The Healing Gifts of the Fall Winds of Change 

Fall, like every season, comes with many healing gifts. If we take the time to be in tune with Mother Earth and this time of year, you will certainly be surprised with the many gifts you will receive.   

During this season we begin to slow down from the very active and outward summer days. Our body deserves rest, and is starting to prepare for the deeper slowing down (and hibernation) of winter. 

Fall is the season of the direction of the west, where our warrior ancestors reside. So this is a time to connect to your inner warrior and the warrior energy that has been passed down through those that came before you. I like to celebrate my warrior ancestors who stood for freedom and liberation, and fought to break the cycles of violence and colonization. They keep me grounded in what’s important and the work I must do in this lifetime for the healing and transformation of the planet. I especially uplift the lineage of the fierce womxn that came before me – the ones who created miracles out of very little, and as fierce warriors took on the uplifting and protection of their families and communities. As a white Latine person, I also like to sit with and heal my relationship to my white ancestors, those who colonized and caused harm. This allows me to not loose sight of the cycles of white supremacist violence that have been passed down, and to do the ongoing work of undoing that within myself, my family and community. 

At a Sacred Vibes spiritual herbalism conference a few years ago, our keynote speaker Malidoma Some, shared that the first relationship we must heal is the one with our ancestors. This makes so much sense considering that their legacy and energy walk with us from birth to death and beyond. In healing our relationship to them, we have the opportunity to create a new world filled with their positive gifts, and free of the beliefs and actions that perpetuate violence and oppression.  

Another gift of fall is the winds of change. Spiritually, the wind currents come to clear and energetically sweep all that doesn’t serve us (both personally and globally). Think of hurricanes, which come to uproot and sweep away, or life initiations that shake us from within like perhaps the loss of a loved one, a divorce or separation, a change of career, giving birth, and so forth. For this reason, during this season it’s important to stay grounded, so that the winds of change only sweep away what really needs to die out, while our minds, bodies and spirits remain clear, firm, and rooted. 

So what can support us to tap into the fall energy of healing and change while still remaining grounded? I love to support my body with very grounding, hearty and nourishing herbs and foods. An herb that I love to take is Ashwagandha, a slightly warming, woody and grounding root that supports our overall nervous system and adrenal function. It supports you if you’re experiencing stress induced insomnia or anxiety. The energy of this root allows your body to unwind, let go, and rest, especially after being in constant movement and action, or during times of great changes. I also love burdock root. Burdock is an overall cleanser that clears our liver and blood. I like to see burdock as a plant that comes to sweep away what’s not needed, in order to bring out clarity while keeping us grounded. Since these two herbs are roots, they bring us closer to the earth’s energy. 

You can make a tea by boiling Ashwagandha root or make an herbal milk with it. I love to add burdock root to my bone broth or simply take it in tincture form. 

I will leave you with a simple, but yet very delicious recipe with the wonderful Ashwagandha that you can enjoy this fall. Enjoy it and don’t forget find moments to slow down and ground.

Ingredients: 

• 1 Tbls of Ashwagandha root 
• 2 Tbls of rose petals or buds (make sure they’re organic/not sprayed)
• A dash of cinnamon powder 
• 2 cups of water
• ½ cup of your favorite milk 

Preparation:

Bring the Ashwagandha root to a boil in 2 cups of water. Once it boils, simmer at low heat for 20 minutes. Turn off the flame and add the roses. Steep for 15-20 min. Add your favorite milk and sweeten with a teaspoon of raw honey. Sprinkle some cinnamon powder, and enjoy!

*Consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant (or may be pregnant), nursing, or on any medications. Not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.