Preparing for the Fall Equinox.
Many people believe the world today is based on continuous struggle. People have lost their purposefulness, disconnected from the environment and nature and are basing their lives on competition rather than collaboration. Such beliefs and the systems we are living under are not sustainable; If we do not change the trajectory humanity is now on, experts from scientific, social, economic and ecological fields says we will become extinct. There is another option: by releasing our limiting beliefs, thoughts and emotions, and learning to live in higher vibration consciousness we can raise our personal frequency and that will help shift humanity!
Are you aware of new findings in cell biology that show we can adapt or evolve even our genes?This evolution is moving towards living in balance and harmony ( Bruce Lipton, The Aware Show August 2009)
I will soon be releasing a new book which provides over 212 tips, tools and techniques to let go of beliefs that no longer serve us and learn new ways to live the healthier, fulfilled life we yearn for with better relationships, jobs we enjoy, and more than enough of everything we wish for. It explains more about using energetic vibration to shift ourselves and humanity into the next evolutionary age. “From Fear to Eternity: 212 Ways to Let Go of Limiting Beliefs and Shift Your Energy Into Higher Consciousness Living should be available in mid November from Amazon, your local bookstore and my blog site, http://gina-dianneharding.com
One easy way we can begin to shift our beliefs and behaviours is by connecting with the environment, with Mother Nature. This can happen in many ways-- one being that you honour the cycles of Mother Nature during the 2 equinoxes and 2 Solstices. The equinoxes are all about balance. The length of day and night are equal on the equinoxes.
An easy way to do this is to go outside at the fall equinox (Sept 23 at 3:05 am) and, using your 5 senses, look around -- see the colours, smell nature,(or if you are in a polluted area, smell a tree flower etc) listen for any natural sounds, feel the wind and a tree and flower, and see if there is anything that is safe to taste. Reflect on whether you are in the habit of noticing your natural surroundings how often you have done this in your life and if you wish how you could incorporate it into your day. When I drove daily I used to notice the trees, landscape, clouds when I was stopped in rush hour traffic and it really decreased the road rage.
If you are drawn to experience the deeper meaning of the Equinox, take time to prepare. Historically and today, people in many cultures spend time in preparation for the equinox
The Japanese observe"...the Spring and Autumn Equinox as the six-day celebration the Higan-e. It is celebrated "for three days before and after the Equinox. Six days was chosen because it is based on the six perfections, giving, observance of the precepts, perseverance, effort, meditation and wisdom - needed before one goes to nirvana The ritual includes repentance of past sins and prayers for enlightenment in the next life. It also includes remembrance of the dead and visits to the family graves. It is thought that the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, being the most temperate times of the year, are ideal moments to reflect on the meaning of life.
The Maya also spent days 3 days prior to the day of the equinox and 3 days post equinox as sacred time. Other indigenous cultures believed the veil of mystery between this world and the next was very thin at the equinox. We are very close to the other dimensions where spirits of the ancestors, angels ascended masters, god and goddesses reside.
Preparing for the equinox is a symbolic act to some and a spiritual experience for others. Each outer step symbolizes a key principle, impacts our inner growth and move us forward on our life path. If you feel so inclined or feel called to prepare physically mentally emotionally and spiritually for the equinox you can draw from the suggested activities below.
.When you begin any ceremony or preparation, It is always important to connect with your highest self, divine energy, however you conceive the Creator of ALL THERE IS. Next express your gratitude for what you have in life (even experiences you might consider not so great)
The first step in preparing for the equinox is to consciously take a self- inventory.
Part of this inventory includes considering what parts of our life and actions were “good harvest” since summer solstice? What part of our projects and personal growth were successful and what parts could be modified in the upcoming part of the cycle? Please do this from a place of loving and unconditional acceptance for yourself. There is no place for judging or browbeating our precious body mind and spirit. Keep in mind that we ALWAYS do the best we can given the knowledge we have and the circumstances at the time.
The 2nd step is to purify ourselves so we can connect with beings of highest vibrations (such as the angels, gods and goddesses, ascended masters), and receive the messages about the upcoming part of the annual cycle clearly and accurately. We consciously purify our bodies by fasting (if it feels right and we have no health reasons not to),or cutting back on or stopping sugar, caffeine, junk food etc. for the 7 days, bathing or showering while we visualize releasing the limiting beliefs and the cleansing our aura It is also important to balance our chakras. If we are aware of where we are leaking energy such as to the people we are in relationship with (our family, friends, business associates etc) past experiences that we cannot let go of or other cords or attachments, we can meditate and reverently ask the energy of Archangel Raphael, the angel of healing, to release them. If you prefer, you can seek out the services of an intuitive energy practitioner to work with you.
Purifying yourself allows you to move into your highest possible vibration. The beings of the highest vibration are able to come down in vibration somewhat and In the past shamen and priestesses spent years practicing to be able to raise their vibrations to communicate with them. As Bruce Lipton mentioned we have evolved and do not need a lifetime of practice to raise our vibration. In fact there are many simple (but not effortless) tools that the students who take Stonehaven Alchemy classes learn to increase their vibes.
Another purpose in purifying is to show respect for nature, Mother Earth, the sky, the energy of the 4 directions and ourselves when we participate in the equinox ceremonies.
In past time when people were bringing in the harvest, they did not have time for contemplation and preparation. These ancient cultures had the high priests and priestesses and shamen whose role included purifying the population during their prep time.
The 3rd step is set our intentions for this cycle which takes us to the Winter Solstice. Consider the season, what the earth is doing and what farmers or indigenous people do at this time of year.
When you set intentions, it is very important to include how you wish to feel, in addition to what action you want to take. If you want help from one of the saints, archangels and other beings of the highest vibration include them in your intention statement. Your intention does not have to be complex and it should not cause you the feeling of stress. I assure you, our purpose in life does not include living in chronic stress.
Your intention could be “I feel trust and calmness (feeling ) as I consciously listen for inner guidance and act on it”.(action)
An example for non believers is “I want to feel open to the possibility that there might be some truth to this Woo-Woo stuff , and I ask the divine universe to help me attract situations which cause me to think, ---maybe.....
You could also set a more tangible intention such as “In the next 90 days I feel inspired, confident and competent as I follow the steps I have written in my 90 day plan to get a job”
The 4th step is preparing the day of the ritual itself. Start by getting quiet, connect to your inner self and the Energy of the Creator. Set an intention such as
- walking in gratitude for all Mother Nature’s gifts and perhaps
- to be open to receive high vibration energy and
- to connect with and honour nature and
- to increase our skills and abilities to make a shift during these uncertain times to experiencing love, peace and calmness.
Our intention when we make this request is that not only will we benefit, but we will provide service from a sacred space and bring the Divine universal energy into how we provide service to our customers, clients or even the people we encounter on the street.
It is extremely important to remember to stop and collect yourself before undertaking any preparation. Do it in a respectful way- giving yourself the time needed. When you are present in your body, with your mind in the Now moment, you will be able to feel when you are guided to do something different or in addition to what I have shared with you. You may wish to symbolize your purification to enable you to receive clear accurate messages and raise your vibrations by taking a shower or bath before the celebration.
You might wish to select a crystal that is significant for you, an offering for Mother Nature and something you would like to be imbued with the energy of the ceremony. The Mayans always ensured they had gifts for the Alucha mischievous creatures that delight in creating chaos in your life. I think they must be the ones who hide your keys, your cell phone, and create the small annoyances in some peoples days.
In summary, to prepare for the equinox,
- Be consciously aware of your feelings and thoughts and shift them into higher vibration of love and gratitude when necessary.
- Reflect on your activity since summer solstice and make any changes to keep you on track. Celebrate your successes and feel your vibrations getting higher.
- Purify your body by bathing and perhaps cutting back on or stopping sugar, caffeine, junk food etc for the 7 days. Release lower vibration energies, cut cords and close energy leaks with the help of the angels or if you prefer (a person with a body in this dimension;-)), contact an intuitive energy practitioner. Make sure this person:
A) acknowledges they are a vessel for the universal energy to move thru,(ie they don’t claim to be using their own power to heal you) and
B) has spent time working on their own stuff so they can clearly pass the divine energy to you.
4. Set your intentions for the time until the Winter Solstice, again considering this cycle of nature. Do not create stress for yourself.
5. Follow any guidance you receive from your inner self that FEELS right.
6. Enjoy the process. If any of it feels tedious or uncomfortable or stressful reflect on why that may be, If it related to beliefs or lessons you may need to learn, you can choose to stick with it or stop what you are doing. (It will come around again at a better time.)
7. The day of the ceremony connect with your inner self, bathe as a symbol of preparation be acutely aware of nature and her gifts, Be in gratitude (the emotion with the highest vibration. Collect any things you want to take to the ritual – gifts for Mother Nature and the aluchas, an item to absorb the energy of the ceremony or whatever you are called to bring.