As we continue reintegrating with the universe around us, slowly we are making our way back to harmony with the Earth, the stars, all of the energies around us. One of the best practices for finding more alignment is seasonally recognizing the shifts we go through in sync with the Sun and the Earth. Celebrating the different solstices and equinoxes can be very powerful in aiding this shift.
Since we are coming up upon the Fall Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, let’s dive into what it is and how you can acknowledge it in meaningful ways!
what is the fall equinox?
The Fall Equinox, also known as the autumnal equinox, is the day when there are equal parts daytime hours and nighttime hours. From this day forward the night hours will stretch and grow, leaving our daylight hours dwindling. This year, in the Northern Hemisphere, the Fall Equinox is on September 22nd, 2024. It’s important to note for the Southern Hemisphere the solstices and equinoxes are opposite of the Northern based on the Earth’s axis tilt and the different relation to the sun this brings.
what does this mean for us energetically?
If we look at nature, temperatures begin to fall and plant/animal life begins to slow down. The same is true for us; we energetically begin slowing down. As a time of balance and pause, we enter a transitional moment between the bright half of the year and the dark half of the year. Shifting out of the more extroverted spring and summer energies – which are all about play, pleasure, connection – into the more introverted fall and winter energies. This brings forth more rest, intimate connection, solitude, and reflection. Historically, it’s a time to gather your resources, honor the bounty of your harvest, and reap what was sown.
Spiritually and energetically, this is a great time to reflect and express gratitude. You can revisit those goals or routines you set for the year – assessing what you’ve accomplished in the year thus far. We are also reaching the halfway point of the astrological year, with the astrological new year on the Spring Equinox in March. How have things been going for you? What would you like to shift or change? How can you allow for transformation into even more alignment?
With the Fall season, many of us in the Northern Hemisphere associate it with a back-to-school season. There is a deeply rooted sense of the proverbial classroom. We are encouraged to lean into our scholastic side and seek out learning. While it may seem like it, this isn’t a modern practice of heading to the classroom around fall. In the olden times, when the weather got colder, the daily activities shifted from farming, building, and hunting to gathering inside together. The darker half of the year was spent sitting around the fire with Elders, learning from them as they shared stories, wisdom, and lessons. Beginning to focus on learning – whether it’s taking a course of some kind, reading some self growth books, or spending time learning from yourself – can help bring you further into alignment with the autumn energies.
how can you celebrate the fall equinox?
There are a plethora of ways in which you can acknowledge this auspicious day. Below I’ve listed different practices to bring you more into alignment. Feel free to try one out or blend them together into a day full of celebration! As always, lean into what feels most connected with you. Perhaps there are things not listed below that are calling for you to utilize in honoring the Fall Equinox.
1. gratitude journaling
This is the perfect time to reflect on the past season and what you’re grateful for! Connect with those goals, manifestations, resolutions you had for the astrological new year in Spring and see your progress without judgment. What abundances has this summer season and half year brought thus far? What about the lessons that have come forth?
2. autumnal feast
Gather your loved ones, each bringing a homemade dish, and celebrate the changing of the season! Perhaps even challenge everyone to use local fall produce and ingredients to really pump up the fall vibes.
3. intention setting & meditation
Create a serene space to get quiet and turn inward with the season. Listen to your heart. What is it yearning for? Can you allow your ego self to be quelled and your higher self to speak up? Then set these intentions and call in what is in alignment mind, body, and spirit for the season ahead.
4. restorative bath
Empty out any stagnant energies & anything no longer serving you in a cozy, cleansing bath. Allow yourself to be immersed in healing waters, resetting you for the autumn and transitional time.
5. make an altar
Honor the season and gaia by gathering local flowers, fruits, vegetables, & symbols of the autumn season. Create a special location in your home to keep this altar all season long! You can set your specific intentions or manifestations for the season into this altar as well. Even if you can only keep it for a few days, it will still be a meaningful way to celebrate.
6. receive a reading/healing
It’s the perfect time to dive deeper, find clarity, shed, and heal to move into the season ahead. Find a practitioner you trust and allow yourself to receive. Check out my offerings linked below in order to find a greater harmony with yourself and the new season:
7. attend a gathering
Gather with others, letting yourself be held in a safe space while you attune to the energies of Fall. Look for a local or virtual event that speaks to your soul. Check out my San Diego Fall Equinox event here and grab your space before we sell out!
8. connect with nature
What better way to connect with the new season than getting out in nature. Go for a walk or hike, sit in a park, head to a body of water, or simply put your feet in some grass!
9. cleanse & decorate your space
With the changing season, it is a wonderful time for refreshing and resetting your space. Clean up your home, cleanse it energetically, and bring in some autumnal decorations.
10. offering to nature
Collect meaningful items such as crystals, fall produce, flowers, food, etc. and make an offering somewhere in nature. Giving back to the land, setting your intentions, and practicing gratitude can all be a beautiful way to celebrate the Fall Equinox.
11. rise & set with the sun
Acknowledge the sun’s light, watching it rise in the east and set in the west. Close your eyes and feel its rays on your skin, illuminating you from within as we enter a darker period of the year.
Whatever way you choose to celebrate, I am wishing you an abundant Fall Equinox and autumn season ahead!