Sacred Practices for Late Summer: Aligning with the Season’s Slower Energy

As the golden light of late summer stretches across the land and the hum of high summer begins to settle, we find ourselves in a sacred pause. It’s a time between the high energy of summer solstice and the deep descent of autumn—a threshold where the earth invites us to slow down, ground ourselves, and begin the quiet preparation for transformation.

For empaths and highly sensitive souls, this season offers a potent opportunity to align with the natural rhythm of the earth. Rather than pushing forward or rushing into the “back-to-school” energy that so many fall into, we can instead listen to the quieter whispers of nature and embrace practices that support gentle reflection, healing, and energetic replenishment.

The Energy of Late Summer: Earthy, Gentle, Centering

Late summer holds an earthy quality. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this time is governed by the Earth element—associated with nourishment, stability, and coming home to yourself. The invitation is to anchor, digest, and find your center.

If you’ve been feeling a little scattered or energetically porous, you’re not alone. The shift from fire to earth energy can stir up a need for balance and simplicity. This is a wonderful time to assess where your energy is going and gently call it back.

Sacred Practices to Support You

Here are a few intentional ways to harmonize with this slower, golden season:

Create a Late Summer Altar

Include items that reflect earth energy and harvest:

• Corn husks, sunflowers, wheat stalks, and ripe fruit

• Crystals like Yellow Jasper, Smoky Quartz, or Carnelian

• A candle in warm tones like gold or deep orange

• A handwritten intention: “I root myself in nourishment and balance.”

Return to your altar daily—even just for a few quiet breaths—to reconnect with yourself.

Practice Energetic Digestion

This is a powerful time for reflection. Ask yourself:

• What have I harvested so far this year?

• What feels complete?

• What do I need to release to prepare for a new cycle?

Try journaling on these prompts or include them in a meditation. Allow your emotions and insights to rise gently, without judgment.

Walk Barefoot on the Earth

Reconnect to the earth element with grounding walks. The late summer soil holds a unique energy—both ripened and slowing down. Let yourself feel that in your body. Take your shoes off. Breathe deeply. Let the earth hold you.

Nourish Your Body with Seasonal Foods

Eating in harmony with the season helps sensitive systems stay regulated. Try incorporating:

• Root vegetables

• Warm grains like oats or quinoa

• Herbal teas with ginger, chamomile, or fennel

• Simple stews or soups that support your digestion and soothe your nervous system

Honoring the In-Between

Late summer is not a season we’re always taught to recognize—but for empaths and sensitives, it’s one of the most sacred. It’s the moment to return to our energetic center, clear out the excess, and gently begin preparing for the descent into autumn’s deeper inner work.

Let this time be soft. Let your practices be slow. Let your heart come home to itself.

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About the Author:

Bhadra is one of the healers of Bhadra's Healing Haven. She is a psychic reiki master, empath counselor, and crystal healer. Her goal is to help empaths understand their sensitivity, manage excess emotions and energies they accumulate from being in the world, and create and maintain a more balanced and peaceful life so they can go out into the world and live life to the fullest!