Impending Darkness

The night and day of equal length beckons us in the Northern hemisphere to prepare for the shadow, the season of the dark and cooler temperatures. Called by many names including Mabon, Autumnal Equinox and Meán Fómhair, the pagan holy day of the harvest reminds us to be grateful, assess where we are at and begin our inward journey.

The opening illustration by Gustave Doré depicts Archangel Michael casting out the arrogant angels. During this season we also celebrate Michelmas in honor of St. Michael who defeats Lucifer and St. George who tames the dragon, both of these beinging symbols of conquering our shadow side.

The emblem of the five pointed star, also known as the pentagram, is often used to deepen into this season. If we cut in apple in half through the horizontally we will see the hidden star contained within. This image repeats within our body and in nature, another reminder of our perfect one-ness with the Earth.

Today I poured a Cimbalom round tin for a customer and was reminded of the apple note contained within the fragrance. Then, later in the day, I found myself contemplating Greg's Enchantment print hanging in the hallway of our little woodland cottage. Thus, my fragrance this evening is the heavy jasmine inspired floriental Cimbalom, auspiciously heady pink jasmine flowers have five petals.

Opening image: Archangel Michael casts out the arrogant angels. Illustration by Gustave Doré, 1866.