Autumn is a time when nature beckons you to of let go of what no longer serves.
Trees allow their leaves drop away exposing their naked branches and perennial plants begin to die down, placing their complete focus on pulling nutrients from above ground into their roots for their winter slumber.
Metaphorically speaking, this is our magical work too… it’s the time of year to pull off any unnecessary armor you’ve accumulated and begin to place your focus inward.
I believe that the only way home to who you really are is to go inward, and this is the perfect time of year to begin that journey. I use self-care practices to assist me – I find they help me focus on me, ground me and keep me in touch with the magic that’s all around.
Here are some of my favorite self-care practices for autumn:
SWEET SLUMBER
Your circadian rhythm is shifting; so make time for more rest. This could mean going to bed a little earlier, waking up a little later, or even taking a catnap in the afternoon. Valerian has long been used to calm anxiety and promote sleep. Each evening pour yourself a warm cup of Valerian tea drizzled with honey or add some Valerian root to a dream pillow and drift off peacefully. Herbs are a natural and effective way to promote the deep and sweet slumber.
BRING IN THE EARTH TONES
Deep shades of brown, green, burgundy and gold are the grounding and balancing colors of autumn. Bring calm energy into your day by wearing them, incorporating them into your altarscape and splashing them around your home. Green is the color of fertility and abundance – so work with green and encourage abundance to flow in your life!
BE SUPPORTED
Before it gets too cold out, take some time to walk barefoot on Mama Earth, or better yet, lie down on the grass and connect directly to her powerful grounding energy. Let her hold you and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit.
MAKING PERFECT SCENTS
Sandalwood, neroli and geranium are the scents associated with autumn. Take a long and relaxing soak in an essential oil infused bath or create an all natural body spray. Prepare your ritual bath, light a candle, take some deep inhalations, and let the magic of the autumn season surround you.
BE PRESENT
Bloodstone is the stone of courage and also encourages you to be in the “here and now”. Its vibration is also said to aid you in making decisions. Carry Bloodstone with you or sleep with it under your pillow to promote strength and presence.
TENDER RELEASE
Allow yourself cry when you need to… I teach my clients this mantra, “better out than in.” Tears and emotions correspond to the element of WATER, allow WATER to flow freely in your life, don’t constrict it or block it. Feel all the feelings and cry whenever necessary.
SHARE THE HARVEST
Autumn is the time of year to mindfully be in gratitude for the bountiful harvest you have reaped. Celebrate the Harvest Moon with a meal shared with family or friends. Take the time to create an outside altar, or light a special candle and break bread with loved ones.
WARM UP!
To counteract the colder temperatures of autumn begin adding warming, comforting foods to your daily diet. It’s the perfect time to begin making soups and stews for meals and drinking hot beverages (I love a combination of warm water with fresh lemon and ginger root!).
SOAK UP THE SUN
Freya brought light to the people and as the Autumn Equinox will begin the dark part of the year, take the time to soak in the goddess’s light as you celebrate the gifts of the earth, the changing of the seasons and plan ahead for the seeds you intend to sow in your life.
LIGHT IT UP!
Light candles, make a fire in your fireplace, or a bonfire outside – write down on a piece of paper the things that no longer serve your highest good, read them out loud, and then throw the paper into the fire and burn it up! Release whatever you need to.
My wish for you is that these sacred self-care practices fill your soul and remind you of the magic that lives within you and around you. Autumntide Blessings!
