Fall Equinox Rituals for Finding Balance and Renewal

It’s no wonder that a sort of wild joy descends upon us in the fall, whether or not we’re caught up in the back-to-school rush . Ancient lore and modern myth emphasize the autumn equinox as a moment of planetary equilibrium before the brilliance of summer tips into the sleeping world of winter: a time to take stock, bring in big harvests, and prepare to preserve yourself mentally and physically in the cold days ahead.

Whether you want to welcome in the new season with powerful witchy ritual , take the time get yourself in order, connect with others or look within, here are some modern mystic rituals to help you find balance and reclaim your power on the autumn equinox.

Japanese Buddhism: Send a letter to the spirit world

Falling between September 21 and 24 each year (in 2021, it’ll be on Sept. 22), the autumn equinox marks the moment in the Northern Hemisphere when day and night are equal length. Poised on the cusp between summer and winter, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the balance of life and death.

In Japan, some Buddhists observe the autumn and spring equinox with Higan. During this festival, practitioners return to their hometowns to visit and pay respect to the graves of their ancestors. Mark your own autumn equinox by paying homage to your own predecessors. Write them a letter (we love the gorgeous stationery from Cloth & Paper ) to reflect on your year and thank them for their guidance.

If you’re far from home and unable to visit their graves, construct a DIY altar with the tools from earth magick supplier Magickal Provisions and the spiritually infused Box of Shadows. Take the opportunity, too, to send a note to loved ones still living and let them know you care – no matter the holiday, you can never put too much love out into the world.

Wicca: Connect to the spirit within

In neo-paganism, the September equinox is called Mabon – the cross-calendar twin of the Wiccan vernal equinox celebration Ostara (from which Easter gets its name and roots) and counterpart to the summer solstice, Litha, and winter solstice, Yule.