In the Northern Hemisphere, leaves leave their suicide notes of color, the air cools, bones creak, birds depart, days dim and promotional materials keen towards the pumpkin-spiced and cider-logged.
It’s fall, my babies, and the hungry heart of Libra season is upon us, a time when we’re all called to examine our roles as partners, allies, artists and holders of the past and beaters of the future.
Astrologer Iryna Wood, founder of Gemini Near Me, a self-love and relationship intelligence app, explains that now is the hour for reflection and preparation.
Wood tells The Post, “Fall marks the transition from the active energy of summer to the restful energy of winter. For me, fall symbolizes transformation — a bridge to reflect on past achievements and set new goals. As the year winds down, embrace the changes this season brings – it’s the perfect way to recharge, refocus and set yourself up for a peaceful, balanced winter.”
How can we reap the rewards of this transition and gather the proverbial leaves of ourselves into a pile we feel proud of? See below for Wood’s tips for harnessing autumnal energy for maximum benefit.
1. Write down your wins and take your losses on the chin
The onset of the autumnal equinox and Libra season encourages us to cast our attention to all that we’ve accomplished or abandoned since the spring equinox in March.
Wood impars, “I recommend writing down all your achievements. Celebrate your growth, both the highs and lows, because they’ve made you stronger.”
Whether you’ve sailed or failed since the vernal equinox, it’s important to mark the passage of time and the painful arc of character development by committing it to paper. This audit allows you to see how far you’ve come so you can be confident moving forward with all you have left to do.
2. Find balance
Libra is symbolized by the scales, and while it is the sign of partnership, it also summons us to find what brings our bodies into balance so that we can show up and pour forth in every relationship.
“Fall calls for a balance between work, rest, social time and personal time. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones or making space for some alone time, focus on activities that bring you peace and keep you energized as the days grow shorter.”
3. Declutter your life
Just as trees shake loose the dead to ready themselves for the inevitable return of the new new and the good good, so too must we let go of the old and the encumbering.
Wood tells the Post, “Fall is a time for shedding what is no longer needed, both physically and emotionally. Declutter your home, clear out your mind and leave behind any bad habits. It’s the perfect opportunity to create space for new opportunities to enter your life.”
4. Relish the sunshine
The light of the ever-loving sun is a critical source of energy for both body and psyche. Come fall, and in the immortal words of Janis Joplin, “get it while you can,”..because you’re gonna need it.
The sun is a bestower of Vitamin D, which plays an important role in the immune system and may reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
Wood says, “Fall gives you those final sunny days that can raise your mood and recharge you. So get outside and let it boost your mood before the winter chill sets in.”
5. Ground Yourself in Nature
As Wood maintains and science proves, spending time in nature is the easiest, cheapest way to get right with your body and your feels.
Wood tells the Post, “Whether it’s a peaceful walk in the park or meditating outside, reconnecting with nature helps you find balance and stay calm as fall progresses. Spending time outdoors not only boosts your mental well-being but also strengthens your immune system.”
Kandi Wiens, a University of Pennsylvania researcher specializing in the study of stress, resilience and burnout, echoes this advice. She told The Post in March that spending time in nature is scientifically proven to release the feel-good hormones dopamine and endorphins. Better yet, the benefits begin in as little as ten minutes under the open sky.
6. Be mindful of major astrological shifts
We’re in the midst of an eclipse corridor that can bring about significant energy shifts. “The lunar eclipse on September 17th affected your unconscious mind, while the solar eclipse next week is focused on partnerships. Be mindful of your decisions during this period, as they could have long-lasting effects.”
7. Prioritise Self-Love
As the cold weather draws us indoors, Wood says we should also draw towards self-inquiry and away from people pleasing and relationship projection, “Stop living under the influence of others and focus on being your authentic self. Take time to know yourself better – it’s the foundation for building healthier relationships and attracting the right kind of connections.”
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
