Seasonal Sparks: 9th October 2023
Exploring the space where light meets darkness
October hangs in such a delicate balance. Light and dark are almost equal, as we’ve only just passed the Autumn Equinox. The trees are still full with leaves and the flowers are still in bloom, the hedgerows are still studded with berries that glint between the brambles like jewels, but all of this is poised to fall to the ground and shrivel away.
We’re preparing for winter, for the cold and the dark, the time when the world seems barren, although we know there is much going on beneath the surface. We sit at the threshold, about to pass through into the realm of the Callieach, the Wise Woman of the woods who presides over winter. Brigid, the maiden goddess of summer, is settling down to sleep.
October seems to put on quite a show to celebrate this moment. The colours, the sun, the abundant produce… it gives us this final blaze of glory to give us a good send-off as we teeter on the brink, ready to plunge down into the blackness.
For your creative practice this week, we’re examining that delicate balance, and making use of the interplay between darkness and light. As ever, you can use these prompts as standalone exercises, or as inspiration for areas of any work in progress you currently have in motion. Feel free to adapt the prompt a little if that makes it suit your needs better - what matters most is that you show up and let your creativity run free.