“For the light-filled days behind us and the darkening days ahead, we give thanks.
For the harvest, learnings and the beauty of life that still surrounds us in fading vibrance, we give thanks.
For the turning of the wheel, the wisdom in decrease, the liberation of release, and the promise of winter’s rest, we give thanks.
For this brief repose, a sacred pause in the turning of time, the balance between light and dark, we give thanks.”
— Jessica Cudney
Happy Autumn Equinox!
Today, we stand at the crossroads of an energetic shift. On the eve of the fall equinox, we call on humanity’s shared heart to rise above division, transcend fear, and embody the profound power of balance, acceptance, and hope we know is possible.
As we journey through the seasons together, I am thrilled to connect with you again as we transition through another turn of the year’s wheel.
Our recent heatwave has finally subsided, and here along the coast, the cooler morning and evening temperatures are a welcome relief after months of relentless summer heat.
As the sun begins to sink lower in the sky and the evening temperature cools, before we even notice the changing of colors with our eyes, our senses tell us that the energy of summer has ended.
Here in the Northern Hemisphere, everything bright is quickly fading as time balances on the edge between darkness and light. The afternoon light has become softer, and the shadows are lengthening.
With the autumn equinox quickly approaching September 20-22, I refocus my attention on the sacred, which attune me to the Earth’s rhythms and the circular patterns I experience as I traverse seasons.
Through ritual, we welcome change and honor our place on Earth and our purpose at this turn of the year. When we move in fluidity, there can be joy in the unknown, reaching into change and the anchoring potential it can bring.
In this blog, I will share my Flower Essence Aromatherapy autumn equinox ritual to help you center, balance, and harvest your efforts with acceptance, hope, and gratitude, allowing for effortless flow.
To Flow Effortlessly With the Seasons
The Sacred Thread Mandala: Artist Tom Gleich
I love how my life is anchored by seasonal transitions, which mark the passage of time through the flow of years.
When the seasons change, abundant energy is available when we pause to recenter. By acknowledging the change that comes with the seasons and being mentally prepared, we can use it to our spiritual advantage.
I cannot overstate the importance of being acutely aware of each seasonal cycle’s continual recurrence.
Each season brings us opportunities to enhance our health and healing. These rhythms are deep within our biology. Our brains are keenly aware of how much sunlight we experience daily.
Seasonal shifts profoundly impact hormonal balance, metabolism, immunity, and sleep regulation. The passage of seasons is so vital to life on this planet that organisms whose entire existence will take place in the lightless interior of our bodies are responding to it.
As we consciously link our awareness to the cycles of nature, our understanding of our own cycles begins to deepen. By embracing this mindset, we unlock a perspective perfectly attuned to harmonizing with the seasons’ ever-changing rhythms.
Recognizing the significance of this transition in nature and our lives, we adjust our perspective and welcome the blessings of the upcoming season.
Equinox invites us to step across the threshold and enter the inner mystery. In our return to the dark from whence we came, I invite you to pause and explore the wisdom of the autumnal equinox with me.
Unearthing Autumn’s Gift
We’re in a potent time right now—seasonal change, the equinox, and the window between two eclipses.
As the spring equinox marks the start of the active growing cycle, the autumnal equinox signifies a shift towards the reflective phase as the days grow darker. Now, the old cycle begins to fall away as the ground prepares to rest.
On the medicine wheel, autumn’s direction is West, the place of dreams and visions, inner journeys, introspection, fulfillment, and decay.
It is a time of shedding, endings, and transformation. We hold mystery in the West, a paradox where we can harvest our hopes and dreams, reap the rewards of external activity and internal gratification, and exchange light for darkness.
Autumn can inspire acceptance of change in many ways. It is a season of harvest, a time to reap the rewards of our hard work and reflect on the blessings in our lives.
This is a sweet spot, a perfect opportunity to reset after summer, refocus on balance, and reignite your energy with mindful self-care practices.
Autumn’s dance is all about balancing who you are, who you’ve become, and what hidden gifts are ready to be harvested–and celebrated.
Expressing gratitude for the seasonal change, we align with the Earth’s natural rhythm. Deep within your soul lies the knowledge of nurturing this connection, embracing simplicity, and finding comfort and contentment.
The balance of light and dark in the heavens is on the cusp of being perfectly divided. The autumn equinox is a brief moment that envelops the globe.
Yin & Yang Awareness
The balance of daylight, which is yang in nature, and darkness, which is yin in nature, stands still briefly before us tip towards yin and enter winter.
First, it’s important to recognize that the movement into darkness is good. A pause is at the balancing core of the equinox.
Exposure to sunlight remains crucial even as the days get shorter, but embracing darkness is especially essential to nourishing ourselves.
For many of us, prioritizing “rest” may seem like just another thing we should be doing, impractical at best, or simply unobtainable. But rest and quiet are not just interruptions to activity; darkness is not an interruption to light.
In the dance of existence, yin and yang are inseparable partners. Without yin, there is no yang, and without yang, there is no yin. Their harmonious interplay creates a beautiful balance of life.
Nature requires nothing extraneous; everything is needed, including darkness. Cultivating the potential of our inner soil is crucial for revitalization and preparing it for the vibrant growth of spring planting.
Balance & Equalibrium
The autumn equinox can bring more balance to our daily lives. Deepening our understanding of the oneness that unites us, we have genuine cause to celebrate and return home to ourselves.
One way to honor our journey on Earth is to harmonize with the seasons and embrace the sacred directions with flower essence aromatherapy.
I have chosen to use Acceptance Ritual Essence and Hope Spray to welcome autumn. Intentionally using the power of vibration and scent to align with the seasonal change helps me accept myself amidst the transition and embody hope for all of us.
Much has been building collectively over the past months since the spring equinox. We have witnessed so much growth, expansion, hope, and collective power in many areas of our lives, while at the same time, we’ve also witnessed devastating losses.
Reflection of Growth & Change
A seasonal transition is a great reason to reflect on what you are balancing in your life internally and externally. As time cycles through life, the autumn equinox invites us to reflect on balance and our ability to maintain a state of equilibrium.
I am examining the lessons I am learning through my life experience during the growing season and the wisdom that will guide me through the winter months.
Although my work schedule and daily demands may not change significantly from season to season, the decreasing daylight and increased darkness I experience profoundly impact my wellbeing.
Transitioning between seasons is a delicate process involving awareness of the changes happening inside and outside oneself. The fall equinox reminds us to assess our accomplishments instead of our shortcomings.
Harmonizing with the Sacred Pause
You are invited to stand at the equinox threshold with a sacred pause.
During the autumn equinox, nature herself pauses, day and night balanced in the celestial dance between movement and stillness. Through balance, we are encouraged to harmonize with the Earth and tap into our connection with the universe’s cycles and rhythms.
The sacred pause uses your body and breath as an instrument of awareness. Focus your awareness on your breath, pause right at the end of the inhale, and just before you release into the exhale. This is the sweet spot—the sacred space where both the fullness and emptiness of Spirit reside.
In my experience, pausing during the equinox can lead to new possibilities and feeling centered, nourished, and uplifted.
Benefits of pausing during the equinox include:
- Rebalancing through presence and gratitude.
- Connecting with the sacred rhythms of nature.
- Dedication to rebalancing and restoring yourself.
This simple practice can offer you a sense of equilibrium in all that you are.
The equinox can be a time to rebalance, restore, and refocus energy.
A Journaling Invitation
The following questions are a good starting point for exploring the factors that help you achieve and sustain inner equilibrium in preparation for your equinox ritual.
When seeking a balance between who you are and what you do, you may consider how your current priorities align with your values.
- What needs balancing?
- What are the most important elements of my life (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, relational, and work)?
- Which of these elements currently receives most of my time and energy?
- How much time and energy am I currently spending on the less critical aspects of my life?
- Where can I find balance in my life?
- What aspects of my life might need more acceptance?
Notice the sensations related to these questions as they arise in your body. Name them: sad, glad, proud, etc.
Ask yourself:
- What am I shedding?
- What is finished?
- What is nearing completion?
- What am I avoiding?
- What is hidden in the depths of my soul?
- Are my beliefs and choices aligned with my values?
- What is the story I have told myself about my experience this year?
- Is there a theme? (lack, abundance, struggle, loneliness, identity, etc.)
- What frightens me most?
- In what areas of my life do I need courage?
- What areas of my life do I need more flow?
- What are the self-care practices that sustain me?
- What are my intentions for the next phase of my life?
- What goals or changes would likely support me during this autumn season?
Now, shift your attention to what you are harvesting now.
- What blessings and gifts have I received this year?
- What is the one constant always with me as I travel around the sacred wheel?
- Who are the people who support, see, and hear me?
Writing your answers can help you recognize patterns, triggers, and habitual responses. It can also help you better understand yourself by providing insight into aspects of your personality that you may not have previously considered.
Pause, breathe, feel.
Journaling can also help you process your emotions, gain clarity, and better understand your choices. It can also help you see the imbalances in various aspects of your life to prevent them from spiraling into drama, disease, disaster, or distress.
You can acquire valuable insights to improve your mental wellbeing, including reducing stress, enhancing emotional regulation, increasing mindfulness, and strengthening memory and problem-solving skills.
Create Your Autumn Equinox Intention
Look over your writing. Is there a pattern?
What are you letting go?
What can you accept?
What is ready to emerge?
Write down your intention. Repeat it aloud. Let it resonate through you before you begin your ritual.
Equinox Acceptance Ritual
The best time for your ritual is the golden hour before sunset on the equinox.
This is the energy portal available to you and all humanity during the shift. This is a potentized “in-between” time when day and night are balanced, paused on the transition threshold.
Step 1
- To begin your ritual, place six drops of Acceptance Ritual Essence on the top of your crown, under your tongue, and in your glass of water.
- Sip your water.
- On your inhale, take a deep breath and allow the powerful energy of acceptance to flow through you.
- On your exhale, let something spill out.
- Close your eyes and place your left hand on your solar plexus to center yourself.
- Place your right hand on your heart in self-acceptance and kindness.
- Take another deep breath, and feel the positive, vibrant essence of acceptance empower your being.
- Call upon your guides and spiritual allies to be present with you.
- Pause and mindfully breathe slowly.
Step 2
- Mist Hope Spray around your head and body.
- Close your eyes and feel the energy as you gently place your hands on your solar plexus and heart.
- Pause and take three full breaths. Inhale slowly, deeply breathing in Hope’s comforting aroma, and exhale slowly.
- Immerse yourself in the present moment. Notice the space within you. It’s where the magic happens.
- Open your awareness, and then, with kindness, allow yourself to be fully present.
- Become aware of this precious moment.
Step 3
- Facing west toward the setting sun
- Envision the harmonizing image of the flower of life delicately filtering the sunlight and leaving its beautiful imprint on everything it touches, most notably on your heart, mind, and soul.
- Invoke the elemental power of balance imbued in the flower of life pattern.
- Pause and breathe deeply, holding sacred space in harmony with all that is.
- Mindful of the sacred equinox threshold, “feel” the energetic transitional shift from summer to autumn.
- Occupy the silliness of the pause for at least a count of six. Longer is better. Slowly exhale.
Step 3
- Concluding Your Ritual
- Continue to embrace the fading light, welcoming the encroaching darkness.
- As you conclude your ritual, breathe into and fill your heart with gratitude for all that has happened this year.
- Bring both hands to your heart.
- Honor whatever awarenesses were energized for you during your ceremony.
- Continue to breathe in gratitude toward yourself — the intelligence, intuition, love, and creativity that is your nature.
- Breathe out gratitude toward your guides and allies for their continued support.
- As you offer your prayers to the Earth and appreciate the gift of hope.
- Lastly, turn all your intentions over to Spirit and give thanks.
Giving Thanks
We have arrived in the season of gratitude! The delicate balance of transitioning seasons mirrors the spiritual journey of acceptance and hope.
“Give thanks for the Universal system in which you are privileged to have a place.”
Living with a grateful heart, share your thanks with the elements of life that support you.
Give thanks to Earth and ask, “What is my message of balance for the ground of my being?”
Give thanks to Water and ask, “What is my message of balance for my self-care yin flow?”
Give thanks to Air and ask, “What is my message of balance for my mental health?”
Give thanks to Fire and ask “What is my message of rebalancing, restoring, and refocusing my energy?”
Give thanks to the Spirit and ask, “What is my message of balance for self-acceptance?”
Write down any messages you received during your process about creating more balance, acceptance, and hope in your journal.
These are my most heartfelt offerings as I lay them upon autumn’s wisdom wheel:
- I celebrate them in gratitude.
- I celebrate them with hope.
- I celebrate them as blessings.
- I accept my transition here and now.
I will plant again next spring for what I harvest during the autumn equinox.
Illumination From Within
The autumn equinox is all about illuminating imbalances and shifting habits to restore wellbeing. Aligning with nature’s cycles allows for equilibrium, self-acceptance, and hope in the months ahead.
Furthermore, adjust your daily habits and patterns with the upcoming cycle and be open to necessary changes. By realigning your priorities and setting clear intentions for the upcoming quarter, you are sowing the seeds of hope for a brighter future.
As you strive for greater harmony between your inner and outer selves, be encouraged to let go of old habits, attachments, and emotional burdens, much like trees shed their leaves in autumn.
Create a new intention and recite it to yourself whenever you feel tired or distracted. All manner of fresh insights will follow.
Embrace and fully dedicate yourself to your self-care goals and nurturing relationships, now ripe for harvest and celebration!
Set a new rhythm for your day and week that supports and sustains your current state and helps you manage the next three months until the winter solstice in December.
Embracing Acceptance & Hope
“Embracing self-acceptance is the key to finding balance in life. It empowers us to navigate challenges with confidence and grace.”
Remember, balance, acceptance, and hope begin within each of us. As we cultivate our inner equilibrium, we radiate that outward, touching the lives of those around us and contributing to a more harmonious world.
In the delicate balance of acceptance and hope, let’s take the time to “care” for our hearts and others around us.
Let’s unite and extend our care to our families, neighbors, and global brothers and sisters because the world needs more compassion and kindness now.
Thank you for joining me.
All my aromatic Love and Chi!
Vidya
