Agricultural New Year

We are nearing the time of the agricultural new year.  October 31st-Nov 1st carry a lot of significance in Celtic herbalism and many agrarian cultures for the end of the cycle of this year’s crops and the beginning of a new cycle.  The new cycle begins in the dark, in the quiet, in the inward space just as seeds in the ground or embryos begin.  We often think of the new cycle beginning when we can see something new externally, but I think its an important aspect of life that it actually begins in the dark.  Next year’s growing begins now.

Its usually the time to turn in and reflect, get quiet, evaluate, rest, dream, and plan for the next season.  All of these things we will certainly be easing into here, but we’ve also taken on some next steps for the project that had timelines of their own that will require this winter carries a bit more activity and action than other winters in the agrarian rhythm. 

In the dark and quiet of winter this year, things are happening. Sheep are being raised. A café is being built. A stewardship plan for a new 60 acres is developing. As we enter the third year of this project, we’re excited to be pushing forward in the dreamy, hushed span of winter.