As the wheel turns toward autumn, we reach a rare still-point: day and night in near-perfect balance. The Autumn Equinox reminds us that life is a dance of light and dark, inhale and exhale, doing and being. Autumn Equinox (also known as Mabon), is sometimes referred to as the ‘Pagan Thanksgiving’ due to its proximity to the Harvest Season, and ancient traditions of feasts and celebrations.
This year, the set point is super-charged: on Sunday 21 September, we meet a New Moon Solar Eclipse in Virgo—the second Virgo New Moon of the season—followed by the exact Equinox the next evening. This sequence is a potent portal for karmic endings and fresh new beginnings… with intentions and manifestations being given a magical turbo boost
What the Equinox means (spiritually & metaphysically)
- Balance as a doorway to something deeper. At the Equinox, light and dark meet in equal measure. Spiritually, this is a threshold: an inner “midpoint” where you’re invited to pause, feel your centre, and begin again—not by pushing or striving, but allowing the unfolding by listening to your higher self
- Harvest consciousness. Metaphysically, autumn invites us to gather the fruits of our efforts— the insights, skills, and beneficial relationships—and to consciously compost what is complete. Endings aren’t failures here—they’re alchemy that feeds what comes next.
- The heart of reciprocity. The Equinox reminds us we live inside a living exchange. As energy shifts inward, we remember reciprocity with Earth: We receive (time, food, lessons), we give thanks, and we give back—attention, care, and integrity, or return what’s done to the soil so new life can root.
Why this week is different: Eclipse + New Moon + Saturn
On 21 September a partial solar eclipse aligns with a New Moon in Virgo—a signature of sober, practical new beginnings. It’s also the second Virgo New Moon of the season, doubling down on resets around health, systems, service, and sacred routines. Eclipse energy accelerates timelines: what’s been simmering can pivot quickly—especially where you choose clarity over comfort.
Saturn—the taskmaster—is a key teacher in this window. Saturn isn’t punishment; it’s structure, accountability, and earned self-respect. Spiritually, Saturn highlights the exact edges where we’ve been avoiding our own growth: leaky boundaries, unkept promises to self, cluttered systems, or delay loops. The medicine? Responsibility without blame. Decide, simplify, implement. The reward is a cleaner channel to your highest timeline—the version of you that can actually carry the life you’re calling in.
Theme of the moment: Take Action. Not frantic doing—but aligned action. Make that phone call. One boundary spoken. One habit set up cleanly. Virgo doesn’t manifest by wishing; it manifests by making a list, clearing the desk, and showing up daily.
Supporting yourself through the “turning of the wheel” festival of Mabon
Physically (nervous-system & body)
Stabilise your rhythms. Sleep/wake at consistent times; eat warm, grounding foods (think soups, root veg, quinoa or rice).
Micro-movement breaks. Every 90 minutes: stand, sway, stretch the side body, and breathe 4×4 box breaths to re-centre.
Declutter one zone. Body loves order. Clear a drawer or your bedside to signal “I’m making space.”
Hydration & minerals. Add a pinch of mineral salts or squeeze of citrus to water to support focus and steadiness. Or spice it up with some Cayenne Pepper or Ceylon Cinnamon (potent health benefits)
Emotionally (heart & boundaries)
Name the harvest. List three things you did well since spring. Let your body feel your appreciation and recognise: “I did that.”
Name the completion. Choose one behaviour/belief you’re ready to release—thank it for how it once protected you.
Speak one boundary. Choose a phrase now: “I won’t be available for that,” or “I need 24 hours to consider.” Practise it out loud.
Ask for resonance. Curate your inputs, as in how would you like to receive energy?: Uplifting conversations, nourishing media, walks under trees etc..
Rituals for this Eclipse-Equinox window (keep it simple)
1. Earth-Air-Fire-Water reset (15 minutes)
- Earth: Get your feet on a grounding mat (now its getting colder). Or tidy one small surface.
Air: open a window; 10 slow breaths.
Fire: light a candle; name your single clearest intention for the next 30 days.
Water: sip cacao or herbal tea; feel the intention landing in your body.
2. Saturn: Draw a line in the Sand (10 minutes)
Draw a line on paper. Above it write 3x: “Non-negotiables that honour me.”. Below it write 3x: “Habits I release.” Sign and date it.
3. Virgo Temple (5 minutes daily, for 7 days)
Choose one tiny action that makes future-you’s life easier (lay out clothes, prep lunch, set meds/supps, schedule workouts). Do it without drama. Let consistency be the spell.
Why gathering matters right now
Eclipse energy can feel like both opportunity and density—a pressure-change that asks us to upgrade. When we sit in sacred community, we borrow steadiness from the circle. Intentions amplify in the field of shared presence, sound, and breath; we metabolise more gently what might feel intense alone.
Autumn Equinox • New Moon • Solar Eclipse Mini Retreat
We’re holding a beautiful candle-lit space to ground, clarify and reset: blissful cacao for the heart, gentle practices for tuning into this balance point, breathing to reset the nervous system, and a deep guided meditation & soundbath to soothe and seal intentions. We’ll honour the harvest, set clean Virgo intentions with journal prompts, and align with Saturn’s supportive structure—together.
If you feel the nudge, this is a beautiful container to step into aligned action with support.
Cosmic timing notes
• Solar eclipse & Virgo New Moon: Sunday 21 Sept 2025 (visible mainly in the South Pacific; energetic effects are global).
• Autumn Equinox (UK): Monday 22 Sept 2025, 19:19 BST.
Use this 48-hour window to set intentions and organise your first steps.
Can’t make it? Make the most of this portal at home
Create a 3-line intention. What I’m calling in, why it matters, the first action I’ll take in 24 hours. Tape it where you’ll see it.
Body + boundary breath. Three minutes before any tricky conversation, place your hand on your heart and Inhale “Yes to me.” Exhale “I honour my no.”
Sacred tidy. Clear one metre of space (desk, altar, entryway). Physical order invites energetic order.
Sound & silence. 15 minutes of soothing frequencies (singing bowls/432Hz/Solfeggio frequencies) followed by 3 minutes of silence; notice how clarity rises after sound.
Gratitude harvest. Write five things from the last season you are grateful to yourself for seeing through (small wins)—anchor the identity of someone who follows through.
Offer it to Earth. Write what you’re releasing; safely burn in a fire-safe dish or tear and compost. Sip warm tea, breathe, and feel the exhale.
Journal prompts
“Where has avoidance quietly cost me energy?”
“What boundary—spoken kindly—would change everything?”
“If I built a life that fits the ‘real’ me, what would be the first unglamorous step?”
“How will I know I’m in balance this season? (what it looks/feels like)”
“Three systems I’ll set (calendar, meals, bedtime) to protect my peace are…”
Final blessing
May this Equinox steady your centre, this eclipse clarify your path, and Saturn’s firm kindness help you do the small brave things that unlock your next chapter. Take responsibility with love. Keep it practical. Let your actions be your prayer.
With love – Penny xx
