Autumn is officially here. The official fall equinox was in September, but more than that I can feel it in the air. Despite the warm temperatures of the last few weeks, there is a coolness there, too. I can also hear fall in the wind in the trees, the leaves making a more brittle sound. And, it just smells like fall. My flowers are fading and pumpkins are appearing in the stores.
And, today the cold weather really has set in. I yanked the window air conditioner out of my bedroom window and added another blanket to my bed. My heat is on and I'm in my flannel jammies.
But, you know how I tell autumn is arriving? It's the geese.
Late August/early September the geese start to flock together. While outside or walking the dogs, I hear them honking and look up to see their V formation. Even though most of the geese around here don't fly south, they still follow their instincts to form the V formation and call out to each other
I happen to be a fan of geese. They have a lot of great attributes. To me the best is that they mate for life. It's seems to me that if geese can mate for life, we should be able to do the same. They also assist each other with the raising of their young. What a concept!
According to Animal Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small by Ted Andrews the "goose epitomizes the mystery of migration. They constantly shift formation, creating wind drafts and easier flights for those behind them in the formation. This reminds us that as any one individual makes his or her quest, it becomes easier for others to do so as well."
Andrews also points out that by not flying directly behind each other the "goose's view is unobstructed, reminding us that we should not undertake any quest in life without having a full view of what it entails. In this way the journey is facilitated for others."
There is also symbolic meaning in the V formation as it "reflects by its shape an opening to new possibilities."
And while I'm not happy about the amount of goose poop in local parks and other areas, I still enjoy watching them fly and hearing them honk. I love watching them swim with their young in the spring.
There are other signs of autumn, too. But for me, the flight of the geese is the surest sign of all.
