Embracing the Autumn Equinox: A Journey of Letting Go

Folklore and the Art of Release

In older calendars, the autumn equinox (which falls around 22–23 September) was a time of balance. Day and night held equal sway before tipping into the darker half of the year. Across Europe, communities marked the moment by giving thanks for the harvest and preparing for leaner months. Michaelmas (29 September) was once the quarter day when accounts were settled and fields cleared — a literal “letting go” of the growing season.

These ancient rhythms still echo now. Even if we’re no longer storing apples in cool cellars or gathering wheat sheaves, there’s something archetypal about autumn: a turning inward, a shedding of what’s outgrown, and a preparation for rest.

Learning from the Trees

As the days shorten, deciduous trees begin to withdraw energy from their leaves. Chlorophyll fades, revealing golds and reds, before the leaves detach and drift to earth. This isn’t loss for loss’s sake — it’s wise economy. By letting go of their leaves, trees conserve energy and protect themselves through winter storms.

We can do the same in our own lives. Letting go isn’t weakness. It’s creating space and conserving energy for what matters most.

Gentle Practices for Letting Go

If the phrase “self-care” sometimes makes you think of spa days or big life overhauls, this is your permission slip to go gentle. Below are a few low-energy, nourishing ways to practise letting go this autumn:

• A one-drawer clear-out: Choose a single drawer, shelf or corner to tidy. Release what you no longer need.

• Dusk candle ritual: As the sun sets, light a candle. With each exhale, imagine letting go of the day’s heaviness.

• Seasonal walk: Stroll without your phone. Notice falling leaves, the smell of damp earth, and the feel of cooler air on your cheeks. Let the land show you what release looks like.

• Journalling prompt: “What am I holding onto that no longer supports me?” or “Where can I soften my grip?” Write without censoring yourself.

• A gentle body scan: Before bed, close your eyes and mentally travel from head to toe, relaxing each area and letting tension drift away like leaves.

  
  

You don’t have to do all of these. Choose one that feels doable and kind.

Reflecting Inwards

Autumn’s lesson isn’t about productivity — it’s about presence. It’s an invitation to gather yourself, to take stock of what nourishes you, and to consciously put down what doesn’t. Like the land after harvest, you can rest in your own quiet abundance.

So as September tips into October, wrap up in a favourite jumper, pour a warm drink, and give yourself permission to slow down. Notice the tilt of the light and the sound of leaves underfoot. Allow yourself to exhale, knowing that letting go is not an ending but a preparation for new growth to come.

May this turning of the year bring you balance, comfort, and moments of quiet joy.

Conclusion: The Beauty of Letting Go

In this season of change, we can learn so much from nature. The trees, the fields, and the very air around us remind us of the importance of letting go. As we embrace the beauty of autumn, let us also embrace the art of release.

By allowing ourselves to shed what no longer serves us, we create space for new opportunities and growth. This autumn, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we can let go of, and how we can nurture ourselves in the process.

As we move forward, remember that the act of letting go can lead to profound transformation. Embrace this season with an open heart and a willingness to change.

May this autumn be a time of reflection, renewal, and joy.