Create a ritual: Autumn Equinox
Creating rituals around our cycle and the cycles in our environment is a magical way to honor changes in the seasons and our shifting energy.
An equinox signals the beginning of spring or autumn when the day and night are of equal length, a solstice signals the beginning of summer and winter marking the longest and shortest days of the year.
Both the solstice and equinox have been celebrated by our ancestors as cosmological phenomenons that honor the balance of dark and light, growth, rebirth, endings and new beginnings.
The autumn equinox initiates our journey towards winter, it represents the perfect balance of yin and yang, it is the time to harvest the flowers from the seeds you have planted and share your gratitude in a way that feels meaningful to you.
The harmonious energy of the earth during the autumn equinox feeds our ability to cultivate grounding and equilibrium in our lives, it’s the perfect moment to pause and tune into where we feel in, or out of balance.
Key themes for the autumn equinox include balance, gratitude, celebration and reflection
“Think of the autumn equinox as the point where yin and yang meet. We’re moving from summer, the pinnacle of yang energy into fall, a softer yin energy. This shift nurtures a state of balance and supports moments of reflection, introspection and letting things go.”
Ritual ideas
Build an altar in your home, this could be a window ledge, bench or pillow and adorn the space with things that bring you balance, grounding, maybe symbols of something you’re proud of, something that feels like fall, it could be flowers, leaves or your favorite chai tea. I like to set the tone with music, dim lighting, my own personal space, crystals, my journal, a pen and a candle.
Incorporate gratitude, write down as many things as you can think of that you’re thankful for, it could be getting the courage to stand up to your boss or as small as the tea a friend poured for you this morning, think about the little things and celebrate life’s little wins.
Alternate nostril breathing: A quick google will show you how to do this! Why this breath feels so aligned is because it balances the left and right spheres of our brain, an opportunity to find balance and align with the equilibrium in our environment.
Connect with nature: As we move into autumn we are engaging the metal element which aligns with our lungs so breathe deeply and connect to the environment with all of your senses. What do you hear, smell and see?
Gift yourself a nourishing, fulfilling meal and share this meal with people you love. Centre the food around what’s coming into season, adorn the dishes with root vegetables, herbs and spices.
Set intentions that support the energy of homeostasis, balance and equilibrium. Reflect on where in your life you could cultivate more balance and harmony, set the tone and clear your vision for how you will get there.
To make space for your intentions, have a think about what you would like to let go of, every time we release we make space for something new. You could journal this, get moving, speak to someone you feel safe with, however it feels best to shift energy that no longer aligns with you.
Cultivate community, invite friends over, connect with long distance loved ones, vocalize your love and appreciation for the people (and pets of course) that light you up and always help to guide you home.
Journal Prompts
Honor where you have been and how far you have come, where in your life can you celebrate yourself?
What are you grateful for in the present or the past?
Where in your life do you feel in balance or out of balance? Where can you cultivate more harmony in your life?
Looking to where you feel unbalanced, where or what can you let go and release?
With this new space what would you like to welcome in?
Pick three words that become your autumn mantra, I am _ _ _
Set Your Intention
What is your intention for this next passage of time?
If you get stuck, just come back to the overarching themes of gratitude and balance and center your intention around those.
My intention: To cultivate balance and harmony through leaning into softness, slowness and trust.
Happy autumn equinox, may your heart be full and your mind at ease.
