š Welcome to Autumn
- Hilda Jimenez
- Sep 21
- 4 min read
What Really is Autumn?
Autumn is more than just the fall of leaves; it is a season of transformation, balance, and preparation. It is the threshold between the fiery abundance of summer and the introspection of winter. Across cultures, Autumn has been seen as both a harvest and a spiritual teacher ā reminding us to let go, to find balance, and to nourish body and soul.
A Journey Through History and Traditions
South America
In the Andes, Autumn is tied to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) festivals. Communities honor the land with offerings of corn, potatoes, and cacao, asking for protection during the darker months.
North America
Indigenous tribes saw Autumn as a sacred time to give gratitude for harvest and prepare spiritually for winter. Corn, squash, and beans ā the āThree Sistersā ā were honored as life-givers. In Florida, Autumn may not bring snow or deep cold, but it brings a subtle shift ā shorter days, harvest of tropical fruits, and a spiritual nudge to slow down.
Europe
Autumn was the heart of harvest festivals like Samhain in Celtic lands ā a time when the veil thinned, spirits could be honored, and communities gave thanks for grains, apples, and mead.
Asia
The Mid-Autumn Festival honors the moonās fullness and abundance. Families gather to share mooncakes, light lanterns, and meditate under the bright harvest moon.
India
Navratri celebrates the Divine Feminine in Autumn, a nine-day festival of music, fasting, and rituals honoring the victory of light over darkness.
When Does Autumn Begin? š
The official start of Autumn is marked by the Autumnal Equinox ā the day when day and night are nearly equal in length. After this, nights slowly grow longer, inviting us into rest and reflection.
Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, Asia): Autumn begins around September 22ā23 each year and lasts until the Winter Solstice around December 21ā22.
Southern Hemisphere (South America, Australia):Autumn begins around March 20ā21 and lasts until the Winter Solstice in June 20ā21.
Exact Times:The equinox does not happen at the same clock time every year ā it shifts between the 22nd and 23rd of September (or March in the south), depending on Earthās orbit. Typically, it occurs between 2:00 AM ā 4:00 PM UTC, which means:
Around 10:00 PM ā 12:00 AM (Eastern Time) in the U.S. (Florida, New York, etc.)
Around 3:00 AM ā 5:00 AM GMT in Europe
Around 12:00 PM ā 2:00 PM JST in Japan
Around 7:00 AM ā 10:00 AM IST in India
Spiritually, the equinox is the threshold moment: day and night balance perfectly, reminding us to align our own yin and yang energies. After this balance point, we move gradually into more yin ā more stillness, introspection, and grounding.
The Energetics of Autumn
Masculine or Feminine?Autumn carries more feminine energy (yin) because it is receptive, inward, cooling, and tied to letting go. Yet it also holds balance ā both yin (night, water, earth) and yang (fire of harvest, sunās last warmth) energies meet here.
Planetary Influences:
Venus ā connection to gratitude, harvest, and beauty.
Saturn ā discipline, preparation, endings, lessons.
Moon ā reflection, cycles, inner work.
Pluto (shadow aspect) ā transformation, letting go, rebirth.
Yin or Yang? Autumn is primarily Yin, moving us toward stillness, but it holds the Yang spark of harvest fire ā making it a season of balance between Yin & Yang.
Chakras to Work With:
Root Chakra (Muladhara) ā grounding, security.
Heart Chakra (Anahata) ā gratitude, balance.
Solar Plexus (Manipura) ā harvest of inner power, confidence.
Foods for Autumn (North America & Florida)
Grounding, warming, immune-boosting foods:
Pumpkin, Squash, Sweet Potatoes ā earthy grounding foods.
Citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, grapefruit) ā Floridaās autumn blessing, rich in Vitamin C.
Apples & Cranberries ā traditional northern foods of renewal.
Spices: Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Turmeric ā warm digestion & cleanse stagnant energy.
Guava, Papaya, Mango ā tropical fruits that balance Floridaās subtropical autumn.
Easy At-Home Autumn Rituals š
1. Spice Gratitude Tea
Brew cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. As you sip, name three gratitudes. This awakens the Heart Chakra and aligns you with abundance.
2. Candle & Sound Release
Light an orange candle, place water nearby. Use a singing bowl or humming to release old patterns into the water, symbolizing cleansing and rebirth.
3. Root Chakra Nourishment
Cook with pumpkin or sweet potato. Before eating, breathe into your Root Chakra, visualize red grounding light, and thank the Earth for nourishment.
Spiritual Practices for Autumn
Meditation: Visualize leaves falling away, releasing what no longer serves.
Sound Healing: Use drum rhythms for grounding and bowls for clearing.
Reiki: Focus on clearing old energy patterns, activating Heart and Root Chakras.
Shamanic Work: Fire ceremony or gratitude offering with corn, rice, or seeds.
Autumn is the cosmic teacher of balance and gratitude. It reminds us that release is not loss, but preparation for renewal. Wherever you are ā in South America, Florida, Europe, Asia, or India ā this season invites you into gratitude, balance, and transformation.
š āBelieve in Your Own Magicā ā You Are Nirvana
This article does a fantastic job of capturing the spirit of Autumn! It blends cultural traditions, spiritual vibes, and practical tips in such a relatable way. Itās a great read for anyone looking to embrace the seasonās magic! I love it!