Ritual 40: Monday, October 1, 2007

Waning Moon

Draw a circle on a piece of paper. Divide it into four equal quarters. This is a basic map of the year.

Conceiving time as circular and cyclical re-feminizes it. On your page, the moon's archetypal symbol encircles the span of time we usually grid out into productive units on a linear calendar.

Starting with January at the top of the circle, mark out the months of the year. First quarter: January, February, March. Second quarter: April, May, June. Third quarter: July, August, September. Fourth quarter: October, November, December.

Here we are at October 1, poised on the threshold of the year's final quarter. Consider the work and play of the months gone by. The sentiment of the year's beginning, the feeling of the year's blossoming, the flavor of the year's ripening. And now, anticipate the sensation of the year's imminent repose.

Reflect on what has been accomplished this year... and what remains undone. Dedicate your reflection to Demeter, Greek goddess of the grain, whose story is the story of the seasons.

Demeter's daughter Persephone was stolen away by the god of the underworld. The world suffered this loss along with the great goddess of agriculture, for Demeter's mourning caused the crops to whither and the earth to fall under the spell of a perpetual winter. Persephone was eventually re-united with her mother, but for only half of the year -- during which time the earth is abloom with life. The other half of the year, the earth's fertile fields slumber, as Demeter awaits Persephone's return from the underworld.

Where spring and summer belong to Demeter's joy, autumn and winter are Demeter's duty. The goddess of the harvest advises us to follow the folk adage: Make hay while the sun shines. Use the last remnants of the dimming solar energy to complete on your intentions for the year before autumn drops into winter's frozen pace.

Whatever remains undone, ask Demeter's assistance to wrap it up.

The sacred work that I've begun
With your blessing may it be done.

Remember, human hands do the work of the divine. Calling on the goddess gives support to our ventures, but it is our labor that brings results.

After the ritual, share your experience in our community section.