Fall Equinox Practices🌾

September 24, 2023

It’s time to say goodbye to the warm embrace of summer and welcome the crisp, colorful days of autumn. We find ourselves at a pivotal point in the natural cycle of the year – the Fall Equinox. 

This celestial event, marked by equal hours of daylight and darkness, holds profound spiritual significance for many cultures and individuals around the world. 

How is it significant for you?

It’s a time of balance, reflection, and a gentle transition into the colder months ahead. 

I, for one, can find myself in deep resistance to what I know lies ahead in the long, dark, cold winter days and at the same time I know the value of going into the depth of winter hibernation.

If you would like to connect more deeply with yourself and harness the energies of this season, here are some meaningful practices I’ve been playing with this week to support me during this time.

• • • Acknowledge Balance in Your Life: The Fall Equinox is a reminder of the delicate equilibrium that exists in our world and within ourselves. Reflect on the areas or relationships in your life that feel out of balance – whether it’s work, family, or personal well-being. Journal your thoughts about what is possibly out of balance, what fears are likely getting in the way and perhaps set intentions for restoring harmony in these aspects of your life.

• • • Harvest Gratitude: Much like the earth’s harvest during this season, it’s a perfect time to reap the fruits of your own labor and experience gratitude. Create a gratitude list or journal to remind yourself of the abundance in your life, both big and small. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can transform your perspective and bring positivity into your daily routine.

• • • Connect with Nature: Autumn’s vibrant colors and changing landscapes invite us to immerse ourselves in nature. Take leisurely walks in the woods, visit a pumpkin patch, or simply sit in your backyard and observe the changing foliage. These moments of communion with the natural world can be deeply grounding and spiritually nourishing.

• • •  Embrace Seasonal Foods: One way to align with the energy of the season is by incorporating seasonal foods into your diet. Autumn’s bounty includes root vegetables, apples, pumpkins, and hearty grains. Preparing meals with these ingredients not only nourishes your body but also connects you to the Earth’s cycles.

• • •  Release and Let Go: Just as trees shed their leaves in preparation for winter, the Fall Equinox invites you to release what no longer serves you. Reflect on any emotional baggage, grudges, or old patterns that are holding you back. Write them down on pieces of paper and ceremoniously burn or bury them, symbolizing your willingness to let go and make space for new growth.

• • •  Create an Altar or Sacred Space: Design a small altar or sacred space in your home dedicated to the fall season. Decorate it with items like colorful leaves, acorns, candles, or crystals that resonate with the energy of balance and transformation. Spend time there in quiet reflection or meditation.

• • •  Meditation and Contemplation: Dedicate time to meditation or your favorite contemplative practice. Sit quietly, focus on your breath, and let your mind settle. This inner stillness can help you gain insight into your life’s direction and the changes you may want to make.

• • •  Honoring Ancestry: In many cultures, the fall equinox is a time to honor ancestors and connect with your lineage. Consider lighting a candle, setting out photos of loved ones who have passed, and taking a moment to remember and pay homage to their wisdom and experiences. Consider asking your ancestors for their wisdom and support in an area of your life where you might be struggling to know what is best.

The Fall Equinox offers a precious opportunity to pause, reflect, and align with the changing energies of the season. By embracing these practices and weaving them into your life, you can tap into the spiritual depth of this time, finding balance, gratitude, and renewal as you journey through the autumn season. Remember that these practices are a personal journey, and you can adapt them to suit your unique spiritual path and preferences.

I invite you to find some time this week and choose one of the above to practice. I’d love to hear how it goes for you.

With gratitude and love,

Annmarie Chereso
Author, Speaker, Coach, & Meditation Teacher