what Michaelmas means to me...

You know those times when you've read all about & studied an aspect of Waldorf and it seems to make sense, in theory, but then you experience it in an"ah-ha" kind of way and it all just clicks?

The year I began homeschooling, I read all about Michaelmas. We had a Michaelmas circle time. I'm not sure I remember doing much else. It was only Kindergarten and I didn't have any money for supplies.  I thought it was beautiful, in theory, then October came and winter struck.  (we were living in New York.)  Blizzards hit and winter didn't let up much before we left in February.  Suddenly I understood, I felt Michaelmas. Michaelmas is that time of year when we naturally look inward, when we truly have to vanquish our inner dragons.  If they're allowed to stay they can really wreak havoc on the mind.  I love winter, don't get me wrong.  I love being snowed in, I love watching the snow, whether it's fluttering down or blasting in sidewise.  I love sweaters, slippers, warm coffee, reading & being cozy.  But when the novelty wares off, what you're left with is the quiet reflection of winter & your own thoughts.  I found it so challenging to stay afloat mentally.  Of course, if you miss casting out dragons at Michaelmas time, it isn't too late.  You certainly can cast them out whenever they surface. When I wholeheartedly devoted a block of time every day to battle those inner dragons, letting the light & strength of truth pervade every recess of my mind, then the weight of winter lifted.  It was not easy.

I'm so grateful to be on this path.  Waldorf brings such meaning and beauty to our lives.  I'm writing more about this festival and our Michaelmas candle over at Natural Kids blog today.  Please pour yourself a cup of coffee and come & visit.