Inward Vision

As we cross the threshold of the equinox, we find ourselves in a potent portal of release and connection as we approach the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. The days are shorter, the veil between the seen and unseen realms grows thinner, and we have access to the potent energies of release and “completion.”

As a shadow worker, I do love this time of year, when it is easiest to connect with my guides and benevolent ancestors and I start to unpack all that moved and shifted in the energy of summer expansion. I feel the tension between speeding up (blooming, harvesting, “back to school” vibes) and slowing down (omg it is so dark already, soon the leaves will turn and drop, and maybe some of my favorite bird friends will leave).

I will also say that my childhood holiday seasons were a horror show and each year is a roulette of whether it will be a “corrective emotional experience” or another trip into the trauma portal. It’s not even October yet and I already have feelings about it! Maybe some of you can relate?

Part of the energy of this season can also be felt in the expansive insights that emerge from reflecting on the year so far, juxtaposed with confusing intrusions and upsets. The journey from reflective to sentimental to remorseful to longing and melancholy is a common one as the nights grow long. I think about the idea of cultivating solitude vs succumbing to disconnection. I think about how letting go usually isn’t easy. I think about how the culmination of something is also the beginning of letting go. The challenges of this quarter of the year are also where the magic lives: alchemy, rebirth, and integration.

I’ve compiled a few of my favorite practices and allies for working with the medicine of this journey towards the Winter Solstice. It is a potent time for transformation, and when we invite in the supports that can teach us how to work with this energy rather than against it, we might be surprised by what is possible.

Boundaries for sleep and dreamtime

This is my number one most important practice for those sensitive folks reading. In fact I have found it so helpful I do this every night all year long!

I frame this in terms of my guides and the vibrant energies around me, but you could translate this into terms that resonate with your beliefs— whatever it is that you see as greater than yourself. You could also view this purely on the level of your own personal energy boundaries.

Each night before I bed, I begin by dropping into my own energy and feeling my body. I notice what stands out to me, and feel out towards the edges of my energy field, using my awareness and physical senses. I quietly state out loud that I wish to fortify the boundaries around my energy field, and clarify that I wish to completely guard myself from all forms of negative interference, and all harmful or low vibration energies, entities, spirits, or presences of any kind. I set the intention that I am holding this boundary throughout my entire time sleeping, and I ask my guides to help hold those boundaries even when I am completely unconscious. I reflect on whether I would like to journey in a lucid way, or if I need rest and wish to sleep more deeply. I pull some cards and meditate for about 10-15 mins or until I become sleepy. I like to incorporate some self reiki practice as I fall asleep as well.

I have found that taking this time to set intentions and fortify my boundaries has helped tremendously in preventing fatigue and feeling more secure.

Mugwort as an ally (use with caution because it is powerful!)

Something I learned while working with flowering mugwort as an essence, is that while it is wonderful tool for lucid dreaming, this only scratches the surface of what it has to share. Mugwort helps us to see the stories in our dreams, to ask ourselves what is real and what is not, and feel into the possibilities revealed when we acknowledge what we don’t know. Here in NYC (and much of the northeast) mugwort grows pretty much everywhere. It has a robust stem that can reach towards 6 feet and sweet little flowers going to seed around this time of year. You can go to an abundant area and ask the plant if you can harvest some stems, and make a bundle of mugwort. I like to take a few bushels, wrap the bases with nice ribbon, yarn or string and hang it on the wall or in a doorway. If you keep them near your bed, get ready for some wild dreams!
They make a beautiful addition to other dried arrangements, or if you feel comfortable you can also wash some leafy stems and make a delicious tea. I invite in the wisdom of the plant whenever I look at it or engage with it. I commit to work with the knowledge it shares. It is especially helpful if you are engaging in active shadow work or journeying because it can assist you in release.

Tending an Ancestral Altar

There are several culturally specific approaches to Altars, but I am sharing what I do personally. These are more rooted in symbolism and natural elements rather than a also ritual practice of a particular spiritual practice.
I gather items that belonged to, represent, or might be appreciated by my ancestors. If I knew them I might have a clear idea, and if I didn’t know them I imagine what they might like. I like to include some natural items like flowers, stones, shells, and seeds, as well as some water and maybe food items like fruit. I DO NOT include photos unless I’m positive that I want to invite their spirit into my home.

I like to active my altar with some reiki and light a candle. I form the intention that the altar is active whenever the candle is lit. I invite in the most vibrant, healthy, benevolent ancestors into my home when the altar is active, and ask for their guidance. I also let them know that I’m here for them, and ask for what they need. I state that I honor all my ancestors and especially wish healing to those who are suffering and in need of care. I politely but firmly let them know that any who are not able to engage in a healthy and vibrant way are not welcome to visit but I send them my compassion and deep desire for them to find peace.

I try to spend a little time at my altar each day, or at least some quality time each week. I keep the altar clean and fresh. I light my candle when I’m ready to connect and blow it out when I’m going back to my daily life. I would not recommend keeping this in your bedroom unless you want to invite spirit activity in your dream life. I make a point to listen, and be receptive to the ways I feel their presence. You can read some stories about that here.

Sensory Connection to Earth and Air

I have a complicated relationship to wind but I have come to enjoy its movement and power. On a Fall walk I make a point of connecting with the ground, feeling my feet and the changing texture of the earth. I sometimes take my dog, who reminds me that it’s important to walk directly through leaf piles and let the sound and feeling bring a smile to your face.
He knows that the biggest leaf piles are the best.

I collect cool looking seeds (not too many though!) and place them on my altar or in my pocket. I turn my face towards the wind when it is blowing hard and feel the cool air and how it pushes my hair around.

I smell the damp earth after it rains and the resin of the conifer trees. I feel the texture of flowers drying on their stems and kneel down where the tall stalks arc toward the ground. I remember the way this Fall feels like every other Fall. I remember how this Fall feels different.

I take deep breaths and push the air out through pursed lips.

I sit gently on exposed roots and wonder where my roots go. I imagine what life lives below the ground when the grass is not longer green. I wonder if this tree recognizes me and I say hello anyway.

I lean my back against wide trunks of trees and wrap my arms behind me, I feel the bumpy texture under my fingertips.

I ask for advice on tolerating a time when things don’t seem to be alive. I wait for the wind to answer.

I remember that I am made of the same star stuff as this earth. I remember that just as the plants and trees are resting I can benefit from rest. I remember that even though things seem slow they are actually always changing. I remember that I am always changing.

I remember that I can feel the relief of feeling steady like the earth, flexible like the trees, free like the wind, and confident like the wilting flowers taking their final bow.

Not everything is meant to last. Even in the dark there is life. Contrast is what makes life interesting. Joy flows within you even when you forget. You slow down and feel the moment so you don’t miss it.