The Christian Wheel of the Year: Autumn Ember Days

The Christian Wheel of the Year: Autumn Ember Days

(What was that you said? "You've realy let this series go, Steve?" Well yes, I have a bit; I'll discuss the reason for that in an upcoming post. In the meantime, let's all talk about)

 

Autumn Ember Days

 

The Ember Days of Autumn fall on September 21st, 23rd, and 24th this th, and 11th this year.

 

If you aren't familiar with Ember Days or don't remember the details, refer back to my post on the topic back during the Winter Embertide.

 

Autumn Ember Days: The Element of Water

 

In Esoteric thought-- and in the ordinary way of thinking, for people on earlier eras-- Autumn is linked to the element of Water. (Actually, in many earlier ways of looking at things, Autumn relates to Earth, and Winter to Water. This is also a valid way of looking at things, but it's different from the system that I personally learned and practiced. One of these days, I'm going to do a set of rituals based on the older elemental symbolism, but for now, let's treat Autumn as Water and Winter as Earth). Water is understood as the qualities of cold and moisture. Water also has the following associations:

Among times, Evening; maturity in a lifetime; the emotions in man; the Moon and all substance, fluid, and connection in nature; among herbs, all those cold and moist by temperament; among animals, fish and all those that dwell in the sea or the water; among professions, those related to Water, from sailors and fishermen to brewers, and all those who work with the emotions, such as counselors and therapists, and all who work with pregnancy and childbirth; in society, it is the cultural traditions that are handed down among ordinary people, and the social bonds that unite people, especially ties of kinship; among planets, it is the Moon, though the modern planet Neptune may be watery in nature; among numbers, the triad; among solids, the icosahedron.

 

Every element is ruled by an archangel. It's worth taking a moment to consider the meaning of the word "angel." The word means "messenger." Augustine tells us that "angels" is their title; their nature is spirit. In the Christian tradition, mainstream as well as esoteric, they are given the government of the physical world and human society. At the same times, they are called "messengers." This is a bit of a paradox-- you wouldn't give the president of a country the title of "chief mailman." So what is going on here?

 

The resolution of the paradox is this: The angels govern the elements of the material world and the universe as a whole as an expression of the divine will. In earlier times, it was said that the whole of Nature was one of two books written by the Holy Ghost; as such, all of creation is a kind of message from God. And the angels that govern creation are the message-bearers.

 

The Archangel of Water is Gabriel, who is also the angel who announces the birth of the Christ-child.

The Ember Fast

 

This week, extend whatever fasting commitment you've made to Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. In addition, make at least one additional effort towards lightening your impact on the Earth. You might make an effort to reduce your own contribution to air pollution. As Air rules the system of economic exchange in society, you might keep a closer watch on your spending this week, and try to support local businesses and those which follow sound environmental practices. On at least one of these days, spend some additional time in Nature. Allow yourself to be aware of the Air element as it manifests in the wind and the atmosphere and in everything that is in motion, as well as those creatures that are specifically governed by it. You might also consider donating to an Air-oriented charity, such as an organization dedicated to helping children learn to read or speak, or any organization dedicated to bird conservation.

 

Prayer and Meditation

 

At least once, and preferably during all three days, practice a meditation like the following:

 

1. Make the Sign of the Cross

 

2. Say the Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, and Glory Be.

 

2. Perform the asperges with holy water and the censing with incense, using the prayers previously given. In a pinch, you can use ordinary water into which a little bit of salt has been added. Before using it, make the sign of the cross over it and ask God for his blessing.

 

3. Pray the prayer of the Holy Spirit:

 

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.

 

Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created, and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

 

Let us pray.

 

O God, Who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit,

grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in His consolation,

through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

4. Kneeling or seated, take a few moments to relax your body and clear your mind with rhythmic breathing. Then call to mind the Fire element and the Summer season, and everything pertaining to them. Offer a prayer, such as the following:

 

Oh God, I thank thee for all the gifts of the element of Water. For connection and emotion, the cool breezes and the rains of Autumn, and all the gifts of the element of Water and the Astral world. And I pray that thou wilt send thy holy archangel Gabriel, who governs the element of Water, to be with us at this time. Holy Saint Gabriel, archangel who governs the element of Water, grant that the gifts and virtues of Water, wisdom, mercy and compassion, humility and generosity of spirit, may be manifest in our lives. And grant, too, that the unbalanced manifestations of Water, including sloth and glutony, may be kept far from us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

 

5. Take a moment to visualize the gifts and virtues of Air manifesting in your life. Then close your meditation with more rhythmic breathing.

 

6. If you like, you can repeat the asperges and the censing.

 

7. Close with a suitable prayer or prayers, followed by the sign of the cross. The Fatima Prayer is a good option:

 

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.

 

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