Celebrate the Changing Season and Yourself
As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, we welcome the Autumn Equinox, a time of balance, reflection, and harvest. Known by many names, including Mabon in Pagan traditions, the equinox represents the moment when day and night are equal, offering us the opportunity to pause and reconnect with ourselves and the natural world.
In spiritual terms, the autumn equinox represents a time of balance and duality. As day and night are equal, so too are we called to find harmony between our inner and outer worlds, our work and our rest, our giving and our receiving. It’s a time to slow down, to harvest both literally and metaphorically, and to prepare for the quieter, more introspective season of winter.
Autumn Equinox Celebrations Around the World
Across cultures, the time around the Autumn Equinox is marked by various traditions and festivals, all celebrating the harvest and the shift from light to dark.
Shūbun no Hi is a national holiday in Japan dedicated to honoring ancestors and visiting graves. It serves as a time of reflection, where families come together to pay respects to those who have passed and to appreciate the cyclical nature of life and death. Falling during the Autumn Equinox, the holiday embodies the idea of balance, not just between light and dark, but also between the past and present, as people reflect on their roots while preparing for the coming season.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most important holidays in China. Celebrated with mooncakes, lanterns, and family gatherings, the festival centers around the full moon, symbolizing unity, abundance, and the harvest season. Traditionally, it’s a time to give thanks for the year’s harvest while enjoying the beauty of the autumn moon, with its roundness representing reunion and completeness in Chinese culture.
Mabon is a Pagan/Wiccan festival celebrated during the Autumn Equinox, typically falling between September 21st and 24th. The name Mabon was coined by Aidan Kelly, co-founder of the New Reformed Orthodox Order of the Golden Dawn in the 1970’s. He named it after the Welsh god Mabon ap Modron, a figure of youth and abundance, this festival encourages gratitude for the fruits of our labor and a reflection on the balance in our lives. Other names for the Autumn Equinox include Harvest Home, Alban Elfed (in Druidic tradition), and simply the Fall Equinox.
These celebrations, whether spiritual or cultural, all emphasize gratitude, balance, and the gathering of both resources and wisdom. Autumn Equinox symbolizes the celebration of the bountiful harvest and the beginning of preparations for the winter to come.
5 Ways to Bring Autumn Equinox Energy Into Your Life
Now that we understand the meaning of this time, let’s explore five ways you can harness the energy of the equinox and apply it to your life. Whether you’re a practicing witch or simply someone who loves the magic of the changing seasons, these ideas will help you connect with autumn’s transformative power.
1. Crafting a Sacred Space for the Fall Season
Bringing the outside in is a wonderful way to celebrate the changing season and infuse your home with the energy of autumn. Nature provides a beautiful palette of warm, earthy tones that can be easily incorporated into your décor. Think about gathering fallen leaves, branches, pinecones, and acorns from your yard or local park. These natural elements can be used in centerpieces, wreaths, or even as simple accents placed in bowls or on mantels. Incorporating seasonal fruits like apples and pumpkins also adds a sense of harvest and abundance to your space.
For a personal touch, try crafting your own autumn decorations. You can create a homemade wreath with grapevines and add dried flowers, herbs, or ribbon in autumn hues. Another idea is to make scented candles or sachets using cinnamon, cloves, and dried oranges to bring a warm, cozy fragrance into your home. You might even paint small pumpkins or gourds in gold or copper for a stylish twist on traditional fall décor. These creative projects allow you to connect with the season in a hands-on, meaningful way.
Creating a dedicated harvest altar can deepen this connection even further. Decorate an altar with autumnal items like leaves, pumpkins, acorns, apples, and candles. Incorporate symbols of balance—such as scales or yin-yang imagery—representing the harmony between light and dark. You can also add items that represent your personal “harvest,” such as photos, journals, or mementos from the past year. This altar becomes a sacred space in your home, reminding you of the abundance and transitions that both the season and your life bring.
2. Savoring the Harvest with Seasonal Foods
Gathering around a table to enjoy the fruits of the harvest is a beautiful way to connect with the energy of Mabon. The autumn equinox symbolizes abundance and balance, and there’s no better way to honor this than by incorporating seasonal ingredients into your meals. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a simple dinner for yourself, cooking with the colors and flavors of fall brings the richness of the season into your home. Think about adding root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, hearty squashes, and fruits like apples and pears to your meals.
One easy way to enjoy the bounty of the season is by preparing a roasted vegetable medley. Simply chop up your favorite fall vegetables—such as butternut squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes—toss them in olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme. Roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are golden and tender. This dish pairs beautifully with any main course and can also stand alone as a simple, nourishing meal.
Even if you’re not cooking for a large group, preparing a meal with mindfulness and gratitude can still be a meaningful practice. As you chop, stir, and season, take a moment to reflect on the connection between the earth’s harvest and the nourishment on your table. By approaching your meal with this sense of gratitude, you bring the spirit of Autumn Equinox into your kitchen, honoring the balance of giving and receiving that autumn represents.
3. Honoring Changing Seasons of Your Body with Self Care
As the earth transitions into autumn, so too does your body, particularly if you’re experiencing perimenopause or beyond. This season is a beautiful opportunity to honor and nurture the changes within yourself. One way to do this is by creating a soothing bath ritual that incorporates autumnal scents and herbs. Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or geranium to your bath, and include herbs such as rosemary or clary sage. Light some candles to enhance the ambiance, and let yourself relax and reflect as you soak. This ritual not only provides physical relaxation but also allows you to connect with the cyclical nature of your body’s changes.
Autumn, with its deepening shades and cooling temperatures, mirrors the transition many women experience around the age of 40 and beyond. Just as the seasons move from the vibrant growth of spring to the more subdued light of winter, your body undergoes its own shifts. Perimenopause, often likened to autumn in a woman’s life, marks a period of transition where the body is preparing for the quieter, introspective phase of menopause. Embracing this time as a season of wisdom and strength rather than one of loss or fear can be empowering.
Taking time to reflect on these changes and give yourself extra care is essential. Just as the harvest represents a culmination of growth and effort, your journey through perimenopause can be seen as a rich period of transformation. Allow yourself to rest, recharge, and prepare for the next phase with the same appreciation you would give to the autumn season and its harvest.
4. Cultivating Gratitude During Autumn Equinox
Autumn Equinox, is an ideal time to pause and reflect on the achievements of the past season and to express gratitude for the abundance in your life. This time of year, as the days grow shorter and the harvest is gathered, invites us to take stock of what we have accomplished so far this year and to appreciate the journey. One powerful way to engage with this season is through gratitude journaling. By setting aside a few moments each day to record what you’re thankful for, you create a personal ritual that honors your journey.
Begin your gratitude journaling practice by writing down five things you’re thankful for each day. This can be done in the days leading up to the equinox and continuing afterward, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the practice. Focusing on positive aspects of your life not only enhances your awareness of the abundance you possess but also shifts your mindset from one of scarcity to one of appreciation. This intentional act of acknowledging the good in your life can foster a deeper sense of contentment and joy.
Integrating this practice into your daily routine can transform your perspective and enrich your overall well-being. As this season of fall encourages reflection and balance, gratitude journaling helps to align your thoughts with the positive aspects of your life, reinforcing a mindset of thankfulness and abundance. Embracing this ritual during this time can offer a meaningful way to connect with the equinox’s energy and celebrate the fullness of life.
5. Finding Harmony and Balance Through Reconnecting with Nature
The Autumn Equinox is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and seek balance in your life. As the season shifts, take a leisurely walk in a nearby park or forest to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of autumn. Observe the changing leaves, listen to the crunch of fallen foliage underfoot, and breathe in the crisp, cool air. To fully engage with this experience, leave your headphones at home and turn your phone on silent. Disconnecting from technology allows you to fully enjoy the serenity of your surroundings and deepen your connection with the season.
During your walk, use this time for personal reflection. Think about the balance in your own life—where you feel centered and where you might need to make adjustments. As you take in the sights and sounds around you, allow your thoughts to flow naturally. This mindful practice can provide insight into areas of your life that may need more attention or realignment, much like how autumn signals a period of transition and renewal in nature.
Incorporating these walks into your routine can offer a refreshing perspective and a sense of harmony. The tranquil environment of nature provides a serene backdrop for contemplation, helping you to align your inner balance with the equilibrium represented by the equinox. By embracing this simple yet profound activity, you honor the season’s spirit and create space for personal growth and renewal.
The Autumn Equinox, like the cycles of our lives, reminds us to honor balance, change, and reflection. For women over 40, this season can serve as a powerful metaphor for the changes our bodies undergo as we move through life. Embracing these shifts—whether they are within us or in the world around us—allows us to find peace, joy, and gratitude in the process of aging and transformation.
As you celebrate this Autumn Equinox and the turning of the year, take the time to recognize the abundance in your life, find balance in the changes, and welcome the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate as you prepare for the quiet season of winter.
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