Turning Inward with Autumn’s Changing Light
Calendula blooming in autumn light. Pic by me. :)
Hi Beautiful Soul,
It’s the autumn equinox today. Here in the woods east of Seattle, the leaves are just beginning to turn, and the days are growing cooler. What I’ve been noticing most, though, is the shift in the light. As the sun traces a lower arc across the sky, new parts of my yard catch the sun's glow.
There’s a red cedar tree tucked behind some ferns, hidden most of the year by her own green branches. But now, with the sun’s slanting light, I can see more of her beautiful, reddish trunk and the life that surrounds her—the blackberries, salal, and ferns at her base.
The deer have been visiting more often, too. I catch glimpses of sunlight shimmering off their brown fur as they nibble at the blackberry leaves.
When I tune into the energy of autumn, I feel myself slowing down. The daylight is changing rapidly—sunset is now at 7:00 p.m., though it felt like just yesterday that it was at 9:30. The days are growing shorter, and I find myself being drawn deeper into my witchy practices.
This morning, I spent time organizing my witch life—sorting through notebooks, oracle cards, astrology journals, and witchy books. I can feel the call to turn inward, to connect with the inner landscape of my heart, the place where I sit and reflect. Who am I? What am I doing here? What needs healing now? What joy is waiting to be uncovered?
I’ve noticed, over the years, that the answers to these questions shift with the seasons. What brings me joy in summer isn’t always what nourishes me in autumn. In summer, I savor the warmth, spending long hours reading in the sun. I tend to get cold easily, and because I have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), summer is a time of basking in the relief of light and heat.
When autumn arrives, there’s always a touch of grief. September and October are usually the hardest months for me, though light therapy helps. I still feel a sense of sadness as those bright, warm days slip away.
At the same time, autumn brings its own joys. Crisp air, blue skies, and the softer, more golden light.
This past summer, as I ran my Soul-Nourishment Coven group, a theme emerged: learning to embrace the paradoxes of life—the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows. There’s a beauty in surrendering to the flow of life’s mysteries, while also holding space for ourselves with tenderness and care.
And here I am again, feeling this theme as autumn settles in. There are always ups and downs, new joys and griefs, and new ways my body and soul ask to be nurtured. This is the rhythm of life.
As you sit with the autumn equinox today, I’m curious—what thoughts or feelings are stirring in you? I’d love to hear. Feel free to hit reply and share.
Warmly,
Emma
P.S. The autumn session of Soul-Nourishment Coven begins on October 3, and I’d love to invite you to join us this season for soul-deep reflection and connection. If you’re feeling called to explore how this group might support your journey, you can schedule a free consultation with me to see if it’s the right fit.
P.P.S. This Thursday, I’m hosting a free Autumn Oracle Card Ritual at 10 a.m. Pacific to welcome the season and receive wisdom for the months ahead. Keep an eye out for tomorrow’s email, which will have the registration link!
Disclaimer: This blog is a resource guide for educational and informational purposes only and should not take the place of hiring a life coach, a therapist, or of seeking medical attention. No information on this blog creates a coach-client relationship between us. You are fully responsible for the decisions and actions you take in regard to your life and affairs.