As we welcome the turn of the season, Autumn Equinox, it is a time to reflect, take stalk, celebrate and honor the year to date. The energy of fall is the archetypical Queen energy- peering upon the changing landscape before her as she reflects on the previous winter, spring and summer. This season is also called Mabon, which refers to the pagan holiday and one of the eight sabbats and is also the second of three harvest celebrations.
As the season shifts more inwardly compared to the outer expressions of Spring and Summer, Autumn marks the time when we and mama earth begin to turn inwards in preparation for the depths of winter that lay ahead.
Journal Practice
The Autumn Equinix is a beautiful time to reflect on seasons past, and journaling is a lovely way to do this. I suggest dusting off old journals and reading through passages that you have previously written. Feel into your own wisdom. Highlight, underline and re-write tidbits that catch your attention. This is a lovely way to honor your past reflections while harvesting the wisdom that you previously sowed.
Consider:
- As I reflect on seasons past, what am grateful for? In what ways do I feel truly blessed in this life?
- The equinox marks the midway between seasons and is an excellent time to honor inner (Fall and Winter energy) and outer (Spring and Summer energy) accomplishments. Take time to list out a few of this year’s inner and outer accomplishments.
- An external accomplishment may be a promotion, winning an award, starting a new business, or decluttering your home.
- An internal accomplishment may be something like- my inner voice is growing kinder each day, I have been consistent with my meditation goals, or I have set clear boundaries with my sister.
- As the leaves of fall begin to transform into vibrant colors and ultimately fall to their winter resting place, it’s time to reflect on what things you are ready to release. What no longer serves and must be sent back to the earth to be transmuted?
- Finally, as I prepare for the inner work of winter, what wisdom have I gathered this year? Harvest the wisdom of the year.
Home Decor
Bringing in the elements of fall is another way to honor the transition in seasons. Create a table centerpiece with pinecones, berries, and fall leaves. Add pumpkins or squash to your front entryway. Highlight items in your home that reflect the colors of fall, such as rusts, browns, jewel berry tones, and orange. You can always purchase items, but this is not necessary; a glass bowl full of pinecones makes a dramatic (and free) statement. Thrift shops tend to have an amazing selection of brass candle sticks that look pretty with deep-colored taper candles and some juicy apples laid at the base.
Altar Refresh
Updating your altar space to reflect the season is a personal favorite of mine. Seasonal refreshes are nice because it’s not too frequent, but often enough to keep your altar fresh and relevant. If you are new to altar building, I offer virtual, or in-home (Santa Barbara area) altar consults- I help you to understand the foundation of altar building and then empower you to build your altar. Items that are nice for Autumn include herbs (rosemary is my favorite), candles/tea lights, crystals in fall colors, a tart/oracle card, photos of loved ones, statues of saints or deities, and a little cauldron or heatproof vessel. Building/refreshing the altar should be fun, so put on some music that lights you up or mediate prior to help get into the mindset; you will want to place items into the space with intention.
Fall Foods
Create a fall meal to celebrate the turn of the season. Create a hardy stew or cook squash or bake fresh bread. If you are not into cooking, you can make a simple infused butter (stir some crushed rosemary into butter) its all about intention. I also like to create a stovetop potpourri with seasonal items- apples, orange rines, cloves, cinnamon sticks, moon water, and pumpkin spice- mix, match, and play, create a magical pot of joy!
I love this time of year and encourage you to do something to note the change of seasons. I hope you found the suggestions inspiring, and I would love to hear how you choose to celebrate the season.
Blessed Mabon
Jen Downhome Mystic
