In this Issue of “Quickening the Rhythms of Change” Please scroll down to read your favorite parts:

-Fall Cycles: from Fall Equinox: Mabon, to Samhain: Hallowmas & All Souls Day

-Self-Reflection: Breathing Inward

-Open Your Body to Spirit: The Energy of Menopause Workshop Series, Relaxation Clinic & Relaxation Yoga Classes

-Intuitive Energy Readings: Focusing on Stress & Menopause

Fall Equinox arrived this year on September 23, and in its wake rides Samhain, the Celtic New Year. October 31st marks Samhain Eve or Hallowmas, and opens the veils to otherworldly energies, encouraging communication with our ancestors from dusk that day through the dawn on All Souls Day. After a long night’s celebration and the final harvest dance of gratitude, we light our last candle as Cerridwen guides us skillfully us beyond the last vestiges of summer. We glide gradually down one step at a time through the layers of moisture and soil, pausing and reflecting on the year past, eventually finding our way into Earth’s womb where we remain until Winter Solstice. With this turn of the wheel we ready ourselves for darkness, remembering and surrendering to natural cycles and the rhythmic journey inward. Be grateful for the Fall as it emerges in full color all around you; look forward to the rest, rejuvenation and transformation only the shadowy unknown can offer.

Into the West

Elemental Energies

As the wheel of the year turns westward toward the setting sun over the cosmic sea, our soul’s journey or “anam turas,” turns west as well, making its way toward TirNaNog, the magical place of youth that lies beyond our earthly sight, deep in the heather of another world.

Fall Equinox, the time starting at the end of September through Halloween, is the end, the final place on the Wheel before life’s re-inception. It is a visionary time during which we prepare for the final harvest, reigniting our commitment to the cosmic plan and our search for the mysteries of the Universe inside us.

In autumn we stand on the first steps, barely opening the gate to a temporary resting place after an abundant growing season, making our way inward and downward. Like Inanna, we will soon prepare and embrace the presence of our personal winter, relishing the darkness until the light shines bright again.

Eriu by Deidre O’Reilly

Beginning at the western balance point of equal dark and equal light, we honor the Earth as she harvests apples, nuts and grains for the last quarter of our annual journey. Before our departure, we share our abundance with deep gratitude for the community, our soul friends and their wisdom. We sing our good-byes to the extroverted and transformational fires of summer while dancing together over a light speckled sea. And then we begin the slow turn inward, curling and cuddling into a place of our own, all alone.

Now, while we celebrate, the graying Mother empties her nest and gives way to the crone in perfect time with the green leaves making way for the deeper more mature colors of autumn. We no longer dance on the slick and shiny surfaces, instead allowing ourselves to be absorbed back into the hues of gold, orange, red and brown as the leaves fall quietly from their branches, soon crumbling beneath our feet. From our vantage point in the sunlight above we give way to the land below, burying ourselves in the soils of curiosity and courage.

Here we dive, sliding into our earthly womb on the element of the water that cleanses as we surrender to its currents, its turns and flows. Water transports us toward our destination at the single point of oneness and global awareness. Water speaks to water across the horizon and we soak in the fluids of its essence, taking small bites of earthly knowledge from the apples to open our hearts and minds along the way. Apples and cool river waters guide us, alchemizing knowledge into wisdom as we move slowly into the shadows.

Celebrate! You have successfully turned the Wheel of the Year once again and are ready for the wisdom of your ancestors, returning to the womb for healing and rebirth. Honor the seeds you planted long ago; love the sproutlings that grew into flowers, vegetables, nuts, fruits, and grains; for now you are prepared and abundant as you give way to your evolution, turning yourself into ashes to fertilize the ground for the seeds of the new year.

Read More about Fall Equinox here.

Samhain: Celtic New Year

Energy of the Season

Summer’s end draws back the heavy curtain for a moment, thinning the veils between worlds and expanding our awareness of the Divine. As the Wheel of the Year turns to darkness on the eve of All Soul’s Day, dusk marks the beginning of Samhain or Hallowmas, celebrating harvest and slaughter, death and rebirth, our link to the past and the ancient ones who made us.

On Samhain eve we dance to the drums that pound out Earthly rhythms. We shake off old patterns, moving to the beat of our instincts, much faster than our minds are able to even think. Almost transfigured, we see into the past before it is time to go into hibernation.

Bodies undulate unabashedly all around as the bonfire roars, throwing bones into the scorching heat of transformation. Healing begins as we look into the reflections of change within the flames; we begin to see ourselves and consciously sink into our ancestral roots to guide and transmute us. We intuitively call upon the wise guardians of our lineage long past, looking into their eyes for wisdom, clarity and release.

Cerridwen by Courtney Davis

As the pumpkins, squashes and gourds are harvested, their seeds naturally fall to the ground from the once bountiful stalks. Lying dormant through the dark cycle, they will gather life force to breakthrough the soil’s surface come spring. We also plant our personal seeds during this turn of the wheel with intentions to begin anew, shedding old skin and eventually rising stronger from the ashes of our outworn ways in spring’s first light.

The cycle gradually darkens; we navigate the steps downward even further into the safety of Mother’s womb, bidding farewell to the setting sun and welcoming the rebirth we know is to come. It’s all part of the cycle of life, birth, death and rebirth.

Like the harvested and browning vines, part of us dies and turns to ashes, protecting and fertilizing the ground for planting later in the cycle. And as the dying chaffs lie in the fields awaiting transport to the Otherworld, the veils lift, opening the gateway for our ancestors’ momentary return. They come back through the dimensions to celebrate with us one last time.

We honor them here, on our terms, on our human turf, before they journey beyond our reach, before they ascend into the next house of existence. The celebration of Samhain is a feast of thanksgiving; all are welcome!

Lighting our personal candles at last, from the courage of the community flame, we silently walk the labyrinth, spiraling inward step by step. When eve turns to night and night to dawn, food and energy is stored for the long, deep season of winter. Once inside the cave, our candle flame flickers, its beacon lighting the way as we begin the slow journey homeward. This tiny flame of recognition reminds us why we are here in this place of peaceful rest and healing, exploring our shadow worlds until the Wheel turns again.

Read More About Samhain Here.

Self Reflection

Breathing Inward

Conscious breath calls us inward, slowing our nervous system, relaxing the body and quieting the mind. Self-reflection can really only be practiced when we are in sync with our deepest inner rhythm, the one that matches the Earth’s pulsing tides, and a place more easily accessed through intentional inspiration and expiration.

Close your eyes, and begin by breathing through your nose, into the center of your head, calling your attention inward. Exhale down along your spine, out through the tailbone, into the center of the Earth. Repeat this simple cycle 9 times. Now imagine the same basic cycle of breath, this time re-circulating it inside your body. Feel it brushing your spine as you inhale up the back, and then exhale down the front of the spine. Repeat this simple cycle 9 times as well. Sit for a few moments afterwards, noticing how you feel in your body.

Now move on to the next part of the practice exploring the two breathing cycles (with links to the audios) that will help you find your way to meet and connect with your inner self.

Inner Rhythms: Humming Bee Breath

Listen to the podcast here.

Sounds of the Sea

Listen to the podcast here.

When you have completed the breathing cycles, sit for a period of time (5-10 minutes) feeling, sensing and seeing the rhythms of your body as they link to the breath of spirit.

Listen to more podcasts on Sacred Spaces.

Open Your Body to Spirit

Classes, Workshops & Open Studio

The Energy of Menopause

Exploring the Spiritual Transitions & Energetic Connections to Menopause

Intuitive Energy Readings

$50 per session

-Finding the Energetic Roots of Stress
The roots of stress & anxiety are often found in the body’s resistance to the
free movement of spiritual energies. In your session we look at your energy, how it moves through your physical & subtle bodies, your spiritual anchor points, potential blocks, and a next step on your self-healing journey.

-The Energy of Menopause
Menopause is a spiritual transition, a grand and sacred occurrence that demands
deep self-nurturing from within. In your session we look at your female creative energy, masculine & feminine energy balance, your genetic overlays and a next step on your self-healing journey.

We Specialize in Stress, Anxiety and Menopause.

The Energetic Connection guides you to honor your body as a sacred hologram imbued with wisdom for self-healing. We offer courses, audios & resources to open your body to spirit, and of course, to help you de-stress.

Sacred Bodies, Sacred Rhythms is the local Santa Fe anchor for the Energetic Connection and its programs. Please visit the Relaxation Clinic on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11:30am-1:30pm & 4:30-6:30pm; 1600 Lena Street, F-5 in Santa Fe. Call 505-795-6865.