Autumn officially begins this week, with Monday September 22nd as the Autumn Equinox (for the Northern Hemisphere). Equinox – a word with Latin roots – aequus meaning ‘equal’ and nox meaning ‘night’ it marks the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator and gives us a day of roughly equal sunlight and moonlight…
With only two equinoxes in a year (spring and autumn) it is a celestial event with a rich cultural and spiritual meaning.
In the Wheel of the Year, Mabon marks the second harvest and is held around this time. Although Mabon is a relatively recent name to honour the pagan wheel of the year, there have long been traditions held around harvest times. So how might we mark the changing seasons in our modern life?
Autumn Equinox ideas
Harvest time
Traditionally, the time around the Autumn Equinox is associated with harvest, as this time of year was very important to agricultural life. The full moon around this time is known as the Harvest Moon, and in years gone by, now would be the time to take stock of your crops to get an idea of how prosperous (or hard!) your winter would be! Feasting in thanks, offerings of gratitude and rituals for a lasting harvest, and gentle winter were common practices throughout history.
Now, whilst we may not need to harvest our own food in the same manner, you might allow a moment to take stock for yourself – what are you grateful for right now, and how will you carry that with you through this season?
Find your balance
At this time of cosmic balance, it’s an ideal time to take a moment to reflect on the balance in your own life… you could journal, meditate or talk it over with a loved one:
- Are you in balance with your work and personal life?
- Are you giving more than you are receiving?
- Are you speaking more than you listen?
- Are there parts of your life that are depleting your energy or restoring it?
Change in the air
One of the most notable things around this time of year is the seasonal shift in the air. Take a moment to appreciate the rich colours, ripening conkers, and changing light… Just as the trees are releasing their leaves, are you ready to release things that you no longer need?
Take a nature walk, and perhaps collect some souvenirs – leaves, conkers, pinecones, and use them to decorate your home, or yoga space.
As the temperature drops, you might introduce some self-care autumn rituals to help ease the transition into cooler days and longer nights.
Reconnect
It is a time of harvest, abundance and giving thanks, so what better time to reconnect with yourself, and also your community. You could donate to local harvest festivals, food banks or other charities that care for and nurture people in times of need. In the hub of our Yoga on the Edge studio, our community regularly come together for charity events, workshops and other events around Cheshire, so whilst you are unrolling your mat, be sure to check out what else is going on!
Of course, our warm and welcoming Alderley Edge studio is an idea place to practice. We regularly refresh our timetable, and we have a variety of new workshops and classes coming up over the coming weeks, as well as the classes you love! Be sure to check out our timetable here.
For more inspiration of how to bring a little balance into your life around this time of year, check out our previous equinox post for some easy ways to honour the season.
