Fall is a season that is very ‘on the nose’ for me. Taking all that I know of energy: from the pagan traditions that teach us this is the time of year where we are closest to the veil and the spirit world. The Mayan and Mexican traditions that teach us the same and to honor our ancestors. To the astrological themes that Scorpio brings of sex, death and transformation. All while the earth is literally in a state of decay around us, the light in its final dimming and the extra punch of turning the clocks back to steep in the morning dark an hour longer.
It’s also a remarkably beautiful time. In many places, it’s the Fall that attracts tourists to stare in wonder at the trees as the leaves make their final transformation and die. The short days now ensure that I witness most sunrises and sunsets, arguably some of those most remarkable times the sky has to offer on any day.
Sunset on the Eve of the Taurus Full Moon Lunar Eclipse. Kittitas, Washington.
I am amidst and a part of many transformations right now. My teaching is a constantly transforming model, influenced deeply by my community - past, present and future. My family, reconnecting through revelations as we learn to support one another . My environment - the closing of our Montana property for the season with Nate as we raced to burn the last bit of slash piles before the blanket of snow got too thick to warrant the effort. Watching in real time how pressure and heat can transform people and places.
A slash pile burns through the snow at Trego Ledges
I am also in the process of losing a dear friend. Her dying is a process she and those around her are tending to lovingly, carefully and the moments I’ve had recently of clarity around my own grief have been in keeping with the season. Feeling near to her in the pre-dawn moments , seeing her in the eyes of the barn cat that visited me the other evening, and the owl that guided the snowy portion of my drive last night revealing to me that the time is growing near. The beauty of life’s wisdom being revealed in one’s death.
The yellowing Larch at Trego Ledges get an early blanket of snow.
This morning is a Full Moon and Total Lunar Eclipse in Taurus. This is a time of Release, of Revelation, of Completion. An ending of cycles so that we might start anew. Themes of value, home, The final revelation of the barren tree, whose leaves have all dropped to now compost and feed new life, new growth and new intentions.
As I navigate, facilitate and stand in wonder at the transformations happening to and around me, I am reminded, as always, how this Fall season gives such a lovely gateway to falling back into my yoga. The application of heat, tapas, to transform, followed by the study and observation of this work - svadyaya. Culminating the process with Ishvara Pranidhana - surrender - releasing your attachment to the process and any results. And then? New work will arise.