Gathering Your Inner Harvest
Photo by Yair Mejía on Unsplash
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to color and fall, our subconscious mind picks up the ancient signal. It’s like Mama Nature herself is calling out “Hey you! The time for gathering in resources has arrived.” And while many of us are no longer out in the fields or putting up our own stores for winter, our ancestral memory of this season—and its significance to our very survival—runs deep.
Harvest. Sacrifice. Gratitude. Determination. Hope.
Fall is a traditional time for feasting and giving thanks, and also one of intense preparation. There are many ways to answer that call at this time of year, to reap what we have sown both literally and metaphorically. For all intents and purposes, most of the harvesting I do is of the introspective variety… though I did manage to preserve a hearty 40 pounds of tomatoes from the garden this season!
So what does an “Inner Harvest” entail?
In many cultures, the Fall season is viewed as a portal for transformation. These months are a container for contemplating what’s taken place over the year, harvesting its lessons, and letting go. In this way, we’re making room to receive the dreams and guidance that can arise and take root over the quiet months of winter.
As you consider your own harvest, here’s a few reflective journaling prompts to support you in the process:
Who or what was your greatest teacher this year?
What surprised you?
Where did you feel most challenged?
What are you grateful for?
How have you changed?
What did you learn about yourself that you’d most like to remember?
What are you ready to let go of?
If you set out goals for the year, where are you with them now? What next actions would you like to take?
For those who enjoy working with tarot or oracle cards, I’ve also created a spread to support you in making further discoveries. In addition to the reflective journaling above, the cards can help to access themes and insights that may be simmering just below the level of your conscious thoughts. (If you’d like a partner in this process, you can schedule an Inner Harvest Tarot Reading with me here.)
What’s NEXT?
Once you’ve gathered in your harvest, it’s time to declare what’s complete! When you’re ready to purge and let go of what’s no longer serving you, come explore this Full Moon Release Ritual.
