Autumn Begins – G-d Writes Our Names in the Book of Life.
You are forgiven, we say to each other.
This is our last week of summer, the Sun soon at the equator and autumn equinox. The darkness in the dark half of the year continues until Winter Solstice. Overseen by the Pleaides, the Earth (matter, mater) in that last solar system was imbued with intelligence, with the “mother.” As we move toward autumn, another mother, Ceres, the mother of Persephone, has only three more weeks with her beloved daughter. The persimmon and pomegranate trees are preparing for autumn, their colors, bright orange and red, signs of hope as the light each day dims.
We are still in the festival of Rosh Hashanah (10 Days of Awe) and the time in which we ask for and offer forgiveness. Forgiveness means “to give for.” Forgiveness is not pardon or a condoning. Forgiveness is a sacred act (sacrifice), a coming from the heart. In forgiveness, we seek and offer freedom from sorrow, for self and others.
Sunday, Sept. 20, is Yom Kippur, the holiest and most solemn day of the year in Judaism, known as the “Day of Atonement.” The final day of offering and seeking forgiveness from G-d and others. On this day, G-d seals each person’s fate for the coming year. Will our name be written in the Book of Life?
And so, we ask forgiveness for our unskillfulness. And in turn we offer forgiveness to those we feel have hurt us. And we are forgiven. Being forgiven, we, in turn, forgive. “Forgive me,” we beseech G-d & all those we have hurt. “You are forgiven,” we say to each other. And then we see G-d has written and sealed our names in the Book of Life. And all twelve petals of the heart unfold in Joy.
Sept. 21, Monday, is the International Day of Peace. It’s also World Pie Day. What pie will everyone bring to the Ashramic buffet?
Sept. 22, Tuesday, autumn equinox begins as the Sun settles at the equator and enters Libra, sign of balance, harmony and beauty. Light and dark are balanced at the equinoxes. Now we really begin the fall festivals of light in the northern latitude. Each festival is a festival of light appearing in the darkness, preparing for the new light of Winter Solstice. Sept. 26 is the first new moon of autumn, the solar festival of Libra. It is a day in which the “light that oscillates and moves up and down, achieves a balance and finally moves to rest.” A new season begins for humanity.
ARIES: The season’s about to change and so must our health regimes, diets, ways we exercise and plan our day. Through this autumn time, it’s good to begin thinking along new lines, preparing for the coming changes in the sunlight, shadows, color, air and clouds. These changes are reflected within ourselves, too. Relationships need extra tending so others around us don’t feel cold, separated, alone and left out. We embrace them with love. We think of death too, as that is the season. We hear each word spoken as a mantra.
TAURUS: You don’t want to be out and about too much. Just a little here and there. People ask you to teach them, to learn new things, listen to your thoughts, classes, gathering information. Always your life and its task are to illuminate the minds of humanity. And so, you are serious and disciplined. It would be good to consider carefully though, what is playful for you, what brings enjoyment, offers fun, what summons your humor and spontaneity? You do need to swim daily in clear pure natural warm waters. Living in an area conducive to that is best.
GEMINI: Family, nurturance, being nourished and held, matters more and more these days. Something new has occurred in your life and you are to bring forth the next stage in a relationship. Harmony is your focus, with a touch of compromise (not much). Sharing thoughts and ideas, listening to others until you understand the essential message are both parallel goals. All of this brings love forth – your task for your entire life. Love heals all wounds. Love is your purpose.
CANCER: Make contact. These two words have a depth most don’t comprehend or understand. Making contact releases Love. But the contact must be true, real and intentional contact. It must be from the heart, connecting one to the other, heart-to-heart, Soul-to-Soul. The results are that the Love released creates freedom, beauty, breath, life and liberation for everyone. You are the one to initiate and thus begin this process. Do this ceaselessly, quietly, with heartfelt intention with all the kingdoms. Begin in the garden, then onto the people in your life. The sky and heavens, too.
LEO: As you are working with your creative self-identity, a lifelong process, it’s time to create a new plan concerning finances and resources. When you do so, a new state of values also comes forth. You may want to communicate more deeply with people close to you, sharing your values with them, asking what values they hold, assessing what values are held in common. What are your desires and aspirations for the future, based on these values? You sense of identity and values have changed this past year. What were they? What are they now?
VIRGO: You will want to come out of the shadows you often hide in and step into a greater light. Standing in shadows, perhaps in the shadow of another can be comforting. However, there comes a time when that is confining and limiting. Then we each must define ourselves, recognize our own self-identity, understand what we love and care for, what we want to initiate, and realize that we’re capable. We summon our confidence and seek the support of our Soul. Am I speaking to Virgo or Pisces? Both. They are the shadow of each other.
LIBRA: This morning, I saw a sheaf of wheat. A Virgo symbol of food and nourishment for humanity. I thought of Libra (soon the Sun will be in Libra) and what nourishes them. Relationships, beauty, friends, equilibrium, balance, love, parties, art. In the beauty and balance of the sheaf of wheat held by an angel, I thought Librans must return to their art in whatever form calls to them. Some Librans design clothing, some paint, some have galleries, some are collectors. What art form of beauty and balance do you recognize? What calls to you?
SCORPIO: Do you have a sense of restlessness, a discontent these days in everyday life? Four planets in Aries are affecting your day-to-day. Also, there’s a group that belongs to you, yet to be found and discovered, you and they are searching for each other. In your search, assess your present and future goals, hopes, wishes and dreams. They’ve changed recently or are in the process. So many of us are on the fence, uncertain about the future. We must summon patience. Speak with those close to you. Ask for their visions and goals. Listen deeply. There’s a message there of like-mindedness.
SAGITTARIUS: During these months of autumn to winter, the perfect execution of your creative work is a true must and priority. It always is but a new dimension has been added. Multiple concepts flow through your mind; you’re being impressed with ideas that become ideals and later, goals to be perused. There’s an inner enthusiasm, too. You’re envisioning a new reality. Do you sense the need to begin something? Share your thoughts with others who love to listen to you. You will inspire them. Diplomacy is paramount.
CAPRICORN: What will you do when autumn begins? It’s only days away. It seems something’s calling you, someone, somewhere. Maybe it’s travel to a center where the heart is. Maybe it’s a garden deva seeking your companionship. Perhaps it’s a course of study, something you want (or need) to learn. Maybe an art form, writing or painting or a new book. Is there somewhere you want to visit, travel to, discover? Maybe it’s freedom. Is there something you need to say to someone far away? Or visit? Something lovely comes your way (soon).
AQUARIUS: Take extra care with money and resources. Use this time to discriminate between what is needed and what is not. Give away what is no longer useful and then give more away. Giving provides us with meaning, a true sense of service. Giving liberates and allows everyone involved to move forward in their lives. Give to yourself then give of yourself to others. With love. Take care also with words used. We become what we think and say. Learn everything about the other sides of the issues. Balance then reigns. Your mind calms.
PISCES: Soon the summer winds will still, autumns shadows and festivals will take place. And so, we are to do our best wherever we find ourselves. Many of us are uncertain these days, on the fence (uncomfortable), unable to know where we’re going, what to do when we don’t know what to do. Many of us have multiple gifts and do not know how to offer our gifts when opportunities don’t seem to exist. Again, we (especially Pisces) are to do our best wherever we find ourselves and with whomever. We’ve been placed here, there, everywhere for a reason. Relationships need a bit of compromise. A bit of surrender. You understand these things.
Risa – writer, editor, educator, teacher, psychological-spiritual counselor, mentor, astrologer & esotericist, home chef. Founder & Director of The Esoteric & Astrological Studies & Research Institute/College, a contemporary Wisdom School (center for spiritual discourse & study) for the Ageless Wisdom teachings. Foundations of the Teachings are the study & application of exoteric & esoteric Astrology, the Seven Rays, Theosophy, Esotericism, all religions, art, science & Raja Yoga meditation. risagoodwill@gmail.com nightlightnews.org