How to Celebrate the Autumn Equinox

So, I'm a little late in getting this equinox celebration ritual posted, but I have the best excuse ever—Cadie. Sara and Cadie are visiting this week. Tell me you could resist this cuteness. 🥰

When I woke up this morning, Cadie was still sleeping so I went outside to work. It was so nice to discover it was a little cooler weather. What a welcome change after days in the high 90s. And since today is the Equinox, it feels like a welcome to fall (or spring if you’re in the southern hemisphere).

Today there is a balance between the sunlight and the dark, marking the completion of one season and the beginning of another. The equinox officially clocks in at 9:03 pm ET, 8:03 CT, 7:03 MT, 6:03 PT.

I thought I'd draw a card for today and as I was shuffling the Mystical Shaman Oracle deck, a card called out to me. When I flipped it over, I had to laugh. Completion; confirmation!

The guidebook says:

All things have a beginning, a middle, and an end. This is the nature of life; the seed, the flower, the fruit, and all human relationships. Completion suggests the fullness of the moment has been met and it is now time to transform an old form into a new one. That includes preparing your altar or sacred space for the new season.

PREPARE YOUR SACRED SPACE FOR THE NEW SEASON:

As one season ends, and a new one begins, you have the perfect occasion to clean and clear your altar or sacred space and bring in fresh seasonal energy.

• Before making changes, give thanks to your outgoing alter and mark its seasonal energy as complete
• Remove last season's items
• Smudge the area
• Place your journal, markers, pens, etc. nearby
• Get creative with your space
• End with a meditation to welcome in the new energy

SEASONAL ALTAR WITH THE FOUR ELEMENTS

• Gather the following and put them in four separate piles
•  Choose one or more from the suggestions below or choose one that calls to you.
• Get creative with your space

Earth (North)

Crystals:

• Jasper
• Fluorite
• Black Tourmaline

Essential Oil suggestions:

• Pine
• Cedar
• Vetiver

Objects:

• Salt
• Grains
• Bread
• Coins
• Seasonal items such as pumpkins, gourds, leaves, flowers

Water (West)

Crystals:

• Aquamarine
• Celestite
• Coral,
• Mother-of-pearl

 Essential Oil suggestions:

• Chamomile
• Jasmine
• Rose
• Ylang-ylang

Objects:

• Glass or bowl of water, holy water, wine, or juice

Air (East)

Crystals:

• Labradorite
• Citrine
• Lapis Lazuli

Essential Oil suggestions:

• Mint
• Basil
• Bergamot

Objects:

• Feathers
• Seeds

Fire (South)

Essential Oil suggestions:

• Frankincense
• Black pepper
• Ginger
• Clove

Crystals:

• Sunstone
• Ruby
• carnelian
• Bloodstone
• garnet

Objects:

• Candles
• Peppers
• Spices

Once you’ve gathered the items, place each element’s items together

• Place crystals in a small bowl or pile.
• Place a candle on either side of your sacred space to balance the energy (more candles are fine).
• Light the candles. 
• Carefully and quickly wash your hands above the flame of one candle and then the other. Or simply cleanse your hands by rubbing them with a small amount of salt.
• One by one, breathe in the essential oils, then place 1-3 drops on your crystals for the associated element.
• Now, in your journal, complete the statement below. This can be short and to the point, or very detailed. 

Finish these statements for the Earth elements

1. I keep myself grounded by...
2. This time of year, I care for my body by...
3. This season, I will complete...
4. If I need support, I will call on... 

Finish these statements for the Water element

1. I will deepen my intuition by...
2. I will take time to reflect and quiet my mind...

Finish these statements for the Air element

1. I bring joy and play into my life by...
2. I open myself to new experiences by...
3. I express my creativity by...

Finish these statements for the Fire element

1. My relationships make me happy because...
2. I express self-love by...
3. I set boundaries when needed by...

Complete the Ritual

Decorate your altar with anything else you feel brings in the energy of the season. Complete the ritual by eating a piece of bread or something grounding, like almonds, pecans, or walnuts. Drink some water, juice, or wine.

• Clap your hands three times and say, "Mother, Father Creator, I dedicate this sacred space with gratitude to welcome in the energy of the season, and as a place to focus our communication. When I use this sacred space, I am safe as I open myself to receiving love and guidance for my highest and best good.”
• Blow out the candles.
• Be sure to act on any guidance you received.