Are you listening to the wisdom of the changing seasons?

Small things tell big stories.

So it is that the colors of fall tell a story about how to nourish ourselves.

So it is that the falling leaves tell us a story about release and renewal.

So it is that the increasing darkness tells us a story about the need for rest.

The opportunity each season is to come into greater reciprocity not only with ourselves but with the earth. Each season opens us to a new way of being, of knowing ourselves of seeing the world.

To flow with the natural fluctuations of the earth is to feel the beauty of the world.

To flow with the natural fluctuations of the earth is to receive what we need.

Autumn Equinox happened in the Northern hemisphere on September 23, 2023, Take a moment to pause and reflect on the bright seasons of summer and spring that have passed. How have you changed and grown? Maybe some small shifts have made big changes in your life.

What can you now release? What do you have more space for and want more of in your life?

Ways to move with the flowing waters of fall:

Notice the colors of fall and pay attention to the foods you are eating. Take more time to plan and fix meals. Relish in the foods that remind you of the turning leaves of the season.
Allow yourself more time for sleep. Get into bed an hour earlier and allow yourself to relax with a book, meditation, music or a cup of tea. Or just go to sleep.
Meditate and think upon things you want to release. Let these things fall away from you as a leaf drifts to the ground. Then call in things you want to add to your life.
Create space for a fall ritual or activity. Do something that calls to you to recognize autumn.
Loosen up your schedule and allow more time for relaxation, with yourself, family, friends or time in nature.

I love to make an elixir to represent each season. This is one of my personal seasonal rituals.

If you love herbs and want to experiment with making an herbal elixir - try my Colors of Fall Elixir recipe below. If you want to go deeper with herbs, join one of my classes!

Elixirs are a dreamy preparation that can embody a particular feeling or season. Elixirs can also be used medicinally. I love elixirs because they are simple to make and a joy to prepare. When sipping an elixir I always have the feeling I’m an invited guest at a gathering of the plant spirits.

Elixirs are traditionally made from honey and alcohol. This sweet, syrupy, slightly alcoholic preparation is easy to take. Most everyone enjoys an elixir. I generally use honey and brandy, but lots of folks play with this combo, substituting other sweeteners and using a variety of alcohols. Honey and alcohol are both excellent menstruums for extracting the medicinal properties of plants. In addition honey and alcohol are excellent preservatives.

Why Flavonoids? What’s a flavonoid?

Flavonoids are compounds found in many plant products, including teas, citrus fruits, and vegetables. They have antioxidant properties and may lower your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Flavonoids are various compounds found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. They’re also in plant products like wine, tea, and chocolate. There are six different types of flavonoids found in food, and each kind is broken down by your body in a different way.

Flavonoids are rich in antioxidant activity and can help your body ward off everyday toxins. Including more flavonoids in your diet is a great way to help your body stay healthy and potentially decrease your risk of some chronic health conditions. (1)

So eat the rainbow and play with colorful foods!

Colors of Fall
Elixir Recipe
(Yeah Flavonoids!)

**The colors of fall** and the reminder to take care of ourself as we shift towards the cooler longer days of fall and winter inspired this recipe. If you make this elixir around the Autumn Equinox it will be ready in time for Halloween celebrations!

Colors of Fall Elixir Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons of dried black cherries

2 Tablespoons of dried Hawthorn berries

2 Tablespoons of dried Elderberries

2 Tablespoons of dried Rose Hips

2 Tablespoons of dried Rose Petals

2 teaspoons of cinnamon

2 teaspoons of dried orange peel

1-2 teaspoons of dried ginger

2 green cardamon pods crushed and split open

Brandy & honey

Directions

This recipe uses the “folk method”. Which means we are estimating our amounts and how full our jar will be. The medicinal properties of the plants will extract beautifully but you will never know exactly how much of each plant you are getting.

Place all dried ingredients into a 16 ounce (pint size) canning jar. The jar should be about 1/3-1/2 full of dried herbs.

Add about 2-4 ounces of honey. More honey will make for a sweeter elixir, so add more if you prefer. Pour 40% brandy to cover herbs and honey. Shake well. Label and date. Shake elixir daily. After 4 weeks open and taste. If to your liking strain and bottle. If you aren’t sure, allow the elixir to sit for 2 more weeks and then strain.

After straining you will have about 8-12 ounces of elixir. If you choose you can make the elixir sweeter after straining by adding more honey or a stronger alcohol flavor by adding more brandy.

Tips:

If the herbs soak up a lot of the liquid and start to poke out above the liquid, add more brandy or honey so that the herbs stay submerged. If the herbs are above the liquid line you run the risk of mold developing.
The dried black cherries, Hawthorn berry, Rose hips, Elderberries, Rose petals and Orange peel, could all be used fresh if you have access to non-sprayed and organic. If using fresh you can fill the jar a bit fuller to 1/2-2/3 full.

How to use: Elixirs shine at a party or to toast a special occasion. Pour 1-2 ounces into festive glasses or add the elixir to sparkling wine, water or? They make a wonderful night cap.

Elixirs are a sweet way to take herbal medicine for anyone that is hesitant or particular about how herbs taste. If using medicinally take in the same quantities your would an herbal tincture.

References:

(1) https://www.healthline.com/health/what-are-flavonoids-everything-you-need-to-know