The tarot cards of the Autumn Equinox 2025 A spread with three cards with rituals for a cozy and slightly magical autumn

The autumn equinox represents a moment of perfect balance between light and shadow, but also an opportunity to reflect on the details of our daily lives. Tarot cards guide us through this process with symbols that speak of lived experiences, emotions, and tangible actions. We asked the cards how to face this moment so charged with energy (and perhaps a touch of magic), and for this 2025 equinox, the tarot offers us a clear message: it’s time to give thanks for what we’ve harvested so far, to let go of the weight we’re carrying from summer, and to open ourselves with trust to what is already germinating beneath the surface, ready to emerge by the end of winter (or perhaps even sooner).

The Tarot of the Autumn Equinox 2025 (and Libra Season)

The Spread: The Empress, Five of Swords, Two of Pentacles

1) What to harvest – The Empress (Major Arcana)

The Empress represents fertility (in every sense, including ideas), abundance in nature, and creativity that has now reached a certain maturity: projects that have taken shape, relationships that have nurtured us, experiences that have enriched our journey. With the arrival of autumn, it is also the time to recognize what we have cultivated over the past months, especially since spring. This card invites us to pause and observe the fruits of our efforts, even the smallest ones that may not be visible to the naked eye. To harvest, in this sense, means to embrace with gratitude all that we have sown, holding onto each of our achievements as a source of strength for the introspective season ahead. Just as nature offers its ripe fruits, we too can celebrate our own harvests before the winter stillness.

2) What to release – Five of Swords (Minor Arcana)

Autumn is also synonymous with lightening the load. The Five of Swords traditionally represents conflicts, bitter defeats, and situations where one may win, yes, but at a high cost. In this context, the card reminds us which battles are better to abandon: baseless arguments, rivalries that drain energy, situations where pride overshadows peace—those very moments where we keep fighting simply because we believe we can lose battles but not the war. Like leaves naturally falling from the trees, we are called to let go without too much attachment of what weighs on our heart, stomach, and especially our mind. Releasing means consciously choosing not to waste energy on fruitless struggles, creating space for what can truly nourish our growth, an act of trust in the natural cycle that reminds us that every ending already contains a new beginning.

3) What to balance — Two of Pentacles (Minor Arcana)

The Two of Pentacles represents the ability to manage increasingly dynamic balances, to adapt to change while maintaining our inner stability. In this season of transformation and transition, the card speaks of the art of moving gracefully through these shifts, finding harmony between opposites, work and rest, duty and pleasure, effort and lightness, without crossing the limits of either side. By balancing, we embrace the natural flow of change without too much resistance, observing how things transform inside and outside of us. It’s about recognizing when it’s necessary to adapt in order to stabilize, understanding that temporary instability can become harmony when faced with awareness.

Rituals for harvesting, releasing, balancing

Harvest (and gather) to be grateful

Create a small sacred space at home with autumnal elements: dry leaves, seasonal fruits, or objects representing your yearly harvests, whether metaphorical or literal. Light a candle (preferably gold, orange, or yellow, symbolizing light and abundance) and allow yourself a moment of silence. Write down three aspects of your life you are grateful for in a notebook, from meaningful relationships to small daily joys: this simple gesture helps you recognize the abundance already present in your life.

Release what weighs you down

Vent on a sheet of paper by writing down what you want to leave behind: recurring negative thoughts, unresolved conflicts, limiting habits. Once finished, tear or burn the sheet (safely, of course), visualizing those energies dissolving before your eyes. A blue candle works best for purification, accompanied by Palo Santo or white sage to rebalance energies. Once done, take a walk in nature: watching the falling leaves will amplify this sense of release, and practicing breathing exercises can help expel lingering negative feelings.

Balance and root for the winter

Balance, as we know, is born of small daily gestures. A warm herbal tea enjoyed on the couch (preferably with apple and cinnamon, or ginger for extra energy), a walk in nature, or time dedicated to reading can become rituals of balance. Creative activities like drawing, playing, or listening to music also help restore harmony, along with practices such as mindful breathing or short meditations. In the end, it doesn’t take much: what matters is creating space for body and mind to reconnect with the rhythm of the season. Why not try yoga in a field? Just remember a mat or blanket to avoid getting wet with morning dew (or with the dampness typical of autumn fog).

This Autumn Equinox invites us to slow down, to embrace change, and to prepare for winter with greater awareness. May the tarot and rituals we’ve shared guide you through a season of grounding, gratitude, and new inspiration.