Autumn Equinox Tarot Spread; Everything You'll Need To Celebrate

Last Updated: August 12, 2023

The Autumn Equinox, and not Mabon, is a time of celebration and gratitude for the abundance we have in our lives. This tarot spread can help you to connect with these energies, both externally and internally.

The benefit of this tarot spread is to be able to truly reflect on the season that has passed and what we need to do in order to maintain our energy balance during the darker months ahead. The spread will help you gain clarity into your progress, and allow you to make important decisions that will help your development.

When is the Autumn Equinox 2023?

It is the return of longer nights whilst nature has a break in her cycle, and this year the Autumn Equinox will take place on September 23rd. This is a time that marks the midpoint between the Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice. It’s also when we head into Libra season.

As the complete opposite to the Spring Equinox, we want to see what has changed and what needs to be harvested now for the darker period of time ahead whilst nature rests. The Autumn Equinox marks a time in which the days and nights are equal lengths again. It’s a time of harvest, pleasure and gratitude for what we have achieved during a period of growth. During this time we take stock of what we can now enjoy after all our hard work throughout Spring and Summer.

Libra Season

Any zodiacal season is based on it’s archetype, it’s stereotypical themes, and it covers the dates of that sign. For this season, we are leaving Mercury-ruled Virgo season and into Venus-adorned Libra season from September 22nd to October 22nd.

This is a time of balance, beauty and harmony. It’s a great time to focus on your relationships with others, so gratitude practice coming in especially for a witchy thanksgiving – but also it’s great for sorting out any karmic ties that may be holding you back. If you want to experiment with your personal aesthetic, if you want to get into a new skincare routine, and if you want to expand your views on beauty standards and creative art – now is the perfect time to try it all.

Autumn Equinox Rituals

For any witch, especially those who love glamour magick, you’ll find more than just abundance rituals beneficial at this time of year. As this is a time of harvest, it’s a great opportunity to take stock and be thankful for the hard work you’ve done throughout the summer – both on an inner and outer level. Gratitude practice is perfect for this seasonal transition so that we can reap the rewards of our labour. Other hearth based rituals include making herbal wreaths with whatever the season offers, gathering for a group ritual that involves offerings and chanting for mutual support, or creating a nature altar as a reminder of the beauty of each season – no matter how short it may be.

If you wanted to perform a spell for the Autumn Equinox, you could focus on something like finding balance within yourself and in your relationships. You can use the elements as well, for example by using earthy plants to represent the grounding energy of this season.

With this time of year being a time of reflection and gratitude, it’s important to remember that we are all still growing – even during a challenging or dark period. We can use this time to think about what we need in order to achieve our goals and nurture ourselves for the future, and be thankful for all that we have experienced so far. It’s a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature as the leaves begin to fall, focus on our spiritual growth journey, and celebrate the abundance of life.

Autumn Equinox Activities

The Autumn Equinox is a great time to honor the changing of seasons and appreciate the gifts of nature that are still around us. You can use this time as an opportunity to connect with your inner intuition and reflect on the harvest of your efforts so far. Some activities you can do include going for a nature walk and collecting items to use in your rituals, creating an intentional altar with symbols of the season, or even just getting outside to appreciate the changing colors of leaves and enjoy time with family.

You could also take this opportunity to organise a witchy swap; finding new adoration for your preloved items with people in your community, and donating to charity so that those in the colder months find support from you.

This is the perfect time for introspection and to really think about what you need from the season ahead, so try to take some quiet moments in your day to reflect and recharge. Journal on what you want to let go of, and how you can appreciate yourself more. Journal on things you feel ready to release as the season changes, and what you want to manifest for the darker months ahead.

Autumn Equinox brings us closer to the longer, darker nights but it’s a time that can be celebrated if we take advantage of its energies. Make sure you carve out some special time for yourself this Autumn and remember to enjoy all the gifts nature has given us.

Autumn Equinox Affirmations

“I am open to the abundance of change that this season brings”

“I remain strong and rooted in my inner peace no matter what changes come my way”

“I am grateful for the harvest of blessings I have reaped this year”

“My capacity to grow, to see things from a different perspective, brings me a harmony

“My creativity blooms and grows with each passing day, just like the changing leaves around me”

“My relationships are rooted in love, respect and trust”

“I am a powerful magnet for abundance!”

“I am thankful for the journey I have taken so far, and excited for what is to come”

“I look forward to the beauty of a new season, with open arms”

“My soul is in perfect balance; in harmony with all that I do.”

With these affirmations you can begin to take the time to welcome this season into your life – and really feel connected with that energy. Enjoy all the beautiful moments it provides you, and remember that each season brings something new even when it seems the magick is waning.

Crystals for Autumn Equinox

Amber; it provides reassurance, abundance and prosperity for the autumn equinox
Topaz; a stone of manifestation, it helps with positive thinking and understanding the present
Carnelian; Stabilising energy levels so things aren’t out of balance
Tiger’s eye; provides courage, strength and protection when you need it most.
Sunstone; Symbolising the time we’re present with the balance of nature and representing the Sun’s energy
Clear quartz; Literally any witchy ritual you wanna use crystals? Use clear quartz. It’s accessible, maybe you can find it near you for free in local woods, and it boosts the energy of everything you’re intending.. so go for it!

Autumn Equinox Tarot Spread

To begin, shuffle your deck and draw a card for each position as shown in the layout below

Finally, take some time to reflect on the questions that each card position represents and what message the tarot cards in that position might be trying to tell you.

If you’re just starting to learn tarot, or if you’re still getting to know your deck, you may find my in-depth articles on the meanings of every tarot card helpful.

To begin your Autumn Equinox Tarot Spread, start by gathering your deck or cards of choice, a comfortable surface to work on, and any items that might aid in your ritual practice such a nice maple syrup & cinnamon coffee, or an oat milk hot chocolate you made with grated dark chocolate. You can use this spread for yourself, with a friend, with your partner or as part of a coven – just ensuring moments of gratitude are intertwined.

Now, take a few moments to center yourself and connect with the energy of the Autumn Equinox. You may like to do some light stretching, deep breathing or meditation exercises before beginning this spread in order to make sure your energy is balanced and ready for whatever insights you receive. Once you have done that, begin by shuffling your cards.

What do I need to release in order to make room for the changing season?
How can I best align with and honour my true essence this season without exertion?
What is a healthy boundary that I should set during this season of transition?
What positive energy am I inviting into my life at this time?
Where can I find balance and stability in this period of shifting energies?
What positive changes have I already seen or experienced this season?
What is the energy of my current situation and how can I best work with it?
What areas in my life need extra attention and care at this time?
What can I do to find joy and peace during this season of transition?
What wisdom has the universe gifted me in recent times that I can carry through to the end of the year?
What is an intention or goal that I could set for myself this autumn equinox?

Try this Autumn Equinox tarot reading for free

Shuffle the cards

What to do after this Autumn Equinox tarot reading

Always remember to take the time to listen and be still so that you can get their answers with clarity.

After you’ve finished a tarot reading, there are a few things you can do in order to reflect on the experience and integrate the insights you gained. Here are some suggestions:

Use a tarot journal to record your findings

Jotting down your thoughts in a tarot journal after reading can be helpful in a few ways. First, it can help you remember the details of your reading later on, such as how you felt at the moment and perhaps your first impressions of what a card meant.

Second, it can provide a space for you to process the information you’ve received and explore what it means for you. Third, it can be a way to keep track of your progress over time as you revisit your journal entries and reflect on your journey.

Take a picture of the cards

If you want to remember the position of the cards and what they meant in relation to your questions, take a picture of the spread. This will help you look back on the reading later and review the insights you received. Sometimes, clarity is better acquired after you’ve stepped back from the situation for a little while and had some time to process it.

Some people create Instagram accounts or Pinterest accounts specifically for this, and if you use any of our spreads please tag us @backyardbanshee if you feel comfortable!

Take some time to meditate and reflect

Immediately after a tarot reading, it’s important to take some time to sit with the insights you’ve received. This can be done through proper meditation, visualisation, or simply taking some time to reflect on the reading.

It can be helpful to think about what the messages from the cards mean for your life and how you can apply the advice that was given to you. That time can also be used to replenish your energy level and cleanse your tarot deck.

Get a second opinion from a close friend

If you have close friends who also happen to be tarot practitioners, it can be helpful to get their take on your reading. They may be able to offer additional insights or perspectives that you hadn’t considered before. This is also a good way to get feedback on your own interpretation of the cards.

Ensure to ask permission before just blindly sending your cards across in a message and saying “what does this mean to you?” as your friends may not have the energy or have a boundary with this sort of thing – manners cost nothing, and this is especially to note if they are a professional tarot reader who normally gets paid to interpret readings.

Do the same reading a few days later

This is a great way to check in on your progress and see how far you’ve come. It can also be helpful in understanding the cyclical nature of our lives and how our current situation is likely to change over time. This can be especially useful if you’re struggling with a decision or trying to figure out which path to take as to offer suggestions, provide perspective and encourage your confidence to move forward.

At the end of the day, tarot readings are meant to be a helpful tool, not a replacement for your own intuition. The best way to use tarot is to combine the insights you receive with your own understanding of the situation. Trust your gut and follow your heart—the answers you’re looking for will come.

It is my hope that these tarot spreads on my website help you with clarity and articulate whatever is going on. Let me know what you think of this tarot spread in the comments below and if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.