Autumn Equinox: Finding a new balance (A witch without her Familiar)

​As the sun rises over the rolling hills of the Waikato on this Autumn Equinox, the air carries a crispness that signals the transition from the warmth of summer to the cool embrace of autumn.

The Autumn Equinox, known to many as Mabon, is a time of balance when day and night are equal, marking the harvest season and a moment for reflection and gratitude. Traditionally, I would prepare my altar with symbols of the season—vibrant leaves, harvested fruits, and grains—to honour the Earth's abundance. My rituals might include energy-clearing practices to create space for new beginnings, intention-setting to align with the season's energy, and grounding rituals to reconnect with nature.

However, this year, the comfort of my familiar's presence is absent. Nyx's intuitive nature had always been a guiding force during these sacred rites, her gentle purrs harmonising with my soft chants, her keen eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight. Without her, the ritual space feels incomplete, a poignant reminder of the deep bonds we share with our animal companions.

I have placed her ashes on my altar, a solemn tribute to the 17 years we shared. Though she is not curled up on my lap, I feel her spirit lingering in the quiet corners of the room, in the soft rustling of dried leaves outside, in the warmth of the candle’s flame.

Performing the Equinox ritual without her has been an exercise in finding new balance, much like the Equinox itself. I walked the neighbourhood this morning looking for the first fallen leaves of red, yellow and orange, acorns and pinecones, I even found a small mouse skull and with these items I adorned my altar, and lit candles to symbolise the balance of light and dark. The night was stunningly clear to be able to engage in meditation and reflection, acknowledging my grief of her absence while expressing gratitude for the memories we've shared. This solitary practice has deepened my connection to the cycles of nature, teaching me resilience and adaptability.

This Equinox, though marked Nyx's absence, has offered a profound lesson in embracing change and finding harmony within the ebbs and flows of existence. Perhaps that is the greatest magic of all—learning to carry on, even when a piece of our soul lingers on the other side of the veil.