Harvest Hearth: Your Personal Autumn

What does the term “harvest” mean for you?

Aside from those of us living a permaculture based lifestyle, few of us truly understand what the term harvest would have meant for our ancestors. Being in tune and following the cycles of the earth in the here and now is a personal choice for us Westerners, agricultural reliance forming far less of a direct need. The themes surrounding harvest times have changed, leaving many to view this time of year as confusing or less relevant to their lives.

The first of the three harvest festivals in the “traditional” harvest calendar Lughnasa, Lammas or Freyfaxi doesn’t hold the import or appeal of the other two (unless you happen to follow a Celtic, Folk Christian or Asatru path). However, all three harvest seasons contain themes that are very much relevant to our modern lives, lets unbox this season’s lessons.

The first theme to cover is abundance. Removing it from its agricultural association, we can see abundance as the fruits of our efforts and labour: our incomes, possessions, health and family connections. This is a great time to review what we currently have in our lives and express gratitude to ourselves for what we have achieved. Very rarely will a whole turn of the year happen without us having brought anything new to our lives.

Thinking of abundance, what new things, resources, connections have come into your life since this time last year? What parts are you grateful for? What challenges arose and how did you conquer them? What was the reward for doing so?

The other side of abundance is caution. After taking stock of what you have achieved, you’ll want to

make a plan as how best to manage it. What tools do you have access to, or need to acquire to do this? From savings accounts to messaging apps, there are myriad of tools available to us to manage what abundance we do have. As our ancestors did, we need to maintain our abundance, so it lasts. What processes can you put in place to keep your current abundance going? What safeguards could you put into practice against a possible loss of any part of your abundance?

Of course, without work and effort, there is no abundance. Have the efforts of the past year produced the abundance or wealth you expected or wanted? Where did it fall short or overachieve? Do you need to redirect your efforts? This is where having clear goals in mind helps. It makes the results easier to measure, and lets you know where you may need to shift your focus.

Returning to the hearth, what has the past year done to or brought to your home? Are you happy with this? Does the abundance and function of your hearth reflect what you actually want for it? Many Australians believe we only have two seasons – summer and winter. If you truly take stock of your yard, you will find this is not the case. What does this season look like for your Hearth? And does your current stock of abundance and wealth meet its needs?

This is a great season for honouring the land around you. At the Autumn Equinox we honour the gods that oversee our harvest. At Samhain we honour our ancestors and those crossing the veil, the harvest of life if you will. For this season, lets honour the deities and spirits of the land around us.

For this, you’ll want a white short burning candle, your favourite incense and a glass of spring or pure filtered water. Go into your yard and let yourself be pulled towards your favourite plant. What stage of growth is it in? Let your love flow towards this plant, continuing until you feel confident the plant has received it. Carefully cut a few pieces for your altar.

You can set up your altar inside or outside. Place the harvested plant down first, arranging the candle, incense and water amongst the foliage. Let your mind grow as still as possible, allowing the idle thoughts to pass through your mind without dwelling on them. Light your candle and incense.

Out loud, state your intention to befriend your yard and local area. Outline what is being offered. As a first time ritual, refrain from asking for anything in return. We’re establishing friendship first! Thank the spirits for their attendance and for listening. Allow the candle to burn out before packing up your altar.

Overtime (and through other seasonal rites) you’ll gain a sense of what your local entities prefer as an offering. This may range from a simple impression as you walk past a food item in the store through to random words from a voice you cannot see. Allow the spirits to guide you in this, and tailor your ritual accordingly. You may find this season quickly becomes one of your favourites as you and the “locals” bond.