There is no denying: It's Fall - Mystic Living Today

Ellen Hofrath-Stovall

There is no denying: It’s fall! Even though the weather is very warm during the day, the nights are already cold. Colorful leaves covering the grounds and the bushes show their fruits and last flowers. Even some resistant roses still are presenting their beauty.

And as every year I get the urge to prepare my nest for the winter. Moving furniture around, buying candles, and decorating. There is a Scandinavian term, “hygge” that means: being in the moment, feeling completely relaxed and centered, letting go of the hectic world around you, either alone or with loved ones. Hygge time in Scandinavia is enjoyed after a busy day of activities. No phones and computers allowed in those magical moments. and is mostly used at this time of the year.

I even dig out my wool and start knitting. Something I never do during the rest of the year.

I’m doing anything from scarfs, doll clothes, and even blankets. Nothing more soothing than being comfy on your sofa, a cup of tea or hot chocolate on the side and being covered in wool. Or is craft, a thing I only have the patience to do in Winter.

This need for cocooning is a natural habit we share with animals.Some hiberate, some travell towards the south.It`s a reaction towards the hostile effects of winter. Our way of hibernating translates in making our homes nice and cosy, so we don’t feel the wish to leave it more than necessary. We cook and bake more frequently in an unconcous attempt of caring for ourselves and our loved ones and asure ourselves we are save and cared fore.

All this gets even more weight in the times we are living right now. We want to control what we can in a world that seems so out of control. We want to create a feeling of a save and carefree space for ourselves.

We are living in a chaotic world. Living is getting more and more unsave and unpredictable day to day. Being in a state of fear and sorrow seems natural and appropriate. Things are out of our control. So we naturally try to control as much as we can, and that is fine. We just need to be aware not to overdue and let get anxiety the better part of us.

Instead let’s take the good part and enjoy our homes and make them even more our bubble. Let’s create, decorate, invite friends and over all let’s have a great “hygge” time. When we come home from a cold and dark winter day being out at work, we should, kick off our shoes, slip in some cosy clothes, light up some candles and enjoy our favourite food and drinks.

When it comes to my art, I now use much warmer colors. Fall for me is deep reds, bronce, dark green, less black or silver, which I otherwise use a lot.

Kitchen Magic, or if you prefer it you may call it cooking, is another way I love to express myself. Fall is the time to dry my balcony harvest. My balcony has lines of rope with bundles of peppermint, thyme, oregano, and lavender. In a couple of days I can pick it and flavor my salts, fill lavender bags for my closets, pick the mint leaves in a jar. I also go around, picking rosehips during my dog walks. I dry them too and add them later to teas. Rosehips are a great source of Vitamin C and ani-oxidants. Of course I will also give some of it away as christmas gifts The stems and branches of the herbs I will be using.them for my winter fire meditations and ceremonies during the Rauhnaechte in December, as well as for my moon ceremonies.

I’m planning on doing some preserves, like Jam and I found a nice and easy recipe for a walnut liquor I might try. It sounds delicious.That’s another great thing I see around this time: recipes and ideas for home decorations and home made gifts everywhere.

It’s the time to cuddle in on the sofa and watch a movie or read a book. I love to practice new skills and recepies, meditating more and, of course push my furniture all around.

I’m still not sure, if found the perfect spot for my sofa yet. Also my bedroom might benefit from my energies soon.

What are your favorite rituals in fall?

I’d love you telling me about it. Contact me on Instagram or by mail and tell me.

Blessed Samhain to you

You may reach Ellen at : bunteinspirationen@gmail.com on Instagram: ellenberlin1

Bio: Ellen Hofrath-Stovall was born in 1965
She is living in Berlin/Germany
2 Daughters, 3 grandchildren
single
Painting since 2012, self-educated several exhibitions in cafes and restaurants

Reproduction of all or any part of material of Ellen Hofrath©, including previous posts, without the express written permission from Planet Starz, Inc. is strictly forbidden.

**Note from Natalie: Ellen is someone I discovered on Instagram and immediately we became friends. I thought what a nice addition to the ezine this would be to have a column for her.
Enjoy her work every month here at Mystic Living Today**

See you next month !!!

Love,
Ellen