By: Ann Meyer
Embrace the season of letting go and transformation while working with plant allies for this time.
As the summer's warmth gradually gives way to the cool embrace of autumn, the world undergoes a transformation. Autumn is more than just a change in weather and pretty scenery, it is the season that invites us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. We can use plant allies to help us navigate change occurring and embrace the magic of this time.
The plants remind us that all things, including life itself, have a season. The falling leaves teach us to embrace life while we have it and to not fear letting go when it is time. The cycle of life, death, and rebirth is here as a tool for self-discovery and inner growth. Just as the trees shed their leaves, we too can shed layers of our soul and make room for our higher self. The changing of the colors represents a time of transformation. We can accept ourselves where we’re at and simultaneously envision where we want to be.
Apples are a fruit rich in folklore for the autumn season. Embraced by many cultures, including Greek, Celtic, and Norse, this crisp provider is associated with love, beauty, and immortality. Apple invites us on a journey of self-love and healthy boundaries. During the colder months, we often look for suitors and crave a partner to keep us warm. This plant ally can help us navigate the realms of relationships by attracting good apples and leaving the bad to rot. They represent duality by being both delicate, the flower, and firm, the fruit itself. They also teach us to follow through with our goals by growing alongside us from spring until fall. Apples are often placed on altars during the harvest months and left as offerings for the Gods.
Another plant ally for this time is the mighty oak tree and its fruit, acorns. Oak is a sacred tree that represents strength and power. Some cultures even believe the oak tree to be the “tree of life”. Acorns are often used in rituals and placed upon altars. They connect us with our spirit guides and allow wisdom from our ancestors to flow freely. During the season of Samhain, the veil between the realms is thin. This is the perfect time to connect with deities, spirit guides, and souls passed.
Autumn is more than just a season, but rather a journey. It encourages us to let go and embrace change, allow for transformation to happen, express gratitude, and seek balance. Through connecting with plant allies and understanding the rhythms of life, we can help discover our own spiritual awakening just as nature does with each passing season.