Cycles Of Earth

The Cycles of Earth

by Larry-Michael and Becky Lynn Hackenberg

Plan, Do, Finish, Rest.

Living in Harmony With Earth

A Weekly Almanac Guide

Weekend of September 4-5, 2010

In A Nutshell…

The Resting Moon is the dark, or new moon. It occurs on Wednesday, September eighth, at 5:48 a.m. EDT in West Michigan. This makes for brighter stars in the night sky as there is no competition from moonshine. A clear night can be dazzling and worth a walk outside.

Late Summer, though a transition time, seems its own season. It is a winding down time and the burnished golds, coppers and purples reflect the hot, dry end of the season.

There are two weeks from the New/Resting Moon to the Autumnal Equinox. There is the fragrance of ripening field crops in the air.

Last Weekend

Aug. 28-29, 2010: Finish

All our Summer finishing brings us closer to turning the cycle to Fall.

This Weekend

Sept. 4-5, 2010: Rest

Moon symbol from a watercolor by Larry-Michael
Sun symbol from photo by NASA

This is the point in the yearly cycle of seasons that a dear friend of mine says she is ready for that first killer frost. What that means is she has had enough of gardening and keeping her flower beds looking spiffy. We will not get a hard frost this weekend, but it is a good time to take a break and give ourselves a rest.

Farmers reading this are saying “Yeah, right!” Considering what is directly ahead for farmers however, might make them want to rest up a bit for the big haul-in of harvest. Hard work just ahead is worth resting up for. Your body feels more up to the job after even a short break.

To turn a short break into very effective rest, take your mind off whatever is looming and put it on something pleasurable to you. A change of place is a good way to do that so that you are not tempted to stay connected to the task ahead. Two days at the lake can make you feel like a new person.

This weekend, create a true rest for yourself.

Next Weekend

Sept. 11-12, 2010: Plan

As one cycle ends another begins; time for a bit of Fall planning.

Musing

If you are seeking a pleasant peninsula, look around you (“Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice”--our state motto). We live on a peninsula! I often forget that. As you head north, one cannot drive across our state lines into the next state or province without using a bridge or ferry. We are not only surrounded by water but because water can be found almost everywhere in less than 20 feet beneath us, we literally walk on water as well.

This time of year really typifies why Michigan is a pleasant peninsula; warm gorgeous days perfect for enjoying outdoors, cool nights perfect for sleeping. The sounds of nature are everywhere; birds singing, insects buzzing, dry leaves are beginning to rattle on the ground, swirling up when you drive through them on the road. Fall color and fall smells have already started; thoughts of the county fair hang excitedly in the air.

Sit in silence sometime this resting weekend with the windows and doors open. Soak up our pleasant peninsula. Add only the creak of your rocking chair or the turning of a page to the natural outdoor symphony of Michigan.