Are you ready for Autumn & the dark half of the year?

Autumn can bring up difficult feelings, especially if we love the long days of Summer and fear the darkness of Winter. I should know as I use to be a sun worshipper who would look for any reason to escape Winter in the UK. Over time I have discovered a key to well-being is to attune to the Wheel of the Year to feel and appreciate the energies each season. In this blog, I share why the Autumn Equinox is the perfect time to attune to Autumn and mindfully prepare for the darker half of the year.

The Autumn Equinox

We are nearly at the Autumn Equinox (22nd Sept). This is when day and night become briefly equal and we then begin the dark half of the solar cycle.

The Equinox symbolises a point of balance, a time when we can pause and reflect. Shifting our focus from the sun to the light of our inner flame.

The equinox astrologically marks the beginning of Autumn, which is the season to harvest, nest, release and prepare for Winter.

Mindfully transitioning into Autumn

Attuning to Autumn can help us channel the energies of the season into our everyday life, helping us to connect to nature and prepare for Winter. The following mindful practices are suggestions that can support transition through the darker half of the year, which can also help with Seasonal Affected Disorder (SAD). Through mindful practices and rituals, we can transform the mundane and channel magic into our everyday life. This can remind us to embrace the flow of energy life cycles and find presence in our own life rhythm.

1) Mark the Autumn Equinox

We can mark the Equinox with a home practice or by attending an event or gathering. By marking, we can check in where we are at astrologically (lunar, solar and planetary cycles) and within our own life cycle. I am offering an Autumn Equinox Yoga, Sound Bath and Tea Ceremony on the 21st Sept in St George, Bristol. You are most welcome to join. More info here.

2) Have an Autumn clear out

You have heard of a Spring Clean, well this is the Autumn version. Create space in your home for Autumn. This might involve packing away Summer clothes and getting out Winter gear. You may wish to do odd jobs to prepare for the colder months like clearing out the gutters or waterproofing the shed. You may also like to clean your home and cleanse by burning or dousing herbs such as rosemary for protection and purification, lavender for peace and relaxation or mugwort for heightened intuition.

3) Nest and bring nature into your home

Make your home feel cosy and inspired by what is happening in nature. You may wish to add soft touches to your home, such as blankets, candles or artwork reflecting the colours of Autumn (i.e. dark greens, burnt oranges, and browns). You can bring the Autumnal energies into the home by collecting pieces of nature to either make crafts or a wreath, create a centre piece or an Autumn altar.

4) Set intentions for the dark half of the year

As the trees are dropping their seeds, its a good time for us to also plant seeds of intention. Put things in the diary to look forward to, that you know will nourish your body, mind and spirit during the dark half of the year. Whether its a trip to the theatre, a spa day, a 1-2-1 yoga sound therapy session, a meet up with friends or a craft course you’ve always wanted to do. The darker half of the year is about rest, self-care and inward growth. This time can be used to prepare for the outward, lighter months of the following year.

5) Immerse and observe what is happening in nature

Autumn is a beautiful time to be in nature. Trees are dropping their fruits and seeds, leaves are changing to an array of colours, many mammals (ie squirrels, hedgehogs, badgers etc.) are busy preparing for winter, and owls and bats can be easier to spot. It’s a great time to forage mushrooms, berries, nuts, nettle seeds and dandelion roots. Try a Tree Yoga practice to more mindfully appreciate being in nature, combining forest bathing techniques with somatic practices and yoga to connect more deeply with the trees.

Ailie at Westonbirt Arboretum

When we attune we can transition through the year appreciating what is happening in nature and honour the energies of each season. This can support us to be present, find our flow and our glow.

If you are interested in attuning to your energy cycle through yoga, sound therapy and massage, I offer in-person classes in St George, Bristol and a weekly online class on a Thursday morning at 10am (GMT+1). I also offer bespoke 1-2-1 sessions in my therapy room over looking the trees and seasonal events to mark the Celtic Wheel of the Year. If you are looking for a more personalised experience for a group, event or retreat, get in touch and together we will bring vision to life.

Written by Ailie Tam (Founder of Yoga Rewild)

Contact: hello@yogarewild.com