Simplifying with the Seasons

It always seems like certain times of year cause upheaval for me. This usually occurs during the change of the seasons. Fall is my favorite time of year, but I always begin it in turmoil. I suffer for a bit only to realize that the ultimate cause is trying to do too much at once. And inevitably I realize that simplification is what the true need is as life cycles throughout another span of seasons.

Most people associate fall with the harvest, abundance, etc. We think of stockpiling for a long winter ahead. Yet how often do we remember that before we can fill our stocks, we must first purge them, and remove that which is nonessential. There is a clichéd idea in paganism that modern humans are out of touch with the cycles of the seasons. But is it really so? It is my belief that this turmoil that often affects us  as seasons change is simply the stifled impulse of our earthy self just hiding below the surface.

Just last week I looked at my altar and cringed at the state of it. Cluttered with the dust of summer, and many objects that no longer spoke to me. I realized that this mental chaos had descended even into my most sacred of places. It was time to simplify. I removed and packed away most of what was there. All that remained were my god votives, a carved heart of red stone, and a small wood bead string I made for Freyr long ago. I picked up a small pumpkin and mini Indian corn bundle at the shops. These few items at first seemed sparse, but as soon as they were laid upon the altar a sense of calm and joy descended upon me. I felt the warmth of Freyr's smile upon me, and the motherly pride of Freyja.

I felt a sense of shame initially for letting it get into such a state. All these symbolic objects I had acquired, I thought would please the gods. Yet I find that the simple fruits of the earth are what truly please them. Even their images seem more comfortable in the simple space. As I thought I realized there was no need for shame. The seasons change and remind us to change. Our spirituality is valuable because allows us to learn lessons which serve us in all aspects of our lives. If only we take a moment and truly listen for the whispered voices of life that hide among the chaos of passing time.

Sometimes we must simplify our lives so we have the energy to focus on the creation of the future. This is particularly relevant to those of us following a heathen path. Just as the threads of Wyrd affect us from the past, so do we have a responsibility and duty to the future. To simplify does not mean we abandon the past, it simply means we dedicate ourselves to the present, and act with intention of the future to come.

Merry Mabon

Cena