The Equinox | September 22 - A Time For New Beginnings And Letting Go

Just the other day I was expressing to my husband how powerful the fall is for me.  I told him I felt like it was a time for new beginnings, to set new goals, and to let go of the past.  I also feel this way when spring hits.  Perhaps it's because of the seasons beautiful changes in nature or could there be a little more at play?  I came across this article today and it made me think just a little bit deeper as to why I have such a strong sense to expand myself personally and spiritually at these times.  Anyone else feel this way?


The Equinox. Nature’s Powerful Energetic Message
By Stacy Vajta
It’s the Equinox (September 22, 2021 7:49am PDT), a day where the sunrise and sunset are 12 hours apart, giving equal hours to day and night. It’s one of four important dates that are linked to nature and her energetic cycles, as well as the cosmic cycles or patterns that affect us all.
Here where I live, we are shifting into the fall. The Autumnal Equinox marks nature’s entry into a new year. And just as in nature, as the leaves begin to fall, the crop cycles complete and we harvest what can sustain us through the winter, energetically we do the same.
The energetic vibration of the fall equinox signals a time for us to begin to move our energy within. And with this energetic shift, we begin to let go of what no longer sustains us, while we asses what we wish to pull deeply into our being to transform throughout the winter and emerge anew in the spring.
And for those stepping into spring, the message is just as clear. However, with the Vernal Equinox nature speaks to you in full creation.
The spring equinox energetically begins a process where the energy shifts from intent into form. The spring equinox takes us beyond the deeper “planning” and the architecture of what we chose to create as Spirit, and allows us to step into a wonderful partnership with Nature to bring things into bloom! And for those celebrating the spring now, this “planning” stage that is transforming within you now was set in motion the previous fall, when you began what we here in the north are doing now.

So you can see, the Equinox is a very powerful time with a clear energetic message held in nature and the Devic Realm that urges us forward in motion in our own spiritual evolution. It does indeed have its own signature of energy, which can be felt – and used – as a tool in your energy work.
To get to that level of energetic information, we need to tune into the Devic Realm. And once we do, we can begin to recognize that force in its many shapes and forms. There’s certainly a hierarchy in this realm of consciousness which supports us.
The word “Deva” is from the Sanskrit language, meaning “a being of brilliant light” and is used to indicate a non-physical being. I think of the Devic Realm as including what I see as the Overlighting Devas, or the archetypal spiritual intelligences behind all that we create here, as well as Pan and Nature Spirits, those energetic forces behind nature and that support bringing that consciousness into form.
This energy is present at all times but shifts as we move through our own personal cycles with the seasons; and it has a different feel and intent depending on if you are celebrating winter, spring, summer or fall.
So how can you connect into this energy as you celebrate the equinox?
My favorite way to experience this energy is to simply be in meditation at the time of the equinox. I find that if I move deep within the earth, as well as connecting up into the energies above me I actually feel a shift at the time of the equinox. I try to pay special attention to that Devic Realm, where nature speaks, as I stay open to what message awaits me.
You can try this too! Call in your guides, the nature spirits and the overlighting devas…the over-lighting consciousness of what you want to be working with. Think of it as the spirit of things like healing, your work, your family…whatever. It’s the consciousness that informs the the form!
And then as you are connected into these energies, feel into them. See what is there for you as you hold the bigger picture that you are either in a place of bringing these into form (spring) or allow them to finalize and transform into something new (fall).
I’m already feeling the pull to draw my energy within and explore what I need to let go of and what I’ve been holding onto that is holding me back. And the energy that I am experiencing now as I feel into the equinox is that of great support to let go. It feels like open arms and a deep encouragement to release. I’m actually excited to fall into the autumnal equinox energy and feel the energy that feeds me as I let go.
If meditating and working with your energy in that way isn’t how you connect into this rich energy and support, head out into nature. But as you do, allow yourself to look deep into the energy that is present. Feel into the quiet energetics of the season and listen within to what you are drawn to act on or do for your own healing. And then let yourself have the time to do that.
You may be in creation mode (spring) or in a phase of gathering up information (harvesting) or starting the process of moving within to let go (dropping your leaves so to speak). We each have our own unique timing, but the message that is inherent in the energy of the equinox is there to support us and guide us to the next phase on our journey.
Today, listen in to that message…it comes with love.

Article via  http://www.lightworkersworld.com/2012/09/the-equinox-message/

Uncover Your Hidden Talents

Here is an article that I came across and thought I needed to share it.  No matter how old we are or what stage of our lives we are in,  I strongly believe that we all have special gifts, skills, and talents that we're meant to discover and share with others.

By Loral Langemeier

How many times have you said this? “I don’t have any gifts.” “I am not a gifted person.”
If you have been thinking that, you should definitely think again. Just because they didn’t put you in the “gifted and talented” program during grade school doesn’t mean you don’t have gifts and talents you can use immediately to create positive change and wealth in your life. You may not think you know what your gifts are, but it’s more likely that you’re denying them. We are all blessed with gifts as a part of our nature. We are born with them! It’s our responsibility to uncover them, develop them and then share them with others.
We are given everything we need to have the lives we want.
It is within you, in your make-up, to be whoever you want to be. Maybe your mindset is driving you in such a way that you are repressing those wonderful gifts given to you as part of your creation. But I am here with GREAT news. They are there, and they are yours! All you have to do is unearth them and build something spectacular.
Our talents and skills are part of our being.  In fact, each of us has a distinct set of tools that are our own.  And that’s why we were put on this planet – to share those talents and skills with the world!
Turn off any self-talk that tells you that you are destined to live a small life. You’re not. You have internal gifts (resourcefulness, energy, attitude, all sorts of positive attributes) and external gifts (food, water, nature, people and other helpful resources). If you are thinking, “My only gift is that I can get up every morning and get through it all again,” turn it off right now. That’s a damaging mindset! It will do nothing but hold you back and you deserve so much more!
Your gifts can make great things happen in your life!
The issue you face, when you don’t realize all of the wonderful gifts you have, is that it can be incredibly overwhelming! When you focus far too much on your problems, perceived shortcomings or other obstacles you get yourself STUCK. If all you see is growing debt, lack of money, fleeting dreams or a dismal future, you are stopping your momentum before it even has a chance to start.  If you’re one of those telling yourself you can’t afford a bigger life, or that you don’t have enough time to do everything you need to do, or you’re too tired, overworked, and have a lackluster life – stop! It’s time to shift your mindset and take action to create positive results!
Focus on the good things you do have, not on what you don’t have. Change the conversation in your head. Be good to yourself when you talk to yourself!  Change the people you associate with, if you need to. Get positive support. Reach out for what you want. Bring together those you need to help you succeed in creating a bigger life.  You have the potential, the capability. It is within you. Once you tap into it, you will see immediate results and great rewards come to you. When we use, share, and value our gifts properly, we receive rewards in the form of positive, regenerating energy and optimism.  If we give away our value, even literally, by extending our skills and talents without getting paid or recognized, it depletes energy and creates a negative attitude.
Gifts can make you feel like you have superpowers!
Your inner strengths, your natural abilities and everyday skills are the gateway to a brighter future. Here’s an exercise which will help you reset your mindset and help you access all of the wonderful gifts you have.
Sit down and write out everything you’re grateful for, everything you’re able to do and everything you even wish you could do. Get in the habit of thinking positively about yourself and what you’re capable of.  When you change that conversation with yourself, something miraculous happens! You are filled with Yes! Energy and before long, it will seem like anything you can dream of or want to do in your life will be possible.
By eliminating that negativity, you will crush small thoughts, small actions and a small life.  Living small is a crime against you!  A positive attitude opens doors and invites opportunity.
Open those doors and let the opportunity flood in and fill your life with success.

Think Bigger

A New Beginning | About The Pink Antler Cafe

 It's a fitting day to officially launch The Pink Antler Cafe.  It's an extension/blog of Pink Antler Photography, and it shares all of the things, people, and places that inspire and uplift me.  My hope is that it will do the same for you.  So follow this happy, uplifting, and artful blog.  It will be fun!

SPRING IS HERE!!!

Yay!  Today is the first day of spring!!! This day makes me very giddy as it means that summer is just around the corner.  The rain is about to fall, flowers and trees are about to bloom, the sun shines gloriously with warmth and happiness, and love is in the air .  It represents new beginnings.  New life, renewed love, goals, ideas, and activities.

I compare myself to my favorite perennial, the Peony.  In the spring, it comes alive again, sprouting new shoots, leaves, and buds.   I truly feel like I come ALIVE in the spring.  Who doesn't?

Last winter I made these paper peony flowers to hang in my living room.   I haven't been able to take them down as it's my simple reminder during the winter that spring is just around the corner.

From the garden - Now, I don't have a green thumb by any means.  I've randomly planted all of my favorites in my yard.  I'm sure a horticulturalist would be appalled with my outdoor paradise.  Nonetheless,  I look forward to when the flowers bloom so I can clip them and bring their scent and beauty inside for us to enjoy.

Shake Your Tree

 A great post I came across for photographers.

Shake your tree - LOU MORA BLOG -

Monday, September 28, 2009 at 6:51PM

This was originally posted on Chase Jarvis Blog. Enjoy.
I'm taking the liberty of suggesting that you do one or more of the following today:

1. Shoot personal work. Call in some favors, get creative with no budget, and shoot something for yourself.

2. Set free that idea you've been holding onto. Write a blog post about it. Ask your friends what they think. Tell the world.

3. Learn about video. Don't have a camera? Buy drip coffee for a month instead of lattes, and buy a Flip Mino video camera with the money you save. Experiment.

4. Connect with your peers. Start a blog, dig into your Facebook. Or, hell, gather your photo friends for beers and a slide show.

5. Walk around with your camera. You don't need sunshine. Interesting weather makes interesting pictures. iPhone or one dSLR body with one lens. There is no "client". Just take pictures.

6. Rent a piece of equipment you've been wanting to learn about. Or try this rental secret: pick it up on Friday after 3pm, pay for Saturday. Sunday's are often free because the camera store is closed. Return Monday by 10am. 3 days for the price of 1.

7. Put together a book of your work. Blurb or Asuka, whatever. Affordable. Even if you don't print 10 or 100, print 1. Put it in your studio for visitors to flip through, or leave on it your coffee table at home.

8. Do the thing on your list that you most dread doing. Call that client who hasn't paid. Sign up for Twitter. Develop a marketing plan. Go to the ASMP meeting.

9. Remind yourself that the gear you can't afford is not the barrier keeping you from success. Gear has very little to do with photography.
10. Read up online about the history of photography and it's masters. Weston. Steichen. Arbus. Mapplethorpe. Adams. Doisneau. Cartier-Bresson. Avedon.

11. Admit to yourself that you don't know about something you've been pretending to know about. Sit down and do the research yourself. Learn it.

12. Go sit in front of the newsstand at some mega book store. Flip through all the magazines that interest you. Go beyond photo magazines. Generally speaking they limit your imagination rather than expand it. Spend at least an hour.

13. Make a list of 5 clients you want in the next 24 months. Shoot for the moon.

14. Rent a medium format film camera and shoot two rolls of 120. Slow down. Places will process your negs and give you scans these days for pretty cheap.

15. Look through the pictures in my portfolio and appropriate an idea. Tweak the concept and go make a better picture. It's okay. We all do it. I'm probably looking at your work right now and am grateful for the inspiration.

16. Take 100 pictures with your iPhone. Or your Samsung phone. Or your point and shoot. Whatever camera is the closest to you right this minute. The best camera is the one that's with you.

17. Refresh your website with at least one new picture. Or dig up an old one, re-process it and make it a new one.

18. Take a picture of something wherever you are when you read this post. Share it somehow, even if it isn't your favorite. Post it to your blog, twitter, or link it in the comments below. Email or MMS it to somebody who will appreciate it.

19. Quit your day job if you hate it and can live without it. People say it's a bad time to start a new business or go in a new direction. On the flipside, I think it's a great time if you've got a clear vision and a little cushion.

20. Concept, shoot, and edit a short film (video) in a single day. Keep it cheap. Keep it short. Use whatever camera you have access to.

21. Show somebody your portfolio or a selection of pictures. Let them tell you which ones they like, but also be sure to ask them which ones they don't like and why. You'll likely learn something.

22. Back up your work. It's not that hard and it'll probably save your arse at some point in the very near future.
Thanks Chase.