SEPTEMBER 12, 2024
Autumn Equinox Tarot Spread
Tarot Spread by
ANNA ROSE
Article by
EMILY THOMPSON
About the Autumn Equinox
The Autumn Equinox, also known as the Fall Equinox, marks the point in the year when day and night are almost exactly equal length, symbolizing a moment of perfect balance (plus, hello changing leaves!). Occurring around September 22nd or 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere and around March 20th or 21st in the Southern Hemisphere, it signifies the official transition from Summer to Autumn. This equinox is one of two each year (including the Spring Equinox), when the Earth's tilt aligns such that the Sun is directly above the equator, creating nearly equal daylight and nighttime hours worldwide.
The Autumn Equinox has been celebrated for centuries across cultures, often seen as a time to honor the harvest, express gratitude for the fruits of your hard work, and prepare for the quieter, introspective season ahead, with its longer nights. Many traditions view it as a powerful moment for reflection and realignment, echoing the natural shifts in the environment. In some traditions that honor this day in these ways, this equinox is also called Mabon.
As the days begin to shorten and the air becomes crisper, it's a time to take stock of personal growth, acknowledge accomplishments, and release what is no longer needed. For many, it's a season for grounding, setting intentions for the future, and finding balance—mirroring the Earth's own momentary state of equilibrium. It's a reminder to align with the rhythms of nature, embrace change, and prepare for the journey into the darker half of the year.
Using Tarot To Align With the Season
Embrace the energy of the Autumn Equinox with a tarot spread for the season that will help you connect with yourself and the world around you.
As we welcome the energy of Autumn with open arms and enter the time of year when we flow from the season and energies of Summer, it's essential to take a moment to honor the turning of the wheel. A great way to embrace this energy and make the most of this season of harvest is to pick up your tarot cards and read for yourself to tap into what this season brings for you.
It's time to settle in and contemplate the shifting themes of this equinox and draw upon the support available in Autumn. Use this spread to help you evaluate your next steps in life and connect you further with this place in the flow of the seasons.
Even if you find yourself not at this specific time of year, you can still embrace the energy of the season and celebrate the ever-turning cycle of life and seasons. Grab your tarot deck and take a leap into the essence and beauty of the Fall season, regardless of the time of year, by making time to gather and embracing a sense of abundance and gratitude.
Preparing for Your Tarot Reading
Begin your Autumn Equinox spread by creating a quiet, comfortable environment where you feel safe and calm. Grab your favorite tarot or oracle deck (we especially love The Wildwood Tarot deck when doing nature-themed spreads) and any other items you may need to settle into this sacred space.
Adding seasonal elements like autumn leaves, pumpkins, or crystals associated with the season (here's a list of crystals for Libra season that are perfect for this time of year) can enhance the atmosphere and connect you with the energies of the equinox. This is the perfect time to grab a pen and journal, a candle (our Autumn candle will bring the vibe), or play some calming music to help get you in the zone. Your space should feel like a sanctuary, free of distractions, where you can focus on your reflection.
Once settled, center yourself with some deep breaths, shuffle the cards of your deck, and begin to lay out your spread.
Autumn Equinox Tarot Spread
Laying your tarot or oracle cards, contemplate the following questions and let your intuition guide you.
1. What have I planted that I hope will be ready to harvest this season?
2. What can I do now to ensure my most bountiful harvest?
3. What changes should I be preparing for?
4. What must I shed in order to preserve my energy?
5. How can I connect further with this season?
Find more info on interpreting your spread below.
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Reflecting on your reading involves a deep, intentional process of introspection and connection with the themes of this transitional season. The equinox is a time when light and dark are in perfect balance, making it an ideal period for reflecting on the balance within our own lives. This reflection process allows you to harness the energies of transformation, release, and renewal that the equinox brings.
Here are some steps and considerations to help you make the most of your reflection on your reading:
1. Review Each Card Carefully
Take time to review each card in the spread and consider its meaning in the context of the questions posed in the spread. Reflect not only on the card's traditional meanings but also on any imagery, symbols, or emotions that arise when you look at it. Ask yourself how each card relates to the theme of balance, release, and new beginnings. Journaling your thoughts for each card can be a powerful tool for understanding the messages they hold.
2. Contemplate Equinox Themes
The Autumn Equinox represents balance, change, and preparation for the darker, introspective months ahead. Think about how these themes appear in your spread.
• Are there cards that suggest areas of your life where balance is needed?
• Do certain cards point to aspects of yourself or your journey that require release or transformation?
Consider how the themes of the equinox can guide your interpretation and use them as a lens through which to view each card’s message.
3. Reflect on What Needs to be Released
The equinox is a time for letting go of what no longer serves us, just as nature sheds its leaves in preparation for winter. As you analyze your spread, identify any cards that signify old habits, beliefs, or situations that are holding you back. Reflect on the energies or behaviors that the cards suggest you need to release to create space for new growth. Acknowledge these things without judgment, understanding that release is a natural part of the cycle of life.
4. Identify Areas for Growth and Renewal
The equinox is a time for letting go of what no longer serves us, just as nature sheds its leaves in preparation for winter. As you analyze your spread, identify any cards that signify old habits, beliefs, or situations that are holding you back. Reflect on the energies or behaviors that the cards suggest you need to release to create space for new growth. Acknowledge these things without judgment, understanding that release is a natural part of the cycle of life.
5. Use Intuition and Feeling
Your intuition is a crucial component of any tarot reading. Allow yourself to feel your way through the spread, trusting your gut instincts and inner voice. If a card evokes a particular feeling or seems to speak to you in an unexpected way, explore that sensation. Write down your intuitive thoughts and impressions without filtering or analyzing them too much. Often, our subconscious mind provides insights that our conscious mind might overlook.
6. Consider the Bigger Picture
After reflecting on each card individually, take a step back and look at the spread as a whole. Consider how the cards interact with one another and how their messages combine to create a cohesive narrative about your life at this moment.
• Are there recurring themes or patterns?
• Do certain suits or numbers appear frequently, hinting at particular areas of focus?
Looking at the spread as a whole can provide a broader perspective and reveal deeper layers of meaning.
7. Set Intentions Based
As you conclude your reflection, consider setting intentions for the coming months based on the insights you’ve gained. These intentions might focus on what you wish to release or what you want to cultivate.
Be specific and compassionate with yourself, recognizing that intentions should be about growth and self-care, not self-criticism. Write these intentions down and place them somewhere visible, or keep them in a journal to revisit throughout the season.
8. Practice Gratitude and Acknowledge Your Journey
Take a moment to express gratitude for the guidance you’ve received, the process of reflection, and the journey you are on. Acknowledge both your strengths and the areas you’re working on without judgment. Gratitude can be a powerful practice to ground your reflection and cultivate a positive mindset moving forward.
8. Plan for Continued Reflection
The insights from a tarot spread can unfold over time, so plan for continued reflection. Revisit your notes and intentions periodically throughout the season to see how your understanding of the cards' messages evolves. You might even draw additional cards later to gain more clarity or insight as you work with the equinox’s energies.
As you move forward into the darker half of the year, let this reflection be your guide, a tool for growth and a reminder that every season offers an opportunity for transformation. With each equinox, we are given a unique chance to balance, realign, and move forward with renewed purpose and clarity. Embrace it fully, and let it illuminate your path.
Happy Mabon!
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