Interestingly, much of this newsletter evolved during a recent trip to Kauai. The Hawaiian Islands are such a great place to write about the cycles of life and timelessness.  Especially for me - -it's sort of my Dagobah. There is something about this island that is so ageless, transcending time and space.

Born of the violence that is volcanic eruption, it has seen wave after wave of invaders and intruders - from bacteria, plants and animals to humans of various races, nationalities and agendas. It is all part of the cycles of life, which are at their core so very simple and elemental and perfect. I think the problem most of us have with cycles is we get shortsighted about them, and about how the cycles are not about us, they are bigger than just us. Much bigger than us.

It was both very interesting and very surreal to be returning from the tropical island paradise that is Kauai to the hellish apocalypse that Southern California has become during these fires. And at Samhain - the official end of one cycle and the beginning of the next - with such a massive Scorpionic emphasis on transformation and redemption. On the one hand, it's just cycles. Things change, we change. It's a little freaky at first and then we figure it out. But on the other hand, it's been a long time since I lived such a graphic metaphor.

It will be interesting to see what phoenixes rise from these ashes.

Most of contemporary spirituality and religion is based on ancient spirituality and religion, which have their roots in the annual natural cycles of planting and harvest, which are based on the cycles of the Sun and Moon. So in our lives, though we may no longer be farmers literally, we still are figuratively. Metaphorically.  Perhaps now a more appropriate term for it may be manifestation cycles, rather than harvest cycles. Regardless of what you call it, our labors on and with the earth  - just as those of our ancestors - are about manifesting our spiritual, emotional and material sustenance. And the same rules still apply. Reflect and ruminate on what you planted last spring that gave you this particular harvest. Be clear about and grateful for what you have harvested this fall.  Stay strong and focused and connected to those you love. And if you get stuck, call me. We'll figure it out.

Sincerely,