Autumn Equinox ritual ideas, plus a tarot spread (or journal reflections) and Autumn Equinox Bowl recipe.  

A time of equal day and night, the Autumn Equinox is a magical threshold for change. The feeling in the air is like a surge of energy, the spark of transformation, a new direction, full of possibilities, wrapped up in an invigorating chill. It tastes like squash and pumpkin, dark leafy greens, brassicas, toasted nuts, and warming cinnamon and nutmeg.

The Autumn Equinox is a great point on the Wheel of the Year to pause and consider shedding what we don’t need. It’s a time for fire ceremonies to burn what you’re leaving behind, cozy gatherings lit by candlelight, grounding practices, and warming food.  

This mid-harvest celebration is about bowing to change, expressing gratitude for how far we’ve come this year and what we have, and — as a time of nearly equal light and dark — inviting in balance. It’s a time for welcoming transitions and transformation, for getting closer to who we are at our core, and preparing to turn inward.

Ushering in the start of Libra Season, the Autumn Equinox is a time when we’re seeking deep truths, connection, and equilibrium in our lives. The key is getting to the root of what balance means to you — because everyone’s idea of it is different, and it’s rarely a clear 50/50 split.

The way we relate to others is being called on for review this season. How are you there for others and for yourself? Do you do the most and abandon yourself often? Do you tend to retreat when you don’t know how to communicate an issue? Do you sweep things under the rug to your own detriment? This is all up for review now, and especially in Libra season.

Check out your Tarotscope for more insight.

Create your own ritual

I’m a big proponent of creating your own rituals, so take what you like from the Autumn Equinox ritual below and add in elements that feel special to you.

Theme: Shedding what’s no longer serving you to find balance.

Honor with:

• Burning rituals (see below)
• Gratitude practice
• Shadow work
• Home protection magic
• Breathwork (autumn is air season)
• Foods like squash and pumpkin, apples and pears, warming spices, toasted nuts — anything that feels like fall to you (yes, even a PSL).

Burning Ritual: Whether you have a fire pit or fireplace or just a candle and a fire safe container (like a bowl full of water), you can do a burning ritual. 

1. First, prepare your space by cleaning it and tidying any clutter. Cleanse your space by burning herbs or incense, diffusing essential oils, or with music. Light your fire and sit down with a few small pieces of paper (this can be done with others or solo). 
2. Spend 2-5 minutes breathing into your belly to get into your body and declutter your mind. On your deep inhales, let your body feel into receiving, and on the exhale feel into letting go.
3. Write down what you want to release to create change in your life on the pieces of paper. Burn each piece of paper one by one, speaking what’s written on them aloud before throwing them in the fire. If you’re using a candle, burn the paper and place it in the bowl of water before it burns your fingers (you can flush it or pour down the sink when you finish your ritual).
4. Once all of the pieces of paper have been released, state what you’re grateful for, then what you’re calling into your life in the present tense, as if you already have it. 
5. Close out the ritual with music and a dish of something grounding and warming. 

Autumn Equinox Tarot Spread/Journal Reflections

i. Where am I transforming?
ii. What needs to be shed to aid in my transformation?
iii. What am I ready to step into?
iv. Where am I ready to take action?
v. Where can I give more?
vi. Where can I receive more? 

For more insights on this season for you personally, book a tarot reading with me here or check out my course Tarot Foundations for Intuitive Witches to make your Fall extra magical.

Print

Autumn Equinox Bowl

This bowl highlights some fall favorites with sweet roasted squash (I suggest a couple of types below, but butternut and acorn squash would both be great as well), fluffy shaved brussels sprouts, earthy lentils, and crunchy pepitas. I add a spicy smoky chipotle cashew dressing for a vegan bowl that’s hopped up with flavor to warm you up from the dropping temps outside.

Course Main Course, Salad

Ingredients

Bowl Ingredients

• 1 medium red kuri squash or delicata squash seeds scooped out, then cut into wedges or crescent shapes
• Olive or avocado oil
• 1 ½ cups dry black lentils rinsed
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts trimmed and shaved on a mandoline or very thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup pepitas
• ¼ cup fresh parsley roughly chopped
• Salt to taste

Chipotle Cashew Dressing Ingredients

• 1 chipotle pepper in Adobo sauce
• 1 tablespoon Adobo sauce
• ½ cup water plus more to get desired consistency
• Juice of half a lime
• 2 tablespoons raw cashews
• 1 date pitted (can sub honey or maple to taste)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Roast the squash: Heat the oven to 375°F. Grease a baking tray with oil of choice and arrange squash slices in a single layer on it. Sprinkle with salt and place in the oven to bake for 40-45 minutes, rotating the tray at the 20 minute mark.
2. Cook the lentils: Combine lentils with 4 cups water and a generous pinch of salt, cover and bring to boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender but still maintaining their shape. Drain and set aside until you’re ready to use.
3. Make the dressing by blitzing everything together in the blender.
4. Shave the Brussels sprouts on a mandoline or slice very thinly with a knife.
5. Toast the pepitas in a dry skillet over a low heat for about 5-8 minutes, or until they start to turn golden and/or pop. Remove from heat and let cool before using them.
6. Assemble bowls: Place shaved brussels sprouts drizzled with a little dressing in each bowl. Top with lentils, squash, pepitas, and parsley and spoon over more chipotle dressing. Can be served warm or at room temp.

If you’re interested in learning more about seasonal celebrations and the Wheel of the Year, check out my book, Magical Self-care for Everyday Life.

And if you want to learn more about ritual, the elements, embodiment and tarot, check our my class: Tarot Foundations for Intuitive Witches (which kicks off at the Autumn Equinox).