20 minutes, a journal and a candle

fall reflection ritual seasons Sep 24, 2026

The Fall Equinox has arrived, marking the official beginning of a new season. It’s one of only two times in a year when daylight and darkness stand in balance. I think of it as a still point and the sacred pause where the two polarities join to create wholeness and harmony.

For me, the Fall Equinox is a seasonal threshold, and ritual is one way we can mark the crossing.

While I wasn’t able to host a live circle for the Fall Equinox this year, I still wanted to share a simple ritual you can do on your own to pause, acknowledge the season that has passed, and intentionally step into the season ahead.

Give yourself 20 minutes.

Grab a journal.

Then, light a candle to bring yourself into the present and into ritual space, bringing a sense of meaning to the moment. Take a couple of deep breaths, connecting your mind to your body, leaving the outside world behind and turning inward. Take a moment to set an intention for yourself. It’s how you leave the outside world and arrive into the ritual with intention. When you are ready, move through the ritual in three parts.

Harvest.

At its core, the Fall Equinox celebrates the harvest. It’s a time to honor the effort and experience that you have put forth this year. In your journal, make a list of at least 10 things that you want to celebrate. Write down what you’ve done, what you’ve created, what you’ve completed, how you’ve changed, and who you’ve become. Sit with it a minute and read it back. Receive your harvest.

Equilibrium.

Out of 365 days, only two are perfectly balanced. The rest of the year there is either more daylight or more darkness. Most of the time we aren't perfectly balanced either. It’s natural to have seasons that feel aligned. So the question to put in your journal and answer is: First, what's feeling out of alignment right now? Then ask, what would help you reclaim more equilibrium?

Release.

As one season begins, another ends. You get to take this moment and declare what you want to leave in summer so you don’t take it into this new season. In your journal, answer: What are you ready to let go of?

On a small piece of paper, write down what you are releasing. Then you can rip up the paper, burn it, or bury it.

Then close by thanking the season of summer and calling forth the new season of Fall. When you're ready, blow out the candle as an indication that you’ve crossed the threshold.

I'll be holding space differently this year, but I'll be thinking of you as the season turns.

As you step into this new season...

Here are a couple of ways to keep creating space for what matters to you.

Start with the 5-Minute Daily Reset Ritual

Create your own fresh start with a simple daily practice to help you reconnect with yourself, reset your focus, and move into your day with intention.

Download the Free Ritual