All Because of the Rain

The pattern of drought has been broken, and though the official measure of annual rainfall is still far below average, the last few days of soft, soaking rains have been an excellent tonic for the land.

I'd forgotten what damp earth smells like - gosh - it smells so GOOD! Everything looks shiny and as replenished as possible given that we're now deep into the fall season when living things are supposed to shrivel up in preparation for winter. Certain plants, like the rosemary bushes, are suddenly plump and resinous. They, too, smell incredible. In fact, every trace of the dry stink has been washed away. My prayers of thanks have been continual. What a relief!

One thing that rainy weather always brings to me is a rich dream life. Dreams are a watery realm, so it makes sense. My dreams are easier to recall, too, maybe because when I wake up and see it's all gray and rainy outside, I stay in bed just a little bit longer than I usually do, so I have time to dredge up the dream snips that are usually lost in my rush to begin my day.

There's no denying that during a rainy day in autumn, all levels of psychic awareness are enhanced. I've been going with that flow, as is my habit at this time of year. Every evening I've been hanging out with the ghosts, lighting candles and burning dried rosemary in honor of all my ancestors and for the Mighty Dead. My spirit guides are vivid and chatty, too, and very instructive these days, a Very Good Thing since they're so smart, and love me so much.



Most of the time, the shamanic lifestyle does not appeal to me, even though - whether I like it or not, I am a shaman. (I know that sounds pretentious, but I really am.) But in the fall, when it's dark and gray and rainy, when the leaves drop and the spirits are wandering, I surrender to the season, my dreams, the loving spirit guides and so forth, and just sink into the magic that is always a part of Halloween. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.