Early on September 23rd, we experience the Autumn Equinox (Mabon). A moment where Day and Night are of equal length. Whether this means a lot to you, or a little, I hope this blog post will bring you some insight and some fun! Some information you can share with others, and perhaps insight into yourself.
For many, this is an exciting time because it signals the return of fall! The favourite season of many (myself included). Cooler evenings, snuggling in blankets, warm sunny days. Cozy up with a nice warm cup of tea, and read on!
Autumn Equinox Meaning
The significance of the Equinox for me is as a chance to pause and to reflect. After the Equinox, the days will get shorter and our bodies will start to slow down. We won’t have as much energy as we do in the summer. Consider it your own energetic hibernation. Society still expects you to function, but realistically, our bodies require more peace and time to relax.
Like the seasons of the year, our bodies have their own seasons, or cycles. The four seasons are significant in that they demonstrate clear shifts in Nature, in the Universe. These shifts impact us as well. We don’t stay the same. Day to day, week to week, month to month, year to year - we change. Change is beautiful and necessary to stay healthy.
The Autumn Equinox is a time of balance, self-reflection, clarity. Preparing for a new beginning.
It’s the time to harvest nutrient-rich fruits before winter. Harvesting the fruits of our labour from past months. The leaves change colour in a last attempt to absorb and store as much energy as possible for the winter. We function in a similar way. A last burst of energy before cozying down for the colder months. Slowing down a little.
We adapt and grow depending on our experiences and on our mindset. It’s a great time to look inwards and reflect upon your own seasons of life and on where you are now. A beautiful day to take pause and reflect on the light and the dark within ourselves - both equally important and powerful.
Acknowledging the seasons and how our bodies and minds change along with it, allows us to know ourselves better. If you understand the changes you go through, you can alter your expectations to match. You can work with your energy instead of against, and be in a state of flow all year round.
The Seasons of Change
Take note of these dates and observe how your body, mind, and spirit changes around these times. Keep a journal and reflect on your transformations so that you can function as your most authentic self.
If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere (EST):
Winter begins with the Winter Solstice, Thursday, December 21, 2023, 10:27 p.m.
Spring begins with the Spring Equinox, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 11:06 p.m.
Summer begins with the Summer Solstice, Thursday, June 20, 2024, 4:50 p.m.
Fall begins with the Autumnal Equinox, Sunday, September 22, 2024, 8:44 a.m.
Winter begins with the Winter Solstice, Saturday, December 21, 2024, 4:19 a.m.
Ways to celebrate the Autumn Equinox
Since the peak of the Equinox is around 2:50 am EST on September 23rd, you can celebrate and perform your rituals on the 22nd or the 23rd.
There are so many ways to celebrate! Reflect, write goals, journal, dance, be with nature - whatever resonates with you. Here’s a list of things you can try!
Tea blend for the Autumn Equinox
Make or buy a delicious blend of healing autumnal tea. Herbs are medicinal and a great way to connect with Nature. You can be creative with this warming beverage, and add what you like. Here is a simple formula (with my favourite flavours!):
Ginger
Cinnamon
Cardamom
Nutmeg
Star anise
Cloves
Think of Chai ingredients! You can add a milk of your choice to make it a heartier drink.
As you prepare and drink your tea, take a few deep breaths. Infuse the tea with an intention or take the time to reflect on the positive things in your life. Or on anything that brings you warmth!
Decorate your home or your alter
Bring in elements of Autumn. Colours, flowers, whatever inspires you! It’s a creative activity that will make your space feel cozy and special.
Food & company
Host a feast, bring people together to share in joy and fresh food. Or enjoy a simple meal with friends/family. Whatever you have time for, and whatever feels right for you!
Celebrations are better in good company.
Ritual/meditation
Use this opportunity to connect with yourself and use the energy of this time to help you through. Here are a few practices you can try.
Gratitude meditation
Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Get comfortable in a seated or relaxed position. Close your eyes. Take as long as you need to breathe and ground your energy.
Consider your life. Consider all the things in your life right now. How do they bring joy to your life?
Consider all the People in your life right now. How do they enhance your life?
How do these people and these things make you feel?
Express your gratitude to each thing and each person. Repeat “thank you” in your mind or out loud as you say it to each thing and each person. Focus on the sensations when you say thank you. The feeling you get when you express your gratitude.
When you’re finished, take a few deep breaths. And slowly reawaken your body one joint at a time.
Write down your thoughts in your journal. You can write these on sticky notes and have them around your home or office to remind you of all the goodness in your life.
Rebalancing Meditation
Consider the different aspects of your life and ask yourself these questions:
Where is my energy going? To one or some things more than others? Where would I like to bring balance into my life?
What projects or energy-giving do I want to wrap up before the winter?
Write down your answers in your journal, and these become a part of your meditation.
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Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Get comfortable in a seated or relaxed position. Close your eyes. Take as long as you need to breathe and ground your energy.
Tune into your body. Breathe into every corner and every atom of your being. Where do you feel any blocks or tension? Are there any areas that have been getting less attention? Consider how your journal answers from above feel in your body. Are these connected?
Focus your attention on an area of tension, on an energy block.
Imagine a beautiful white light. Feel the light flowing over you. See or imagine the light infusing that area. Feel this light healing you and rebalancing your energy. Give yourself permission to let go of the energy you no longer need. Release it.
Do this with all the blocks or tension areas in your body, one at a time.
When you think you’ve gotten them all, check in with your body. Breathe deeply and see if there are remaining blocks or tension. If so, use the light to bathe that area and rebalance.
To conclude, see the light flowing over your whole body and mind and spirit. Notice how you feel.
When you’re finished, take a few deep breaths. And slowly reawaken your body one joint at a time.
Ritual
Decorate your alter, light an autumn candle, and say or sing these words.
Like the seasons, I transform. I release old energies and invite balance into my life.
If astronomy, seasonal changes, or rituals and meditations aren’t your thing, I hope you can still appreciate the beauty of this time. I hope you take a moment to reflect on your own seasons. Perhaps on how you’ve changed in just the last 3 months.
Get to know your cycles and celebrate them! Let go of old energy and patterns to move forward into Autumn feeling light and balanced.