What a Time
cover image by Marie Lalanne Manzor
“. . .cause I’m planting seeds so I reaps what I sow, ya know? Oh on and on and on and on, my cypher keeps moving like a rolling stone. . .” -Erykah Badu
As Children of Mother Earth, we are affected by what affects her. Right now she’s dying a beautiful death.
Summer. . .a distant yet longing thought in our minds. Thoughts of vibrancy and life giving energy we were exposed to just about a month and some weeks ago. Now, we have come to the time of year regarding great introspection as we contemplate our personal harvests of seeds planted in the spring and summer. Autumn is here and Earth, our Mother is in Her domain, bringing with Her themes of change and transition; creating transformations that prepare us for the depth and understanding of winter. Not only is the weather changing but the whole environment arounds us is transforming with bursting colors and crisp air. A beautiful death our Mother Earth experiences which is reflected in our, her children's’ lives.
It would be difficult to believe we are not affected by what happens to our planet. Earth provides all of our basic needs just as a “mother” does, and as Her children we are greatly affected when She begins to grow dark and cold, when She tilts on Her axis further and further away from the Sun. We millennials refer to this time as “seasonal depression”, when we reach a phase where succumbing to the depressive energy that arises from lack of exposure to the Sun’s healing rays, fresh air, water, and the growing vitality reflected in us as well as the plants and animals around us. Everything is now slowing down, dying even, but a beautiful death as we use these moments to reflect, review and renew ourselves as Nature intends us to.
So, you may ask, what can I do to actively engage in such an experience? How do I make this a more comforting and rewarding affair for myself? The first thing I would strongly advise one do is take up YOGA & Meditation. The cold literally forces one to stay indoors. This can be seen as a metaphor for going within.
“Going within simply means to be with yourself, to listen to your higher self, and to feel yourself by calming the mind and clearing the clutter; allowing more space for your higher for your higher thoughts to enter your being.” - Michelle Walling
Not all of us can afford to take YOGA. Even sitting in lotus position can be a difficult task for many. To those I also recommend taking a walk first thing in the morning. The cold will surely shock you into tune with your body, but also the morning air is at its freshest and most moist. This is a good way of getting active and staying active for the remainder of the day. Because air gets drier as it gets colder, you should also increase your water intake during this time. During spring and summer it is easier for your bodies to stay hydrated as you are inclined to take on a more natural diet. The Sun helps you sweat, keeping you lubricated from the inside out.
My next recommendation is very ironic as it is simply to get MORE SUN! I know, earlier I mentioned that as the Earth continues to tilt on its axis, we in the Northern Hemisphere are exposed to the Sun less and less. Scientifically, the effects are deep since the main nutrient She provides for us is Vitamin D, an important one. If you have not already, I strongly recommend you begin incorporating it into your diet with either a Vitamin D supplement and/or by eating a tremendous amount of leafy greens.
But wait, there’s more! Physically we now know how to navigate through the seasons, keeping our “cyphers rolling.”, but there is another way of getting our daily dose of vitality from the Sun, and that is by directly following Her course in the sky, or as an astrologer would say, through the Zodiac. Currently our beautiful Sun resides in Scorpio and we don't have to be born one to feel the energy such a transit brings. We all experience the dynamism of “Scorpio season,” but how can this help guide us through the despondency of such a time? All we have to do is channel the themes of a Scorpion nature, which are perceptive and magnetic. When the Sun is in Scorpio, we all become drawn to our deeper nature. We may feel inclined to deepen our spirituality and explore otherworldly things. We can beat the seasonal blues by connecting to the passion and intimacy Scorpio brings, exposing our deepest feelings to transform us for the better.
Some other things to look out for include:
Indulging in mysteries & suspense. Maybe buy yourself a good pair of binoculars!
They say a Scorpio's eyes are a powerful gateway, don’t be afraid to accentuate or mystify this asset with new sunglasses.
Passion is guaranteed to be intensified. Partake in buying some new lingerie.
Scorpio loves to explore peculiarities and the unknown. Satisfy this with a visit to museums, or even a cemetery.
Say something very meaningful to someone you love. This season might by the time you tell someone for the first time that you love them!
We don't have to be defeated by the growing cold and darkness that consumes us at this time. The whole universe is here to help guide us through tough transitions and transformations. “As above, So below” the Egyptians once said, because they knew how much they were affected by what goes on in the cosmos. Their wisdom still lives today and we are witnesses of its glory. Just like Earth to our Sun, we must stay the course and continue planting seeds that will lead to our own harvest.