The fall season marks the beginning of the deep introspective journey we embark on throughout winter. It’s about reflection and assessment, releasing and transforming. It’s about honoring and harvesting the literal and metaphorical fruits of our labor. The entire autumn season is a time of melancholy, grief, preparation and transformation.

The fields that are alive with Earth’s abundance will soon be fallow. The outward, gregarious energies of the year reach their climax. The chaotic, expansive heat of summer settles, and we begin to unwind and recollect ourselves. It’s an especially important time to stay grounded.

The symbolic meanings of autumn are more profound than you think. Ancient cultures, science, and astrology have associated many aspects of this beautiful season to human life. These symbolic associations are potent reminders that Mother Nature has an incredible influence on our lives.

After researching the symbolic meanings of fall, I feel compelled to continue my journaling during the new season. I have realized that it is the best time for self-reflection, awareness, and mindfulness. To see what I mean, take some time to learn about these seven metaphorical meanings of the autumn.

1. Change 

As the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus once said, “The only constant changes.” Autumn reminds us that our bodies, minds, and surroundings are always developing. It focuses on the impermanence of life, emphasizing how vital it is to embrace the present. By doing so, we can savor what we have before it is gone.

2. Mystery

Thanks to the changing nature of life, each and every day presents us with new mysteries. The crisp fall air and changing leaves personify these unknowns. And once we accept those unknowns, we have more capacity to live life to the fullest. After all, it’s quite comforting to realize that we are all in the same boat facing the same sea of mystery.

3. Preservation

Autumn represents the preservation of life and its basic necessities. During this time, animals prepare for the winter by storing food and creating cozy hibernation spaces. Farmers work on their fall harvest by collecting a reserve of crops. We also tend to retreat indoors and focus on cultivating a safe and comforting home. In a way, the autumn season offers us a chance to reconnect with ourselves as we preserve our safe havens.

4. Protection

As summer morphs into autumn, we exercise self-protection by wearing layers and thicker fabrics. We also tend to focus on our health by boosting our immunity through habits and nutrition. Ultimately, autumn doubles as practice for heightened awareness of your self and surroundings.

5. Comfort

In the same vein as protection, comfort is powerfully symbolized by fall. This season is prime time for seeking comfort in the midst of dropping temperatures. Creating a serene and snug space is one of the best perks of autumn, after all. It also gives you a chance to learn about what makes you feel warm and safe.

6. Balance

Day and night are the same lengths during the autumnal equinox. As a result, ancient cultures have always associated this day with the concept of balance. The sun also enters Libra, which is symbolized by a pair of balanced scales. Autumn grants us a chance to harmonize with the Earth and tap into the balance within us.

7. Letting go

As temperatures drop to the tune of leaves falling, autumn illustrates the beauty of letting go. This season demonstrates death in an alluring, fascinating way. However, it doesn’t have to be considered morbid or gloomy. Instead, we can apply the concept of death to our inner egos and patterns of greed and pride. The idea of letting go also stresses the temporary nature of everything around us.

Enjoy this beautiful transformation, and all that it teaches us. Earth is our mirror, and we are all in this circling dance of life, death, birth, spring, summer, fall, and winter together. Embrace the changes and dance the dance. Honor your needs during this time and all that you notice. Don’t miss this potent opportunity for reflection and growth, restoration, and preparation. Happy Fall.