Rituals for the Autumn Equinox

September 22, 2021

Can you feel that? The collective energy is shifting in a major way!

On Wednesday, September 22nd, we welcome the Autumn Equinox (and if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, the Spring Equinox!).

A popular saying in the esoteric arts is “As Above, So Below” and we find that to be especially true this time of year.

While we observe nature’s brilliant metamorphosis around us...we’re also undergoing transformation as individuals. Aspects that no longer serve our life’s evolution will die away, making room for new opportunities that align with our highest paths.

The Autumn Equinox is a beautiful time of year to honor the shedding of old skin. This process is especially potent when we recognize everything around us as a mirror...and acknowledge that reflections shift based on perspective.

As no coincidence, the fall season is often referred to as “cuffing season” and highlights our intimate relationships with others. Astrology echoes this running theme...as Libra Season, the sign of balance, begins on the same day as the Equinox.

Rituals for the Autumn Equinox:

The Autumn Equinox is special because the length of the day is exactly equal to the length of the night. With that in mind, it’s a special time to honor the balancing acts of our most intimate partnerships.

All of the following rituals acknowledge and appreciate the natural energy of the Autumn Equinox. We encourage you to pick one that really speaks to you, do a combination of all three, or come up with your own! There’s no way to do a ritual incorrectly as long as your intention is pure.

A Nature Ritual

Many of us hear “Autumn Equinox” and picture beautiful fall leaves of every shape, size, and color. This ritual is meant to honor how the changing landscape mirrors our own evolution.

Find a tree that you see frequently in your life. Maybe it’s one in your yard, or in a courtyard at your office building. Just make sure it’s one you’re near regularly. On Wednesday, September 22nd, snap a photo of it! Don’t think too much about the time of day, or where you’re standing. Just take the photo.

For the following four weeks, snap a photo of that same tree every single week. At the next Full Moon (that will be Wednesday, October 20th) take time to review the five photos of the tree beside one another.

Journal prompts:

How different does the final photo look from the first?

Which one is your favorite? Why?

Do any of the photos mirror what YOU were feeling/thinking/doing that day?

How did the repetitiveness of this process feel? Could there be beauty you’re missing in your repetitive tasks that deserve more appreciation and reverence?

An Affirmation Ritual

The Autumn Equinox is also the first day of Libra Season, an air sign all about communication. This ritual celebrates speaking kindly to ourselves, so that we may speak more kindly to others.

List the five best compliments you’ve ever received. Whether you “believe” them to be true about yourself or not, reframe them as affirmations that you can repeat to yourself on the Autumn Equinox (and beyond)! Like the changing of the seasons, there are outdated versions of yourself that these will help you shed.

EXAMPLE:

Compliment: “You always make me feel so good about myself.”

Affirmation: I’m gifted at reflecting people’s brilliance.

A Tarot Ritual

On September 22nd we will experience an equally long day and night. This grants us a special glimpse into the balance of our lives...or the lack thereof. Tarot is an amazing ritual for finding your center.

If you have your own Tarot deck, pulling cards on the Autumn Equinox is an extremely powerful practice. Here’s a spread we came up with (or feel free to ask whatever is on your heart!) honoring 7 questions, as Libra energy is associated with the number 7.

What is the energy that surrounds me on this Autumn Equinox?

What am I ready to release at this time?

Where can I bring more beauty into my life this fall?

How will my partnerships feel through the remainder of 2021?

What can I do to bring more peace into my life this season?

What new energy is ready to come into my life now?

Where do I need to restore balance this fall?

If you do any (or all!) of these Autumn Equinox rituals, we would LOVE to hear about them! Tag us in photos of your spread, or photos of your tree over the coming weeks @ritualshoppe!