an All Hallow's Moon

Besides being born on this month, October has always been my favorite time of year; when the trees turn brilliant colors and delicious smells escape from kitchen doors. As the scent of burning leaves and wood traverse the brisk air, I honestly just want to throw on my flannel, clogs, XL sweatpants and curl up with a book on my breezy front porch where the sun still warms.

Autumn in Virginia is just beautiful in that you can enjoy changes throughout the state during the whole month. Toward the Appalachians to the west, fall is slowly sweeping through the Blue Ridge in hues of burgundy, rust, and gold. In a couple of weeks the seasonal ripple will crash here on the shore, where the sweep of life, transforming, extends to continue cooling the waters of the Atlantic

There is much to be thankful for during this season. The Wheel of the year is turning again and as Nature cycles through her rhythms of life and death, there is much reminder for us to appreciate our ancestors and honor their memory while accepting their passing from this lifetime. 6 years ago, we said goodbye to my beloved grandma who was not just an amazing mentor and inspiration, but simply an angelic and otherworldly soul altogether. Learning to let go of her has been such a lesson and in learning, I am now able to remember her without grief or sadness but with awe.

The full moon of this month, also called the Blood Moon (named for the hunter-gathering histories of native tribes) is time for respect and appreciation to the things that sustain us and end their lives so that their energy may keep us alive; growing and changing.

This is not a new concept, and while I absolutely adore the movie Avatar, James Cameron is not the creator of this idea of unity and sharing of energy, as much as people want to "Avatarize" this notion. Even Obi-Wan's description of the Force, "...it surrounds us, penetrates us..." is young to the slowly-spreading awareness of universality among beings. Our wisest ancestors knew that if we want to respect ourselves, then we must respect every part of life.

Part of my intention to accept responsibility for my actions includes even the most seemingly mundane actions, like eating. Though, thinking about it, what I put into myself is one of the most important and spiritual things I can do and not at all mundane. Before supermarkets, the yearly harvest kept shelter and sustainability on the forefront of people's minds while moving inward for the dark seasons; and hunting, harvesting, and perserving food was a mindful, hands-on experience.
I try to utilize that mindfulness now, making conscious consumer choices and showing gratitude towards those who have aided me along my journey (in a most Jedi-like fashion ;)
And so, in enjoying and appreciating this fall season, I reflect upon the many blessings that have gotten me to this point and now turn my focus inward to be thankful of each passing moment.
Some of the books I am reading with similar themes are:



~ May the full Halloween moon bask you in her glow of inward-consciousness and outward-appreciation ~