The shaman knew of a Sacred Law which was also a natural law because he observed its action all around him. Life leads to death. But he also knew the reverse side of that law: Death leads to life. He knew and understood it, because as with the seasons, life and death are just turns of the circle.
Often associated with Halloween but with a very different meaning, Dia De Los Muertos is typically celebrated on November 1 and 2 every year. The name translates to “Day of the Dead.” It coincides with the Catholic All Souls’ Day and incorporates indigenous traditions from Mexico. this autumn holiday, family and friends gather to pray for their dearly departed loved ones— deceased relatives, friends, and even pets. Preparations for Dia De Los Muertos include making or buying decorations for the graves of lost loved ones.
The Spirit of Autumn
Autumn in the northern hemisphere brings out the kid in all of us. Cold,bugless days with crisp fragrant leaves dancing about. The sun still brings warm rays to happy faces and warm embraces. Here in Michigans U.P., it is the season of the “rut” as anyone who has ever hunted knows very well. Time to open up deer camp.
Autumn is also season of the harvest, of gathering together and storing the harvest for the long winter ahead. The quality of Autumn is that of change and transition. It is a season of strength and introspection, represented by the west. Its color in the Indian medicine wheel is the color black. It is a color made by mixing charcoal, water and bear grease. Autumn totem is that of the grizzly bear, he strengthens his body at this time, preparing for the sleep of winter. It is also the power of growth to full maturity, of self-examination and of transformation. At this time we absorb ourselves in the harvest and become aware of the gifts of mother-nature and the bounteousness of the earth. Prepare for new actions.
In the Chinese elements, autumn is represented by metal.
This is a good season to:
Eat root vegetables, whole grains and hearty foods as a way to clean out the intestines
Do weight training to make good use of the muscle-building protein you crave as winter comes
Focus on relaxation in the evening hours. Autumn is associated with late afternoon and evening time, and getting ready for sleep.
Autumn- time
This is the season offered to the *Dream Giver*--Moon of big changes and its planet is Venus- Mee-yaa-nu.
Influences on human personality
Venus tends to emit a calming influence that brings a sense of belonging, contentment, human love and generosity.
Influence on human physiology
There is usually an increase in the number of throat and thyroid complaints. Tonsillitis, laryngitis and earaches, aggravated by changing weather patterns. People gravitating to the indoors sparks and uptick in cold and flu epidemics.
Dress appropriately, eat well, increase the frequency of sweat baths.
Vitamin D and vitamin C for any viral illness (Dr. Mercola)
Take vitamin D3 at 10,000 IU’s once a day for 3 days at the onset of flu symptoms. As much vitamin C as can be tolerated. This will abort the flu, he says.
Start taking vitamin D3 as a preventative in August to prepare for the winter months flu season. Up to 2000 IU’s daily for children.
The average adult should take 4000 to 5000 IU’s daily throughout the winter months.
People 300 pounds and over can take between 5000 to 10,000 IU’s daily.
Cut the dose in half for the summer months.
Autumn Harvest Beverages
Herbade relaxer
½ cup lemon balm leaves, chopped
½ cup peppermint leaves, chopped
1 cup water
½ cup lemon juice or rhubarb juice
½ cup orange juice
½ cup sugar or honey
Swirl the herbs in a blender with the water briefly. Then add the rest of the ingredients and let stand for a couple of hours.
This mixture can be strained but isn’t really necessary. Dilute with ice water.
Immune booster
1 cup dried elderberries
1 cup dried rose hips, chopped
½ cup licorice root
1 cinnamon stick broken into chips
3 or 4 slices dried candied ginger root, chopped
Put ingredients into a quart mason jar and shake to mix the herbs well. Take a heaping teaspoon from the jar and put it into a cup. Pour boiling water over the herbs and let steep for about 10 minutes. Sweeten using honey or stevia. Drink warm, several times a day.
Gathering herbs
Now is the time to gather and harvest healthful, medicinal herbs for the winter first-aid kit.
Rose hips- Very high in vitamin C. Used as an excellent tea flavoring, great for making jelly.
Dandelion root- Dig, dry and chop. Cleans the bloodstream and liver.
Chamomile flowers- Dried used in tea and tinctures. Pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, aids in intestinal and menstrual problems.
Burdock root- Used fresh or dried. Fresh roots can be used in soups and stews. A tea soothes irritated mucous membranes and makes one sweat. The seeds can be used too. Burdock treats measles, sore throat, tonsillitis, colds and flu.
Calendula- (Pot marigold) flowers are used fresh or dried. Good in salves and ointments. Soothes burns and wound healing.
Mullein- Flowers and leaves are usually dried. Tea relieves congestion, loosens trapped mucus in airways. Drink daily during an epidemic.
Cayenne peppers- Dried fruit, powdered. Made into a capsule and taken daily to help build up a resistance at the beginning of a cold. Dried cayenne can be put in socks to keep feet warm in winter.
Peppermint- leaves fresh or dried are used. Aids digestion, helps during cold and flu season. Works wonderful as a flavoring and added to bitter herb remedies.
Red raspberry leaves- Used dried as a beverage. Good for diarrhea. A good choice for using as a wash for sores, wounds and skin rashes.
Garlic- The bulb is used fresh and dried. Works well as a stimulant for bad digestion. Regulates the action of the liver and gallbladder. Has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Garden sage- Dried leaves are used in teas and as a ceremonial smudge. Sage is a bactericide and fungicide of a subtle and penetrating power.
Red clover- Dried flower heads are used for tea. Works to strengthen the system and restore vitality. Good for children.
Elderberry flowers and berries- Fresh and dried are used from both. Antiviral and sweating agent. Berries are good for colds and flu, the flowers are good for fevers.
Astragalus root- 4 year old roots are dried and used in tea, or powdered and put into capsules. Astragalus has also been promoted for stimulation of the spleen, liver, lungs, circulatory, and urinary system, to help treat arthritis, asthma, and nervous conditions and to lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Catnip- leaf and flowers are harvested early in the flowering stage, fresh or dried. Best used as a tea. Works well as a sedative, dispelling headache, and sweating out a fever. Can be used in childrens remedies however, avoid during pregnancy.
Bonus-”Most of our information about festivals observed in Northern traditions is derived from Icelandic sources. . . Information from Germanic sources suggest that festivals there were more in the accordance with the English system in which solstices and equinoxes are celebrated. In the most magical traditions guardians are appointed on the four quarters. Most often these guardians are not gods. They usually are representatives of elemental kingdoms. In the Western Mystery tradition they are archangels. . .” Freya Aswynn
Northern and western European history are steeped in a rich culture that has been stifled by the church for centuries. I was amazed at how beautiful the true nature of histories of western Europe and the British Isles truly are. These people were a courageous and tough lot whose stories are ripe in mystery and survival. They deserve further investigation for sure.
Chapter Four— Keep Your Back Side Covered
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