Autumnal Strange Unearthly Longings

 

In the hills on autumn evenings when
We seem to hear the horns of elfland blowing
And strange unearthly longings draw us in.

- Malcolm Guite (from a poetic reflection on Psalm 67)

The breezy winds are coming in from far away places, rustling the leaves that cling to the branches. Rainy season has left behind a slight feeling that there is a change in the air, however slow it may be, it is coming. It is drawing us in with the voice of the north wind.

These invoking words and images of faerie lands forlorn and places where the elf may dwell leave me aching for that which is deeper, more alive, more awakened to itself. Maybe that seems in opposition of the autumn season as the leaves fall to the ground leaving bare branches and after harvests are reaped the grasses change their bright hues to a toned down hay. But this is exactly what awakens in me the wonders. This kind of seasonal shift resonates with me in fostering more awareness of the imaginary, the inspiring, the myth and legend. This kind of feeling arises best where there are glimpses of where faerie might dwell. The thin places in this world that link to another place. It seems more possible as the land shifts and the trees change. There might be uncovered or revealed some ancient path or stone walkway that could not be seen before. Where does it lead?

Perhaps my imagination is getting carried away, or perhaps not. Maybe that is what we need from time to time. To lose ourselves in a story or myth. To be immersed in something bigger than ourselves, reminding us that even in the everyday there is a bit of magic that can be discovered. I am looking forward to these days ahead.