At the time of the autumnal equinox, the sun enters Libra (the astrological sign associated with the Hebrew month of Tishrei). Symbolizing the balance of light and darkness, this is the moment when the solar energy begins to wane and the earth energy reaches it's peak. It is time to bring in the harvest, to feel the abundance. Rituals and ceremonies in many cultures held at this time of year celebrate the importance of living in harmony with the rythmns of heaven and earth. (1)
The organs associated with metal are the lungs and the large intestine. The color is white. The grain is rice. The sound associated with metal is weeping. Melancholy, regret, disappointment and saddness are normal to experience at this time. If these feelings are alarming and one suspects real depression this is a sign that one's 'metal' is out of balance and the care of a professional (in any number of fields) should be sought. In this season nature herself is in decline.
This is a time for taking refuge, for going into a place of shelter, comfort or restoration. It is a call to rest and being. Take refuge in the clarity that is the essence of your being. We can take refuge in almost anything, it is a natural human reaction and need. But the only place we can truly experience refuge is in the moment. We must take refuge in the truth of how things are, be humble enough to keep looking with fresh eyes. As our minds get clearer and more penetrating, we see all the little things we've been trying to ignore. We need the support of our families, of our circle of friends and of our spiritual communities to see the light within. We cannot expand without contracting. (2) Pay attention to your breath. Breath is inspiration. Inhale Inspiration. Silence allows us to focus our attention on the breath. In the silence we can hear the still small voice speaking within us. (3)
The miracle of the Tree of Life is within us. There is a division in the center of our back, where the spine moves simultaneously in two opposite directions: from the waist down we are pulled by gravity and from the waist up extended through breath.The gravity that pulls our feet down actually makes it possible for us to extend the upper portion of our spine and to release between the vertebrae and stretch toward the sky. The point of the tree where it touches the earth's surface corresponds in our body to the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra. From here the human spine moves in both directions. On inhaling we focus on rooting the lower part of our body into the earth. During the process of exhalation of breath, the spine can stretch and elongate without effort. We learn to elogate and extend rather than push and pull. It is only when the push and pull cease that we are able to comprehend the enormity of this action's power for our healing and being. (4)
Reccomendations: Eat foods of the season: pumpkin, squash, potatos and late spinach, make a vegetable soup. Avoid too much caffeine, nicotine, alchohol and sugar. This is a good time to clear the clutter in your life. Watch, listen, smell the changes to a favorite tree. Make a visit to a memorial or grave site. Ask yourself what things of value have you lost this year? And what space does that loss give you to gain something new? In what do you seek refuge? Breath!
Sources
photograph of the work of Andy Goldsworthy from "A Collaboration with Nature"
Dan Furst from "The Cloth of Many Colors Peace Vigil" WWW.hermes3.net/ (1)
Clayton E Spivey 'Let Go, Move Inward' for "Meridians" the magazine for TAI, Autumn 1997
Douglas Kraft 'Taking Refuge' for "Meridians" the magazine for TAI, August 1997 (2)
Ann Bailey 'Natures Lessons for the Fall' for "Meridians" the magazine for TAI, August 1997
Julia Cameron "The Vein of Gold" p172-173 (3)
Dianne M Connelly "Traditional Acupuncture, The Law of the Five Elements"
Peter Mole "Acupuncture, Energy
Vanda Scaravelli "Awakening the Spine" (4)
