The lyrics of Harry Belafonte’s song echoes in my mind today.

Not so much because they are topical – they aren’t – but because the last of the harvest is upon us.

The Autumn Equinox is just past, and the Hallows-tide is approaching, at least in our Northern hemisphere. Our local Farmers’ Market will soon be closed, we have another week, maybe two. Fall gourds, pumpkins and such, are in the stores.

Raven and I recently returned from a trip to Rhode Island, reconnecting with the other members of our Tradition. It was a much needed visit, and an important one, for me, especially. Twenty-six years ago, I was elevated to the position of a High Priest within the NECTW tradition. This year, six years after my transition, I was made a High Priestess within the NECTW, within a Circle of my peers and elders.

Gotta jump down, spin around and pick a bale of cotton
Gotta jump down, spin around and pick a bale a day
Gotta jump down, spin around and pick a bale of cotton
Gotta jump down, spin around and pick a bale a day