As the children head back to school, there’s a collective shift in the air, one that often feels like the true end of summer. Whether you have children or not, the end of the school holidays often signals a return to routine, a fading of the carefree energy that summer brings, and the undeniable arrival of autumn. The long, light days begin to shorten, the air becomes crisper, the summer clothes get tucked away in the back of the wardrobe, and we’re left with a sense that something has ended. It can feel like the lightness and joy of summer is slipping away, leaving behind a bittersweet yearning for those golden, carefree weeks.

I understand that feeling deeply, I’m always sad when my children return to school and the summer ends, but over the years, I’ve come to embrace autumn not as an ending, but as a new beginning. It’s a season that invites us to slow down, reflect, and turn inward. Instead of resisting the shift, I’ve learned to flow with it—to welcome autumn’s quiet beauty, its calming winds and its invitation to rest and reset. If you’re feeling the end-of-summer blues, let me guide you through some ways to nourish your mind, body, and spirit during this time of transition, and how we can all find joy as we settle into the cooler months.

Autumn can often feel like a chapter closing, but I like to think of it as a gentle nudge from nature to shift gears. Just as the vibrant energy of summer gives way to autumn’s softer, more introspective tone, we too are called to embrace a slower pace, one of reflection and quiet transformation.

As the season changes, if I find that I’m feeling any resistance, I find comfort in grounding myself with affirmations that align me with the energy of autumn. I might find myself affirming : “I welcome this season of reflection and rest with an open heart", “I honour the natural cycles within me, knowing that rest is as important as growth“, "Just as the trees let go of their leaves, I let go of all I no longer need”. Are you feeling resistance to Autumn? I wonder if you could take these affirmations and doodle them, or write them out in your journal, or say them in the mirror to yourself a few times over until you start to embrace them? Paired with journalling, these affirmations can help you to embrace the natural rhythms of life.

I often take time to sit with my journal, a warm cup of tea in hand, and reflect on how this season mirrors my inner world. What am I being asked to let go of? What parts of myself need nurturing as the days grow shorter? Journaling helps to shift my mindset from one of loss to one of quiet acceptance and renewal. Ask yourself the same questions. Get cosy with your journal and spend an evening reflecting on what you might need to let go of, and what parts of you might need more nurture.

Spiritually, autumn is a time of surrender and inner work, and there are angels who guide us through this process. Archangel Michael rules the entire autumnal season. His energy helps us let go—just as the trees release their leaves—of anything that no longer serves us, allowing space for new growth.

By connecting with his energy he will bring clarity to our hearts and minds, helping us see the goodness in all we have cultivated throughout the year. Autumn is a time of harvest, not only in nature but also in our personal lives. Michael guides us in reflecting on what we’ve nurtured—our projects, relationships, dreams, and inner growth. He helps us recognise the positive outcomes of our efforts, even those that may have gone unnoticed, and encourages us to celebrate our progress.

As we step into this new season, Archangel Michael also supports us in releasing any negative energies that may have accumulated over the past months. His light cuts through the doubts, fears, and burdens we carry, allowing us to feel lighter and more focused. He reminds us that it’s time to simplify, to get back to basics, and to return to what truly matters. His energy helps us release any heaviness, making space for renewal and joy as we embrace the quiet beauty of autumn.

Through Michael’s guidance, we can feel empowered to move forward with strength, grounded in gratitude and clarity. He stands beside us as a beacon of hope, showing us the freedom that comes with surrender and trust in the natural cycles of life. With his help, we transition into autumn not with a sense of loss, but with a deep sense of peace, protection, and purpose.

This meditation will help you connect with Archangel Michael during this season, guiding you to reflect on your personal harvest and release what no longer serves you, so you can step into autumn feeling centered, protected, and renewed.

One of my favourite things about autumn is the chance to fully embrace “hygge”—the Danish art of cosiness. There’s something magical about transforming your home into a warm, inviting space as the days grow colder. For me, it’s all about soft blankets, flickering candles, and warm lighting that creates an atmosphere of comfort and calm.

I love spending autumn evenings curled up with a good book, surrounded by the glow of salt lamps, and a crackling fire. These small moments of comfort help me embrace the season with joy, turning what could feel like the end of something into the beginning of a deeply restorative, cosy time.

Take the time to create your own sanctuary at home. Whether it’s lighting candles, diffusing autumnal essential oils (see which ones are great for autumn below - my favourites are cloves + frankincense or if I get an autumn cold I love frankincense + eucalyptus + rosemary ) or indulging in simple self-care rituals like a warm bath or a new creative hobby, finding joy indoors can transform your experience of autumn.

Autumn is a season of surrender—a gentle reminder that there is wisdom in slowing down, in letting go of what no longer serves us. Just as the trees shed their leaves without hesitation, we too are invited to release old patterns, thoughts, and energies. This season encourages us to embrace stillness, to rest, and to reflect.

Surrendering doesn’t mean giving up—it means trusting in the natural cycles of life and the wisdom they offer. Autumn teaches us that rest is just as important as action, that reflection is a necessary part of growth. When we surrender to this energy, we find peace in the stillness, and with that peace comes renewal.

While it may feel like autumn is a time of endings, it’s also a time of harvesting blessings. It’s a season of balance, where we can reflect on what we’ve harvested—both in our external lives and within ourselves. It’s a time to celebrate what has come to fruition and to rest in the knowledge that this pause is part of a larger cycle of growth.

Autumn brings with it the chance to slow down, to turn inward, and to find joy in the small, quiet moments. When we stop resisting the change and instead welcome it, we open ourselves to the beauty and peace that autumn holds.

So as you step into this season, take a deep breath and allow yourself to surrender to its magic. Autumn isn’t just the end of summer—it’s the beginning of a new cycle, one filled with reflection, renewal, and the quiet joy of coming home to yourself.