As the days begin to shorten and the air turns crisp, we find ourselves at the threshold of a new season—the Autumn Equinox, also known as Mabon. This celestial event, celebrated by many cultures, marks a moment of perfect balance between light and dark, a day when daylight and nighttime are equal. It invites us to pause and reflect on our lives, seeking equilibrium in our personal, emotional, and spiritual worlds.
Mabon is traditionally seen as a time of harvest—not only in the literal sense but also metaphorically, as we reap the fruits of our efforts from the spring and summer months. It’s a time to look inward, acknowledge the work we’ve done, the challenges we’ve overcome, and assess what we’ve cultivated within ourselves. The equinox encourages us to ask: What have I accomplished? What do I still need to nurture? What parts of my life need balance?
During the transition of seasons, I often find myself feeling a deep sense of unease - a mild anxiety. It is as though I’m in the ocean and cannot see the shore I've left or see the shore ahead of me. This in-between place—this Nepantla—feels disorienting, as I am suspended between worlds. I’m leaving behind the energy of summer but not yet fully embracing the stillness of fall, and it’s a bit painful. The transition holds grief for what is ending, even as I know that there is space being made for what is to emerge.
In these moments, I (try to) remind myself that feeling scattered, restless, or unsettled is a natural response to change (well, at least my natural response to change). But just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s easy. To cope, I take moments to pause, breathe slowly and deeply, place my hand on my heart, and remind my body that we have done this before - we've got this.
I’ve also learned that, if it's possible, not to take on big projects during this time, so I can allow myself the grace to rest and move slowly. It’s much like the recovery after an illness—you feel better one day, ready to take on the world, only to realize your body isn’t quite there yet, and it gently pulls you back to bed. Just as our bodies need time for healing, our psyches need rest to release what’s being shed and prepare for what’s to come.
I also find solace in nourishing myself with foods that are in season, like pumpkin, lentils, and sweet potatoes. These foods are visual reminders that everything has it's time and gives me a little something to look forward to. Below are two recipes for meals that reflect the earth’s bounty and a reminder that slowing down can be both nurturing and restorative.
Feast
As we move into the autumn season, it's a great time to nourish ourselves with hearty, warming meals that reflect the harvest and the earth’s abundance. Here are two recipes that are perfect for grounding yourself during this transitional time:
Roasted Butternut Squash & Lentil Salad
This warm salad is packed with nutrients and the earthy flavors of fall, making it a comforting dish to enjoy during the cooler months.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils
- 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula
- ¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the butternut squash cubes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. While the squash is roasting, prepare the lentils according to package instructions if not already cooked.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and olive oil to create the dressing.
5. Once the squash is done, toss it with the cooked lentils, spinach or arugula, and dressing. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk
This rich and velvety pumpkin soup is perfect for a cozy evening and brings together the best flavors of autumn.
Ingredients:
- 1 small pumpkin or 2 cups of canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. If using fresh pumpkin, cut it in half, remove the seeds, and roast it face down on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until tender. Scoop out the flesh once it's cool enough to handle. If using canned pumpkin, skip this step.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add the pumpkin puree (or roasted pumpkin flesh), coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches) to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with a warm slice of crusty bread.
These recipes not only celebrate the flavors of the fall harvest but also provide warmth and comfort as you embrace the slowing down and rest that autumn calls for.
Finding Balance in the Shift
In psychotherapy, the change of seasons can be a powerful metaphor for life’s transitions. Just as nature moves through cycles, we experience internal shifts—moments of energy, action, and productivity, followed by periods of introspection, rest, and renewal. Many people struggle during this seasonal shift, feeling a pull between doing and being, striving and resting. The equinox serves as a reminder that both are necessary.
In Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Attachment Theory, we often talk about the importance of balancing internal energies. Parts of ourselves may feel the need to push forward, while other parts may yearn for rest and reflection. Finding balance is about honoring both these aspects—our drive and our need for stillness—so that we can move through the world with a sense of harmony.
Journal Prompts
Journaling can help clarify thoughts and emotions, and reduce stress by providing an outlet for these expressions. These journal prompts aim to explore how the change of seasons reflects our own internal transitions and the balance between action and rest.
1. Reflect on a time when you felt pulled between productivity and rest. How did you navigate this internal conflict? What can you learn from that experience about finding balance in your life now?
2. In what ways do the changing seasons mirror transitions in your own life? How can you use the metaphor of nature's cycles to better understand your personal growth and rest periods?
3. Explore the different parts of yourself that strive for productivity and those that crave stillness. What messages do each of these parts offer, and how can you honor both as you move through your current season of life?
4. How do you currently balance your internal energies between doing and being? What might you need to adjust to create more harmony in your daily life?
5. Consider the upcoming seasonal shift—what transitions are happening in your life, both externally and internally? How can you use this time to reflect on what needs to be nurtured and what needs to be let go?
Harvesting the Energy of Mabon
Just as the earth prepares to let go of its abundance to make space for the dormancy of winter, we, too, are called to release what no longer serves us. Whether it’s outdated patterns of thinking, emotional burdens, or relationships that have run their course, this transition into fall is a powerful reminder that letting go is an essential part of growth.
One way to explore these themes is through tarot. Similar to therapy, tarot can serve as a mirror to our internal world, offering a deeper understanding of our inner patterns, meaning making, and areas that call for attention.
Below is a tarot spread designed to help you align with the energy of the Autumn Equinox. By exploring these five questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of where you are in your journey, what you’re being called to release, and how to embrace the coming changes.
Autumn Equinox Tarot Spread
Card 1. What needs balance in my life?
This card reflects the areas of your life that may feel out of harmony. It asks you to look at how you’re balancing work, rest, relationships, and self-care.
Card 2. What energy am I harvesting from the past season?
This card shows what lessons, accomplishments, or personal growth you’ve cultivated during the spring and summer. It reminds you to take stock of your hard work and celebrate what has come to fruition.
Card 3. What energy am I releasing with the coming fall?
Just as trees shed their leaves, this card points to the energies, patterns, or emotional baggage that you’re ready to release. What are you holding onto that no longer serves your growth?
Card 4. What transformation is taking place within me?
Change is a constant, and this card reveals what shifts are occurring in your inner world. What part of you is evolving? How are you being called to grow as you move forward?
Card 5. How can I embrace the upcoming changes?
This card provides guidance on how to navigate the shifts ahead. It encourages you to be open, adaptable, and receptive to what’s coming, showing how you can align yourself with the natural cycles of transformation.
The Invitation
As we transition from summer to fall, this season offers a moment to reflect on balance, transformation, and personal growth. The Autumn Equinox is an invitation to reconnect with ourselves, honor our experiences, and prepare for the quieter, introspective months ahead.
#AutumnEquinox #MabonMagic #SeasonalBalance #FallReflection #HarvestSeason #MindfulTransitions #EquinoxTarot
Disclaimer: This blog post is crafted with the assistance of Google Gemini and Chat GPT-4 for research and editing purposes. No advertisements or paid affiliations are associated with its content.
Comments