A time of transition

Now is a time of transition. After breathing out into the summer, we can feel the first hint of chill in the air.

It is a strange moment in the year. At the beginning of August, we celebrated Lammas, the first loaf, the beginning of the harvest, and at the end of this month, we come to Michaelmas and the equinox, when we are required to claim the heat and fire of summer into our own beings to guide us through the winter, claiming the dragon’s fire.

Right now, I am aware of being between two seasons. At the same time as longing for the summer warmth to carry on forever, I feel excited and energised by the new season that is on its way.

The trees seem poised, waiting. They have done their amazing race towards the sun and their leaves hang patiently waiting for autumn as the nuts and seeds ripen.

For families with children it is the time to turn to thoughts of the new term. New term and new school year.

I never anticipated the start of school with pleasure. I was lucky to be able to run wild for the summer and, for me,  the symbol for school was stuffing my feet into school shoes and tying the school tie round my neck. Doomed to sitting at school desks and doing uncongenial tasks.

There seems to be a lot more understanding now towards children who suffer from the transition to school. I see a number of them in my practice. Simple things can help. Taking a favourite toy, so the child can give the toy the courage to go in, wearing a special talisman and of course a sympathetic ear to hear about the pleasures of the summer and recognise the challenges of the transition.

For many the cooler weather is a call to action, it’s not only in spring that a good clean out is satisfying, or maybe a review of the wardrobe to reclaim the warmer clothes.

I wish you strength and joy as you adjust to the changes. Take time to feel gratitude for all the summer has brought you, appreciation for every beauty around you, care for those you love and compassion for those you struggle to love.