A Self-Cleansing Ritual for Fall, Welcoming October’s Magic
- Rev. Dr Gabriel Silent
- Sep 27, 2025
- 3 min read
As the days grow shorter and the air grows crisp, autumn invites us to turn inward, shed what no longer serves, and prepare for renewal. Just as the trees release their leaves, we too can release the old energies that cling to us—making space for transformation as October arrives.
This self-cleansing ritual is simple, powerful, and rooted in the energies of the fall season. It can be performed alone, either indoors by candlelight or outdoors beneath the autumn sky.
🌙 When to Perform the Ritual
For the strongest effect, align the ritual with the waning moon—the phase after the full moon, when the moonlight decreases. This is the natural time for banishing, cleansing, and releasing.
Waning Moon (best): Release and cleanse
New Moon: Begin fresh intentions
Any Autumn Evening: Whenever you feel called to let go of stagnant energy
🌒 Tools You Will Need
A small bowl of water (spring or tap is fine)
A white or orange candle (or a small lantern if outdoors)
Dried herbs such as sage, rosemary, bay, or cinnamon
A fallen leaf (collected respectfully from the ground)
Optional: incense or essential oils (cedar, clove, pumpkin spice, frankincense)
Tip: If outdoors, choose a quiet spot with space to safely place your candle and bowl, ideally among fallen leaves or near a tree.
🔮 Casting a Protective Circle
Before beginning, create a safe, sacred space:
Stand in the center of your chosen area.
Imagine a glowing circle of light expanding around you, surrounding you with protection.
Walk clockwise around your space, either tracing the circle with your hand or simply moving intentionally.
As you complete the circle, say:
“Circle of light, I call you near.Protect this space, keep it clear.Within this ring, no harm may stay.Only love and truth hold sway.”
🌬️ Centering Breath-work
Ground yourself with this Autumn Forest Breath:
Inhale slowly through the nose for a count of 4, imagining the crisp forest air filling your lungs.
Hold for a count of 4.
Exhale fully through the mouth for a count of 6, releasing tension into the earth.
Pause briefly before inhaling again.
Repeat 7 times, envisioning the fallen leaves carrying away your old energies with each exhale.
🍂 The Ritual
1. Water & Herb Cleansing
Dip your fingers in the bowl of water. Sprinkle a few drops over your head, heart, and hands while affirming:
“I wash away all that clings, all that drains, all that dims my fire.”
Take your herbs and either burn them (if safe) to waft their smoke around your body, or hold them to your chest, whispering:
“These gifts of earth renew me, cleanse me, strengthen me.”
2. Release with the Leaf
Hold the fallen leaf in your hands. Think of habits, fears, or energies you are ready to release. Whisper them into the leaf, allowing it to carry your burdens.
When ready, either return the leaf to the forest floor or safely burn it in a fireproof dish, saying:
“As the trees release their leaves, so too do I release what no longer serves.”
3. Seal with Flame & Words
Hold your hands near the candle flame and affirm:
“October winds, carry me forward.Autumn fire, light my path.I step into this season renewed.”
Extinguish the candle, sealing your intention.
🌑 Closing the Circle
Thank the protective circle and gently release it:
Walk counterclockwise around your space, saying:
“Circle of light, I release you now.With gratitude, love, and sacred vow.”
Visualize the light dissolving, leaving the forest calm and clear.
🍵 Grounding & Aftercare
Afterward, sip a warm seasonal tea (cinnamon, apple, chai, or chamomile) and reflect on what you’ve released. Journal if you wish.
Being in the forest during this ritual connects you directly to the cycles of nature—helping you shed old energy, embrace transformation, and step fully into October with clarity and renewal.
✨ Tip: Perform this ritual barefoot on the forest floor whenever possible to feel grounded, and listen to the whispers of the trees and wind—they may guide your intention even further. 🍂
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