Embracing Autumn
As the autumn equinox arrives, we find ourselves at a rare moment when day and night are perfectly balanced. This celestial event marks the transition from summer’s energy to autumn’s slower pace, inviting us to reflect on our own sense of balance and abundance. In this post, we’ll explore the themes of spiritual equilibrium, gratitude, and how the changing seasons offer a moment of introspection and celebration.
Spiritual Balance
During an equinox, day and night are of equal length. This offers us a sort of duality. Like the sun and moon, our feminine and masculine sides are in equilibrium. This teaches us about balance. Only twice a year are we offered such a tempered state. Light and dark can coexist, just like positivity and negativity. When we allow space for that, we can find peace and balance within ourselves.
Harvest & Gratitude
This is a time for harvest. We are reaping the abundance from which we have sown. This is an opportune time to reflect on your accomplishments, revisit lessons learned, and assess personal growth. The autumn equinox encourages us to appreciate the fruits of our labor and to offer gratitude for what has manifested in our lives.
Nature & Seasons
This transition prepares us for longer, more restful nights. It inspires us to appreciate the positives in our lives and let go of the negatives. Going on nature walks or eating seasonal foods can help you connect with this energy. Nature has its cycles of blooming, resting, and rebirth—just as we do—and aligning ourselves with these rhythms brings a sense of peace.
Introspection & Reflection
I encourage you to reflect on the events that have happened in the past season of your life. Journal prompts such as “What have I achieved in the past three months?” or “What will I release as the nights get longer?” can help you tune into your reality and build the one you want. The equinox is a perfect time to pause and evaluate where you are versus where you want to be.
Autumn Equinox: Modern and Historical Interpretations
Cultures worldwide have celebrated harvest festivals nearing the autumn equinox. In Germany, Oktoberfest is celebrated during the last week of September. Originally, Thanksgiving was observed on October 3rd. In Paganism, Mabon is the name of this time of harvest. While celebrations may differ across cultures, the shared theme is one of gratitude for the abundance of the earth and preparation for the coming winter.
Autumn Equinox Rituals
This year, I went to my first public ritual to celebrate Mabon. We filled out a journaling page with two columns: one for “what I want to release” and another for “what I want to manifest.” This practice was exceptionally helpful for fleshing out what really needs to be addressed in my life. I recommend you try this simple ritual, whether with a group or alone. It’s a powerful way to clarify your intentions for the coming months.
Nature-Based Rituals
At the ritual, I brought an apple as an offering, which is a beginner-friendly way to show gratitude for the harvest. Placing an offering on your altar can spark feelings of balance and connection to the divine. Nature walks are always a delightful practice during these sabbats and times of transformation. You could also plant winter flowers in preparation for the winter solstice, symbolizing new life and growth in the months to come.
Cleansing Your Space
Cleaning and cleansing your house can be an essential way to shed old vibes. Clear away any clutter that is bringing you down. Wipe off old surfaces, and bring out your favorite seasonal décor. For cleansing, it’s common practice to light sage, palo santo, or incense, or you could alternatively cleanse with sound. Bells work nicely for this. There are other methods of cleansing, and it may take some time to find the right one for you. Preparing your space for the new season allows fresh energy to flow.
Gathering with Gratitude
Sharing a meal with family and/or friends is essential during this time. Coming together and sharing stories of gratitude for what the spring has brought can be transformative in itself. Consider preparing a meal with seasonal foods like squash, apples, and grains to honor the harvest. This celebration can be a simple yet meaningful way to connect with the equinox’s energy.
Enjoy The Equinox!
As we step into this season of balance and reflection, take time to pause and assess where you are in your life’s journey. Embrace the duality of light and dark, and welcome the opportunity to find peace in this balance. Try out one of the rituals mentioned or simply take a walk in nature to feel the energy of the autumn equinox. I’d love to hear how you celebrate this time—share your thoughts and practices in the comments, or join the conversation on my Instagram and Facebook!