Simple Herbal Rituals for the Autumn Equinox (for You, Your Home & Your Kids)

In our house, the Autumn Equinox is less about ceremony and more about small, seasonal shifts.

It’s the point where light and dark meet in the middle, when the days noticeably cool, and we start craving warm drinks, cozier routines, and slower evenings. I love using this time to reset our space and energy with a few herbal rituals that are simple enough to include the kids, but meaningful enough to help me feel grounded too.

None of these require a bonfire (unless you want one). Just some herbs, intention, and a few quiet minutes to reconnect.

🍂 Want a printable version of these? Our Seasonal Rituals & Herbal Celebrations Card is available for $2 on Gumroad!

Made for You If...

• You want to celebrate the season in a gentle, grounded way

• You’re looking for nature-based rituals the whole family can enjoy

• You love herbs and mindful routines but don’t want anything complicated

• You’re craving a reset that feels cozy—not performative

What You’ll Come Away With:

• 5 easy herbal rituals for the Autumn Equinox

• Options for both solo reflection and family-friendly celebration

• Ideas for repurposing herbs you already have

• A printable celebration card set (coming soon!)

1. Make a Gratitude Tea Together

Let everyone in the family choose one herb to represent something they’re grateful for. Combine them into a blend and sip it together around the table or outside on the porch.

Ideas to include:

• Lemon balm for joy

• Chamomile for peace

• Peppermint for resilience

• Lavender for calm

🫖 Use a clear glass teapot like this one to make the ritual feel extra special (affiliate link).

Need a place to start organization? Try our free Home Apothecary Tracker for herb organization.

While the tea steeps, have each person share one thing they’re letting go of with the changing season—and one thing they’re welcoming in.

2. Herbal Simmer Pot for Resetting the Home

This one’s perfect for the night before or the morning of the equinox. Let the herbs gently fill your space with scent and intention.

To Simmer:

• Lemon or orange peels

• Sage or rosemary

• Clove or cinnamon stick

• Bay leaf

Simmer on low in a pot of water and let the scent ground you. Open a window to let any “old energy” drift out.

👉 Grab our Simmer Pot Recipes printable here

3. Create a Harvest Blessing Bowl

This can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Find a small bowl and fill it with symbols of seasonal abundance:

• Acorns, pinecones, dried herbs or flowers

• Small apples, dried corn kernels, beans or seeds

Let kids forage for their own contributions on a nature walk. Keep the bowl on the table or entryway as a visual anchor for the season.

🍎 Want to add a bit of scent? Drop in a cinnamon stick or a few cloves.

4. Herbal Foot Soak for Reflection

This is a ritual I save for the evening of the equinox. After the house is quiet, I pour a warm bowl of water, toss in some herbs, and soak my feet while journaling.

Try This Blend:

• Rose petals for self-love

• Calendula for healing

• Lavender for calm

• A pinch of sea salt

Kids can join in too! Let them color or talk about something they’re proud of from summer.

Want DIY Relaxing Herbal Tub soak ideas for an extra cozy evening-try these recipes from Gumroad.

5. Mini Candle Ritual or Fire Safe Release

Write down something you want to release from summer (old habits, stress, clutter, etc.). Light a small candle and burn the paper safely—or bury it if you’re with kids.

Kid-Friendly Version:
Let children hold a stone or leaf while sharing something they want to let go of or something they’re excited for.

This ritual can feel especially powerful during sunset or just after dinner.

Final Thought:

You don’t need to call yourself a witch to live seasonally. You just need to pay attention to the shifts around you—and inside you. The Autumn Equinox is a gentle invitation to pause, reset, and gather in.

Start with one ritual. Light a candle. Sip a cup of tea. Walk outside with your child and pick something for the blessing bowl. That’s all it takes to mark the turning point.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All content is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.