There’s something about the Autumn Equinox that always draws me in. It’s one of those moments in the year where you can almost feel the world shifting under your feet. The light begins to soften, the days and nights find a perfect balance, and everything feels like it’s holding its breath, waiting for what’s next.

The equinox is steeped in history and symbolism. In ancient times, many cultures celebrated this moment as a time of gratitude and reflection. The harvest had been gathered, the crops brought in, and now it was time to honour the earth for its abundance and prepare for the quiet months ahead. It was a moment to pause before the winter, a time to balance work with rest, and to reflect on the cycles of nature that mirror our own lives.

The word “equinox” itself comes from the Latin aequus, meaning “equal,” and nox, meaning “night.” It’s the time of year when day and night are perfectly balanced, just before the days begin to grow shorter and the nights longer. It’s a reminder that balance isn’t a static thing – it’s constantly shifting, just like we are.

For me, the equinox feels like an invitation to slow down, to stop and take stock. What have I gathered in my life over the past months? What am I carrying that I no longer need? And most importantly, what do I want to make space for as we move into the darker half of the year?

There’s a reason this moment in the calendar feels so sacred. It’s a pause, a breath, a chance to reconnect with ourselves and the earth.

Time for Reflection and Grounding

As the natural world begins its transition, I find myself drawn to grounding practices. There’s something about autumn that feels like it calls for a little more warmth, a little more nourishment. One of my favourite ways to bring that warmth into my daily routine is through herbal blends, and this time of year, I often turn to the recipe below.

These roots are earthy and grounding – just what we need as we begin to turn inward, reflecting on the months behind us and preparing for the slower pace ahead. Dandelion and burdock have both been used for centuries for their nourishing properties, supporting our bodies as we shift with the seasons.

Warming Dandelion & Burdock Root Recipe

This blend is perfect for those moments when you want to pause, wrap your hands around a warm mug, and breathe in the comforting scent of autumn.

Ingredients:

• one tablespoon of dried dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale radix)
• one tablespoon of dried burdock root (Arctium lappa radix)
• one cinnamon stick
• three slices of fresh ginger (optional, to add a bit of warmth)
• one teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

Method:

• Combine the dandelion and burdock roots, cinnamon stick, and ginger in a small saucepan.
• Add 500ml of water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
• Cover, and let the liquid simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the roots to infuse the water with their earthy goodness.
• Strain the liquid into your favourite mug.
• Add honey or maple syrup if you’d like, and take a moment to savour the warmth.

Connecting with the Season

The Autumn Equinox is about more than just balance; it’s about tuning in to the rhythms of nature and allowing yourself to flow with them. As the earth slows down, so can we. It’s okay to let go of the rush, to release what no longer feels right, and to make space for the things that truly nourish us.

This season reminds me that, just like the earth, we go through cycles of growth, harvest, release, and rest. The equinox invites us to embrace that, to honour the turning of the wheel, and to reflect on how we’re connected to these natural rhythms.

As you sip your blend, I encourage you to think about what you’re ready to release and what you want to nurture in the months ahead. This simple act of grounding yourself, of pausing for just a moment, can be a powerful way to align with the energy of the season.