The ancient Greek women's festival of Thesmophoria was said to take place during October around this time. The rite lasted several days and was an elaborate and mysterious ritual dedicated to Demeter and the narrative surrounding the abduction and return of her daughter Kore/ Persephone (which brought winter to the land). Women dressed in white, spread herbs on their beds, and sat on the ground to help bless the planting of the autumn corn crop (this was meant to symbolize keeping Kore safe in the underworld). Reading or acting out the Demeter/Kore myth is a powerful way to attune yourself to these seasonal energies.
To recreate this rite, wear a white robe and create a sacred space where you can plant some kernels of corn or another grain (either in a container or in the ground). After planting the corn, sit nearby and offer blessings to the earth mother Demeter, asking for her nurturance of and protection for the earth and her daughter Kore (who will be born again in spring's flora). |
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