Discover the spiritual symbolism of the autumn equinox and how to use its energy for personal growth. Explore rituals, journal prompts, and affirmations to find balance, release what no longer serves you, and embrace the season’s energy.

Dear Spirited Earthling

March marks the beginning of spring with the spring (or vernal) equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of autumn with the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. The term "equinox" comes from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night), meaning the day and night are approximately equal in length. This natural phenomenon, occurring around March 20th or 21st (or September 22nd or 23rd), has deep spiritual and symbolic meanings across various cultures and traditions. The spring equinox marks the start of Aries season, the first sign of the zodiac, which is associated with initiative, courage, and new beginnings. The autumnal equinox marks the beginning of Libra season, a sign associated with balance, harmony, and relationships. The equinox - a time of equilibrium - can be a powerful moment for alignment to support your wholesome personal growth.

The Spiritual Symbolism of Balance

This world is both gentle and harsh, dancing in the delicate balance of opposites - as does life. There is no light without dark, no happiness without sadness, no hope without despair, no life without death. The energy of the autumnal equinox is one of reflection, release, and gratitude. As the nights grow longer and the days shorter, it invites us to explore what parts of our lives might need more attention or healing. Historically, many cultures have celebrated this equinox with rituals honouring the harvest and preparing for the quieter months ahead. The autumnal equinox is also deeply tied to the themes of mortality and the cycle of life. As plants die back and animals prepare for winter, it serves as a reminder of the impermanence of all things.

Finding Balance in Your Life

Humans instinctively seek temporal landmarks to mark change. With this shift in season, you may feel called to review your life and identify areas that feel out of balance. Like the spring equinox, the autumnal equinox represents a moment of equilibrium. Your personal wellness wheel includes aspects of your inner world (spiritual, intellectual, emotional) and outer world (physical, social, financial, environmental). Asking yourself if your outer life reflects your inner world (and vice versa) during seasonal transitions can become a powerful practice for realignment and harmony.

Reflection Activity: Assessing Your Balance

In your journal or on a piece of paper, create two columns: “Too Light” and “Too Dark.”
Think about the areas of your life that are receiving too much attention (too light) at the detriment or neglect of others (too dark).
Reflect on your current work-life balance. Are you giving yourself enough time for rest and reflection? Use this time to reassess your rhythms and create space for both productivity and relaxation.

Actionable Steps for the Equinox

Set an Intention: After completing your list, sit quietly and take a few deep breaths. Set an intention to restore balance in one or more of the “too dark” aspects of your life.
Create a Vision Board: Visualise your goals and dreams for the season ahead.
Take Small Steps: Each day, take one small action toward your intention, nurturing the seeds of change as the season turns.

windowsill with autumnal decor - pumpkins, fairy lights, candles, knitwear, and a journal scrapbook

Journal Prompts for the Autumn Equinox

Take this moment to reflect, release, and realign. These journal prompts for the fall equinox centre around the themes of harvest, release, gratitude.

1. What "harvest" am I gathering from the past year - what achievements, lessons, or blessings am I most grateful for?

2. What small, everyday things bring me joy and comfort as the seasons change?

3. What am I ready to release or let go of as I move into this new season?

4. Where in my life do I feel out of balance, and what steps can I take to restore harmony?

5. How can I embrace the changing seasons as a metaphor for change in my own life?

6. What shadows or hidden parts of myself am I being called to explore and integrate?

7. How can I use this season of introspection to deepen my connection to myself?

8. How does the energy of autumn (the falling leaves, cooler air, and shorter days) affect my mood and mindset?

9. What can I learn from nature’s process of letting go and preparing for winter?

10. What goals or projects do I want to focus on during the quieter, more reflective months ahead?

11. What habits or routines will help me stay balanced and energised during the darker months?

12. What symbols of autumn (pumpkins, leaves, candles) resonate with me, and how can I incorporate them into my life?

13. Write a letter to yourself from the perspective of autumn. What wisdom or encouragement does it offer?

view point is looking down at boots and autumn leaves on the floor (blurred) and a hand holding a warm mug of milky coffee (in focus)

Connecting with Nature, the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine for Spiritual Alignment

Nature is your mirror, reflecting your inner self. When you need guidance, look to her. The autumn equinox is often seen as a time of balance between the Divine Masculine (action, structure, logic) and Divine Feminine (nurturing, intuition, receptivity). It symbolises the harmony between the active energy of summer and the introspective energy of winter. There is still abundance to harvest, but as nature begins to slow down, so must you. With the days growing shorter and the energy turning inward, the autumnal equinox marks a shift toward introspection and self-reflection.

During the days around the equinox, take a walk in nature. Observe the changes around you (the falling leaves, the cooler air, the golden light) and consider how nature is preparing for winter. Reflect on your own personal growth journey this fall season. What can you do to prepare for the quieter months ahead? Here are some ideas:

Honouring the Divine Feminine

Create a fall altar with autumn leaves, acorns, candles, and other seasonal symbols. Let it remind you of the beauty of change and the importance of balance.
Honour your ancestors by lighting candles in their memory and place photos of them on your altar. Take a moment to thank them for their wisdom and guidance.
Enjoy an autumn tea with flavours like with ginger, cinnamon, or orange to connect with the season’s warmth and spice.
Practice a release ritual to let go of what doesn’t serve you, like how trees release their leaves – making space for new growth. Write down what no longer serves you and burn or bury the paper, symbolically letting go like the trees release their leaves.
Nurture your creativity by spending time painting, writing, or crafting to connect with your intuitive and creative side.
Host a gathering with loved ones to share gratitude and celebrate the harvest season.

Honouring the Divine Masculine

Declutter and organise your home or workspace, creating a sense of order and clarity as you prepare for winter.
Set intentions or goals for the next 3 months and plan out actionable steps.
Engage in physical activity to honour your body and its strength. Go for brisk walks and hike.
Meditate on how you can honour both feminine and masculine energies in your life. Where do you need more action or more rest?

You can represent both energies on your altar by including feathers or stones (Divine Masculine) and flowers or candles (Divine Feminine). Even simply preparing a meal and infusing it with both love (Divine Feminine) and intention (Divine Masculine) brings balanced energy. As you walk among the falling leaves and feel the crisp autumn air, let nature guide you toward balance, reflection, and renewal.

a small white pumpkin next to a vase of dried flowers, an open book and a mug - all on a white table

Affirmations for the Autumn Equinox

These affirmations for the fall equinox are centred around the themes of introspection, balance, creativity and self-love.

1. I am grateful for the abundance in my life and the harvest I have gathered.

2. I am thankful for the lessons I’ve learned and the growth I’ve experienced.

3. I am shedding the past like autumn leaves, trusting in the beauty of change.

4. I release fear and doubt, allowing peace and clarity to fill my heart.

5. I am in perfect balance, harmonising my mind, body, and spirit.

6. I embrace the balance of light and dark, finding peace in the cycles of life.

7. I embrace the quiet moments of autumn to reflect, heal, and grow.

8. I trust the process of change and know it brings me closer to my true self.

9. I draw strength and inspiration from the beauty of autumn.

10. I create a cosy, nurturing space for myself as the seasons change.

11. I embrace all parts of myself, both light and dark, with kindness and understanding.

12. I am inspired by the beauty of autumn and channel its energy into my creativity.

13. I celebrate my progress and honour the person I am becoming.

Now is the perfect time to reflect on what you’ve harvested this year and what you’re ready to release. Set your intentions for fall and use some of the ideas shared here to help you connect with the season. Share your thoughts in the comments - what will you be letting go of, and what new seeds will you plant for your future?

Spirited Earthling is more than just a blog – it's a gathering place for kindred spirits drawn by an interest in self-discovery, the appeal of self-care, and a desire for a deeper connection to themselves and the world. It is written and created for curious minds and spiritual hearts seeking meaning in everyday life. This blog aims to help you curate your wholesome personal growth with free weekly ideas and affordable resources for sale.

As you navigate your personal growth journey using the words and ideas shared here, consider sharing this blog with someone looking for inspiration or motivation on their own journey. We are all spirited earthlings, and can lift each other together with mindful, connected living. I deeply appreciate every read, share, and purchase.

Thank you for being part of this community.

Best wishes, warmest regards

Jordan

Affirmation: I release anything that no longer serves me and holding on to what fulfils me.

To-do: Set intentions for the next 3 months.

Journal Prompts: My perfect autumn day / evening looks like…

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A Practical Autumn Equinox Guide for Balance, Reflection and Renewal