The Magic of Seasonal Transitions
September & Preparing for the Autumn Equinox
"September is the month of maturity; the heaped basket and the garnered sheaf. It is the month of climax and completion. September! I never tire of turning it over and over in my mind. It has warmth, depth and color. It glows like old amber." -Patience Strong*
September is one of my favorite times of the year: fall is in sight, the weather begins to cool (at least later in the month), and we can decorate for Samhain / Halloween! The first half of September anticipates Fall, and the end lets us live it. This shift is marked by the fall equinox.
The Fall (Autumn) Equinox, also known as Mabon in some traditions, marks a moment of perfect balance—the day when light and dark are equal, just before the nights begin to overtake the days. This year, the Autumn Equinox falls on September 22, 2024. This time of year invites us to pause, reflect, and prepare as the Earth settles into a new rhythm. The equinox is a time of both celebration and contemplation, offering us an opportunity to align ourselves with the natural world and embrace the magic of seasonal transition. And, it’s not too early to start preparing.
Embracing Balance in All Areas of Life
The concept of balance is at the heart of the Autumn Equinox. Just as the Earth finds equilibrium between light and dark, we too can strive to bring balance into our own lives. This is an ideal time to assess where we might be out of sync—whether it's in our daily routines, our relationships, or our own inner worlds. Reflect on the areas where you feel unbalanced. Are you overextending yourself in certain areas while neglecting others? Are there aspects of your life that feel chaotic or overwhelming? Use this time to create a plan for restoring harmony, whether that means setting boundaries, adjusting your schedule, or dedicating more time to self-care.
Consider setting aside time for a quiet reflection, perhaps with a journal, to contemplate areas where you seek more harmony. Writing down your thoughts can be a powerful way to gain clarity. You might also consider incorporating a meditative practice that focuses on balance—such as yoga, tai chi, or simply sitting quietly in nature. As you reflect, visualize yourself finding that equilibrium, just as the Earth does at this time of year. This practice can help you move into the next season with a sense of peace and readiness.
Creating a Sacred Autumn Altar
One of the most meaningful ways to honor the equinox is by creating an autumn altar. This sacred space can serve as a focal point for your seasonal practices and rituals. Altars are personal expressions of your spiritual journey, and for the Autumn Equinox, they can be a reflection of the season’s themes: balance, harvest, gratitude, and preparation for the darker months ahead.
Begin by gathering symbols of the harvest season—such as apples, pumpkins, colorful leaves, acorns, and dried herbs—and arranging them with intention. You might include candles in deep, warm colors like burgundy, orange, and gold to represent the waning light and the warmth of the Earth. Crystals such as citrine, carnelian, and smoky quartz can be added to amplify the energies of abundance, grounding, and protection.
Your altar can also be a place for honoring the elements. Consider placing a bowl of water, a feather, a small dish of earth, and a candle to represent water, air, earth, and fire, respectively. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in the harvest season and can remind you of the interconnectedness of all things. This altar can be a place for daily meditation, where you can ground yourself in the energy of the season, offer thanks, and set intentions for the months ahead.
Rituals of Gratitude and Letting Go
As we stand at the threshold of autumn, it’s a time to give thanks for the abundance we’ve received throughout the year. The Autumn Equinox is often seen as the second harvest festival, a time to reap the rewards of our efforts and celebrate the fruits of our labor. A simple yet powerful ritual of gratitude can be performed on the equinox, where you take stock of your blessings and express thanks for them.
You might begin by lighting a candle and sitting quietly with your thoughts. As you reflect on the year so far, consider all the ways you’ve been blessed—whether through material gains, personal growth, or meaningful connections. Speak aloud the things you’re grateful for, and visualize them filling your heart with warmth. If you keep a gratitude journal, this is an excellent time to add to it, noting not just what you’re thankful for, but also how these blessings have shaped your journey.
The equinox is also a time for letting go. Just as the trees begin to shed their leaves, we too can release what no longer serves us. This might include old habits, limiting beliefs, or even physical clutter that has accumulated over the summer. Consider performing a release ritual, where you write down the things you wish to let go of and then safely burn the paper, allowing the smoke to carry away those burdens. This practice not only honors what you have but also clears the way for new blessings to enter your life as the wheel of the year turns.
Seasonal Cooking and the Magic of the Harvest
One of the most tangible ways to celebrate the equinox is through the kitchen, the heart of the home. Autumn is a time of harvest, and there’s something inherently magical about cooking with seasonal ingredients like squash, apples, pears, root vegetables, and hearty grains. Preparing meals that honor the bounty of the season can be a deeply spiritual act, connecting you to the Earth and the cycles of nature.
If you do not grow your own food, consider starting with a trip to a farmers’ market, where you can select fresh, local produce to incorporate into your meals. Cooking seasonal dishes, such as roasted root vegetables, apple pies, or hearty stews, can be a way to bring the energy of the equinox into your home. As you prepare these dishes, do so with intention, infusing your cooking with gratitude for the Earth’s abundance. You might even dedicate a portion of your meal as an offering on your autumn altar, giving thanks for the nourishment it provides. My Kitchen Witchery page may offer some additional advice, and on Thursday, I’ll be sharing my favorite zucchini bread recipe.
Sharing your harvest with loved ones can enhance the experience. Consider inviting friends or family over for a communal feast, where everyone contributes a dish made from seasonal ingredients. As you gather around the table, take a moment to express gratitude for the food and for each other. This shared meal can be a celebration of the harvest, of community, and of the deep connections that sustain us through the darker months ahead.
Preparing for the Darker Days Ahead
With the equinox, we also begin the descent into the darker half of the year. This shift is not just physical but also spiritual, as we move from the outward energy of summer to the inward focus of autumn and winter. It’s a natural time to start preparing for the introspective months ahead, both in practical and spiritual terms.
On a practical level, you might focus on clearing out physical clutter, letting go of what’s no longer needed, and creating a cozy, nurturing environment in your home. This could involve cleaning out your pantry, swapping out summer clothes for warmer layers, or adding cozy touches to your living space—think blankets, warm lighting, and autumnal décor. These simple actions can help create a space where you feel safe and comfortable as you prepare to spend more time indoors.
Spiritually, this can be a time to engage in shadow work, exploring the parts of yourself that are ready to be acknowledged and healed as the nights grow longer. Shadow work involves looking at the hidden or repressed aspects of yourself—those parts that are often pushed aside but hold valuable lessons and insights. Consider dedicating time to journaling, meditation, or tarot readings focused on uncovering these hidden aspects and integrating them into your consciousness. I’ve written about Shadow Work more here.
Final Thoughts on the Autumn Equinox
The Autumn Equinox is a powerful moment of transition, offering us the chance to honor the balance between light and dark, both in the world around us and within ourselves. It’s a time to celebrate the harvest, give thanks for our blessings, and prepare for the introspective journey ahead. As you prepare for this sacred time, remember that it’s not just about rituals and practices—it’s about tuning into the rhythms of the Earth and allowing yourself to be guided by its wisdom.
Whether through quiet reflection, creative expression, or gathering with loved ones, let this equinox month be a time of deep connection and meaningful transition as we journey into the heart of autumn. By embracing the magic of this seasonal shift, we can find balance, cultivate gratitude, and prepare ourselves for the darker, more introspective months to come.
*Patience Strong is the pen name of of Winifred Emma May (1907–1990), a British poet, writer, and broadcaster best known for her inspirational verses. She gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, especially through her column "The Quiet Corner," which appeared in the Daily Mirror newspaper.
May you find balance in the shifting seasons and embrace the warmth of autumn’s glow. —Stacy