autumn equinox preparations: practices, foods to eat, books to read

hello.

to my witchy loving readers who’s souls awaken when autumn returns, this letter is for you, and though it’s still late august, i can’t help but share my anticipation of the ‘ber months ahead.

seasonal changes are about intentionality and having an awareness of how nature slowly shifts around you. there’s a bit of romanticism involved as you integrate simple practices that focus on traditions and you’re able to find a deep appreciate for the things you already have.

if you unfortunately live in a city where there are no seasons, i know how that feels as someone who grew up in california (can you see why i wanted to leave so badly?). it’s the most discouraging feeling in the world when you crave stormy weather and desire the changing of the leaves. if you find yourself in this predicament, you have to put in a little extra work to make seasons feel they way they should. lighting a cozy candle or two, putting on a thunderstorm playlist, closing your blinds, turning the ac on, baking a pumpkin treat, etc. and while these things sound a but ridiculous (because they are), you won’t feel as left out.

consider this letter a premature preparation for autumn- a small, cozy, witchy guide to help you get ready for the autumn equinox.

autumn equinox preparations:

foods:

fruits and vegetables in season: apples, squash, beets, pomegranate, brussels sprouts, pear, carrots, cranberries, pumpkins, figs, mushrooms, persimmon

savory: pumpkin soup, chili with cornbread, rosemary buns, roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, soup in sourdough bread bowls, autumn risotto, grilled cheese and tomato soup, vegetable or chicken pot pie

baked goods: apple cider donuts, apple cinnamon pancakes, pumpkin bread, molasses cookies, maple pecan scones, pumpkin waffles, baked apples

drink: chai tea latte, hot cocoa, hot apple cider, maple latte, london fog,

(recipes are from new york times cooking- one of the very few online resources i trust for recipes)

practices:

-cleanse your home, declutter, reset: this should be done before decorating. you want a clean space as you transition into the new season. you’ll have a clutter-free clean canvas to work with as you slowly integrate pumpkins, leaves, and other autumnal decor into your home.

-decorate your home for autumn: i’ve gone through waves of different ‘aesthetics’ for autumnal home decor. the type of fall decor i love most is classic, cozy, and vintage. i’ve saved many of the decorations i used as a young girl. they’re irreplaceable. if i’m looking to expand on a collection i already have, ebay is a godsend. debbie mumm makes these kitchen plates and mugs i’ve kept over the years. i enjoy longaberger baskets as my mom used to collect them when i was a little girl. they make a candy corn basket and other halloween inspired baskets to hold baby pumpkins or other decor. there’s a plush ghost my mom got for me from hallmark when i was about 7 years old and i still put her out every single year without fail. over the years, i’ve collected halloween peanuts decor as well as department 56 miniature houses that i place along the top of my mantel. each mini house is decorated for fall and i have enough to create a little neighborhood of homes with mini trick-or-treaters dressed up in costumes holding candy buckets. i have a collection of faux pumpkins i put them all around my house. the list goes on…as soon as i decorate, i’ll snap some photos and share them with you.

-light fall candles: in my autumn master list that i’ll be sending out to you this sunday, i’ve included a full list of autumn candles and fragrances to enjoy.

-journal and reflect on your achievements and accomplishments this year: this is probably something you already do, but it’s nice to write through the lens of the changing of the seasons. a new found gratitude, things you want to eliminate or add into your routines, etc.

-make a fall simmer pot: with oranges, cranberries, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, clove, vanilla. your house will smell like heaven.

-host an autumnal dinner with close friends: as soon as the weather gets crisper, host a jazzy, candle lit dinner with friends. soup is always a winning dish. pair it with a good bread and some sort of festive dessert like an apple pie a la mode or dark chocolate brownies. and wine, of course.

-autumn farmer’s market: buy seasonally and pick out fall produce to cook and bake with.

-make leaf crafts and other handmade autumnal decorations: pinterest is the ultimate resources for crafty fall activities. paint leaves, make autumn garlands, paint pumpkins or butternut squash, make a ghost garland, the options are endless.

-decorate a fall wreath: you can find autumnal flowers at the farmers market to use. pinterest has lots of ideas for fall wreaths. i love using dried flowers.

books to read:

-susan branch autumn book

-brambly hedge autumn book

-cozy cringy witchy books

-dark academia books or campus novels like stoner by john williams or the secret history by donna tartt

-listen to jazz, sip coffee, and read the new yorker

-start to gather a list of your favorite gothic literature to indulge in

-listen to the harry potter audiobooks (this is such a vibe- very atmospheric)

-the secret history audiobook is another underrated way to enjoy such an quintessentially dark academia and autumnal book. donna tartt narrates it, and her voice is soothing and comforting, a balm to the soul

okay, that’s all for today. enjoy the last (strange) days of august and cling to september’s arrival on sunday.

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i love you.

bye.

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