In the transition from late green-golden summer
into fall, we stand for a moment in both worlds.
In a dance with light and dark, the memories of hot brightness are still fresh, but the woods are quiet, their noisier denizens gone now; and there are hints of yellow in the leaves. And each day, dusk comes earlier. As we cross the threshold into the time of fading, the part of me that has been clinging to summer turns away, relinquishing the long active days for the dimming light and the hues of second harvest.
At this time of year I sense the whole of the prairie and light woodlands more than I do their individual plants; a harmony of earth, water and myriad fading green life forms, in a way that I do not know how to describe. It is as if the energies of the region hum in unison as they prepare for dormancy and sleep. Now we gather the fruits of early autumn, in the second harvest — a harvest of colors. The herbs of the season linger from late summer…. Goldenrod, Gumweed and Mugwort. They call with the color of yellow, remembering summer sun embodied in their medicines; now set aside to help us in the winter cold.
Echoing the potent and deep energy of the waning moon, it is a time to stand down; the shorter days hold a promise of release and ripening — the promise of the seed. As I enter the gate of autumn, I embark on a process that will carry me through the journey into winter. I reflect on what is not serving me in my life; what to let go of, or to keep. It is a time to consider what has come to fruition, and which seeds will make up the next planting in earth, and in spirit.
Endings and beginnings, harvest and renewal… these are the guiding themes at the door of the fall portal. Life hangs in suspension, and both seasons are held in the moment, resting and still. Dark and light, life and death are in balance. But by day’s end stasis gives way to flow, like a breath set free. Summer is gone, and without resignation I give myself to the yellow and green beauty of the season.
The energy of this time is often bittersweet, and our hearts can be vulnerable as we release old, unneeded things-relationships-conditions from our lives. At this time of year I rely on herbal allies that guard the heart, helping me to stand in my own center, and deal with any sensitive moments that arise. Rose and hawthorn come to mind, helping protect both the physical and energetic heart, and facilitate circulation and flow. The term “boundary magic” refers to these herbs’ ability to help us protect the energetic gateway of our heart.
Special herbs that foster transformation and open the portals of our inner world include:
Rose hips and petals – fragrant and astringent, they nourish the heart and are soothing to the nerves; stimulating vitality, and supporting flowing qi and circulation. I think of rose as supporting the outer barriers of the energetic heart, while also nourishing the circulatory system.
Hawthorne leaf, flower or berry – long known to be a heart healer, for both the physical and spiritual heart. Another herb for “boundary magic” (have you ever tangled with those mighty thorns?!!). There is a similarity to rose (it’s in the same family), but to me it feels like it works at a deeper level. It’s early spring flowers have a strange scent of decay as they fade, speaking to the transformational qualities of this herb. It stands guard at the portal of our heart and our inner world, as we connect with the energies of the waning light.
Cinnamon – a warming aromatic and tonic circulatory stimulant. It supports free flow of energy in the body – perfect to bring up the energy on a fall afternoon.
Cardamom – long known as a digestive herb in Ayurveda, it is sweetly aromatic, warming and soothing to the digestive tract. It has anti-inflammatory and immune stimulant properties, and supports the membranes of the respiratory tract in preparation for colder days.
An antioxidant rich tea for Autumn Afternoons:
1/2 cup rose petals
1 cup rose hips
1 cup hawthorn leaf and flower
1 tsp cinnamon
5-6 pods green cardamom, crushed
Combine in a small bowl or grind together with mortal and pestle, and store in a sealed jar.
(I make this in small batches like this so the cardamom will be fresher when it’s used. )
For tea:
Use 2 tablespoons per cup of boiling water.
Steep, covered, in a small jar for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours, rewarming if needed.
Sweeten with infused honey of your choice (optional).
To really feel the properties of this tea, treat yourself to some phone free time, disconnect from the world, and sense your heart as you sip. A little mugwort incense would add a nice touch.
Enjoy!