An Attitude of Abundance: Manifesting Prosperity During Harvest Season

An Attitude of Abundance: Manifesting Prosperity During Harvest Season

As the golden sun dips below the horizon, painting the world with warm hues of amber and crimson, we are gently ushered into the sacred time of the Harvest Season. In this bountiful phase of the year, nature is our generous teacher, illustrating the essence of abundance—not just as material wealth, but as a holistic wealth of health, love, contentment, and spiritual connection. In this season, we are presented with the opportunity to align with the expansive and abundant energy of the Earth itself.

      The Essence of Harvest Season

Historically and spiritually significant across myriad cultures, the Harvest Season is a period marked by gathering and gratitude. From the Wiccan Sabbats of Lammas and Mabon to secular celebrations of thanks, this is a time to honour the richness of life. As the Earth generously offers her bounty, so too can we reflect this energy in our own lives.

      Legends of the Harvest

The harvest season is celebrated all around the world. Each culture has its own myths surrounding the importance of this time of year and how we can pay tribute to the glory of abundance. Let’s explore some of those stories now.

• The Corn Mother (Native American)

Various Native American tribes have a Corn Mother figure in their mythology, although her story varies between tribes. The Corn Mother is typically a benevolent figure, representative of the earth’s fertility. In many stories, she sacrifices herself to provide her children, the people, with the sustenance they need to survive. This myth underlines the intimate connection between the people and the earth, emphasizing the importance of respecting and giving thanks for the harvest.

• Demeter and Persephone (Greek)

Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, is heartbroken when her daughter Persephone is taken to the Underworld by Hades. In her grief, Demeter withholds her blessings from the earth, leading to barren fields until Persephone is allowed to return for part of the year. This myth explains the cyclical nature of the seasons, with the barren winter representing Demeter’s sadness and the fruitful summer symbolizing her joy when reunited with her daughter.

• Lughnasadh (Celtic)

Lughnasadh, named after the god Lugh, marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is said that Lugh started the festival as a funeral feast and games commemorating his foster-mother, Tailtiu, who died of exhaustion after clearing the plains of Ireland for farming. This festival is a time for feasting, games, and giving thanks for the anticipated harvest.

• The Moon Rabbit (Chinese and other East Asian cultures)

In Chinese mythology, the Moon Rabbit is said to be a companion to the moon goddess Chang’e and is often depicted mixing the elixir of life. This myth is closely related to the Mid-Autumn Festival, a significant harvest festival celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese people. During this festival, mooncakes are eaten, and families gather to celebrate unity and the fullness of the moon, which symbolizes abundance and prosperity.

• Chicomecoatl (Aztec)

Chicomecoatl, or “Seven Serpent,” was the Aztec goddess of agriculture, nourishment, and maize. During the harvest season, ceremonies and dances were held in her honor to ensure a bountiful crop. Her statue would be dressed in fresh flowers, and a priestess representing Chicomecoatl would be sacrificed to ensure a fruitful harvest. This myth and its associated rituals stress the vital connection between the people and their staple crops, as well as the cyclical nature of life and death.

• Osiris (Egyptian)

Osiris, the god of fertility, agriculture, and the afterlife, played a crucial role in Egypt’s agricultural success. According to the myth, Osiris was murdered by his brother Set but was later resurrected by his wife, Isis. His body was scattered along the Nile, and wherever his parts landed, fertile soil emerged. This myth not only explained the fertility of the Nile valley but also established Osiris as a symbol of resurrection and eternal life.

         Cultivating an Attitude of Abundance

An ‘Attitude of Abundance’ is a transformative lens through which we can view the world. It is a mindset that focuses on the plentiful nature of the universe rather than a perspective of lack or limitation. Cultivating this attitude is akin to tending a garden—it requires nurturing.

Cultivating gratitude during the harvest season is a wonderful practice that aligns perfectly with the energy of abundance and bounty that this time of year embodies. Here are some meaningful ways to cultivate gratitude during the harvest season:

• Harvest Gratitude Journal

Dedicate a journal specifically to recording your gratitude during the harvest season. Each day, write down three things that you are thankful for. They can be big or small, from the beauty of autumn leaves to the love of family and friends.

• Harvest Altar

Create a special altar in your home that represents abundance and gratitude. Include harvested items such as grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as symbols of prosperity like coins or gemstones. Light a candle on the altar each day as you express your thanks.

• Thanksgiving Circle

Organize a gathering with family or friends where everyone shares something they are grateful for. This could be done around a meal, a bonfire, or under the full moon, connecting the practice to the energy of the season.

• Nature Walks

Take regular walks in nature, using this time to reflect on the bounty of the Earth and your own life. As you walk, speak words of thanks to the trees, the earth, and the air for their constant support and nourishment.

• Gratitude Stones

Find a small stone during a nature walk and each day hold the stone as you think of something you are grateful for. Infuse the stone with your gratitude. When you feel it’s the right time, return the stone to the Earth with a heartfelt thank you.

• Gratitude Meditation

Practice daily or weekly meditations focused on gratitude. Visualize your life filled with all the things you are grateful for and let the feeling of gratitude fill your entire body and spirit.

• Giving Back

In the spirit of the season, give back to your community or to those in need. Volunteer your time, donate food, or support a local charity. In giving, we often find we receive much more in return, deepening our sense of gratitude.

• Bless Your Food

Before each meal, take a moment to express your gratitude for the food you are about to eat. Acknowledge the work and resources that went into growing, harvesting, and preparing it, and wish that all beings may be so nourished.

• Craft a Gratitude Talisman

Create a small object—be it a decorated stone, a piece of jewelry, or a sachet of herbs—that symbolizes gratitude for you. Carry it with you throughout the season as a constant reminder to be thankful.

• Pen a Letter of Thanks

Write a letter to someone who has positively impacted your life, expressing your gratitude for their presence and actions. This could be a family member, friend, teacher, or even yourself.

• Practice Mindful Consumption

Be conscious of what you buy and consume, opting for sustainable and ethical options. Each purchase can be an act of gratitude towards the Earth, showing appreciation through responsible stewardship.

These practices, designed to be accessible and meaningful, encourage a deep sense of gratitude that aligns with the spirit of the harvest season. They remind us that abundance is not only material wealth but also a richness of spirit, cultivated through heartfelt connection with ourselves, others, and the natural world.

        Harvest Season Ritual for Prosperity

To connect more deeply with this season of abundance, consider this simple yet profound ritual:

Materials Needed:

• A small basket
• Symbols of your own personal ‘harvest’ (photos, objects representing achievements, etc.)
• Candles (preferably green or gold)
• Incense (cinnamon or clove)

Steps:

1. Prepare Your Sacred Space: Cleanse your area with incense, envisioning the smoke carrying away negative energies.
2. Cast a Circle: If it aligns with your practice, cast a circle to create a sacred and safe space.
3. Light the Candles: As you light them, feel the flame igniting the same warm, golden light within your own heart.
4. Fill the Basket: Place your symbols of harvest in the basket, each time expressing out loud what it represents and your gratitude for it.
5. Meditate: Sit comfortably, holding the basket, and visualize your life as full, rich, and abundant.
6. Close the Ritual: Thank the elements and spirits you’ve called, and close your circle if you have cast one.

       Go Forth in Abundance!

As the Harvest Season graces our lives with its rich and nurturing energy, may we open our hearts and minds to the abundance that is always present. In these golden days, as in the chill of winter, abundance is not a distant dream—it is a lived reality we can cultivate and nourish. As you journey through this season, may your own harvest be plentiful, and may prosperity be your constant companion.

With Blessings and Abundance.