Pensieve Ponderings
Divination, quotes and literary explorations for the week of Sept 22
The autumn equinox, a time of balance and transition, marks the official beginning of fall. As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, nature's rhythms shift, inviting us to reflect on our own inner cycles. This is a season of introspection, a time to harvest the seeds we've planted throughout the year and prepare for the dormant period ahead.
The autumn equinox is a potent time for magic and transformation. The veil between worlds is thinner, making it easier to connect with the unseen realms. This three-card spread offers insights into your current journey, the challenges you may face and the wisdom and support available to you.
Feel free to use a tarot or oracle deck should you decide to pull cards for yourself. In honor of this day, I will be using the Seasons of the Witch Mabon oracle deck. I absolutely adore this oracle deck series.
Here’s the spread:
Current path: This card represents your current journey and the direction you're heading.
Challenges ahead: This card reveals potential obstacles or lessons you may encounter.
Support and guidance: This card offers guidance and support to help you navigate your path.
Mabon: The descent into the dark
While the autumn equinox is often associated with the Celtic festival of Mabon, it's important to note that Mabon's origins can be traced back to pre-Christian Europe. It was a time of celebration and thanksgiving, marking the harvest of crops and the beginning of the darker half of the year.
I love history and mythology and while there isn't a direct equivalent to Mabon in ancient Egyptian mythology, the Egyptians did celebrate the equinoxes and solstices as significant events in their calendar.
The autumn equinox, known as "Peret," marked the beginning of the season of sowing and planting. It was a time of renewal and hope, as the Egyptians looked forward to the harvest season. Not directly tied to a specific deity, the equinoxes were often associated with Thoth, the scribe of the gods and the keeper of time. I’ve been spending quite a bit of time with Thoth lately. He’s a wise teacher and quite comedic at times.
Mabon is typically celebrated around September 21st or 22nd, when the day and night are of equal length. I don't strictly follow the Wheel of the Year, but I do find great meaning and beauty in honoring the changing of the seasons. Mabon, in particular, resonates deeply with me as it represents the descent into the dark, a necessary phase of the cycle.
The descent into the dark can be seen as a metaphorical journey inward, a time for introspection and reflection. It's a period of renewal, where we can shed the old and make space for the new. This time of year invites us to embrace this darkness with curiosity and trust, knowing that it is a natural part of the cycle of life.
A reading for the equinox
Current Path: Mead and wine (25)
The Mead and wine card is telling me that you may be feeling a bit stressed and/or simply taking life a bit too seriously. This card is encouraging you to lighten up and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Perhaps you need to spend more time with friends, indulge in a hobby, cozy up with a good book or simply allow yourself to relax and have fun. The number 25 reduces to 7, which is associated with introspection, spirituality and wisdom. This suggests you might benefit from taking some time for self-reflection and inner exploration.
Challenge Ahead: Witches' gathering (42)
The Witches' gathering card is indicating that you might be facing challenges related to friendships or group dynamics. This could involve misunderstandings, conflicts or feeling disconnected from others. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post called Loneliness is the real pandemic. Please give it a read if the title hits a chord. However, this card is also suggesting that by working together and fostering a sense of community, you can overcome these challenges.
The number 42 reduces to 6, which is associated with harmony, balance and home. In this context, home represents community such as the writing group you may be part of. Nurturing your relationships within your community and creating a harmonious environment will be essential for overcoming your challenges. By no means am I suggesting you take this all on yourself. It should be a communal effort. But you can certainly be the initiator.
Support and guidance: Root vegetables (33)
The Root vegetables card is saying you need to dig deeper and seek out hidden resources or opportunities. This could involve looking beyond your immediate circle, exploring new avenues or revisiting old ideas. It could also mean leaving that community and seeking out a new one. I get that may be harsh and/or easier said than done, but sometimes you have step back, dig deep within yourself and be honest about whether said community is truly supporting you. I’m currently grappling with this myself, so I get it.
Apart from the numbers 11 and 22, which have special meaning for me, I don’t pay attention to “master numbers”. The number 33 reduces to 6, which again suggests the importance of harmony and balance. By finding a balance between your inner and outer worlds, you can uncover the resources you need to support your journey.
Practical insights from me
To tune into the energy of Mead and wine, try incorporating more playful activities into your life. Spend time with friends, pursue hobbies or simply enjoy the simple pleasures of life. You don’t have to be writing all the time. I will keep saying this till I leave this realm. To navigate the Witches' gathering challenge, focus on strengthening your relationships and seeking support from your community. To harness the power of Root vegetables, explore alternative resources, be open to new possibilities and dig deeper for the nourishment you need.
Quotes and ponderings
"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." - Albert Camus
Ponder: How can you incorporate themes of rebirth and renewal into your writing? Are there ways to explore the idea of a second chance or a fresh start for your characters?
"The autumn equinox is a time of balance and transition, inviting us to reflect on our inner cycles and the rhythms of the natural world." - Yours truly (The Book Druid)
Ponder: How do the natural cycles of the seasons reflect the themes and arcs of your stories? Are there ways to incorporate the idea of balance, transition and transformation into your characters' journeys?
Literature recommendation: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
This classic is perfect for the autumn equinox, as it explores themes of transformation, renewal and the healing power of nature. The novel's setting, a secluded English garden, is a metaphor for the hidden depths of the human psyche. Just as the garden is neglected and forgotten, so too is Mary Lennox isolated and emotionally barren. The process of restoring the garden parallels Mary's personal journey of healing and growth.
The discovery of the secret garden itself is a powerful symbol of renewal. When Mary first finds the garden, it is overgrown and neglected, a stark contrast to its former glory. As she tends to the garden and brings it back to life, she is also nurturing her own spirit and finding new purpose.
The character of Dickon Sowerby represents the natural world and its healing power. Dickon's connection to nature is evident in his ability to communicate with animals and his deep understanding of the land. His influence on Mary is profoundly tender and sweet, as he helps her to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world and to find solace in its embrace.
As I sign off, I invite you to reflect on how you can honor the autumn equinox today. Perhaps you'll take a walk in the woods, light a candle or simply spend some quiet time in nature.
As for me, I'll be indulging in some delicious seasonal treats. I'm planning to bake pumpkin bread, cook up a hearty dish of black-eyed peas with greens (as a side dish) and enjoy other comforting foods that evoke the spirit of autumn.
May this equinox be a time of balance, gratitude and transformation for you. Happy Autumn. Blessed descent into the dark.
With love and gratitude,
Lakeisha | The Book Druid
Thanks so much for reading! It means the world to me to have lovely people like yourself reading my words. If you enjoyed it and/or it helped you in any way, please consider supporting my work by becoming a paid subscriber, sharing on social media or sharing via Substack notes. Or treat me to a cuppa! I do enjoy a strong a British brew!