Phenology - The Study of Seasonal Changes
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Hello Friends. I recently discovered how to make a Phenology Wheel and thought this is something that many of you would also enjoy. If you aren’t familiar with phenology, it is the study of seasonal changes in plants, animals, and weather patterns. You may have done some version of a phenology wheel in elementary school. Studying when flowers bloom, birds migrate, or when the first frost arrives, is an easy way to connect with nature and the season at hand. It is also a good way to quiet your mind and be in the present moment.
I was not able to find any open source photos of a completed phenology wheel and I didn’t want to wait until I had completed one. So, I put together some examples over on Pinterest instead. Just remember, this isn’t an exercise only for people who are considered artistic. Like journaling or keeping a grimoire, taking the time each day to work on a phenology wheel is it is another way for you to connect with your inner spirit and the world around you.
If you need a visual before you get to the how-to, check out the examples on Pinterest and then be sure to come back and grab your free template at the bottom of this post.
What Is Phenology?
Phenology is the science of tracking the timing of natural events. It focuses on phenomena like:
The first appearance of migratory birds in spring.
The budding and flowering of plants.
The changing colors of leaves in autumn.
Seasonal weather patterns, like the first snowfall or the warmest day of summer.
I was introduced to this concept quite by accident. I just happened to watch this video from a YouTube channel called Marion’s World. She uses watercolors and pen to create absolutely gorgeous phenology wheels.
A Phenology Wheel is a circular chart divided into segments—typically days, weeks, or months—where you record your observations of seasonal changes. This tool provides:
A Visual Calendar: See how nature’s patterns evolve over the year.
Mindful Practice: Spending a few moments each day observing your environment connects you deeply with the present moment.
Seasonal Insight: Align your rituals, goals, and practices with nature’s actual rhythms, enhancing the meaning behind each Wheel of the Year festival.
A Creative Outlet: Designing and filling in a Phenology Wheel is an artistic and meditative process.
How to Use a Phenology Wheel
Start Small: Use a single month or season to familiarize yourself with tracking natural events.
Observe Daily: Spend time outside and note changes in your environment. What do you see, hear, or feel?
Record Your Observations: Jot down details like blooming flowers, animal activity, or temperature changes in each segment.
Reflect and Connect: Compare your notes to the corresponding festival on the Wheel of the Year. For example, are there signs of new life during Imbolc, or is the harvest abundant near Lughnasadh?
Download Your Free Phenology Wheel Template
To help you get started, I’ve created a free Phenology Wheel template for you to print and use. This wheel is divided into 32 sections, perfect for tracking daily observations over one month.
Click here to download your free printable Phenology Wheel template.
Disclaimer - this template is designed for standard US letter size, making it kind of small. If you really want to add lots of detail or have plenty of room to work, you could create your own phenology wheel on bigger art paper.
Here is a list of supplies that would be helpful to make your own phenology wheel:
Oversized artist pad with watercolor paper (good for painting, drawing and writing)
Compass - According to my high school geometry teacher it is physically impossible to draw a perfect circle by hand. If, like me, you struggle with geometry and attention to detail, a compass and ruler will be your best friend for this project. A phrenology wheel is 360 degrees with 32 wedges, each of which should be 11.25 degrees apart.
Let me know if you decide to try making your own phenology wheel. I’d love to see what you are studying in your corner of the world.
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The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.
Following Winter's Slower Pace
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Winter isn’t just a season; it’s a reminder to pause, reflect, and restore. In a world that’s always rushing forward, winter gives us permission to stop and breathe. It's a time to nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits, preparing for the growth and energy of spring. In the same way that plants rest and animals hibernate, we too can use this time to regroup. Winter reminds us that rest is a natural part of the cycle. Just like the earth takes time to prepare for spring, we can give ourselves permission to rest without guilt.
Here in Western Maine the winter is lonnggg. And cold. And dark. It naturally invites slowing down (it also invites seasonal depression, so it is definitely a balance). Over the years I’ve cultivated a pretty good mindset about winter. I focus on all the things I enjoy about the season, like the holidays, sitting by my woodstove with a cup of tea, watching the winter woods from my sitting room window. So while there are still days when I struggle with Winter, most of the time I can find peace and calm in the stillness.
The Spiritual and Physical Benefits of Slowing Down in the Winter
Quiet moments during winter give us space to think about what’s working in our lives—and what’s not. Slowing down allows us to let go of what no longer serves us, making room for fresh ideas and growth. When life is quieter, it’s easier to connect with ourselves. Whether through meditation, journaling, or simply sitting with a cup of tea, we can use winter’s stillness to find
It’s not just your spirit that benefits from slowing down—your body and mind will thank you too.
Physical Rest: With less daylight, winter naturally encourages us to sleep more. Lean into that! Quality rest gives your body a chance to recover and recharge.
Mental Clarity: Slowing down helps clear the constant mental chatter. Taking time to unplug and focus on simple tasks can reduce stress and boost creativity. For me this is often cleaning up the house or working on a creative project. Honestly, writing out ideas for Mabon House is one the best ways I unwind and quiet my mind.
Emotional Renewal: This season is perfect for reconnecting with yourself and loved ones. Cozy evenings spent journaling, reading, or talking with family can help you feel recharged emotionally. I definitely journal and write more in the winter. )These are my absolute favorite journals). Spending time with friends and family is a little trickier and takes more planning, as all my kiddos live away from home now. So I set a goal of seeing them at least once a month. I always feel better after visiting.
Tips for Connecting with Winter’s Slower Energy
If slowing down feels unnatural, here are a few simple ways to embrace winter’s rhythm while balancing work and family obligations:
Make Your Space Cozy: A warm, inviting home makes it easier to relax. Add soft blankets, candles, and warm lighting to create a space that feels like a hug. If you’ve seen my house on Instagram you know that I love a cozy vibe in winter.
Practice Journaling: Spend 5–10 minutes a day jotting down your thoughts. Ask yourself questions like: What am I grateful for? What do I want to let go of before spring?
Mindful Eating: Winter is the perfect time for hearty, nourishing meals. Focus on warm soups, stews, and seasonal vegetables to fuel your body. My crockpot is my best friend in the winter and makes it easy to have a good meal prepared after work.
Move Gently: Yoga, stretching, or even a slow walk outside can help you stay grounded. Movement doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. I do most of my movement inside during the winter. I like to practice yoga in front of my woodstove or walk on my 10 year old treadmill while listening to music. Over the years I’ve let go of the idea that I need to exercise for at least 45 minutes to an hour in order for it to “count” - whatever that means. Now I strive for 30 minutes a day on most days. And this can be broken up into smaller chunks, like a quick walk at lunch in the parking lot (if it’s not too icy) or busting out 20 minutes of housework in one go. I keep it simple.
Preparing for New Beginnings: Intentional Goal-Setting
Even though winter is about rest, it’s also a time to dream about what’s next. Use this season to lay the groundwork for the year ahead.
Set Intentions: What do you want your spring to look like? Use this quiet time to think about your goals and how you can align your life with them. I know that my spring is going to be very busy with nursing school and work, so I want to spend time now reigning in my stress and learning to be okay prioritizing some areas of my life over others.
Vision Boards or Planning: Create a vision board or jot down ideas for what you want to accomplish. This process doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s about dreaming and getting inspired. I like to use my Wheel of the Year planner or a pretty notebook to sketch out the things I want to be, do and have.
Simplify: Use winter to declutter your home, schedule, or mind. Clearing out what no longer feels right helps create space for what truly matters. Again, because I know I will be extra busy this spring and summer, I am trying (somewhat unsuccessfully TBH) to simplify as much as I can - everything from my wardrobe, to my kitchen cupboards, to aligning my finances. I know that if I can take care of at least some of these things now, life will be easier later.
Winter may be cold and dark, but it’s also a season of quiet beauty and restoration. By embracing the slower pace, we give ourselves time to rest, reflect, and grow. When spring comes, we’ll be ready to bloom. So grab a cozy blanket, light a candle, and let this season remind you that slowing down isn’t just okay—it’s necessary.
Are you slowing down this winter?
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The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.
Moon Energy in November - The Waning and Dark Moons
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As we move through the second half of November, we find ourselves closer to the beginning of winter. This year, the waning moon dominates this period, culminating in a new moon on December 1. During this two-week phase, the shorter days naturally encourage introspection and release.
The waning moon is a time to shed old patterns, habits, or mindsets, and November’s waning moon is particularly potent as it precedes the winter solstice—the darkest part of the year in the northern hemisphere.
This phase offers an ideal opportunity to reflect on what is no longer serving you, allowing you to prepare for winter with a lighter mental and emotional load. If you practice shadow work, this is an opportune moment to delve inward, confront your inner truths, and embrace the energy of transformation.
Here are some rituals and practices to help you connect with the waning moon and set your intentions for the next turn of the Wheel of the Year.
November Rituals and Practices for Letting Go
Journaling for Release
Journaling is one of the most effective ways to find clarity and identify areas of your life that need improvement. Whether you prefer a stream-of-consciousness style or guided prompts, journaling helps bring buried emotions and thoughts to the surface.
Here are some prompts to get started:
- What am I holding onto? (e.g., grudges, limiting beliefs, memories)
- What can I do in the next month to bring more joy or reduce stress in my life?
Recommended Tools
Journal Prompt Cards: These include over 100 prompts to guide your reflection throughout the year.
A Cleansing Ritual
A cleansing ritual during the waning or dark moon aligns perfectly with the phase’s energy of release. To perform one, follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare your space: Choose a quiet area and gather your tools, such as cleansing herbs (rosemary, sage, or lavender), saltwater, or essential oils.
2. Set your intention: Focus on what you want to release, saying it aloud or silently (e.g., *“I release all energy that no longer serves me.”*).
3. Cleanse: Waft smoke from herbs, sprinkle saltwater, or diffuse oils around the space. Visualize negative energy leaving and positivity filling the room.
4. Seal the ritual: Welcome protective and calming energy, then express gratitude for the cleansing. Ground yourself with water or tea afterward.
Letting Go Meditation
Meditation is a powerful practice for cultivating inner peace and clarity, especially during this time of release.
- Guided meditations: Perfect for beginners or those seeking structure, these meditations often include calming visuals and verbal guidance for deep relaxation.
- Solo meditation: Focus on your breath, a mantra, or simply observe your thoughts, allowing a freer, more personal exploration.
Both approaches help reduce stress, enhance mindfulness, and create a deeper connection with yourself, making meditation an excellent tool for emotional and mental release.
When I meditate or want to turn off any racing thoughts, I’ll listen to this creator on YouTube.
Recommended Tools
- Meditation Cushions: I would only buy a specific meditation cushion after meditating on a regular basis for while, to make sure that you will actually use it.
- Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, lavender, or frankincense are ideal for creating a serene (almost spa-like) atmosphere.
The waning moon and dark moon phases in November provide an ideal time to slow down, reflect, and let go. Through journaling, cleansing rituals, and meditation, you can align with the moon's energy to shed what no longer serves you and embrace the natural cycles of release and renewal.
What practices help you release and reset during the waning moon? Let me know in the comments below!
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The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.