There is something about autumn that appeals to many witches. As the nights get darker and the veil gets thinner, we become more attuned to the other side. There is also something quite magical and mystical about it.

As we look around us, we see that nature slows down during the autumn months.  In the northern hemisphere, we see a drop in temperature as well as longer nights. This can often cause us to feel low on energy and low in mood.

If you are feeling particularly low or just need to talk, it is important that you see a health professional. However, there are a few ways you can help yourself.

Staying Connected to your Craft

To keep your magical practice vibrant during autumn:

• Establish a daily ritual, even if brief, to ground yourself in your craft.
• Create an autumn-themed altar to focus your energies and intentions.
• Spend time in nature, observing the seasonal changes and drawing inspiration from them.

Listen to yourself and face your fears.

Autumn’s energies can be overwhelming. To stay centred:

• Practice regular grounding, see here for a grounding exercise.
• Do a cleansing ritual, see here for cleansing bath ritual and here for a cleansing home ritual
• Use grounding crystals like black tourmaline or smoky quartz.

Journaling: Set aside time each week to write down your thoughts and feelings. Journaling can help create a little order, especially when you feel everything is chaotic. If you want to go deeper, you could also try shadow work. Shadow work is best done during Samhain. Find out more here.

Keep your journal close to you at night for those times when you wake up worrying. It will be handy to just write them all down.

Learning is lifelong.

It is so easy to sit down in front of the TV, night after night. Our souls and brains need more to feed on. Find out what feeds you. You may choose to read more; see our recommended reads here. You may wish to take on a new hobby, such as drawing or needlework.

The darker evenings are a great time to learn something new or gain a new skill. There are plenty of courses out there that will allow you to work at your own pace.

Preparing for Winter’s Introspection

As we approach the darker months:

• Begin a meditation practice to cultivate inner stillness.
• Declutter your physical and spiritual spaces, making room for new insights.
• Start a dream journal to tap into your subconscious as the veil thins.
• Perform divination rituals to gain clarity on your path forward.

Stay in tune with nature and get outdoors.

Remember, we have shorter days and get less light. This can affect our moods. Make time to get outdoors in nature, whether it is a quick stroll on your lunch break or a more leisurely walk at the weekend.

Take a look at what nature has to offer. Berries such as elderberries, blackberries, and hawthorn berries can be plentiful. Take only what you need and make sure you know what you are picking! Take a look here.

Other things to consider this autumn

• If you are able, work near as much natural light as you can.
• Schedule in some self-care when you can. See here for tips and rituals.
• If you have not done so already, cleanse and sort your home.  See the ritual for cleansing and protecting your home.
• Take care of yourself, but be mindful of the well-being of those around you.

I highly recommend the Pagan Portals books. Take a look here

Celtic Cauldron: Rituals for self-care and manifestation Hardcover, by Nicola McIntosh

*Disclaimer The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any remedies