How to Celebrate the Fall Equinox, According to a Wiccan High Priestess

As we approach the fall equinox on September 22, it’s a time when nature and spirituality beautifully intersect. Vivianne Crowley, an esteemed Wiccan priestess and spiritual teacher, offers practical insights into harnessing this unique energy. Let’s explore how you can make the most of this special day by aligning with nature, nourishing your soul, and embracing change.

Understanding the Fall Equinox

The fall equinox marks a moment when day and night are equally balanced, symbolizing equilibrium in our lives. As we transition from the earthy energy of Virgo to the airy essence of Libra, it’s an invitation to shift focus from external activities to introspection and creativity.

How to Celebrate the Fall Equinox

Here are some ways you can celebrate this meaningful time:

1. Attune Yourself to Nature

• Observe Natural Changes: Spend time outdoors, noticing how leaves transform and fall, birds migrate, and mushrooms appear.
• Create a Seasonal Display: Gather natural elements like conkers or berry-laden twigs. Arrange them with two candles — one dark on the left and one pale on the right — to symbolize balance during this equinox.

2. Feast on Autumn’s Bounty

• Prepare a Nourishing Meal: Invite friends for an autumnal feast featuring warming dishes like mushroom soup, seasonal game or nut roast, and a blackberry and apple crumble.
• Share Gratitude: As you eat together, express gratitude for the season’s harvest and the company of loved ones.

3. Declutter Physically and Metaphorically

• Purge Your Space: Clean out your closets and cupboards. Donate items you no longer need, making space for new energy to flow in.
• Let Go of the Past: Reflect on relationships or habits that may be holding you back. Embrace the season as a time for releasing what no longer serves you.

4. Deepen Your Knowledge

• Pursue Learning: With more hours of darkness, delve into new interests or deepen existing ones. Learn a language, explore history, or practice an instrument.

5. Engage in Autumnal Magic

• Perform a Ritual of Release: Using a leaf-covered branch and scissors, cut off leaves one by one, releasing each into fire or saltwater while stating what you wish to let go — like pain, guilt, or anger.
• Seek Guidance: After your ritual, consult an astrologer or tarot reader for insights on your next steps and future endeavors.

Add Your Own Touches

Celebrating the fall equinox can be a deeply personal experience. Here are additional ideas to enrich your celebration:

• Journaling: Spend some time journaling about what you’ve released and where you hope to grow.
• Yoga or Meditation: Practice yoga or meditation focusing on balance, transition, and inner harmony as the seasons change.
• Craft a Vision Board: Create a vision board reflecting your intentions for the coming months, incorporating symbols from nature that resonate with you.

The fall equinox is not just about marking time; it’s an opportunity to realign and rejuvenate. By integrating these practices into your celebration, you can welcome the autumn season with open arms and a prepared spirit, ready to embrace whatever comes next.