Late October
Only lovers
see the fall
a signal end to endings
a gruffish gesture alerting
those who will not be alarmed
that we begin to stop
in order to begin
again.
- Maya Angelou
Fall came right on time this year. As soon as the calendar read September 23rd, the fall equinox, the weather shifted. The shortness of the days became noticeable again, the wind whipped hard enough for one to need a jacket, and the rain just wouldn’t stop pouring. I love it, not just because I’m excited for all the fall things, but because I welcome the opportunity to slow down.
Summer was so traumatic and chaotic for me that I barely got to acknowledge its presence. The season was damn near over before my feet touched sand, and I longed for a little more time to play in the sun before the cold air made that intolerable. In some ways I got my wish; I spent the last days of summer frequenting the park and even made it out to the beach one more time. But the chaos of my life didn’t slow down, in fact it picked up, and by the time summer waned I was emotionally, mentally, and psychically drained.
Then came fall, an excuse to bundle up, stay indoors, eat lots of soup, and generally over consume calories. Hibernation - a fabulous idea for a tired soul. I welcome the colder months, especially fall, but even winter sounds more appealing this year. The cold months provide time to process, shed, grieve, and heal, before spring brings us back to life again.
The Significance of the Fall Equinox
The fall equinox marks the first day of fall, in the Northern Hemisphere, and falls between September 21st and 24th, with the day varying each year.1 Now that we have the science behind us, let’s jump into the spiritual significance this time of year represents. During the fall season you may find yourself called to release anything that’s no longer serving you - people, patterns, beliefs, and emotions are all up for grabs. Time indoors, away from the distractions of the outside world, grants us the opportunity to reflect and sets us up to implement changes in the new year. Jordan Maree perfectly describes the fall season with this quote from her Yoga Journal article, “What the Fall Equinox Means in Astrology.”
Fall holds a slower pace, a time of inward stillness, and an invitation of surrender. This is the metaphoric death before the rebirth. We witness it all around us. The leaves that fall from the trees. The Earth that continues to tilt away from the life-supporting energy of the Sun. The trust in the natural cycles of life that hold steady, even amongst the darkest days of the year. There is only continued surrender.2 - Jordan Maree, Yoga Journal
I have been resentful of change lately, finding myself reluctant to go along with the constant life shifts brought to me by my Saturn Return. The fall equinox has offered me comfort, reminding me that everything in this life is impermanent. It’s okay to let things go, let things die, with the knowing that rebirth greets us on the other side.
This fall season, I invite you to luxuriate in the opportunity to release and to rest. Our modern world pressures us into constantly achieving on the highest level, but we have seasons for a reason. Like nature, life is cyclical, and in order to truly see growth we must honor every cycle. This year I’m doing that by appreciating the last bits of warm weather, lush grass, and full trees because I know it’s all fleeting. Soon the ground will be icey, outside will be inhospitable, and I will long for days where a walk in the park feels glorious and time feels like it’s finally slowing down. I am resting in the energy of this new season, eager to reap the lessons it brings.
Resources
If slowing down isn’t your strong suit, then I highly recommend checking out Madisun Gray’s YouTube channel. She makes great content on slow living, decluttering, and motherhood for all my parents out there.
As much as I love Girlmore Girls, you don’t need to watch it for the millionth time this fall season. Do yourself a favor and check out my new favorite comfort show, Virgin River on Netflix. It has the same small town vibes as Gilmore Girls, with loads of romance, adult drama, and crispy fall weather.
Last fall/winter I was obsessed with this Creamy Wild Mushroom and Orzo Soup recipe I found on Pinterest, served with hearty bread of course. I can’t wait to whip up the first batch of the season, and I invite you to do the same (P.S. you’ll have plenty of leftovers).
If you’re looking to add some affordable fall touches to your home, then check out these fall decor items from Target, all under $20.
A&E Television Networks. (2019, August 15). Fall equinox. History.com. https://www.history.com/topics/natural-disasters-and-environment/fall-equinox
Maree, J. (2023, September 22). What the fall equinox means in astrology. Yoga Journal. https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/astrology/fall-equinox-2022/