Honoring the Autumnal Solstice

Tomorrow, September 22, 2026 at 11:19am, day and night will be equally balanced.

Throughout history, many of our ancestors would celebrate the Autumnal Solstice by harvesting, feasting and lighting fires to honor light and dark. I find it comforting to think of all the generations that came before me celebrating the bounty of the season and taking stock before the long nights of winter.

Below are a few simple ways you can also celebrate the Autumnal Solstice:

• Honor the harvest. - Eat bread, apples and seasonal foods. Speak words of gratitude as you prepare your meal and savor each bite.

• Learn something new this winter. - Summer is a time to care for the earth, to celebrate and grow with the earth but winter is a time to grow internally. Now is the time to make plans, order books or sign up for classes to have a rich and thoughtful winter.

• Take it or leave it. - Write down all the things you hope to leave behind or bring forward with you.

• Create a simmer pot. - Pour water into a large pot on your stove and bring it to a simmer. Add your favorite fall ingredients and scents to the water. (Apples, oranges, cinnamon, cloves, pine, nutmeg, etc.) Let your home be uplifted and filled with the warmth of the season.

Solstice holidays are a time to find balance within ourselves. To appreciate past seasons of our lives and welcome new ones.

I hope you find a way to honor your light and dark on this wonderful holiday.