Autumn Equinox- a time of Balance & Acceptance

Seasonal Shifts~ Honouring the Balance in the Year.

As the Autumn Equinox approaches on Thursday, 20th March, (in the southern hemisphere anyway) we find ourselves at a profound turning point in the year. This is a time of transition, marking the noticeable shift from the warmth and abundance of summer into the cooler embrace of autumn and the coming winter. The equinox is a moment of balance, equal day and night before we descend into the darker, quieter months.

This shift is reflected in nature and within ourselves. The changing season invites us to embrace the cycles of letting go, rest, and renewal. In many ways, this is one of the most challenging transitions, as it reminds us of the impermanence of things—the fading light, the falling leaves, and the natural slowing down of energy.

The Wisdom of Nature and the Aging Process

As a woman, I am deeply aware of how society struggles to honour the natural cycles of ageing and change. There is often resistance to the idea of decline—whether in fertility, youth, or vibrancy. Yet, nature shows us a different perspective. We do not criticise the trees for shedding their leaves or the earth for retreating into dormancy. Instead, we celebrate autumn’s beauty, recognising that decay is necessary for renewal. ( A shout out to all those amazing, re-awakened post-menopausal women!)

Similarly, in our own lives, each stage of growth, maturity, and rest holds value and purpose. The equinox reminds us to honour these shifts—not to fear them. Just as the land prepares for a period of stillness before new growth, so must we acknowledge our need for rest, reflection, and inner nourishment.

Autumn as a Time of Preparation and Reflection

Looking back to the pastoral traditions of our ancestors, autumn was a time of gathering, storing, and preparing for the months ahead. in Isizulu- Autumn month of March is uNdasa meaning ‘well-fed’ or ‘abundant.

Before refrigeration and modern conveniences, people relied on drying, salting, pickling, and preserving food to sustain them through winter. While we may no longer need to prepare in the same way, the principle still holds: What can we do now to support ourselves in the months to come?

Seasonal Eating & Storing: Take inspiration from nature—eat what is in season, such as nuts, the last of the mangoes and avocados, and hearty root vegetables. Consider freezing or preserving foods you love to carry their nourishment into winter.
Decluttering & Letting Go: Just as trees shed their leaves, autumn is a perfect time to release what no longer serves us. This could be clearing out summer clothes, letting go of old belongings, or shifting home spaces to create a cosier, warmer environment. A seasonal declutter can be just as satisfying as a spring clean, bringing clarity and lightness.
Preparing the Home: As the colder months approach, take time to prepare your home for the shift—stocking firewood, adding layers of warmth to windows and beds, and rearranging spaces to centre around warmth and comfort or creating warm seating spots in the house (if you have a cat, just notice where they lie in the sun, that is your best bet!)

Finding Balance in the Equinox

The Autumn Equinox is a time of perfect balance—where light and dark are in harmony. It is a powerful moment to pause and reflect on where we are in our own lives.

Gratitude & Reflection: Just as the early harvest was a time of giving thanks, this is an opportunity to reflect on what we have gathered—our achievements, lessons, and moments of joy from the year so far. Writing these down can help ground us in appreciation before the deeper introspection of winter.
Honouring the Shift: The equinox is a liminal space, a threshold between seasons. Can you take time to witness this shift? Watching the sunrise or sunset on this day is a simple yet powerful ritual, reminding us of the beauty of nature’s cycles and our place within them.
Adjusting Daily Rhythms: As the mornings darken and the air cools, our energy naturally shifts. Rather than resisting it, adjust your routines to match the season—perhaps easing into the day with slower movements, or finding time in the evenings to walk, reflect, or enjoy the last golden light before dusk.

The Deeper Meaning of Autumn

In Ayurveda, autumn is associated with Vata energy—linked to wind, movement, and change. To stay balanced in this time of transition, it is important to stay grounded—through nourishing foods, getting outside in nature, and sticking to morning and evening routines.

Dante Gabriel Rosetti Proserpine 1882 — Dante Gabriel Rosetti *Proserpine 1882*

Symbolically, autumn mirrors the process of ageing, wisdom, and the descent into the inner world. Like Persephone descending into the underworld, we are being invited inward. But this is not an ending—rather, it is part of the greater creative process. The land may rest, but it is never truly still. Seeds are being held in the dark, waiting for their time to emerge once more.

Honouring the Equinox in Your Own Way

How might you honour this equinox in a way that feels meaningful to you? Some simple practices could include:

Journaling on what you are ready to release and what you wish to carry forward.
Lighting a candle at sunrise or sunset, honouring the balance of light and dark.
Spending time in nature, noticing the seasonal changes in trees, plants, and animals.
Create a small ritual of gratitude—perhaps burning a written list of what you’re letting go of, or setting intentions for the coming months.

This is a time to gather, reflect, and prepare—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. The equinox teaches us that while things may be slowing down and letting go, they are not ending. Rest is part of the cycle, and within it, seeds of renewal are quietly waiting.

May this autumn bring you balance, wisdom, and a deeper connection to the rhythm of life.

Here are some journalling prompts that might guide you in your cycle awareness journey and seasonal shifts.