Welcome to October, Deireadh Fómhair as gaeilge, which translates as ‘end of harvest’.
As the leaves continue to liberate their grasp and cascade back down to the earth, it serves as a reminder to us to release what no longer serves us too. In the words of Kayte Ferrs “it is a cycle, not a descent”. It is not a descent into the darkness, but merely a normal, natural, annual cycle, part of creation. The energy that the trees used to keep their leaves is drawn back inwards.
Hibernation season has arrived, however in Ireland only bats and hedgehogs truly hibernate. And interestingly badgers undergo 'winter lethargy' - not true hibernation; they lower their physical activity, lower body temperature and lower metabolic rate all to store energy, and they gorge on earthworms in the autumn to put on fat reserves. If they are warm enough, they may wake up and go for a snack. I love that idea - intentional winter lethargy, what if we gave ourselves permission during a period of naturally lower energy, to just go with that? To not force ourselves to stay busy or eating too little but instead changed our activities to something gentler, kept warm by layering on clothes in suitable fabrics like merino wool for example and ate warming, wholesome foods that give us energy. And enjoy the odd snack like badgers do! I think I’ll join the badger brigade!
It all sounds very cozy however, in our busy fast paced lives, it’s not always easy to switch on Autumn mode just like that. It may require conscious choices to slow down, to do less and release some of the old patterns of stress and pushing, learning to say ‘no’ and choosing only what is essential and nourishing for us.
It’s important to spent time outdoors each day no matter the weather, soak in the daylight as it helps regular our circadian rhythm which governs sleep, energy, appetite etc. Since have only 2 real hibernators in Ireland, keep your eye peeled for an abundance of other life and activity happening in nature this month. For example,
Ireland is a really important overwintering destination for visitors like several varieties of wild geese. House spiders are on the move looking for love mates! Hedgehogs are beginning to hibernate in hedgerows and in gardens, if you see one, you can record your sighting here. Whooper swans arrive from their breeding grounds in Iceland to spend the winter in the mild and wet Irish climate in wetland areas. Bats and birds may roost and nest in your trees, particularly in old or hollow trees. Rotting wood also plays host to a whole variety of insect and fungal life.
In summary, for me October is for reflecting and releasing what no longer serves us so that we can create space to slow down and relax into Autumn. And enjoy Mama Nature and her riots of colour.
Go raibh míle maith agat agus tá súil agam go bhain tú an taitneamh as Deireadh Fómhair.
Slan go fóill,
Maeve x
PS. Here’s a few cozy ideas for a memorable October that I’m loving the sounds of! Please don’t try to do them all! Pick one or two you like the sounds of and let that be enough, no need to get all worn out trying to create an easeful October!!!
Come along to one (or both!) of my online upcoming workshops for Kerry’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Festival – check them both out on my website (free to attend)
Dig out the slow cooker and try an old favourite recipe of yours incorporating seasonal veggies and warming spices. I’m dying to try this breakfast slow-cooked oats recipe
Choose a new book to read or revisit an old favourite like I’m doing with Roald Dahl’s “The Witches”
Dig out your winter woollies and seek out some decent warm and waterproof gear – check out an older blog of mine all about this
In the garden, rake up leaf piles and dead wood and leave for insects and critters to shelter in. Sow onion, garlic, peas, winter lettuce, cabbage and scallions. Anything that involves being outdoors really!
Try your hand at making elderberry syrup, hawthorn brandy or sloe gin
How about a foraging workshop to hunt for seasonal delights (a quick google search in your area will locate one for you)
Get baltic and join in a great cause for Coldtober – a dip a day fundraiser for mental health. Join here
Need some craic and liveliness to balance out the darker days? Check out a festival or some other cool ideas mentioned here
Start taking vitamin D daily
Mark Samhain in your diary and have a wee think about how you might like to honour it this year (I’ll be back to you in a few weeks with some ideas too!)