Fall Equinox + A Ritual of Devotion

There’s a lot that can be said about the fall equinox and how it is the balance of night and day, the turning of the wheel, a portal into a new way of being. I am very much so looking forward to the crispy air and colder nights and all the wonders of fall time but in this moment I want to experience the equilibrium of release while the abundance of summer is not lost on me.

I’ve been workshopping a ritual for the past week or so because it has been such a peculiar feeling being dissatisfied without really knowing how to move forward. It feels like in order to know where I want to go I have to remember where I’ve been, I have to put to words what I’m wishing for, and I have to remember what it feels like to be devoted.

It’s through acts of devotion that I’ll see one foot moving in front of the other. It might be messy but it’s better than standing still. And one foot is already through the gate- this is the magic of the fall equinox.

Do some magic with me?

DEVOTION THROUGH THE FALL EQUINOX

You will need:

• something to smoke cleanse with. My favorite is copal but dealer’s choice.
• pen and paper
• a candle
• a fire safe dish
• a beverage of your choosing and a flower essence that most aligns (scroll all the way to the bottom if you want help picking one out)
• things to set a vibe; music, blankets, the soft kind of lighting that you like, etc.

Start by lighting a candle, creating the environment you enjoy and welcoming any spirit guides you like to work with. Play your music and breathe deeply into your belly, lightly running your fingers over your opposite hands or face. When you feel present, use the candle flame to light your smoke cleansing tool and then let the smoke fill the air, opening a window to let the old stagnant energy clear itself out when the time feels right. If you’re carrying any yucky feelings this is also a great time to dis-invite that. This heavy feeling can leave with the smoke, let it instead be curiosity (or gentleness, compassion, etc. Whatever you want to feel).

Sit next to the candle with your pen and paper and answer the question: What do you dream your life will look like 6 months from now? You might find it helpful to set a timer for 3 minutes and free write any and everything that comes to mind. Alternatively you might find it helpful to let your vision get lost in the flame and see where your thoughts wander to.

Now that you have an understanding of your dreams, grab a separate piece of paper and tear it in half. On one half write down the blockages and fears that come to mind. I don’t know where to start, this dream is ludicrous and could never support me, if I have this then I’m being selfish, etc.

On the other half of paper, write down the opposite of these blockages. I will always find my way and thrive, my dreams are worthy of pursuit and will lead me where I’m meant to go, by pursuing my dreams I open the road for other dreamers, etc. These are your stepping stones. Now read them again to revel in the optimism of it all.

Next, go back to the paper where you wrote your dreams. Remind yourself that these dreams are sacred. These dreams deserve devotion. Use this energy of in between, of balance, to create a path forward.

You can do this by looking at your stepping stones and creating tangible action you can commit to.

“I will always find my way” can be translated to “I will spend one day a week researching about my dream” which can be turned into a devotional act by creating an action you can reasonably commit to. “I will spend 1-2 hours every Saturday learning more about xyz” or “I will spend at least 30 minutes every Saturday learning about xyz”. Devotion is defined by the willingness to dedicate your energy to that which you consider sacred. It is important that you map out acts that you are willing to commit to.

Now put your beverage in front of you and grab the paper half that has all the limitations and fears written on it. Put a large x across them and flip the paper over. You can write the affirmation offered below based on the plant ally you chose, or you can be cheeky and write “I get what I want” (that’s what I’m doing). Fold the paper up and light it on fire and put it inside the fire safe dish. As your fears are reduced to ashes, add your essence and sip deeply from your beverage, focusing on the way it fills you.

When the flame has gone out from the dish, thank any guides you invited to be with you and say your affirmation one more time (“I get what I want”) and then blow out the candle to complete the ritual.

⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖

Flower Essences + Their Affirmations for Fall

Dahlia: the embodiment of unabashed dreaming and most creative forms of expression; My dreams will see themselves through.

Wild Rose: shifting away from the habits that stop you from moving forward. I can make changes whenever I want.

Violet: for holding gentleness towards the grief of changed reality. These are a part of my story and I can still honor them when I move forward.

 

This ritual comes from a piece of my writing on Substack. You can read the article in its entirety HERE (it's free!)