Autumn…makes a double demand. It asks that we prepare for the future—that we be wise in the ways of garnering and keeping. But it also asks that we learn to let go—to acknowledge the beauty of sparseness. ~ Bonaro W. Overstreet
The autumn equinox, or Mabon as it is called in some traditions, is a solar festival that marks the second time of the year when night and day are equal in time. And from this point onward until the winter solstice, the days grow shorter than the dark of night.
In the northern hemisphere, this is a time of harvest. We gather in the crops and hunt the game that will carry 
us—we hope—through the long, cold season of winter. And after the gathering is the celebration.
But, from the shadows beneath the oak, Persephone, Goddess of the Underworld, who returned to the world amidst the joyful celebration of the spring equinox, now watches the laughing and dancing of the harvest celebration. Gathering her pomegranates, she takes a last look at the sun in the blue of the sky before she turns and steps deeper into the shadows, beginning her descent to the Underworld.
According to astrologer, Maria Kay Simms, this time of year is the equivalent to the last quarter phase of the Moon.
“The Last Quarter phase has been called the ‘crisis in consciousness’. Deep down inside you begin to realize that you are ready to move towards something new…the new direction that you once began and brought to fulfillment has been done, and no longer excites you. ..At this point, a ‘crisis in consciousness’ will begin to lead you away from the dominant activities of your current cycle and begin to prepare you for a future new direction.”
The recent Pisces Full Moon signaled this season of letting go. But that letting go happens at the same time we are gathering in. It’s a between time, a shifting from what is to what will be.
For you as a writer or other creative, and as an entrepreneur, this means taking a look back at the months since the vernal equinox and:
- Acknowledging the work you’ve done to plant and nurture your harvest. If you are like me, you get so caught up in moving from one “field” to the next to make sure everything is watered, weeded and fed, that you don’t take time to look out over those fields like the woman in the 7 of Coins is doing, and fully appreciate the fruits of your labor.
- Evaluating where more work or follow through is needed before the end of the year. Did you send out those queries or manuscript pages you were asked for? Did you follow up with that customer or client who mentioned interest in your work for later in the year? Have you finished projects that have just been hanging in the wind because your attention and time were elsewhere?
- Determining what worked for you this year, what didn’t, and what seeds you want to gather from the harvest to plant for next year. Farmers of old always saved back some of their harvest for seeds for the following year’s crop. While I was traveling, speaking and learning at events these past months, I was listening for the seeds of ideas for next year’s crop of content, programs and events as well as for seeds for my own writing. Those seeds are all going into the soil to germinate and take root, some now, some later.
- Be willing to let go. Bittersweet as goodbyes can sometimes be, finishing and saying goodbye to old projects, programs and even relationships is necessary. Otherwise, they can drag you down and hold you back. And some projects just need to be released whether they are finished or not. Otherwise they just take up space and collect dust.
Harvest time with its shortening days and lengthening nights, provides an opportunity not just for looking back and forward but also inward. Reflecting on your feelings around events, people and projects is a good way to determine what needs changed or improved or even maintained as you move forward.
So enjoy the fruits of your labor this autumn equinox, take time to acknowledge and reflect on this past growing season.
And remember to hold back some seeds for your new crop.