Turn Of The Wheel

Autumn rituals and reflections

It is autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Here in New England, nights will grow longer than days and deciduous trees like oak, birch and maple will begin their beautiful, poignant release. It is sweater weather; a time to get cozy and go inward. To revel in the increasing quiet, integrating the intensity of summer.

As summer turns to autumn, I reflect upon what I’ve harvested — both literally and figuratively — since spring. Not only the seeds and intentions I planted on purpose, but the fruits that appeared unexpectedly. It can be easy to fixate on what didn’t happen and miss what did. And as leaves begin to fall from deciduous trees, I reflect on what my body also needs to release.

The turn of season means it is also time to rearrange my apothecary. In September, I prepare my body for cooler, darker days when I am more apt to catch a cold or feel run down. I make Fire Cider¹ and continue to throw wildcrafted, immunomodulating mushrooms in soups, stews and infusions along with immune-enhancing roots like Astragalus. I decant tinctures like St. John’s Wort that have been brewing since summer and make nourishing infusions with roots like burdock and flowers, leaves and berries of hawthorn. Sometimes adding warming cinnamon bark.

Making Fire Cider with herbal apprentices on Friday

As I rearrange my apothecary and think about autumnal practices and ritual, I ask: How does my body usually respond in the cold? What does my immune system need? Do I tend to feel more grief in autumn, or more isolated as I move toward winter? It is time to bring my circle  of friends, loved ones, healing plants and practices closer?

Cyclical celestial events like summer and winter solstice; spring and autumnal equinox are pivot points our ancestors recognized through practice, ritual and story. This is something I find deeply enriching, too — a way to attune to the wild and ask: what is happening on the land, in the skies, and in my body as seasons turn?

1. Fire cider is a powerful tonic that can help to boost our immune system, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.

On Friday, the eve of Equinox, herbal apprentices threw a mix of herbs and roots into our Fire Cider: a base of organic & locally grown horseradish root, garlic cloves, ginger, hot peppers, red onion along with additions sun-drenched calendula blossoms, warming goldenrod and New England aster, vitamin-C-rich white pine needles.