Most years by the time of the autumnal equinox it’s quite well on its way to turning yellow, orange, and red here, but this scene above is what I enjoyed just last weekend! The leaves are starting to be just tinged with vivid color. There is that sort of laid back, lazy feel to the trees; they seem ready to let things go. It’s harder to find fresh corn in the markets, geese are flying overhead, and pumpkins are everywhere (yay, pumpkins!). But summer lingers, and clearly, even this goose in the photo is hesitant to move on 😀

Busy and bittersweet

Still, it doesn’t escape me, the changing of the seasons, the entrance of autumn, the gathering of harvest and taking stock for the seasons ahead. My husband and I have both been super busy with work this past month. We’ve also been focused on some big changes we expect to face in the not-so-distant future. Autumn is always a little bittersweet. It’s that true blissful enjoyment of the season, combined with the knowing that soon we’ll need to hunker down during the cold, snowy winter. Autumn usually isn’t long enough.

… but summer was spectacular

I also want to mention though, summer this year was pretty spectacular! I mean, see above. The photo was taken on Lake Champlain, at Shelburne Farms, where there are great walking trails; some through the woods, and others like this one, right on the water. This path leads to formal gardens at the Shelburne Farms Inn, that truly feel like a serene escape. My husband had been here, to the Inn, years ago, but I’d never actually been this far into the Farms. I had never seen the inn up close, or this spectacular setting. Vermont never fails to stun with its beauty, no matter the season.

So with this, I am grateful I had such a beautiful summer, and I look ahead to fall, ready for its vibrance and depth. And of course, to its own spectacular beauty.

A tarot spread for autumn

Check out the Maple Leaf, my original tarot spread designed for welcoming in autumn. It’s a good way to illuminate our personal accomplishments, reflect on our bounty, and ready ourselves for the seasons ahead.

Learn more about Mabon, pagan celebration of the autumnal equinox

Disclosure: I am a member of the Amazon affiliate program and receive a commission on sales made through my links. If you make a purchase through my links, you are helping support the operation of the site – thank you!

If you’re interested in learning about celebrating the autumnal equinox, Llewellyn has a great book by Ellen Dugan that offers ways to celebrate the holiday of Mabon and the season. Read user reviews or purchase Autumn Equinox: The Enchantment of Mabon at Amazon. Another great book by Llewellyn is Mabon: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for the Autumn Equinox. You can also read this one immediately on Kindle.

Blessings to you this autumn!

I hope that wherever you are and however you might celebrate the entrance of autumn, you experience bounty and peace. And do check out Shelburne Farms if you’re near the area or planning a trip here. Besides being a beautiful, very family-oriented place, they are a great organization.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with comments, questions, or just to say hi. Thanks for reading.

~ Nellie

I earn a small commission from purchases completed through my carefully considered ads and affiliate partnerships. Thank you for supporting my work!