by Amber Diehm Heuer | Apr 22, 2024 | Holidays, Seasons, and Celebrations
On April 22nd, we celebrate Earth Day, a time dedicated to honoring and nurturing the planet that sustains all life. Beyond its ecological significance, Earth Day holds profound spiritual meaning, inviting us to connect with the sacred energy of Mother Earth and deepen our relationship with the natural world.
The Spiritual Significance of Earth Day
Earth Day serves as a reminder of our interconnectedness with the Earth and all its inhabitants. It is a day to acknowledge the divine presence within nature and recognize the inherent wisdom and healing power of the natural world. By honoring Earth Day, we acknowledge our role as stewards of the Earth and commit to living in harmony with its rhythms and cycles.
Connecting with Earth Energy
There are many ways to connect with the sacred energy of the Earth and tap into its healing and transformative power. One powerful practice is grounding, which involves connecting with the Earth’s energy to anchor ourselves in the present moment and cultivate a sense of stability and security. To ground yourself, find a quiet outdoor space, take off your shoes, and stand or sit with your bare feet on the Earth. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and visualize roots extending from your feet deep into the Earth, grounding you in its supportive energy.
Listening to the Needs of Mother Earth
On Earth Day, we are called to listen deeply to the needs of Mother Earth and take action to protect and preserve her precious resources. This involves tuning in to the subtle messages and signs that the Earth provides and responding with compassion and care. Take time to observe the natural world around you, noticing any changes or disturbances in the environment. Consider how your daily choices and actions impact the Earth and what steps you can take to minimize your ecological footprint.
Building a Relationship with the Earth
Building a relationship with the Earth is an ongoing journey of exploration, learning, and reciprocity. Take time to immerse yourself in nature, whether it’s going for a hike in the forest, swimming in the ocean, or simply sitting beneath a tree and listening to the sounds of the Earth. Engage in practices that honor and celebrate the Earth’s beauty and diversity, such as planting trees, tending to a garden, or participating in community clean-up efforts. By cultivating a deep connection with the Earth, we can awaken to our interconnectedness with all of creation and work together to create a more sustainable and harmonious world.
The Numerology of Earth Day: Exploring the Energy of Number 22
As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, we are also attuned to the numerological significance of this date. In numerology, the number 22 is often referred to as the “Master Builder” or the “Master Teacher,” representing the potential for manifesting dreams into reality and creating lasting change. This energy of number 22 reminds us of our power to make a positive impact on the world and build a future that honors and sustains the Earth. As we honor Earth Day and connect with the energy of number 22, may we be inspired to take meaningful action to protect and preserve the planet for future generations.
Embracing Our Role as Earth Stewards
On Earth Day and every day, let us honor and celebrate the beauty and abundance of the Earth. May we cultivate a deep reverence for the natural world and commit to living in harmony with all of creation. By connecting with the sacred energy of Mother Earth, listening to her needs, and building a relationship grounded in love and respect, we can work together to create a more sustainable, just, and compassionate world for all beings. Happy Earth Day!
Subscribe to my periodic newsletter today and take a meaningful step toward recognizing your inner light, connecting with your spiritual essence, and unlocking your unique gifts. Join our community of kindred spirits and embark on a path of personal growth, spiritual exploration, and boundless possibilities.
by Amber Diehm Heuer | Sep 30, 2023 | Mindfulness and Meditation, Nature and Environment, Self-Care and Personal Growth, Spiritual practice, spirituality
As we bid farewell to the warmth of summer and welcome the crisp embrace of autumn, October beckons us to explore its unique tapestry of magic and transformation. This month is a canvas upon which we can paint our intentions, delve into introspection, and connect with the mystical energies that surround us. It’s a time when nature itself undergoes a profound shift, and we, too, can align ourselves with this seasonal transformation.
In this article, I invite you to embark on a journey of creative and spiritual practices tailor-made for October. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant colors of falling leaves, the warmth of candlelit rituals, or the ancient traditions of Samhain, there’s something here for everyone seeking to deepen their connection with the season’s magic.
October is a time of balance, as seen in the fall equinox, when day and night share the sky equally. It’s a season of reflection, as we witness the natural world shedding its summer attire and preparing for the slumber of winter. It’s also a time of celebration, as cultures around the world mark festivals like Samhain and Halloween, honoring the thinning of the veil between our world and the spirit realm.
In the following sections, we’ll explore 20 creative and spiritual practices that resonate with the energies of October. From pumpkin meditations to ancestral altars, from tarot readings under the full moon to the crafting of witchy spells, each practice invites you to embrace the magic of this enchanting month.
So, join me as we navigate the October landscape, where the mundane and the mystical intertwine. Let’s celebrate the changing of the seasons, the wisdom of our ancestors, and the vibrant colors of autumn. As you delve into these practices, may you find inspiration, transformation, and a deeper connection to the magic that surrounds us all.
- Embrace the changing sounds of nature in October as migratory birds pass through and wildlife prepares for winter.
- Find a peaceful spot in a park or natural setting, preferably during dawn or dusk.
- Close your eyes and listen attentively to the harmonious sounds of birds, rustling leaves, or flowing water. Allow the natural world’s symphony to envelop you in serenity and mindfulness, connecting you deeply with the season.
- Set aside time for mindful walks in nature, preferably in a park, forest, or any natural setting near you.
- Observe the changing colors of leaves, the rustling of fallen foliage, and the subtle signs of the season’s shift.
- As you walk, contemplate the cycles of life and death, appreciating the beauty in both phases and finding peace in the impermanence of all things.
In Iowa, you can find a local park by clicking here.
- Choose a pumpkin, either for carving or decorating.
- As you work on it, do so mindfully, focusing on the creative process and infusing the pumpkin with your intentions for the season.
- After it’s decorated, sit in front of the pumpkin, light a candle, and meditate on its symbolism. Imagine your intentions taking root and growing like the vines of the pumpkin.
- Plan a visit to a local farm or orchard during the harvest season.
- While there, offer a heartfelt blessing or thanks for the abundance of the season. Express gratitude for the fruits of the earth.
- Take a moment to connect with the land and the hard work of those who cultivate it, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things.
- Explore the Celtic festival of Samhain, (pronounced sah-win) which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
- Prepare for Samhain by setting up an ancestral altar adorned with photographs, mementos, candles, and offerings.
- As you light a candle, take time to reflect on your heritage and ancestral lineage, expressing gratitude for the wisdom and blessings they bring to your life. Consider reaching out to family members to learn more about your roots.
- As the nights grow longer, use this time for shadow work—a deep exploration of your inner self.
- Journal about your fears, insecurities, and unresolved emotions. Shine a light on the hidden aspects of your psyche.
- Seek guidance from a trusted therapist, counselor, or spiritual mentor to help navigate this introspective journey.
- On the night of the full moon in October, create a sacred space for a ritual.
- Charge your crystals under the moonlight, cleansing them of any stagnant energy.
- Perform divination or meditation to gain insights into your spiritual path or current life situation.
You can find current moon phases by clicking here.
- Explore your creative side by trying your hand at witchy crafts.
- Create your own incense blends using herbs and resins, crafting potions with intention, or assembling spell jars for various purposes.
- Infuse each creation with your personal energy and intentions, focusing on your desired outcomes.
- Gather with friends or family around a campfire or in a cozy setting.
- Share ghost stories, folklore, or personal experiences that honor the thinning veil between our world and the spirit realm.
- Light candles or lanterns to enhance the atmosphere and create a sense of mystery.
- Incorporate candle magic into your spiritual practice.
- Choose candles of different colors, each with its own meaning. For instance, use green for abundance or white for purification.
- Perform rituals or spells that align with your intentions, allowing the candle’s flame to carry your desires into the universe.
- Explore the ancient practice of apple divination by selecting a ripe apple.
- Cut it horizontally to reveal the natural star-like pattern formed by the seeds.
- Interpret the arrangement of seeds as symbols or messages, or count how many seeds are in each half and use numerology to provide insights into your path and intentions for the season.
- Create a dedicated space in your home for an ancestor altar, adorned with photographs, mementos, candles, and offerings.
- Light a candle and incense to honor and connect with your ancestors.
- Spend time in quiet reflection, expressing gratitude for their guidance and seeking wisdom from those who came before you.
- Delve into the practice of crystal grids by selecting a combination of crystals and gemstones that resonate with your intentions.
- Arrange them in a geometric pattern on a sacred space or cloth.
- Meditate with the grid, focusing on the energies of the crystals working together to amplify your desires for transformation and healing.
- Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest during October.
- Take a leisurely walk through the woods, allowing the sights, sounds, and scents of nature to envelop you.
- Engage your senses fully and embrace the healing and grounding energies of the forest.
- Dedicate time to deepen your relationship with tarot or oracle cards.
- Pull a daily card and journal about its symbolism and how it relates to your life.
- Seek guidance and insight from your cards, allowing them to serve as mirrors of your spiritual journey.
Looking for a Tarot deck? One of my favorites and most-used Tarot decks is Angel Tarot by Radleigh Valentine.
- Create a mandala using natural materials like fallen leaves, stones, acorns, or pinecones.
- Find a serene spot outdoors to arrange these elements into a circular pattern.
- As you construct the mandala, contemplate the unity, balance, and interconnectedness represented by this sacred geometric shape.
- Explore the world of herbal teas by brewing seasonal blends that incorporate ingredients like cinnamon, clove, ginger, and chamomile.
- Mindfully sip your herbal brew, savoring the flavors and meditating on the warmth and comfort it brings.
- Use this time to set intentions for inner peace and nourishment during the autumn season.
Interested in exploring herbalism? You might enjoy the book, “Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual” by James Green.
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On a clear night, find a quiet outdoor spot where you can sit comfortably with your journal and a pen. Allow the moonlight to illuminate your pages.
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Write down your thoughts, dreams, aspirations, or reflections. Consider setting intentions or releasing what no longer serves you in your moonlit journal, allowing the moon’s energy to amplify your words. Tune into the mystical and intuitive insights that often emerge under the gentle glow of the moon. our moonlit journal, allowing the moon’s energy to amplify your words.
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You can make this practice a regular part of your month, choosing specific moon phases like the full moon or waxing moon to deepen your connection with lunar energies.
19. Crone Goddess Meditation
- Embrace the wisdom and transformation associated with the Crone Goddess archetype.
- Find a quiet space for meditation, sit comfortably, and close your eyes.
- Visualize the Crone Goddess, embracing her energy of introspection, wisdom, and transformation. Seek guidance from her on your spiritual path.
- Experience the magic of the forest by spending a night camping under the canopy of trees.
- Allow the sounds of nature to serenade you as you drift into sleep.
- Pay close attention to your dreams, which may be filled with messages, insights, and intuitive guidance from the natural world.
Embrace the Magic of October
These practices encompass a wide range of experiences that invite you to connect with the spirit of October and the transformative energies of autumn. Choose the ones that resonate most with you and let them enrich your spiritual journey during this magical season.
October is a time of both celebration and inner exploration. Embrace the magic of the season as you connect with nature, honor your ancestors, and deepen your spiritual practice. May your October be filled with wonder, growth, and enchantment.
Subscribe to my periodic newsletter today and take a meaningful step toward recognizing your inner light, connecting with your spiritual essence, and unlocking your unique gifts. Join our community of kindred spirits and embark on a path of personal growth, spiritual exploration, and boundless possibilities.
by Amber Diehm Heuer | May 4, 2018 | spirituality
This morning the words “spiritually lazy” flitted through my mind.
I had just dropped off my son to his Kindergarten classroom and stopped to chat with the principal outside of the school. As a constant and enthusiastic volunteer at the school, I interact with her frequently and had been in touch with her via email in the last couple of days regarding plans for Teacher Appreciation Week next week, so we touched base about that. Then we gabbed about the fact that several teachers were gone today, and with it being a beautiful Spring Friday, the principal predicted that today would be a “busy” day for her. (She did say this with a laugh! Humor is such a great tool!) I chuckled too and told her that if there was anything I’d be able to help with, to just call. She remarked, “Why don’t you just go ahead and get your substitute teaching license?” I laughed and said I had thought about it, and then waved and went on my way down the sidewalk.
As I started off, quick thoughts rolled through my mind about it. I honestly had thought about getting the substitute license and had looked at the requirements and training registration website several times. Each time, I had decided that it just isn’t the right time, and maybe not even the right thing for me. I preach alignment, and I try to live by it too. Every time I’ve tuned into that possibility, it just hasn’t felt aligned. A big reason is that if I choose to do it, it will undoubtedly take my time, attention, and energy away from my own work. It will take me in a different direction, and Heaven knows a Gemini like me is always in a constant state of flux as it is!
My business is my spirituality.
The two are so intertwined that I often can’t distinguish between them. My business tends to mirror my exploration through this vast, wild existence. (In fact, recently I have been amused at a very clear parallel between my spiritual business and my literal house. More to share on that in a bit.) I love that I can use my spiritual and personal exploration and development in my work, and that the simple act of moving through my journey can become of service to others. Always as I’m processing through something personally, my business ebbs and flows along with it.
Anyway, back to the sidewalk this morning…
During that once-again tug-of-war in my mind about the whole substitute teaching thing is when the words “spiritually lazy” floated through.
I think it was my own inner judgment popping in that decided that if I took time “away” from my business-work to substitute teach, therefore taking me “away” from my spiritual work, I would be acting lazy in my spirituality. Because substituting is not spiritual?? And because we need to be on a strict regimen of spiritual practice?? Haha!! Oh, that inner judge needs a cuddle and a beach resort vacation, doesn’t she??
In my work with students and clients, I have witnessed this come up a bunch.
Sometimes we forget the “spirit” in “spiritual” and we assign ourselves to a regimen of practices: meditate every morning, do Reiki every evening, pray every night, eat this or that, avoid eating this or that, cleanse our crystals every Full Moon, smudge our house every New Moon, the list goes on and on….
And this is all for the sake of what? Being a “spiritual” person.
Being spiritually connected.
Well guess what?
You CAN’T BE spiritually DIS-connected.
You can’t!
You ARE spirituality. You are SPIRIT! You can’t NOT be Spirit!
Therefore, no matter what you do, no matter what “path” you take, no matter what decision or action you make, YOU ARE BEING SPIRITUAL. You ARE spiritually connected. Everything you experience is all part of your piece of the All That Is pie.
✰ You can change your career and still be spiritually on-path.
✰ You can adorn your body with tattoos, piercings, fat, scars, make-up, clothing, accessories and still be spiritually on-path.
✰ You can pray to Creator or pray to flowers and still be spiritually on-path.
✰ You can eat or drink whatever you choose and still be spiritually on-path.
✰ You can feel bliss, grief, and rage and still be spiritually on-path.
✰ You can claim political, religious, demographic, and any other kind of labels and still be spiritually on-path.
All That Is is not concerned with which directions you choose to go. You can never NOT be part of the All. You can never be banished from it; you can never be removed from your connection to Spirit, because you ARE Spirit. One tiny, beautiful, blessed little crystal in the lattice.
Give yourself a break.
You don’t have to work so hard to get “back on path”. You don’t have to worry about taking the “wrong” turns. You’ve never left the path. You’ve never taken a wrong turn. There IS no wrong turn. There IS no path. And anytime you feel otherwise, circle back around to the idea of alignment. Ask yourself, “Does this [fill in the blank] feel aligned for me right now?” If it doesn’t, make a different choice.
You are spiritual and you are doing just fine at it.
❤ Amber
Oh yeah… that earlier reference to the parallel between my business and my house? Well, they are both in the midst of big big BIG structural tune-ups. Great stuff coming! Keep your eyes peeled.
