Moving out of the fire of Summer and towards the colder, windier and altogether more changeable Autumn is nature’s metaphorical signal to prepare for cold and cosy months ahead. At the end of September, the Northern hemisphere enters the autumn equinox and officially transitions into an entirely different part of the year. With the sun appearing to head south, plants pause their growth and begin to shed their leaves. The air is laced with a noticeably different scent to that of previous months, and the dark nights creep slowly longer and longer.
Whether you love the beginning of autumn or long for sunnier days, there’s no denying; This is part of the earth’s natural cycle. And as a part of nature itself, we’d all benefit from aligning ourselves with the shifting energy. As the name suggests, an equinox – derived from the Old French equinoxe meaning ‘equal night’ – occurs when day and night are of equal length, perfectly balanced, before tipping over into the next season. Pagan mythology knows this time of year as Mabon or ‘Second Harvest’. A time to give thanks to the Summer and pay tribute to the coming darkness. Apple picking and gathering together to feast on seasonal fare are some of the longest held Pagan traditions, with the apple representing wisdom and guidance, and providing a way to thank the earth for its bounty.
With the external equilibrium of light and darkness obvious to the naked eye, this is also an important time to perhaps recognise and pay tribute to our own light and darkness within. Just as the earth moves through cycles, each day and even each moment is a cycle within itself. We can move through a multitude of emotions at any given time, experience a flood of thoughts cascading through the mind, and feel cyclical patterns within our physical bodies too.
Rituals and Practices for Autumn Equinox
The light and the dark both exist within us, and as humans it’s completely natural to have these two opposing sides. We must feel sadness to know what true happiness feels like, and we must know what it’s like to be happy in order to be sad. Without light, darkness doesn’t exist. And the two are essential if we’re going to experience the fullness of life and cultivate a balance between the two. Just as the Yin Yang sign depicts, there is always darkness within light, and always light within darkness. To align with nature and commit to moving with nature’s cycles, try these rituals and practices for this year’s autumn equinox:
- Reflect upon your experience so far this year, acknowledge your personal growth and give thanks to any challenges you’ve overcome.
- Set an intention for the coming season. Be aware of what you’d benefit from leaving behind before the next cycle begins and make a commitment to what you decide to drop.
- Connect to seasonal foods and plants. Pick local produce and sit down for a long and leisurely feast with loved ones.
- Light a candle as a reminder that even though there may be darkness outside, we can provide a light to help guide others if they’re in need of help.
- Get outside (whatever the weather) and earth yourself. Connect to the ground with your bare feet, allowing your body to soak up the earth’s surface electrons and helping it realign with nature’s rhythms.
- Change up your yoga practice to suit the season. Add twists, inversions, and slow grounding movements to help balance yourself physically and mentally at this time of year.
- Maintain a daily gratitude journal. Reminding yourself of what you’re grateful for in everyday life, as well and the challenges you’re working through, will eventually help you grow and evolve into your highest self.
- Observe the qualities of the divine goddess Kali and use her mudra whenever you need to add a little oomph to your day. She’s all about overcoming obstacles and helping generate your own personal power.
