A Solitary Autumn Equinox Ritual

From High Day Celebrations

I apologize right now if this post rambles.  I’ve got a lot on my mind, I guess!

Blessed Autumn to everyone in the northern hemisphere!  I hope you’re enjoying the changing leaves, apple cider, and other signs of the season as much as I am.  Despite my busy schedule and doctor’s rest orders, I’m not about to miss a high day!  I decided to do a solitary ritual at home using my seasonal/family altar in the living room.  It’s not used as often for rituals but I’m thinking of doing any high day rites at home in this area.  My main altar is more personal whereas the work I do at the family altar is meant to impact the whole home.  Perhaps I’ll change my altar setup down the road, but this works for now.  It’s in a great area if I ever have Pagan company!

I decorated my altar with a swag of faux leaves from my wedding (Autumn is extra special to me because of those memories) and goodies from people I know, local farmers, and my own patio.  I also included a fabric pumpkin I made last year.  Unfortunately, I took this photo after I already put away some of my ritual equipment, but you get the gist.

I do a lot of solitary rituals, actually.  In fact, a majority of my Druidic life is spent on my own.  I usually join my grovies for high days, which is generally eight times a year.  I did miss celebrating with Muin Mound tonight.  A friend posted about liking ADF but feeling hypocritical driving long distances to worship the Earth Mother.  I sympathize with that sort of thinking entirely, but I’ve never let it stop me from going…  It does make me feel guilty when I stop and think about it (and I’ve thought a lot about it ever since I started going to Muin Mound), but for the time being I see no way around it.  I want the physical community, I don’t have the time or energy to develop it in the North Country (right now), but I have to drive a ways to get there.  We only meet a handful of days out of the year, and I’ve already taken many strides towards a more sustainable life.  Not that I couldn’t or shouldn’t do more…  I just don’t want to guilt myself out of doing something that is genuinely meaningful to me or downplay the efforts I have made.  On the other hand, her comment made me once more consider starting a grove…  It would be nice not having to drive so far.  Perhaps when grad school is over, I will consider it.

For now, the new season’s omens are clear – I need to do my best to stay afloat of my current challenges and accept my limitations.  Sometimes it’s difficult to just stop, stay home, and recuperate when your friends are doing fun things and you want to be there with them.  However, it’s Autumn.  The world around us is slowing down.  I need to do the same…  I’m afraid that means becoming a stronger person and saying “no,” even when I really don’t want to…