Be lighthearted like the dancing leaves,
flexible like young branches,
yet grounded like the ever-growing roots.
As autumn leaves tumble from the trees,
be willing to release what no longer serves you.
Be willing to let go to make room for the new,
and then pause and rest,
so you will be ready to grow again in new ways.
~Ren Hana 09/18/2025
In my corner of North America, Western Pennsylvania, autumn is about to arrive. It’s hard to believe we’re about to pass the three-quarter mark of the year. Time moves so quickly—it’s amazing to realize there are only three months left.
Throughout my life, I’ve always found something captivating about the seasonal shifts where I live. They affect everything around us—the life cycles of plants, animals, and insects, the weather, the balance of daylight and night, and even our own rhythms. I like to keep pace with these transitions, both in nature and in life.
Read on to see the Tarot Card that showed up for you, dear reader, and learn some delicious and fun ways to celebrate the Autumn Equinox and the fall season.
Spring
Spring brings new life and tender growth. Each day lengthens until we reach the Vernal Equinox, when day and night balance perfectly. Spring is the time I love to plant seeds—both in the soil and for my own intentions. As Robin Craig Clark reminds us: “All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.”
Summer
Summer bursts with rapid growth and energy. Plants flourish, animals are active, and people, too, seem busier and more social. The days stretch toward the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year and the shortest night. Later in the season, the sun begins to rise later and set earlier, gently reminding us that change is always coming.
Autumn
Autumn ushers in a time of transition. Around September 20–22, the Autumnal Equinox brings equal hours of day and night. This is the season of harvest—of gathering the abundance nurtured through spring and summer. But it’s also a season of slowing down, of preparing for the rest and restoration of winter.
I find it fascinating that the very leaves that supported trees all spring and summer can no longer be sustained in autumn’s shorter days and cooler nights. They change into breathtaking shades of amber, gold, crimson, and burgundy before falling away. What once nourished must now be released.
What in your own life might need releasing, so you can continue to grow in healthy ways?
Winter
Winter arrives with the Solstice in December, a time of stillness and renewal. Nature rests, and we too are invited to pause, reflect, and replenish our energy—preparing for the return of spring’s growth.
A Message from the Tarot
Today I pulled the Seven of Earth, which in The Herbcrafter’s Tarot is represented by the oak tree (Quercus). Did you know there are more than 600 species of oak? Some are evergreen, like the live oaks of the southern U.S., but most are deciduous. Oaks grow slowly and live long, symbolizing stability, endurance, protection, hospitality, and wisdom.
The Herbcrafter’s Tarot is written by Latisha Guthrie with artwork by Joanna Powell Colbert (U.S. Games Systems, Inc., 2019)
The writer of this Tarot deck, Latisha, says about this card, ” Live by the rhythms of the earth. Work slowly and steadily toward your goal. Plant for the generations to come.”
The oak teaches us to be strong yet flexible, independent yet generous. Oaks support more wildlife than any other native tree species, offering shelter and nourishment to countless beings.
My Reflection
I’m reminded of the view from my desk in a previous home, where I could see a magnificent oak that had stood tall for more than 100 years. Through storms, seasons, and change, it continued to grow, release, rest, and begin again.
Life often asks us to do the same—to release relationships, beliefs, emotions, or habits that no longer serve us. Letting go is rarely easy, but it makes space for new growth. May we follow the oak’s example this autumn: release with grace, rest when needed, and continue to grow while generously giving back to the Earth and those around us.
In autumn, just when trees are at their most vibrant, they are preparing to release. The lesson is clear: beauty can be found in letting go.
A Few Ways to Welcome the Autumn Equinox & Season
- Express gratitude for the Earth’s abundance.
- Spend time outdoors—walk in the woods, visit a park, or simply admire the changing colors.
- Build a cozy fire and enjoy the cool evening air (and maybe toast marshmallows!).
- Stargaze—look for constellations like Draco, Ursa Major, Cassiopeia, and later in the season, Orion.
- Bake your favorite comfort foods.
- Visit an orchard or farm to gather apples, pumpkins, or gourds.
- Release something that no longer serves you—write it on paper, set the intention, and burn it in a safe outdoor fire.
- Create a seasonal door wreath with branches, grasses, cinnamon sticks, dried fruit, and pinecones.
- Learn something new—take the first step now.
- Donate items or clothing you no longer use.
- Attend a local fall festival.
- Simmer a pot of seasonal spices (ginger, cinnamon, star anise, cranberries, oranges) for a fragrant home.
- Mull some apple cider.
- Commit to a healthy new habit.
- Simply savor the flavors and beauty of autumn.
Seasonal Foods—the tastes that warm us on cool days
Beverages: Hot or cold apple cider, herbal teas (Tulsi, Ginger, Cinnamon, Lemon Balm, Fennel, Mint).
Vegetables: Pumpkins, Squash, Beets, Kale, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Leeks, Rutabaga, Eggplant.
Fruits: Apples, Grapes, Pears, Pomegranates, Cranberries, Figs, Persimmons.
Nuts & Seeds: Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Chestnuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Flax.
Spices: Ginger, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cloves, Star Anise.
Autumn Comforts: Some of my favorites included Hearty soups and stews, roasted root vegetables, sourdough bread, apple crisp, sweet potato pie, and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Don’t miss my go-to autumn tea recipes, below.
A Bit More Autumn Poetry
“There is something so special
in the early leaves drifting from the trees.
As if we are all to be allowed a chance
to peel, to refresh, to start again.”
– Ruth Ahmed
“The trees are about to show us
how lovely it is
to let the dead things go.”
– Unknown
Colors of amber, ruby, and gold,
A familiar rustling in the breeze,
The crunch of fallen leaves underfoot.
– Unknown
And from me, a little humor:
A great “V” of geese honk as they pass by,
See ya later, time to fly!
– Ren Hana, 2025
Closing
I hope you find inspiration in this Tarot message and in my musings on the beauty of seasonal change. May autumn guide you to release what no longer serves, to rest and restore, and to prepare for new growth.
The leaves remind us: it’s okay to let go. 🍁
Just as trees release what no longer serves them, we, too, can release old habits, worries, or beliefs—making space for new growth.
👉 What’s one thing you’re ready to release this autumn?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this post, please help spread the word by sharing it on your favorite social media platform.
🍂 Happy Autumnal Equinox to all 🍂
~ Ren
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