The Best Ways to Embody the Autumn Equinox

As Earth gets ready for the Fall Equinox, you may already notice some mental preparations or physiological changes. The air becomes dryer and the temperature cools – Your mind starts to feel a little lighter and possibly a bit scattered – Warmer beverages start to sound cozy and the idea of wearing a light pashmina or a heavier pair of sneakers and jeans sounds refreshing. There are some lovely ways to embody the Autumn Equinox but first, let’s remind ourselves what it is and what may or may not arise.

The Origin of Equinox: Equal Night

The word Equinox has a Latin origin; aequus, meaning EQUAL, and nox, meaning NIGHT. Most places on the planet will experience just about as much nighttime as daytime; hence, EQUAL NIGHT. It’s a perfect time to explore the ways to invite equanimity into your life. (perhaps another post!)

The Perceptions of Equinox

Less light for some may mean some melancholic feelings. Spiritually it may represent a period where there is a struggle between darkness and light. In literature, Autumn typically was depicted as an absence, some sort of ending. When leaves fall off of trees, it’s a visual decline. We tend to immediately see it as a loss, and not as a means to a new beginning. The Earth needs periods of rest in order to recharge. Is the Earth an introvert?

Greek Mythology and the Equinox

In Greek Mythology, Persephone had eaten the seeds of pomegranate fruit in the underworld and she was not allowed to live fully in the land of the living. She was allowed to live half of the year – autumn and winter – in the underworld and half the year – spring and summer – on Earth. Demeter, her mother and Earth Goddess, allowed the Earth to thrive when she had her daughter with her. But when Persephone would leave for the underworld, no crops would grow and leaves would fall from the trees.  

Libra Season and What it Brings

Libra Season now enters the picture and Libra, the Air sign, is ruled by Venus, the planet of LOOOOVE.  It’s a beautiful time for togetherness and unity. The airiness during this period will aid in INITIATION AND CONNECTION. Like the wind blowing from one tree to the next, find your sense of airiness and take a chance to connect with or start something new! Find your momentum connected to the Element of this time but always remember to return “back down” to Earth in order to ground yourself and not prematurely enter the other Element, Space. Woah!

The Best Ways to Embody the Autumn Equinox (and Autumn in general!) 2022

  • Let the dry skin that comes along with this transition be about – shedding the old to make way for the NEW.
  • Let the melancholy feelings be a sign to simply – pay attention to yourself and give yourself loving attention and a huge hug. (maybe an indulging Hammam is in your future?) 
  • Make a Gratitude list. Reconnect with all the blessings that happen every single moment of every day. Don’t underestimate the power of making this list.
  • Gives thanks to the impending darkness for giving you this time to rest and feel but also to create and initiate! It also shows you how to appreciate the light that we sometimes take for granted. Literally and metaphorically. 
  • Invite balance into your home by tidying up, using sage to cleanse the energy and good quality essential oils that you connect with, getting rid of things in your space that do not add value and joy to your life, and tying up any loose ends in regards to relationships, conversations, appointments, or paperwork.
  • Engage in practices that ground you such as yoga, mediations and chakra meditations, Tai Chi, and mindful walking in nature. Create a nice yoga space at home and practice!
  • Attend a yoga retreat or create one at home.
  • Enjoy warm and well-spiced foods that feel NOURISHING.
  • Take notice of all of your senses and savor the moment: the smell of your favorite candle, the sound of music or laughter, the touch of soft organic cotton on your skin, the taste of a warm beverage, the vision of nature’s colors or a piece of art.  
  • Autumn and Spring are great times to do a cleanse. Keep it light instead of raw or juice cleanses. Remember you want to still feel nourished. You can keep it simple by removing caffeine, sugar, alcohol, gluten, and any other foods that may not make you feel your best.
  • If you tend to get dry nostrils, Nasya, in Ayurveda, is the practice of lubricating your nostrils with herb-infused oil. Read about it and see if it resonates with you. 

Embody with Intention  

Embodying this Autumn Equinox, or any equinox or solstice begins with the intention to do so. A true intention can override so many stigmas or presumptions. In Sanskrit, the world Sankalpa means intention. A Sankalpa is created for the sole purpose to expand your soul. With an intention to embody what inevitably will come, you have already accepted it and leaned into it instead of resisting it and constricting the flow of energy.

Have a beautiful Autumn Equinox filled with nourishing love.

Autumn Equinox: Embody It