Welcome to our Autumn Equinox Blessing and Newsletter 2015
“Beannachtaí Cónacht Fómhair"
Welcome to our Autumn Equinox Newsletter and Blessing, an Equinox of truly
exceptional energies in 2015 and in the 21st century, (see final paragraph of this
section for more on this phenomenon). The furtive Indian Summer of early September
has not wooed us away from noticing the evenings darkening a little earlier and the
need for a light jacket on some afternoon adventures. Mid Autumn is still such an
abundant time and the current volume of haw berries, crab apples and mushrooms
was striking as we trekked the countryside earlier this week. Not yet have the leaves
swopped green for brown, tan, bronze and rust. In a sense, nature needs the herald of
a veritable Autumn and Equinox provides that announcment. As the light and dark of
our days move towards equal balance, temperatures will slowly lower and the colours
begin to change. It is time to let the clutch of Summer living which we hang onto so
dearly in September to gracefully ebb. The festival of Lughnasadh is letting go and
giving way to special cosmic balance and we are asked to do likewise.
To our Ancestors, Equinox was a deeply significant time. To be fully alive, observant
and receptive as the energies of light and darkness equalled each other was profound
enough to warrant the building over several lifetimes of quartz covered cairns
engineered so that the inner chamber was illuminated by the rising Equinox sun. Why
was this so? Our animal energies change in the presence of light and dark, just as
much as in the cattle, the fox or the crow. Our soul energy reacts too, we find
ourselves inclined towards differing relationship with ourselves and the world, in the
hours of light compared to hours of dark in a day. Father Sun and Mother Earth are
parenting us and all natural life with a special harmony very soon, so special it must
be repeated twice annually. On those two Equinox moments in a calendar year when
the journey of the earth around the sun achieves perfect balance between night and
day, we may not still build cairns today, but we can live like we do so that we find
accord with the immense harmonisation of energies at this time. Outstanding among
these cairns is Sliabh Na Caillí (Loughcrew) in north Co. Meath. The unique rock art of
the back stone is lit magnificently on the mornings at Equinox. While Autumn Equinox
is commonly celebrated on September 21st, the actual date and time of exact equality
of darkness and light is on September 23rd, 8.21AM (GMT). There will be just over 45
days between Autumn Equinox and Samhain, the beginning of Winter and the
indigenous Irish New Year. Cónacht Fómhair-Autumn Equinox beckons an acceptance
of those aspects of our psyche that we refer to as being of the Light and of the
Shadow. It is also a time that calibrates us to prepare for the coming of Winter. The
earth’s orbital path around the sun is known as the ecliptic and this intersects with the
celestial equator dividing our hemispheres. Two highly significant circles of energy
intersect at Equinox when the sun shines from both circles at once at Equinox.
Cairn V with cairn T in the background, Loughcrew
Illuminated backstone, Cairn
Images S. Emerson
As mentioned in the opening paragraph, Autumn Equinox 2015 will preface rare and
influential energies with the fourth lunar eclipse in two years occurring on September
27th/28th. Lunar Eclipses come in pairs with Solar Eclipses and the most recent of the
latter occurred on September 13th, thus making the moment of Equinox close to
equidistant between both eclipses in September. This is a substantial coincidence of
powerful energies. The moment of Autumn Equinox 2015 will divide lightness and
darkness equally, but will also be a dividing moment between eclipses of the Sun and
Moon, at the same time.
There is more to what is at play here that is worth our awareness. The Lunar Eclipse to
come will occur on a “Harvest Moon” (first Full Moon after Autumn Equinox) which
brings naturally what is referred to as the “harvest moon effect”, (time differences in
daily Moon rises reduces substantially, bringing the Moon’s energetic impact on the
northern hemisphere earlier and for longer each day). The Harvest Moon will also be
what is called a Super Full Moon, i.e. the Moon will be closest to the Earth as it turns
full. Total eclipses of Super Full Moons are rare. Records show that only five occurred
in the 1900’s (1910, 1926, 1964 and 1982) and after the eclipse on September
27th/28th 2015 Total Lunar Eclipse, a Super Full Moon Eclipse will not happen again for
another 18 years, (October 8th, 2033). North and South Americans will be able to see
the eclipse after sunset on September 27th and people in Africa, Europe and Middle
East can view it during the early hours of September 28th, before the sun rises.
Partial Solar Eclipse: Moon between Sun and Earth
Phases of Total Lunar Eclipse
The September 27th/28th Total Lunar Eclipse is the fourth and final eclipse in a series
of four eclipses called the Lunar Tetrad. (The first three eclipses took place on April
15th, 2014, October 8th, 2014 and April 4th, 2015). Each of these days is approximately
six months apart and had five full moons between them. Lunar Tetrads are rare in
some centuries and frequent in others. The maximum number is eight and eight will
occur in the 21st century. The last time this happened was in the 9th century. The
beginning of the next Lunar Tetrad of this century will be on April 25th, 2032.
Total Lunar Eclipses happen when the Earth moves into place directly between the
Moon and Sun. As the Moon has no light source of its own, the Earth will cast a
shadow on the Moon that appears as a reddish glow giving rise to it being called a
Blood Moon. Some religious traditions speak of destructive prophecies coming into
activation on Blood Moons, but history does not reflect this. However, it is beyond
doubt that many people, animals and plants reveal the deep impact of Total Lunar
Eclipses and Autumn Equinox 2015 for all the reasons above can only be exceptional
bridge in that regard. Perhaps, we should be building a new cairn at this time after all.
See “SUGGESTION FOR SEASONAL CELEBRATION” below for more.
Blood Moon – Earth’s shadow when between Sun and Moon
What’s Happening At Slí An Chroí this Cónacht Fómhair....
New Trainings – Seasonal Celebrations - Medicine Spiral – Healers Spiral - Mála
Masterclass - Men/Women Circles – Spirit Of Folk Festival - Mind/Body/Spirit Show
SEPTEMBER:
18th-20th Spirit of Folk Festival, Dunderry Park (‘Faerie Rites & Autumn Equinox
Celebration’)
26th
Moon Mná Mamaí Day 2 Training, Dublin
28th Moon Mná Women’s Virtual Circle & Attunement Síle Na Gig Rites
29th Fir le Chéile - Men’s Circle
DatesTBC Medicine Spiral 2014-2015 Training - special opportunity to begin with private
“catch up” training of the 1st Direction 'North'
OCTOBER:
2nd-4th
Healers Spiral 2014-2015 Training starts in Sli An Chroí Centre, Dublin
DatesTBC Engage Training - For Working With Men On Health Matters
17th Presentation at the Irish Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapist Annual Conference
18th Mála Masterclass, Sli An Chroí Centre, Dublin
23rd- 25th Mind Body Spirit & Yoga Festival, RDS, Dublin
27th Fir le Chéile - Men’s Circle
27th:
Moon Mná Women’s Virtual Circle Journey to our Sacred Wombs
DIARY DATES FOR LATER IN 2015
Samhain Night In The City-Ceremony & Community Wed Nov 4th
One Day Introduction To Shamanism Sat Nov 14th
SEPTEMBER
SPIRIT OF FOLK FESTIVAL – DUNDERRY PARK
Fri 18th - 20th September
Join us and be part of the exciting, fun festival of folk music and all things shamanic in
the wonderful Dunderry Park and support the Irish Centre for Shamanic Studies. On
Saturday 19th, from 4.15pm - 6.15pm John and Karen and trusty colleagues, Sherrie,
Eimear and Alison will be introducing and offering “Deasghnátha Na Sí – The Faerie
Rites” to celebrate An Cónacht Fómhair: ‘Autumn Equinox Celebration’ a calling to
align ourselves at this time of equal light and dark. The land of Dunderry Park is
abundant in faerie energy and we are keenly anticipating an awakening between our
faerie brethren and the festival gathering through the transmission of these rites. See
the full festival information on www.spiritoffolk.com
MOON MNÁ MAMAÍ DAY 2 COURSE TRAINING COURSE
Sept 26th 10am - 6.30pm Venue: The Dublin Positive Health Centre, Dublin 2
Karen is honoured to teach, facilitate and mentor the second wonderful gathering of
current Moon Mná Maidens as they continue today their nine month journey to birth
their own Women’s Circles around Ireland. We come together to celebrate the joy of
being a woman in all our unique beauty, grace and femininity and to be the best we
can be to join our menfolk for the betterment of our world today. If you are interested
in more information, please contact Karen at johnandkaren@slianchroi.ie
MOON MNÁ (Women’s Circle) @ FULL MOON
Sept 28th
At this auspicious time of the 4th Lunar Eclipse in a series of 4 over the last 2 years, we
celebrate and awaken our full sexual power as women with the Síle Na Gig Rites by
Attunement. Email Karen to receive an Attunement to the rites and/or Self Ceremony
Instructions, to join joyous Soul Sisters around the world. Karen is honoured to gift the
Rites of Awakening Our Full Sexual Power as women from the ancient Celtic Goddess
Síle of the Vulva. Her image is carved into many Sacred Sites in Ireland.
FIR LE CHÉILÉ (MEN TOGETHER)
Sept 29th & Oct 27th Lantern Centre, Synge St., Dublin 8 (€12 or donation)
A warm, supportive, dynamic gathering of men, for men, by men. A time for men of all
ages to gather beyond any agenda except to embrace the precious experience of
open, non-judgemental sharing and witnessing, ceremony and ritual dedicated to the
development of the sacred masculine within us all. Our experience of boyhood and
manhood will be powerfully deepened by simple sharing of our experiences, past and
present. One of the longer term aims of the circle will be to co-create a superior myth
of manhood than the ones predominant in contemporary culture.Taking place on the
last Tuesday of every month led now by Declan Hammond and Sé Franklyn.
(See www.slianchroi.ie/mcircle.htm)
THE MEDICINE SPIRAL 2014-2015 TRAINING
Catch-up dates late Sept/early Oct tbc Venue: Slí An Chroí Centre, Smithfield, Dublin7
Although the 2015-2016 Medicine Spiral began in Dunderry Park on September 11th13th, there are a small number of prospective students who were unable to be present
in Dunderry Park and will receive private “catch up” training of the North Direction.
This will allow them to join the greater student group in Dunderry Park in November
for the second weekend of training. If you would like to be included and consulted
regarding the dates of the three tutorials of the private training, please let us know as
soon as possible. For full and comprehensive information, go to
http://www.slianchroi.ie/spiral.htm
OCTOBER
THE HEALERS SPIRAL 2014-2015 TRAINING
2nd – 4th Oct Venue: Slí An Chroí Centre, Smithfield, Dublin 7
For full and comprehensive information, go to http://www.slianchroi.ie/heal.htm
THE IRISH ASSOCIATION FOR COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
17th Oct 3.00pm, Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin
Karen has been invited to present a paper on her PhD research ‘The meanings of
Spirituality among accredited counsellors practising a new shamanic energy therapy
technique’ This is one she has developed through shamanic practise and journeys over
the last 7 years. An event essentially for therapists, however if you are interested and
are not a therapist, contact Karen regarding admission at johnandkaren@slianchroi.ie
MÁLA MASTERCLASS
October 18th, Sli An Chroí Centre, Smithfield, Dublin 7, (Fee, €85)
This one day Mastery Class is dedicated to extending your spiritual and skillful
relationship with your sacred bundle, your mála naofa. John will be bringing you new
practices that deepen the integration of the mála into every dimension of your life. We
already know the mála as a power item that holds the profound energies of our
Ancestors, of our spiritual essence, of Mother Earth and of our personal destiny. In
this workshop, you will explore how the mála is the great balancing device in our life,
bringing harmony in times of chaos and orientation in times of confusion. We will
introduce new ways of reading your mála and help you make breakthrough discoveries
in the subtle use of your lia naofa and power totems.
The mála is a tremendous sacred device for problem solving and gaining insight into
the ways forward through life’s challenges. It is a masterclass that allows for magical,
practical and effective learning as a mála carrier not possible during the time schedule
of The Medicine Spiral. This learning is an addition to the healing use of the mála as
taught on The Healers Spiral. The masterclass will substantially invigorate your mála
and overall shamanic practice, whatever the level of that practice to date, be it active
and ongoing or if you regard your practice and connection have slipped.
MIND BODY SPIRIT & YOGA @ RDS
Oct 24th-26th RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Come and browse at this major Holistic Festival in Dublin city. Join Karen and John
and many familiar faces from Slí An Chroí Gatherings at our Shamanic Community
Stand. The October Mind Body Spirit Show is timed in the days leading to Samhain
which provides a true charge to the event. Once again, we anticipate leading the
Opening and/or Closing Ceremony. We will also be offering talks and workshops. See
www.mindbodyspirit.ie
SUGGESTION FOR SEASONAL CELEBRATION
As you have read, the poignancy of the 2015 Autumn Equinox is rare and exceptional.
Relationship of energies: Light and Dark, Light and Shadow, Balance and Equality,
Earth-Sun-Moon is at a peak amplification as a consequence of multiple planetary
cycles intersecting this month. All we can ask of ourselves on a personal level is to be
in observance and congruence with all that is coinciding cosmically. The energies may
for some, be rough waves, but ceremony and ritual can keep us on the right side of
our surf board. An old shamanic saying holds that “we do not experience energies that
were not meant to teach us”.
Regard For Specific Dates/Times
When you read our Newsletter, the Solar Eclipse of September 13th will of course, have
passed. However as you link the dates of September 13th with Autumn Equinox
(September 23rd) and Super Full Moon Total Eclipse, (September 27th or 28th,
depending on your location), it is worth reflecting on what was occurring in your life
on Sunday, September 13th. (No surprise that it was a “Sun-Day”)
As you plan ahead for what will serve you on September 23rd, be alive to your
anticipation of September 27th/28th. How do the multiple layers of planetary, star and
energetic coincidences of the 27th/28th make you feel emotionally in advance?
September 23rd: A Time For Balance and Grounding
Create a sacred pause in your life on this day. Reach for simple ways for your physical
body to experience balance. This might include meditating with two stones of equal
size/weight, one in each hand. It might include being bias towards balancing postures
in your yoga practice. It might include sitting with two glasses of water, both of equal
size and both exactly half full/half empty. However you create balance for your
physical body to experience it, step into the engagement with innocence, as if doing
this for the first time. Allow this approach to open experience and perception that may
be new. Allow fully and at the same time, observe your emotional responses. What are
the energies of balance promoting in you? What are they asking you to remember?
How are you with the Spirit of Balance, itself?
With your breath, infuse one of the stones with the energy of your Shadow nature.
Infuse the other with the Light aspect of your nature. Do the same with the glasses of
water. Yogis might attempt the same balance posture twice, once from their Shadow
energies and second, from their Light energies. Such rituals are not intended to
promote expression from either our Shadow or Light selves, but they are about
fostering ownership of our full spectrum of energies. From that ownership can come
peaceful self knowing and immense strength. Hold this ritual: meditation/stone,
water, yoga or whatever you compose, on a daily basis from September 23 rd to
September 27th/28th, (even if for only five minutes/day). Seek to advance towards the
Super Full Moon/Blood Moon Total Eclipse on the back of intimacy with the Spirit of
Balance. Be very observant of Nature around you over these days.
September 27th/28th: Stepping Into Light
This time is unique and we are called to be in it and even more so. Our planet is
moving into the line between sun and moon, illuminated brightly on one side and
casting a blood red shadow onto the Moon by the other. How does this speak to us
personally and as a species? Plan for observance by looking at the night sky and being
in ritual. Being in our Light and being in our Shadow is something we are tempted to
judge either positively or negatively, however resist such duality and ask yourself to be
non judgemental. Being in and of such energies simply is. Trust the feedback from
your heart to settle with where your personal ethics lie. Perhaps we humans are
required to experience the duality of Light and Shadow for those ethics to spring
forth.
This is a time for outward observance and inward retreat at the same time. Plan for an
immram or journey, a meditation, a drumming or the making of an organic burla ghuí
(prayer bundle) that holds equally the energies of light and dark which you will give to
the Earth. Obviously, no matter how much we step into the Light and become
illuminated/enlightened, by the laws of Nature we simultaneously cast a shadow on
some surface. Just like Mother Earth intervening between Father Sun and Grandmother
Moon. In your personal retreat, call forth fully your sacred allies, Power Animals, Spirit
Guides, Ancestors, Angelic Beings and more. Be open to being shown clearly how your
path of Enlightenment can simultaneously create Shadow. Be open to being shown
clearly how your own actions in life may also block realisation of your potential.
Regard your ritual on this night/early morning as entering a great chrysalis of your
Soul, so that you may emerge post eclipse into greater wisdom, self awareness and
acceptance of your truth. The fertility of this time is to be embraced mindfully and
proactively. Let it blossom as resilience, hope, creativity, fearless vision and above all,
fierce and graceful Love. It is as much carpe diem as carpe nox. See the days and
weeks ahead to Samhain as a key period for your blossoming.
AUTUMN EQUINOX MÁLÁ NAOFA RITUAL
For a mála carrier or if you carry another form of sacred medicine bundle, Cónocht
Fómhair is an occasion for a conscious pause with your bundle and an invitation for
deep engagement.
Be guided by the following principles:
Cleansing/ Clearing/ Shedding
Balance: of Light and Dark/ of Light and Shadow/ of Masculine and Feminine/ of
Lower, Middle, Upper world energies
(For those who have grown their full mála naofa through The Medicine Spiral), arrange
your thirteen lia-stones in a circle. See these as the thirteen Moons of the Lunar Year.
Ensure your mála is open on the day and night of Autumn Equinox, ideally outdoors in
Nature. Do likewise on the night/early morning of the Super Full Moon Total Eclipse.
On September 23rd, arrange the lia not according to the directions of your Medicine
Spiral journey, but so that both sides of the circle have stones of equal size, weight,
power. You are the shaman here, so trust your tracking and choice here. In this new
circular arrangement, how is your mála naofa speaking to you?
On September 27th/28th, consider placing an item into your mála as a totem to your
Light. Then place a totem in it of your Shadow. Place a third totem that speaks of your
commitment to continuously tap the great energy reserves of your Shadow and
express them from the luminous, ethical power of your Heart. Place this last totem
between the one for Light and the one for Shadow. How does this arrangement speak
back to you? If your mála does not already carry items that honour the energies of
Father Sun and Grandmother Moon, this time is good to do so. (Your mála is already a
testament to Mother Earth, but if you would like to place a totem for the Earth, that is
appropriate especially at this time of coinciding journey paths of these planets and
star).
As trees and shrubs shed at this time, look into your mála for anything is decaying or
“old” in the sense that it is appropriate to shed it from your bundle i.e. old Summer
blossoms, photos, icons, vestiges of Bealtaine or Lughnasadh, etc. Offer a thorough
cleanse to your lia naofa and other items. Shake out and/or wash your wrapping cloth.
Let your mála hold the natural energies of shedding by placing a fallen pine cone or
beech nut or similar in your bundle.
Thank you for reviewing our Autumn Equinox offerings. If you would like to learn
more about the events, please visit our website www.slianchroi.ie or
www.pathwayoftheheart.ie . If you would like to book a place on any of the events,
please contact us by email (johnandkaren@slianchroi.ie) or by telephone (01-670
4905). Booking Forms where required, can be downloaded from the website.
We look forward to extending a warm welcome to you this mid to late Autumn.
Le brí na taise, (with the energy of compassion),