We have entered the first month of autumn and feel the seasons changing just as quietly, even though September started out with nice and warm late summer weather, we see the leaves on the trees changing color, the air is cooler and the evenings are getting dark earlier.

Autumn is slowly upon us and soon we will be able to celebrate the Autumn Equinox.

I would love to tell you more about it, guide you through the autumn equinox and how you can celebrate and create a ritual for this special time of year.

What is the autumnal equinox?

Twice a year, we have equinoxes on Earth, which are an astronomical sign of the change of seasons.

This means that the Sun is directly above the Earth's equator, making day and night equal in length; it divides the day into two, with equal amounts of light and darkness. Here in Denmark, the autumnal equinox falls on Saturday, September 23rd this year, to be exact at 08:49 on Saturday morning .

The autumnal equinox marks the change from summer to autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, and from winter to spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

In English, the equinox is called “ Equinox ”, which comes from Latin and means “equal night”, which makes good sense in relation to the Danish translation ejkmøgn - even, meaning that something is equal, evenly distributed and periodic.

Those of us in the northern hemisphere will experience the transition from summer to autumn, with daylight hours becoming shorter and shorter, and at the same time it will become colder because the sun is tilting away from the Earth.

The autumnal equinox does not fall on the same date every year, but will shift between September 22-24, as the Earth's orbit around the Sun is not exactly 365 days but closer to 365.25, which is why there is also a leap year every four years.

Equinoxes are used by astronomers to calibrate calendars and observations, because equinoxes are crucial for determining celestial events, such as the positions of stars and other planets.

Now we have the purely astronomical and scientific aspects in place, which form the basis of the Autumn Equinox, and we can therefore continue to the cultural and spiritual significance.

Cultural and Spiritual Meanings of the Autumn Equinox

Many cultures and traditions around the world have celebrated the Autumnal Equinox for centuries with harvest festivals and rituals marking the changing seasons. For many faiths and beliefs, the equinox symbolizes balance and harmony, as it is the time when day and night are in balance.

Celebrating the harvest is done because people appreciate the abundance of crops that have grown throughout the spring and summer, and many people participate in rituals or parties where they share food and show gratitude for the gifts of the Earth, especially those associated with autumn: such as apples, mushrooms, pumpkins, grains (baked bread), and corn on the cob.

It is also the time when you recognize and appreciate the fruits of your own work and effort, whether it be physical crops or other aspects of life - spiritual, relationships, projects, or what you have put energy and time into.

As I mentioned earlier, day and night will be in balance and divided equally on the Autumn Equinox, and therefore it is also natural for many to look more closely and seek balance and equilibrium in their own lives through reflection, evaluation and self-examination.

This can be through meditations and other rituals such as setting intentions, letting go of what no longer serves you, and preparing for the coming season, autumn. As part of the rituals, an altar can be created where one engages in quiet contemplation with symbolic objects/items. These could be symbols of the season such as flowers, leaves, fruits, and candles , and possibly adding crystals, herbs, or other objects that resonate with the energy of balance and transition.

I will touch on which crystals are well suited in a moment, where I will guide you through creating your ritual to support you on the Autumn Equinox.

The autumnal equinox is very much connected to nature, and many have a tradition of honoring the nature around us. This can include spending time outside, taking in all the beautiful and changing colors on the leaves of the trees and bushes - enjoying and appreciating our beautiful Mother Earth.

Other ways to honor nature include performing ceremonies to connect with nature. This can include planting new plants, making offerings to nature spirits, gods, and ancestors as a way to express gratitude and ask for blessings for this season. You can also clean up nature for the benefit of our beautiful Mother Earth, whom we must take care of.

Since the Autumn Equinox represents the point where darkness gains ground and takes over, making the days shorter, it is and has been a spiritual practice throughout the ages to use this symbolism to celebrate the interplay between light and darkness both in the physical world and within ourselves. Here, the lighting of candles, lanterns, and bonfires is used to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.

Are you interested in folklore and myths? Stay tuned and read on.

Folklore and myths for the Autumn Equinox

In Greek mythology, the story of Persephone is known, which describes the changing of the seasons: Persephone, daughter of Demeter (goddess of agriculture) was abducted by Hades and taken to the Underworld. Demeter's grief causes the Earth to wither and become barren. When Persephone is allowed to return to the surface, Demeter's joy is so great that a rebirth of vegetation occurs, symbolizing the return of life and fertility. Therefore, Persephone's time in the Underworld is associated with the autumn and winter months, while her reunion with her mother symbolizes spring and the coming of summer.

The Welsh festival of Mabon celebrates the Autumnal Equinox, named after the Welsh god Mabon ap Modron, who shares the same fate as Persephone - he is taken from his mother at birth, but is later rescued. During this festival, people give thanks for the harvest, hold feasts and make offerings to the gods. At the same time, it also emphasizes the balance between light and darkness, as the days grow shorter.

There is attached various objects for the autumnal equinox in various European cultures, which also involve rituals and ancient customs to ensure a rich harvest and protection against the coming autumn and winter. For example, scarecrows were used both to protect one's crops from birds, but also to keep evil spirits away. Eggs, symbolizing fertility and new beginnings, were dyed or decorated as part of the celebrations. Corn dolls made from the last harvested grains were decorated and stored until the spring sowing, and symbolize the cycle of life with life, death and rebirth.

What they all have in common is that they reflect the significance of the changing seasons and the harvest.

Crystals for the Autumnal Equinox

These crystals support and amplify the energies that we feel and associate with the Autumn Equinox.

• Carnelian : Because of its beautiful and warm earthy tones, carnelian is often associated with autumn and the withered leaves. It grounds you, empowers you to be yourself - it creates vitality, motivation, energy and passion
• Citrine : Creates balance mentally and physically, vibrates with energy and positivity. The ancient Greeks used citrine to attract prosperity and abundance
• Selenite : Perfect for cleansing, brings peace and can help you gain clarity and overview of your life. Helps you attract the energies you desire
• Smoky Quartz : Creates a deep grounding connection, has a calming effect and will lift your mood. Helps you let go of what no longer serves you, so you can look forward and embrace all the good

Rituals, meditations and reflections for the Autumn Equinox

Are Oracle cards part of your practice or would you like to start? Then autumn is the perfect time to delve into the messages and energies of the magical cards.

On October 1st, The Ultimate Guide to Oracle Cards will be launched on our new course portal!

Personally, I absolutely love this powerful oracle card set: The Earthcraft Oracle , which connects Mother Earth's wisdom and guidance with your intuition.

If you can't get enough of Mother Earth, Earth Magic Oracle can give you advice and messages with its beautiful illustrations and words.

TIP. Ask the cards “What should my focus be in the fall?”

Meditations and reflections during the Autumn Equinox

It can be very meaningful to meditate and reflect during the Autumn Equinox and connect with the changing seasons, find balance, and show gratitude.

Bring with you what you intuitively feel you need, that supports and nourishes you.

Light and Darkness Meditation:

Find a quiet and peaceful place outside or by a window where you can observe the changing light during the Autumnal Equinox, close your eyes and take deep breaths to ground yourself - in through your nose, hold for 5 seconds, exhale slowly through your mouth and repeat.

Reflect on the balance between light and dark in your own life, and consider whether there are areas where you need to restore balance. Imagine that you are drawing in the energy of balance and harmony as you breathe in through your nose, and as you breathe out through your mouth, you are releasing tension and imbalances.

Open your eyes, observe the changing light around you and acknowledge the beauty in both day and night, light and dark.

Gratitude meditation:

Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths - in through your nose, hold for 5 seconds, slowly out through your mouth.

Recall in your thoughts what you are grateful for; especially that which relates to the harvest season and the abundance in your life.

With each breath, feel a sense of gratitude and let it fill your heart and mind; especially the people, experiences, and opportunities that enrich your life. Express gratitude for the Earth's abundance and the nourishment it provides you.
When you are ready, you open your eyes and the feeling of gratitude carries with you into your day.

Connection to nature:

Find a place in nature: a park, forest or the sea, where you can immerse yourself in the beautiful sights, sounds and smells of autumn - maybe you have a favorite spot where you always seek out? Take a leisurely walk and then find a nice place to sit.

Notice the changing colors of the leaves on the trees, the rustling of the wind, and the seasonal scents. Allow yourself to fully engage with the natural world around you. As you do so, reflect on your own connection to nature and your role in caring for and respecting Mother Earth.

When you are well-filled with good nourishing emotions and energies, you can continue your trip, or take the wonderful feeling home with you.

The symbolism of the season:

Choose a symbol of autumn such as a leaf, fruit, mushroom, acorn or similar and hold it in your hands. Close your eyes and consider the symbolism of your chosen object - what does it represent to you? What learning can you learn from it?
Imagine the journey your symbol has taken through the previous seasons and consider how your life is like the cycle of the seasons with periods of growth, harvest and rest.

Reflect on what you would like to 'cultivate' in your life during the fall.

TIP: You can use it as part of your journaling and write down your reflections.

Set intentions:

Find a quiet place and sit comfortably. Reflect on your goals and intentions for the fall. What do you want to do and achieve, what do you need in the coming time?

Write your intentions in your journal, and let them revolve around balance, gratitude, and reaping what you have sown earlier in the season. Visualize yourself taking steps toward achieving these intentions, and feel the positive outcome and sense of fulfillment that will come with it.

Inspiration for rituals:

• Create an altar in your home or outside to honor the cycle of nature - flowers, leaves, fruits, candles, herbs and crystals can be included
• Invite your friends/family to dinner, where you start the fall with good food, togetherness and gratitude.
• Make a fire!
• Go for walks and enjoy nature, disconnect and just be, look around and feel nature. You can also collect some of nature's gifts in gratitude.
• Keep a journal and write down the things you are grateful for - both big and small, it is so rewarding and loving to put your gratitude under scrutiny.
• Tidy up, clean and possibly cleanse with incense to make room for a new season and new energy.
• Be kind to and help others. Give back.
  
  

Thank you for reading, I hope you are now wiser and better equipped to celebrate the Autumn Equinox, create your own ritual, and be lovingly and nourishingly supported during this change of season.

I wish you a wonderful day and a nice evening for the Autumn Equinox.