Gothic Rewilding: Cycles of the Year

 As we set about looking into Rewilding and Wildsteading, and look at deepening our connection with the shadowland in which we dwell.  In the High-Desert Forest, we have 5 seasons, other places have 2, 3 or 4.  Whatever the case may be,  learning our local seasons and cycles help us to reconnect with the lands in which we live and dwell.

As we begin each cycle of the seasons, and the at the start of each one.  What is going on in nature, and how does that echo in what is going on within our lives?  What is nourishing us, and what do I need to let go of?  What is growing within us, and what are we needing to weed out of our lives?  As we reflect on these things, and begin relearning the heartbeat of the changes of seasons and life, I trust together our rewilding journey can be strengthened, calmed, and reinvigorated by learning the Cycles of the Year...


The Cycles


Winter

Winter is traditionally a season of Rest, Storytelling, and Fireplaces.  It is dark, cold, and depending on your location, can have deep snow.  In spite of this, there is foraging that can be done, for some things are only available within this cold season.  It is the season of heavier foods, hot drinks, and thick clothing.

Cation should be taken, especially in the Desert, as blizzards can blow up suddenly, making travel difficult.

Spring

Spring is a season of New Beginnings, Spring Greens, and Garden Prep.  It is cool and brighter, and the beginnings of new plants are emerging.  It is also the season when more plentiful foraging begins.  It is also when heavier foods begin to be put away, for fresher foods.

Within the Desert, this is also the Windy season, and great caution should be taken as at times there are haboobs that are brownout sandstorms.

Summer

Summer is a season of Growing and Heat.  It is hot and sunny, and the plants are struggling to grow.  It is also the season of great foraging.  Fresher foods are on the table, and more is on the way

Cation should be taken, as this is also fire season.  

Monsoon

Monsoon is a season of Rain and Heat.  It is humid and rainy, and the plants are thriving.  It is also the season of great foraging.  Fresh foods fill the table, and more is on the way until harvest.

Cation should be taken, for the heavy rains often bring flash floods, and the dry river beds fill again.  Remember, "When in doubt, turn around." 


Fall

Fall is a season of Cooling and Rain.  It is cooling and rainy, and the plants are thriving.  It is also the season of great foraging.  Fresh foods fill the table, and for storing away foods for the coming long, winter.

Foods, both raised and foraged, should be canned, dried, smoked, and stored in a dry cool place for continued use into the winter.

In Umbra Terras,

 Lady Morria

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