New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
| In Rome, the rite of the October Horse was celebrated today. A chariot race was held after which the right-hand horse of the winning team was slaughtered, and its blood used to bless the Forum, and farmers' fields. The sacrifice of the strongest beast was meant to produce a good harvest.
Today, skip the animal sacrifice, but make an offering in favor of good harvest, no matter where you live. Make dinner, setting aside a plate of what you ate. Pour a glass of what you drank-wine works well. At dusk, stand barefoot on the earth, looking west into the sunset. West is the direction of autumn, the earth, and the color red. Pour drink on the earth: "I offer the blood of good spirit." Place food on the ground. "I offer sustenance in thanks and praise." Place your hands on the ground: "I give thanks, abundant earth, for this harvest." Stand, opening your arms wide: "Bless the farmers' fields." |
