As we stand at the threshold of autumn and the days begin to shorten, the time is ripe for reflection.
The Autumn Equinox, also known as Mabon, is a perfect moment in the year to pause, look back on your journey from spring to autumn, and assess what you’ve accomplished.
As we move towards winter, it’s also a time to consider what we need to release, letting go of anything that no longer serves us so that we can enter the quieter months with a sense of clarity and purpose.
In this article, we’ll explore why this season is so potent for reflection, how to take stock of your year’s journey, and practical ways to let go of what you no longer need, creating space for the winter ahead.
Why Reflect on the Year’s Journey?
In magickal traditions, the Autumn Equinox represents balance—day and night are of equal length before the darker half of the year begins to take hold.
It's a natural time to reflect on balance in your own life.
What have you nurtured, grown, and harvested in the lighter months?
What seeds did you plant in the spring, and how have they flourished over the summer?
Now, as the earth begins to turn inward, so too can we, allowing us to take stock of our journey and prepare for the introspective energy of winter.
Reflecting on the year’s journey allows us to:
Acknowledge our achievements
By looking back, we can see how far we’ve come, celebrating both small and significant victories.
Learn from challenges
Reflecting on difficulties or setbacks helps us extract valuable lessons that can guide us forward.
Release what no longer serves
This time of year invites us to let go of outdated habits, thoughts, or relationships, making space for new growth.
Set intentions for the darker months
As we move towards winter, we can use this reflection to set meaningful intentions for the months ahead, focusing on rest, renewal, and deep transformation.
Looking Back: What Have You Accomplished?
The journey from spring to autumn is often one of growth, expansion, and action.
Seeds of intention planted in the spring—whether literal or metaphorical—have had time to grow and bear fruit.
Now is the time to take a moment and ask yourself:
What have I accomplished since the spring?
Consider both personal and professional achievements.
- What goals have you reached?
- What projects have you completed?
- What relationships have blossomed?
What challenges have I faced, and how have I overcome them?
Reflect on any obstacles or setbacks.
- What did these experiences teach you?
- How did you grow through facing them?
What am I most proud of from the past few months?
Acknowledge your victories, both large and small.
- What moments made you feel proud, fulfilled, or strong?
This reflection isn’t about perfection. It’s about recognising the effort and progress you’ve made, no matter how winding the path may have been.
Moving Forward: What Needs Releasing?
As the earth begins its retreat into the quiet of winter, it’s natural to follow suit and think about what you need to release.
Just as trees shed their leaves in preparation for winter, letting go of what no longer serves you is essential for moving forward.
Holding onto old patterns, relationships, or thoughts can drain your energy, leaving less space for new growth in the future.
Ask yourself:
What habits, beliefs, or patterns are holding me back?
Are there any thought patterns or behaviours that are no longer aligned with who you want to become?
- What would happen if you let them go?
What relationships or connections have become stagnant?
Consider whether there are any relationships in your life that no longer feel supportive or nurturing.
- Is it time to distance yourself or shift the dynamic?
What am I ready to release as I move towards winter?
Think about your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
- What burdens can you lay down?
- What are you willing to release in order to create more balance in your life?
By releasing what no longer serves you, you create space for healing and transformation, allowing new energy to flow into your life during the quieter months ahead.
Reflection Practices for the Season
Here are some ways to incorporate reflective practices into your journey as you move from autumn towards winter:
1. Journal Prompts
Journaling is an excellent way to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Set aside time to write about your journey from spring to autumn using these prompts:
What seeds of intention did I plant in the spring, and how have they grown over the summer?
What challenges have I faced this year, and what have I learned from them?
What moments have brought me joy, pride, or a sense of accomplishment?
What patterns or habits am I ready to release as I move towards winter?
How can I bring more balance into my life during the coming months?
2. Gratitude Ritual
Gratitude is a powerful way to honour the harvest of your life, acknowledging all that you’ve achieved and received.
Create a simple gratitude ritual by writing down five things you are thankful for from the past year.
Hold these blessings in your heart, and light a candle to symbolise the warmth and abundance of the harvest season.
As you reflect on your gratitude, allow yourself to feel content with your journey so far.
3. Letting Go Ceremony
If there’s something specific you’re ready to release, consider holding a letting go ceremony.
Write down the habit, relationship, or belief you want to release on a piece of paper.
As you do so, reflect on how this has impacted your life and why you are now ready to let it go.
When you’re ready, safely burn the paper in a fireproof container, visualising the release of this energy.
As the smoke rises, feel a sense of lightness and freedom.
4. Nature Walk
Spend time in nature, observing how the world around you is transitioning into autumn.
As the trees drop their leaves and the air grows cooler, reflect on your own life’s journey.
- What natural cycles are happening in your life?
- What is preparing to rest?
- What is still growing?
This connection to nature can bring you clarity as you reflect on your path.
Moving Forward with Intention
As you move into the darker months, take the lessons of your journey with you.
This time of reflection is not just about letting go—it’s about moving forward with intention.
- What do you want to focus on as the winter months unfold?
- What areas of your life need nurturing, healing, or rest?
Set intentions for the quieter months ahead, knowing that these will prepare you for new growth when spring returns.
Embrace the Journey
Reflecting on the year’s journey from spring to autumn helps us gain insight into our own personal growth and transformation.
It allows us to celebrate our accomplishments, learn from our challenges, and release what no longer serves us.
By aligning with the natural cycles of the earth, we can embrace the process of growth, balance, and renewal.
As you take this time to look back and move forward, may you find peace in your reflections and strength in your intentions.
The journey may not always be smooth, but every step you’ve taken has brought you closer to becoming the person you are meant to be.