Honouring the Equinox: Seasonal Rhythm & Fragrance

As the Autumn Equinox arrives, as day and night are balanced in equal harmony, we are invited to pause. This moment of balance in nature, marks a turning point when daylight grows shorter and darkness extends. This brings natures last burst of energy for the year as rich colour begins to creep across our landscapes. It is the season we gather our harvests, before nature prepares for the descent towards a slower pace that winter brings.

For our ancestors this season was deeply woven into communal life and celebrated with harvest festival feasting and crafting rituals. Today, for most of the modern world, our lives are far removed from the land, but we can still learn from this seasonal shift by honouring the natural cycles of change.

Why attuning to seasonality matters

When we resist seasonal shifts, we are resisting our place in nature's process. We force a lack of connection in this resistance, meaning our bodies, emotions, and the energy we bring into our homes can subconsciously feel out of step with the natural world. By being more mindful of living in alignment with nature's own rhythm -making our routines in balance with the seasons - we can bring more presence into our lives, helping support our well-being through autumn and winter. This grounding connection to the change in seasons is more than poetic, it is a practical guide from nature that helps to instil a sense of calm, supporting resilience and restoring clarity during the darker months.

Fragrance as our seasonal anchor

In this sublime changing rhythm, fragrance in the home becomes our bridge to the natural world outside our window. A warming scent like Spiced Pumpkin (a blend of soothing cinnamon, clove and nutmeg essential oils), echoes the earthy aroma of falling leaves and the warmth of a crackling hearth. This seasonal blend helps bring the equinox home, connecting our senses and spaces to the seasons outside our door.

Lighting a candle infused with these scents is a simple yet profound ritual, one that invites contemplation, comfort, and a reconnection with nature as we retreat indoors.

Seasonal living rooted in fragrance and decor

Biophilic Design teaches us how to create homes deeply connected to nature to help support our wellbeing. Thoughtful and considered design choices connect us to nature in our lived spaces with every design choice we make. Viewing representations of nature offers a soothing connection to the natural world when we choose to bring nature into our home - especailly at the time of year when our time outdoors becomes more limited.

Here are gentle ways to weave equinox awareness into seaonal decor and fragrance into your home and rhythm:

• Mark the moment: Light a candle at sunset on equinox day, choosing a warm, autumnal scent to signal the shift inward.

• Pause & reflect: Take a mindful pause to notice changes -how the air feels cooler, light fades earlier, or first signs of the leaves changing.

• Create decorative seasonal displays : Nature’s fallen bounty is not only a delightful way to decorate your home for the season, but it doesnt cost a penny. Head out into nature and forage for fallen pinecones, branches, or acorns. These gift from natural world bring nature's presence indoors, creating a gentle nod to the seasonal world beyond your door.

Add seasonal appropriate decorative pieces to your home like mushrooms or pumpkins

• Ritual of gratitude: As harvest festivals have long reminded us that expressing gratitude anchors abundance - whether through quiet journaling, sharing a simple meal or giving thanks for the home that keeps you warm and safe at this time of year.

In balance, we find belonging

Autumn surrounds St Bega's church, on the shore of Bassenthwaite Image by Garry Lomas Photography

In balance, we find belonging

The equinox reminds us: we are part of a world that turns, slows, awakens, and rests. By staying attuned to these shifts through senses, scents, and seasonal decor and rituals, we ground ourselves in something enduring. Embracing each seasonal shift at home also reminds us that nothing stays the same for long, change in nature is always evolving, as are we.

As the light softens and the days shorten, let your home become a sanctuary of presence, anchored by nature’s scent and quiet wisdom. In the equilibrium of this day, may you find comfort in a quiet alignment of the autumn rhythm.

Warm wishes from the Fells

Sharon x