As the Autumn Equinox approaches in the northern hemisphere, we stand at a powerful threshold between the seasons—a moment to pause, take a breath, and realign ourselves with nature. This Sunday, September 22nd, we transition from Summer to Autumn and the day and night are equal, reminding us of the beauty in balance. It’s a time to release what no longer serves, to ground ourselves deeply, and to plant seeds of intention for the darker, quieter half of the year.
The Equinox: A Dance of Balance and Change
Throughout time, the Autumn Equinox has symbolised the delicate dance between light and dark, a reflection of the transition unfolding around us. The vibrant energy of summer begins to soften, surrendering to autumn’s golden hues and crisp air. This transitional moment also offers us a chance to ask where we can restore some balance in our own lives.
In many cultures, the equinox also signals a time of harvest and deep gratitude. It's a moment to gather not only the fruits of the land but also the experiences and lessons of the past months. As we collect these offerings, we pause to appreciate what has blossomed and recognise what still needs nurturing as we prepare for the winter months ahead.
Myth and Folklore: Honouring the Turning Seasons
In Celtic and Pagan tradition, the Equinox is celebrated as Mabon, a festival of harvest and thanksgiving. Mabon, the god of the harvest, symbolises the light within the dark, reminding us that even as the days grow shorter, there is always a promise of renewal waiting in the stillness.
In Greek mythology, the equinox marks Persephone’s descent into the underworld—a symbol of the Earth’s quiet withdrawal into winter. As Demeter mourns her daughter’s departure, the land begins its slow surrender. But with Persephone’s return each spring, life is renewed, reminding us that even in the coldest, darkest moments, renewal is never far away.
Both stories point to autumn as a time not just of endings but openings and transition. They remind us to honour life’s cycles of growth, decay, and rebirth—both internally and in nature.
Rituals for the Autumn Equinox
The equinox is an invitation to slow down, to notice the quiet shifts around you—the turning leaves, the cooler air, the lengthening shadows. Grounding yourself in nature is an act of reconnection, a way to remind yourself that you are part of these cycles, not separate from them. For more ideas on grounding in nature, check out our tips for grounding here.
Here are a few other simple yet meaningful rituals to celebrate this seasonal transition:
Nature Altar & Harvest Gratitude Ritual: Create an altar with autumn’s gifts—fruits, leaves, grains. Reflect on the harvests of your own life and give thanks to yourself, the trees, and the Earth for all they provide.
Seasonal Feasting: Share a meal with loved ones using autumn’s bounty. Go around the table asking each person to share something they are grateful for this season. Dining alone? Take a quiet moment to reflect on how nature nourishes and supports your wellbeing.
Sensory Walk & Offering: Walk through nature, noticing the subtle shifts around you. Leave a small offering—water, a flower, seeds, or something compostable—at the base of a tree to honour its presence and the life it sustains.
Letting Go Ceremony: Write down what you’re ready to release, be it old patterns, fears, or burdens. Safely burn the paper, imagining these energies falling away like autumn leaves.
Balance Meditation: Reflect on the equinox’s balance of light and dark through a simple meditation. Tune into where you feel out of balance and invite nature’s cycles to guide you towards harmony. Our Seasonal Transitions meditations here offers gentle support.
Personal Reflection: Reconnecting with Nature
In the busy rhythm of our modern lives, it’s easy to lose touch with the deeper rhythms that shape us. But the equinox provides a rare chance to stop and recalibrate. When we take the time to honour this seasonal shift, we’re reminded that we are not merely observers of nature—we are nature. We are part of the same cycles of growth, rest, and renewal.
As the equinox approaches, take a moment to feel the earth underfoot, breathe in the cool autumn air, and reconnect with the wild within you. Just as the trees let go of their leaves to conserve energy, so too can we release what no longer serves us. And as nature prepares for rest and renewal, we too can honour this time of reflection, knowing that we are always growing, always evolving, and forever connected to the ancient cycles of life.
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Thank you.