Tomorrow is the Autumn Equinox which got me thinking about the changing seasons and what that means for me.
Fall has always been my favorite time of the year. When the temperatures start to fall, even if they haven’t as of yet, and leaves start to change. It reminds me that change is good and necessary. That it is ok to slow down and rest. The coming darkness provides time to rest, reflect, release, recharge, and receive.
The balance of night and day on the autumn equinox reminds me to take time to reflect on what is working in my life and what needs to be released. Releasing old attachments of who I think I am, gives me the space to become who I am meant to be in this season. I recharge by looking back on the growth achieved during the longer days and give thanks for the lessons learned. I receive the wisdom granted and know that I am blessed.
When I struggle with anxiety and depression, one of my first cues is the lack of interest in things that usually bring me joy. I noticed initially with Christmas one year, then worked with therapy and medication to decrease that apathy. I remember that following year we went to a pumpkin patch/corn maze. The relief I felt walking onto the grounds and feeling the joy of the season really brought into focus how flat everything had been.
Since the boys are older, a lot of those types of events don’t happen anymore. I haven’t been mindful about creating those situations for myself either This year, with a nudge from the Proper Mountain Woman Club, the Autumn Equinox is on my calendar.
Equinox this year will be celebrated at a brunch hosted by a woman who has brought the solstice and equinox rituals to life. The care that she takes with the rituals and environment infuses the day with reflection and intention. They are the perfect events to kick off the new season. I was tasked this year with writing and/or reading a blessing over the group. I’ll have to come back and add what I write (or find to read) later.
Fall Books
I love to read seasonally and while the holiday season offers the largest selection of books, the fall season offers the best variety. You have your cozy books, spooky books, dark books, and books full of magic and change. Spooky season books are in abundance. Dark academia books like Nocticadia by Keri Lake and Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo are solid choices. Gothic stories such as the classic Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, Belladonna by Adalyn Grace, and Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia also fit the bill. I tend to read books with vampires, werewolves, and/or ghosts any time of the year but with books like Masters of Death by Olivie Blake, the overall percentage increases during the fall months.
Here are some of my favorite books with fall vibes
I read The Scorpio Races every fall, specifically around Nov 1. The book takes place in the last weeks of October with the climax happening on Nov 1. The first line of the book “It is the first day of November and so, today, someone will die.” is a favorite first line.
The audiobook is perfectly narrated by Fiona Hardingham and Steve West (one of my favorites).
The Big Bad Wolf Series is paranormal shifter romantic suspense series following a BSI agent (offshoot of FBI) and an agent of the Trust (werewolf organization). I’m not sure when these take place during the year, but the werewolves, mystery, and Maine setting felt like fall to me.
I will probably by rereading these soon!
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride is a story about dark secrets, tragic friendships, and a marriage in trouble. It reads like a dark fairy tale thriller. The gothic setting and dark feel to this book make it a perfect book to listen to while completing a fall themed puzzle.
Steve West also narrates this one perfectly.
Whether you are celebrating the autumn equinox with ritual, intention, corn mazes, or books, I hope you have a wonderful fall season.
