupiter aspects: the more you begin to embrace your out-of-the-box ideas and visions (Jupiter), the easier it will be to communicate them and share them with others (mercury) as long as you reflect and make sure the energy remains insightful without becoming unrealistic.

Mercury-Moon aspects: The more you practice and reflect on becoming an emotionally intelligent individual, the easier it will be to comfort (moon) yourself and others without your words (mercury) being harsh or critical in the moments you are feeling overwhelmed. you could also be great at writing poetry, short stories and songs.

Mercury-Pluto aspects: The more you pride yourself on your deep and complex mind and nature (pluto) without demonizing it or behaving through an extreme perspective, the easier it will be to transform (Pluto) your views (mercury) and also the mindset of others without it being seen as threatening or dogmatic. Those with squares and oppositions should learn that there is also a time and place for their comments as not everyone will take your bluntness so lightly (I say this as someone with a mercury square pluto aspect, and my mouth has gotten me in trouble many times lmfaaaoooo).

Mercury-Uranus aspects: The more you channel your inventive (Uranus) and thrilling (Mercury) mental energy into more practical forms of expression, the more you will feel able to express your genuine self without feeling censored. Embrace the chaos without allowing it to overwhelm you.

Mercury-Neptune aspects: the more you accept that you see the world from different perspectives & hone your intuition and spirituality (Neptune) the easier it will be to enlighten others through your ideas and words (Mercury). The key here is to be able to nurture this imaginative energy without it spiraling into an illusion. another placement that can benefit from poetry or songwriting, practicing tarot and art that nurtures your spiritual side.

━。゜✿ฺ✿ฺ゜。━ ━。゜✿ฺ✿ฺ゜。━ ━。゜✿ฺ✿ฺ

━。゜✿ฺ✿ฺ゜。━ ━。゜✿ฺ✿ฺ゜。━ ━。゜✿ฺ✿ฺ

⋆｡˚𖦹 🌕 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬𝐞 𓆝⋆｡˚𖦹

──˚𓆛────˚𓆛────˚𓆛────˚𓆛──

The Full Moon In Pisces and Lunar Eclipse, occuring on September 17th 2024, will bring very intense emotions connecting us deeply to the water energy. You may feel an intense need to close one chapter and begin a new one, with raw, vulnerable emotions rising to the surface. You can expect heightened Neptunian energy, bringing deep emotional waves under the influence of a full moon in a water sign.

A strong connection to feminine energy may occur, urging you to spend time alone for reflection and emotional release. The combination of Pisces and Virgo energy fuels creativity that might inspire you to work on something artistic or start a new project. It’s a great time to turn those ideas into action. This is a highly spiritual time, connecting you to other realms and tuning you into the call of the water element.

This energy will also bring your toxic patterns to light, giving you the chance to recognize and release them. Remember to go with the flow and let this lunar energy guide you to be your true self, reacting to situations as your heart directs, even if it stirs up a little chaos.

──˚𓆛────˚𓆛────˚𓆛────˚𓆛──

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨:

𖦹 Shadow work

𖦹 Get some rest, try to sleep

𖦹 Allow yourself to cry. It’s healthy and can be healing.

𖦹 Connect with the water element

𖦹 Watch your fav movies

𖦹 Focus on your heart chakra

𖦹 Connect with your feminine energy

𖦹 Take a bath with flower-scented essential oils

𖦹 Do generous acts for others

𖦹 Let yourself react from the heart without holding back

𖦹 Practice dreamwork

𖦹 Meditate

𖦹 Light some candles, and you can carve Neptune and Pisces symbols on them

𖦹 Drink plenty of water or herbal teas

𖦹 Use your imagination to manifest

𖦹 Dance or sing under the moonlight

──˚𓆛────˚𓆛────˚𓆛────˚𓆛──

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