By: Janet Decker, C.Ht. Dean of Metaphysics, International Metaphysical University

On Saturday September 22, 2012, we gathered to bury the ashes of a neighbor and friend of earth and all her beings. With his departure to the higher realms of light the earth both danced for joy and wept with grief. Royce will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The last time Royce and I had a conversation we laughed about chickens. Yes, chickens. I live in rural Maine and Royce would often visit the town cemetery behind my house on his lawn tractor. You literally have to drive through my yard to get to the cemetery. Welcome to rural Maine!

The last time he passed through I happened to be in my garden picking beans so as usual he stopped and we chatted. My chickens were out and about and my rooster just had to let Royce know that he was king here so he began crowing. Royce chuckled then shared a story with me about the neighbor’s chickens that used to visit his bird feeder

The chickens always seem to know where to find seeds and the ground under a feeder is prime territory. Royce talked about how the rooster would call the hens to let them know he had found food for them. The rooster always made it seem like he had done something really phenomenal by finding this food. Royce said that rooster would strut and cluck and scratch at the ground until he got the attention of his harem and the girls would come running to see what tasty morsels he had uncovered. Then the rooster would crow quite loudly to proclaim that he was the worlds greatest provider. Royce started to laugh as he remembered those chickens doing what chickens do. I must admit it is a joy to watch chickens do their thing and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. In fact, my chickens make me laugh out loud all the time!

Royce loved animals. They always made him smile and laugh so he and I are indeed kindred spirits. I feel his presence and I know he is around me. Spirit people come to those who are still incarnate who can sense them or see or hear them. Many who cross over are initially still attached to their earthly life so it gives them comfort to know they can still be experienced by the living.

So what does all this have to do with the Autumn Equinox you may ask? Well, the Autumn Equinox celebrates the harvest. At this time of year we celebrate the Great Mother for all her bounty and goodness. I remember a line from the Doxology; “All is safely gathered in err the winter storms begin.”

We tend to think of the harvest only from a stand point of food but what if we extend our view of the harvest a bit further? A friend and fellow light worker had a dream about 2 weeks ago that I will share with you. In that dream he saw many boats crossing a great body of water. A beam of light emanated from each boat and extended up into the heavens. He knew they were light workers being called home. Considering this dream and the fact that Royce has been called home it makes me pensive.

So, does the harvest need to be limited to just food? I think not. And in consideration of my friend’s dream I am wondering if during this particular autumn season we will see an unusual number of light workers being harvested, or as I like to put it, being “gathered in” or “called home.”

Only time will tell if this is going to be the case but it seems to me it is certainly something to watch for. And for those of us who have not yet been “gathered in” it behooves us to use this time of the Equinox for more than the harvest of food. It is worth our time to take a few minutes off and on throughout this season to remember those who are no longer among us on the physical plane. The fall season is a time of harvest, yes, but it is also a time of remembering what those who have been “gathered in” brought to our lives while they were incarnate and a time for honoring them. And let us not forget to honor those ancestors whom we have never met in this life. Our ancestors paved the way for us and many of them endured countless hardships. Their wisdom and knowledge remains with us still. Every time I brew a cup of catnip tea or smooth a salve made of Calendula and Lavender flowers on a patch of dry skin I think of them and thank them. This one simple act of remembering honors our ancestors.

In closing, as I look out over my garden, which is winding down, I am grateful for the bounty that was brought forth this year and I am aware that the Great Mother and I are a terrific team! But I am also grateful for my ancestors and for all light workers who have been gathered in.

Great Mother and all beings of light, I give you honor. Let the dance continue!

Blessed Be.