Here in the UK, we’re settling into autumn, the wild winds have been blowing, and the coloured leaves are gathering on footpaths. Nature is slowing down and offering us the opportunity to do the same. Whether you live in the country or the town your daily rituals will start to change; layering up before leaving the house, drying washing inside, making soups instead of salads, lighting a log burner or clicking the heating on as the evenings close in.
The autumnal smell of bonfires will always remind me of my childhood. A bonfire always felt exciting, it didn’t matter that it was simply burning the old scrub from the garden, it felt like an event!
The tradition of a communal autumn fire at Samhain dates back to a time when the light leaving the days had a stronger significance than it has today. As the last of the harvest was gathered the home fires were left to die down – letting go of the year gone by. The communal fire was lit in celebration, honour and gratitude. Celebration of the harvest, honour and gratitude for the land and community. A torch of the communal fire was then taken to relight the home fire, bringing in the light for the coming year ahead.
Our lives are quite different now, we don’t need to keep a fire in our homes, and our community is often less obvious in its value, but our spirit will welcome the ritual. Our spirit will hear the intentions of honour and gratitude and feel nourished by the connection to the powerful element of fire and the sustaining earth it burns on. It’s our spirit that needs the simple rituals; it’s our emotional self that calms with these gentle practices.
Rituals to connect
As you take the time to build a fire let your body feel the weight of the wood, as you feed the fire, connect with the ancestors who in ancient times felt its significance so deeply, who appreciated the warmth and light that the fire gave.
You might not be able to make a bonfire, but you could light a candle. You can gather some berries and beautiful autumn leaves to create a simple harvest. Thank the spirit of air, earth, water and fire for all you’ve gathered this year, all the gifts, seen and unseen. Take a moment, take two! And connect with this natural world that sustains us in body, mind and spirit.
Thank the ancestors, known and unknown, who’s spirits gather close by at this liminal time of year. Take time to dwell in the attitude of gratitude and let it carry you through the darkness of winter and onwards with the promise of a bright year ahead!
If you’re interested in connecting with ancient stories from the land I recommend reading Sharon Blackie