The Autumn Equinox is one of two days per year when we have equal parts of light and darkness in the sky. As we move forward from this day, the nights get longer and the days get shorter. Some celebrate the Autumn Equinox as the first day of Fall, some see it as the beginning of Libra season, and others recognize it as Mabon - the second harvest festival within the Wheel of the Year. I celebrate ALL those things.
This has always been my favorite time of the year because of the beautiful fall colors, pumpkins, and an abundance of apple recipes and desserts. I love visiting orchards and pumpkin patches and allowing the cool crisp air to flow through my home. But deep down I’ve always known there was so much more that I loved about this season, and I didn’t understand it until about a year ago.
Last Fall I began studying the Wheel of the Year and contemplating the death and rebirth cycle from a spiritual perspective. I was in awe of the trees and how they knowingly surrender their leaves each year. The wisdom of Autumn is surrender and that is so clearly reflected in the nature that surrounds us. This is a season of slowing down and turning our gaze inward so that we can nourish our body and soul.
As nature begins to embrace the shadows, so can we! If we allow ourselves to descend into our innermost caverns and shine a light on what is no longer serving us, we can shed those layers with intention. This is called shadow work. It is a process that makes way for new growth, new wisdom, and new beauty to emerge. As we enter the shadow part of the year, we have an opportunity to learn from nature. If you take a moment to pause and connect with the natural world, you might also feel a pull towards this transformational work.
If you're looking for some practical tips to engage with this seasonal shift, I would recommend a movement exploration that pulls you in towards yourself and also down to the earth. Focus your energy on nurturing your physical body and engaging with the floor beneath your feet. Move slowly and softly, engaging your senses. This season is also connected to the element of water. Check out THIS VIDEO for more ideas on how to move with the energy of water.
Here are some tarot/oracle prompts you can use for reflective journaling:
- What is ready to be harvested?
- What is ready to be composted?
- How can I tend to my shadow?
- How can I nurture my roots?
- What should I do to prepare for the quiet of winter?
