September Notebook: There's a Change in the Air
New notebooks, apple season and that back-to-school buzz
Hello,
I hope you’re all having a lovely start to the week.
September has a very particular energy doesn’t it. There’s such a definite step change from the relaxed pace of summer into a fresh, buzzy back-to-school vibe. Some people love this change and fully embrace the start of cosy season. You’ll see them walking around muttering about pumpkin spice and new notebooks while sweating under thick Autumn jumpers they’ve put on too soon in a burst of enthusiasm (that would be me). While others can really struggle with this turn of the wheel as it takes us out of Summer and into shorter, cooler days, and that can be tough.
Whichever camp you fall into, my hope is that this post will be so stuffed full of good September-y things that after reading it you will be somewhat cheered and bolstered for the month ahead.
This year September feels extra buzzy to me because I’m sending out my first bundle of Seasonal Living Retreat emails to paid subscribers this month. If you enjoy seasonal living this is your chance to immerse yourself in all the magic and energy of the Autumn Equinox. It’s all very low key and relaxed, but I hope it will offer an opportunity to look up from the everyday noise and bustle for a moment and tap into something a bit quieter and wilder. We will be kicking things off on the 17th September - the eve of the Full Moon. Good lunar energy.
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Right, let’s see what else this lovely month has in store for us shall we?
Things to Love about September:
1. Apple Season
September marks the start of apple season and I could not be happier about this. Apples are absolutely full of magical symbolism, they crop up in so many ancient myths and folk tales, from Arthurian legends to witchy love spells. They are such a powerful symbol for Autumn, a season where we move from the light, bright energy of Summer to something a little darker and deeper. If you want to find out more, take a look at my archive post on Apple Season for a deep dive in the folklore, magic and mystery of this Autumnal fruit. It also contains some delicious Apple recipes.
2. New notebooks
Proving that our school days are impossible to totally step away from, September is still deeply ingrained in many of us as the month of new beginnings. Also known as the month of new notebooks. Don’t fight it. Buy the new notebook, the new pen and the new diary. Embrace the ‘new term’ energy. And if your school days were less than enjoyable, give a little prayer of thanks that they’re in the past now and you, and you alone, get to decide exactly how you spend your days now. (Can you tell I wasn’t a fan of school? Still love a good notebook though).
3. Harvest festivals
If you were one of the people I mentioned earlier who dug out their cosy Autumn knitwear on the first of September regardless of the weather (my tribe), I bet you’ll also love a good harvest festival. Harvest festivals traditionally take place on the Full Moon nearest to the Autumn equinox which is the 17th September this year and I love everything about them. The food, the decorations, the table displays… it’s all just very comforting and cosy. Hopefully there’s something happening near you, and if not, maybe start your own!
Things to do in September:
Feeling suitably September-y yet? I hope so. Right, here’s your list of things to do, see and eat this month:
1. Celebrate the Autumn Equinox
The Autumn Equinox happens on the 22nd September this year and it’s the perfect opportunity to rest and reflect as we gently turn from one season to the next. The Equinox falls exactly halfway between Midsummer and Midwinter and on this day there will be 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night. Because of this it’s considered by many to be the perfect moment for taking a pause, reflecting and rebalancing.
2. Moon Bathe under the Harvest Supermoon
The Full Moon is a pretty special one this month. Not only is it a Harvest Moon, it’s also a Super Moon. A Harvest Supermoon if you will! Look out for it on the 17th / 18th September and make sure to harness some of that strong lunar energy. If you’re not sure what I mean by ‘lunar energy’ you can read my guide to Lunar Living here, I’ve made it free to read for everyone.
Did you know I’ve recently started sending my paid subscribers a short Full Moon newsletter once a month as a gentle reminder of when to look up, along with a little bit of folklore related to each Full Moon. So if you’re into all things lunar you can upgrade your membership to receive those.
3. Go apple picking
Is there anything more wholesome and ‘cottagecore’ than apple picking in the September sunshine? There is not. Look for a local orchard that offers apple picking this month for a full Autumnal experience. Take a basket, take photos, have fun.
Ok, that’s all for now, I hope you enjoyed your September newsletter and I hope you have a wonderful month filled with new notebooks, apple picking and Harvest Moon magic.
Now it’s over to you to share your September rituals and traditions in the Comments. Do you love this time of year? Or do you really struggle with it?
I’ll see some of you online for our Autumn Equinox Online Retreat in a couple of weeks time, and I’ll see the rest of you next month for our October edition of the Monthly Notebook. We’ll be diving into some ancient Samhain / Halloween traditions and some delicious pumpkin spice recipes, because spooky season is nearly upon us!
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Vicky xx
Yesss all of the things you mention (plus my birthday!) makes me a September soul, I love the crispness, the sense of returning, gathering as well as letting go and shedding. There is something that is just so beautiful about the romantic fading and fullness of September xx
September Notebook, I see what you did there! And, yes, there’s nothing like a new notebook.😍