This is the Feast of
the Autumn Equinox. The Light of the Sun in the Wheel of the Year stands in
the West, in the Place of balance between the Light and the Darkness. This is
a time of the Great Tides. This is the Gateway of the Year.
This Feast is known by many names to many people, for the Truth is reflected
from many mirrors. It has been celebrated as Alban Elfed and Harvest. Our ancestors
called it by names long forgotten, and our children will call it by names as
yet unconceived.
At this time, our ancestors saw the Sun, for the first time in half a year,
be unable to outshine the Dark. Although he still shines with strength, his
strength grows weaker as the days grow shorter. Today he holds the Darkness
in in equal measure to the Light, but he is struck in his season with the wound
of Time and from day to day the darkness will grow as the Lord of Light sinks
into his Age, for the wound is grievous and will not heal. This is a time of
farewell and gratitude for the Summer that has been.
At this time, our ancestors saw the Lady who is the Spirit of the Land stand
before her people with the full bounty of her Harvest. Here is the reward of
labour and reverence of the Land. This is the fulfilled promise of the days
of Spring and Summer. This is the Reckoning of the Year, for Harvest is now
complete and the portions are set to feed folk and animals through the cold
dark days that lie ahead. This is a time of wonder and gratitude for the gifts
the Lady showers down upon her people.
This is the time of the turning of the Light into Darkness. Let us step forward
into the darkening days holding before us the divine promise of new Light at
the end of the Dark Days, from year to year and life to life. This is the lesson
of the Lord and the Lady. This is our knowledge and our affirmation.
This is the Holy Word that is written in no less than the Earth and the Sky
and in all things that are made. This is a wonder and a marvel.
–Coifi