We believe that every ceremony should tell a story, helping us acknowledge what was, what is, and what will be. Rituals are intentional actions that help us create meaning, and ceremonies are the containers that hold those rituals. There are so many moments of change and times of transition that occur all around us, giving us so many opportunities to invite ritual into your everyday life.
Here in the northern hemisphere, the Fall or Autumnal Equinox falls on September 22nd 2022 at 6:03pm PST. This is when the sun shines directly on the equator, and the northern & southern hemispheres receive the same amount of sunlight. There are many ways you can acknowledge this time of change, drawing on this natural occurrence to reset, restore, or replenish your own wellbeing.
Here are 5 rituals that you can incorporate into your own Fall Equinox Ceremony:
1. Bonfire Stories
Safely set up a fire in your home or backyard setting. Spend some time writing down the story you want to let go of or be released from. Consider what has happened recently that is weighing on you or that you’re ready to move on from. Write your thoughts and feelings down on pieces of paper and safely burn them in the fire. You can also light the pieces of paper on fire and drop them in a bowl full of water if you don’t have access to a fire pit. If others are joining you, consider sharing what you wrote with them for a deeper level of witnessing and acknowledgment.
2. Dissolving Paper
Pre-purchase special dissolving paper (we love SmartSolve) and release your thoughts and worries in a more gentle fashion. Write down what you want to let go of and make your way to a body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. You can also do this in your backyard by filling a large bowl full of water and placing the dissolving paper in it. Wait until the paper has completely dissolved before taking the water and returning it to the earth by either pouring it into a garden or potted plant.
3. Release Rock
Go for a walk and pick up some large rocks along the way (flat river stones work well). Write down one word on each rock that symbolizes something you want to release or let go of. Once you have all of your words written down, find your way to an open space such as a field, beach, or forest and throw the rocks as far as you can. Acknowledge what you’re letting go of as you do by speaking those words aloud if you choose.
4. Cold Plunge
Find your way to a body of cold water, or you can draw a cold bath. This ritual offers an opportunity to connect with the present moment and find stillness within. As you enter the cold water in a way that feels right to you, pay attention to your breathing. We invite you to remove any feelings of comparison or competition and enter the water at your own pace. Listen to your body while also breathing into any discomfort. Aim to find a moment of stillness where you’re no longer thinking about what was or what will be.
5. Elemental Breathing
Connect with your breath and inner self by following an elemental breathing practice. Breath slowly and intentional as you follow this pattern: Earth Breath ~ Breathe in through the nose, out through the nose (5x). Water Breath ~ Breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth (5x). Fire Breath ~ Breathe in through the mouth, out through the nose (5x). Air Breath ~ Breathe in through the mouth, out through the mouth (5x). Ether Breath ~ Breathe in through the nose, out through the nose.
Interested in more rituals?
Download the Be Ceremonial App and explore the ceremonies that we currently offer. We provide hundreds of secular, universal rituals that can help you acknowledge moments of change and times of transition.
