Every year it happens. This big energy shift happens and I immediately know: the autumn equinox is coming. For the past weeks I’ve sensed little snippets of it, but last weekend the intensity was undeniable. And it always makes me smile a little, because my excitement for this intense transition usually isn’t shared by the people around me (except by fellow autumn lovers: hi there!).
Isn’t it magical how we—as an equal part of nature—can feel the autumnal shift happening inside ourselves too, without doing anything? It’s all moving by itself, this intelligent and fascinating force of life.
But I’ll admit, even as a big-time Harry Potter–witchy-vibe, cinnamon-and-hot-chocolate lover, this year I don’t exactly feel ready either. Still, there’s no denying it. In just four weeks, on September 22, the autumn equinox begins.
And that’s where autumn rituals step in: they support us in a conscious transition. From summer into autumn, it may even be more important to move with patience and awareness. Because sometimes the mind resists when it’s time to let go. Especially after such an energetically alive summer as we’ve had this year.
So if you’re feeling a little funky, tired, or emotional, this may explain why. Below, I’ll share more about this seasonal energy shift, a few “symptoms” that might suddenly make sense, and some simple yet powerful autumnal rituals to guide you through this collective letting-go in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Energy of the Autumn Equinox: The Transition from Light to Dark
Originally, the autumn equinox was celebrated as the final harvest festival. On this day, light and dark are perfectly balanced. From this point forward, the nights grow longer. And even though the sun is still shining brightly as I’m writing this, the underlying energies are clearly shifting toward a new season.
I’ve always felt these shifts, even as a child, often weeks before the “official” date. And I’ve always loved it. There’s an indescribable, almost magical vibe to this transition. But for many people I share this with, it’s not exactly the kind of news they’re excited about. Understandably so. Because autumn, as one of the four major seasons, is deeply connected to energies of slowing down, letting go, and turning inward.
It also comes with physical changes: less sunlight (and lower vitamin D), colder temperatures, seasonal depression, and more frequent mood swings. Of course, this depends very much on where you are in the world. For Mediterranean regions, autumn may actually be the most pleasant season of all.
The Deeper Lessons and Themes of the Autumn Equinox
Every season is a mirror for our own physical nature—both collective and personal. Winter teaches us rest, silence, and healing. Spring brings playfulness, joy, new beginnings, and fertility. Summer reflects aliveness, lifeforce energy, movement, and togetherness. And the autumn equinox shows us letting go to make space, grief, introversion, reflection, and the comforting reminder that everything will begin again. None of these cycles exist without the others.
We can translate this into many examples. For instance, if we see the year as a single day, autumn reflects the winding down after the peak of activity like work (summer) and before bedtime, which would be winter. Your body has absorbed all the aliveness and busyness from the afternoon and naturally starts to settle. You might take a hot bath with essential oils, watch Harry and Ron fight He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, or curl up with a guilty-pleasure rom-com under a blanket, sipping herbal tea while raindrops tick against the window and the streets grow dark. Outside, squirrels dart up and down the trees collecting nuts for winter, while the streets are covered in layers of yellow, orange, and red leaves glowing in the lantern light. (Now the autumn equinox doesn’t sound so bad after all, does it?) In the menstrual cycle, autumn is often compared to the premenstrual phase: the body preparing for release. Which may be not really the same pleasant experience as I just described.
But here’s the truth: we all need autumn. Our human nature needs it. By allowing and witnessing the process of letting go, we integrate everything we’ve absorbed on all levels: physically, emotionally, mentally, and energetically. We can’t hold on to everything, even if we tried. And maybe that’s the greatest gift of all: the ability to unlayer, to experiment, to move on, and to make space for something new to grow. Where we let go, something new always awaits us.
The more we allow ourselves and our bodies to flow with this season, the more we benefit in the next. Instead of dipping in a toe, we need to fully immerse ourselves in the autumn equinox energy as a full human experience.
As my teacher this year said during a two-day retreat: “Today is the result of yesterday.” I had an amazing second day because I allowed myself to go through it all on the first. Let that be an encouraging thought as we move into and through this season, an invitation to embrace autumn not with resistance, but with presence.
Autumn rituals and ideas for your personal wellness
On to the fun part. Because who says we can’t enjoy ourselves in all four cycles? I’ve gathered a few holistic/energetic rituals for the coming weeks (okay, months) that spoke to me the most and that I felt excited to share. So relax, breathe, and be sweet and patient with your dear body, which is always working so hard for your health. Happy shedding!
And remember: movement is always happening, but you are the space in which it takes place. The everlasting season.
The herbal bath
Run yourself a warm bath and add dried herbs, flowers, or a few drops of essential oils that soothe and support the nervous system. Herbs and oils like sage, cinnamon, cedarwood, sweet orange, ginger, clove, black pepper, lemon, cardamom, and pine are especially grounding and comforting for the autumn season.
Herbal tea or golden milk
Great herbs for autumn include ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and chamomile. A warm cup of golden milk not only soothes the nervous system but also supports digestion and strengthens immunity.
Massage
Treat yourself to a self-massage or a professional one for detoxing and releasing stored tension. Great oils for autumn are sesame, almond, and warm herbal blends. Whisper some kind words to your body, play nurturing music, and thank it for serving you so faithfully.
House prep
Go through your belongings and let go of everything that no longer serves you. Clean, clear, and create space for new times.
The autumn diet
Reflect on what you serve your body and slowly move with the season. Some wonderful autumn foods include seasonal fruits like apples, pears, figs and plums, grounding root vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and beetroot, warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves, and of course nuts and seeds.
New autumn goals and habits
Just like my husband and I set quarterly personal and business goals (not for hustling—100% for fun!), you can tune into your belly and feel what wants to come alive this season.
Letting go ritual
Connect with your heart and belly. Take a pen and paper and write down everything you’ve struggled with these past months. Then, safely light a non-toxic candle and burn the paper. It’s done. Now trust that it’s released.
Autumn beach and forest walk
Being out in nature is the best way to transition and reconnect. Nature literally supports you by absorbing the energies you’re ready to release. Mother Earth is a natural transformer, so thank her and take a lovely barefoot walk on sand, in water, or across soft grass.
Seasonal body care
In traditional wisdom, the lungs, skin, and large intestine are linked to autumn. Support them with deep breathing, nourishing oils, warm baths, and foods that aid digestion.
Make Your Own Soap and Tinctures
Using the herbs, oils, and flowers mentioned above, you can create your own soaps and tinctures! It’s a simple and fun way to connect with the season, bring the healing properties of autumn into your daily routine.
Autumn equinox crystals
Creating your own little autumn altar with crystals to support your intentions for the coming weeks or months can be a nurturing ritual. It serves as an anchor you can return to, a gentle reminder to stay connected with yourself. Beautiful crystals for autumn include smoky quartz, moss agate, carnelian, amethist, and many more. Always follow your intuition!
Energy healing
It can be incredibly supportive to have someone guide you through transitions and help ground your body, mind, and soul. Energy healing, acupuncture, haptotherapy or other holistic therapies can be powerful tools to keep your energy flowing.
