Summer has given itsef to me...

From the beginning of my occupation with these verses, already about thirty years ago, the verse of this second week in September has touched me deeply, as a sign of the beginning of the period in the year where the soul becomes active and where in the outer world the shining of our sense-perception becomes dimmed. Veils are mingled with the sunlight - it is one of the most beautiful experiences there are... One feels the evocation: Gnothi seauton! Oh human being! Know yourself! The light of the world has turned inwards to the soul,  the summer passes away and autumn begins to reveal its beauty. Summer has given itself to me! It lives on in my soul and with this inner light I can find the resurrection of spirit!

If we are able to sense the invisible atmosphere that is evoked by this autumnal beginning, we can feel the joy of being able to think actively.

Autumnally diminishes
The stimulating quest of the senses;
With revelation of light mingle
The vague veils of mist.
I myself see in the widths of space
The autumn's winter sleep.
Summer has given itself
To me.

Es dämpfet herbstlich sich
Der Sinne Reizesstreben;
In Lichtesoffenbarung mischen
Der Nebel dumpfe Schleier sich.
Ich selber schau in Raumesweiten
Des Herbstes Winterschlaf.
Der Sommer hat an mich
Sich selber hingegeben.

This verses were given by Rudolf Steiner in 1912 / 1913: Anthroposophischer Seelenkalender.