As the golden hues of summer fade and the crisp air of autumn settles in, the Earth whispers a timeless invitation: to descend inward, to harvest the wisdom of the year, and to honor the cycles of life and death.
Can you feel the pull of the season, calling you inward? Asking you to release, to reflect, to descend?
As difficult and painful as that may sound, we are asked to let go of the light, of the warm sun’s caress, and enter the slow, spiraling descent into the darkness. Autumn calls us to release what no longer serves, to witness the withering leaves fall without clinging, and to surrender to endings that feel somber, heavy, or even heartbreaking.
Yet within this descent lies a sacred alchemy. In letting go, we make space for something new. In the quiet shadow of retreat, the seeds of transformation are nurtured, hidden beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to rise again. This is a season not of despair, but of profound regeneration—a time to honor grief, reflection, and the unseen workings of the soul.
The myths of Demeter and Persephone mirror this inner journey: the grief of separation, the descent into darkness, and the inevitable return to light, richer and more deeply aligned with the rhythms of life. Autumn is our own personal Persephone moment—an initiation into mystery, a harvest of inner wisdom, and a sacred invitation to step fully into the cyclical beauty of dying and becoming.
The Harvest of the Soul
Autumn is a season of abundance—not just in the fields, but within our own lives. It is a time to gather the fruits of our labor, to look back on the seeds we planted in spring, and to honor the growth, effort, and dedication that have brought us to this moment. Just as the trees shed their leaves to make way for renewal, we too are invited to let go of what no longer serves, to collect the lessons and insights that have ripened through the year, and to store them carefully within the inner chambers of our hearts.
This is also a season of reflection—a gentle pause between the expansive energy of summer and the inward quiet of winter. We are called to witness the harvest of our own lives: the moments of joy, the challenges faced, the wisdom gained, and even the losses endured. Each of these is part of the tapestry that shapes who we are and who we are becoming.
In the mythic traditions, this time is sacredly linked to the story of Demeter and Persephone, goddesses who embody the cycles of growth, loss, and renewal. Demeter, the Earth Mother, tends to the harvest with patient care, nurturing the earth and providing sustenance for all living beings. Persephone’s descent into the underworld reminds us that retreat and darkness are necessary, not to punish, but to transform. In the stillness below the surface, unseen and mysterious processes unfold, turning endings into fertile ground for rebirth.
Autumn teaches us that abundance is not only measured by what is visible, by the fruits on the vine or the bounty of a table, but by the richness of our inner world. It is the time to honor both the light we have cultivated and the shadows we have walked through. Each harvested insight, each lesson remembered, is nourishment for the soul—preparing us to enter winter with clarity, wisdom, and a deeper connection to the rhythms of nature and the cycles of life itself.
The Call to the Deep
This autumn, I am inviting you to step into the deep, to honor the darkness as a sacred space of transformation. From October 28th to November 1st, 2025, join me at Kalanera, a secluded 18th-century farm nestled in the serene landscapes of southwestern France, for Into the Deep: A Samhain Descent. This intimate retreat, limited to 12 women, offers a sanctuary for healing, self-discovery, and community.
This sacred threshold, known as Samhain, marks the Celtic New Year—a time when the veil between worlds thins, and the wisdom of ancestors and the mysteries of the unseen realms become more accessible.
What Awaits You
Guided Descent: Experience gentle energy healings, creative workshops, and rituals that connect you with the archetypes of Gaia, Demeter, Persephone, and Hecate—the goddesses who guide us through the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.
Sacred Sisterhood: Share in the power of communal storytelling, support, and ceremony within a circle of women.
Personal Reflection: Savor quiet moments of solitude amidst the autumnal beauty of the French countryside, allowing space for journaling, meditation, and connection with your inner self.
Nourishment for Body and Soul: Delight in simple, natural, and delicious meals prepared with love—hearty soups, fresh bread, and seasonal treats to nurture your body as your soul unfolds.
A Personal Invitation
If your heart stirs with the call of the deep, if you feel the pull to reconnect with the rhythms of nature and the wisdom of the ancestors, this retreat is for you. Spaces are limited, and financial concerns should not stand in the way of your awakening. Scholarships and flexible payment plans are available for those truly committed to the journey.
Reserve Your Place
To learn more and secure your spot, visit Into the Deep: A Samhain Descent. For any questions or to discuss your participation, book a free 30-minute clarity call with me here.
Embrace the descent. Honor the harvest. Step into the deep.
Voilà.
I believe that is all for today.
I would be so happy to hear from you.
If this spoke to your heart, I’d love for you to share it with a sister, a friend, a fellow Goddess on the path.
I send, as always, love, light and gratitude.
Isaya