A spiritual problem is a deep disruption in meaning, purpose, or connection that shows up as emptiness, confusion, or inner imbalance. It is not about “being broken,” it is a call to realign your values, habits, and relationships with what feels true. With simple practices, you can restore clarity, peace, and direction.
What we mean by “spiritual problem”
A spiritual problem, often called a spiritual crisis or emergency, is a period when your usual meaning system feels unstable, and life stops “making sense.” People report intense questioning, emotional upheaval, and disorientation, yet this phase often marks a turning point for growth. WikipediaPubMedHolotropic Association Europe
Common signs
- Feeling empty even when things look “fine” on paper
- Going in circles on big choices, values, or identity
- Losing inner peace, sleep, or motivation
- Pulling away from friends, community, or practices that once grounded you
Why it happens
- Disconnection from self: too much noise, not enough reflection
- Old wounds resurfacing: grief, heartbreak, or drastic change
- Values misalignment: living by “shoulds,” not chosen principles
- Threshold moments: birth, loss, illness, career shifts, or creative breakthroughs
Quick self-check: is it spiritual, emotional, or both?
Spiritual problems often intertwine with mental health. If your mood, sleep, appetite, or safety are at risk, involve a licensed professional right away. Spiritual crisis research notes intense questioning and loss of meaning can accompany illness or major losses, so get support early. PubMed
The Autumn Equinox lens: balance as medicine
Around September 21–23, day and night are nearly equal. Many traditions treat the Autumn Equinox, also known as Mabon in some paths, as a seasonal mirror for inner balance and harvest reflection. It is a fitting time to rebalance your inner life and release what no longer serves. British Pilgrimage TrustWicked Mystics
Intent for the season: acknowledge your “harvest” (what grew in you), honor endings, and set clear priorities for the darker, quieter months ahead. Spirited Earthling
Sacred geometry for calm focus
Sacred geometry gives the mind a clear, soothing pattern to settle into.
- Vesica Piscis: two overlapping circles that symbolize meeting points between worlds, often used for meditation on balance and integration. Cassie UhlWE FREE SPIRITS
- Seed of Life: seven interlocking circles, a classic contemplation image for creation, wholeness, and new beginnings. entertheearth.comUniGuide®
Tip: print or sketch one symbol and use it as a visual anchor for breathwork or journaling.
Step-by-step: a 20-minute Equinox Balance Ritual
Goal: restore inner equilibrium and choose a steady next step.
- Set your space, 3 min
Dim the lights. Place two candles side by side, one light and one dark, to represent day and night. Put a simple Vesica Piscis sketch between them. Wicked Mystics - Ground, 4 min
Sit comfortably. Inhale for 4, hold for 2, exhale for 6. Feel your sit-bones heavy, crown tall. - Name your harvest, 4 min
Journal one page: What grew in me this year? Which skills, bonds, or insights are ripest now? British Pilgrimage Trust - Release, 4 min
On a slip of paper, list habits or thoughts to let go. Fold it and place it under the dark candle. Whisper, “I return this to the soil.” - Rebalance, 5 min
Gaze softly at the Vesica Piscis. Ask, “What one small habit would bring me back to center?” Write one doable action for the next seven days.
Close: thank the season and snuff both candles together to honor balance.
Everyday tools that actually help
Meditation that meets you where you are
Use 5–15 minutes daily. Choose breath counting, a symbol gaze, or a guided track. Short sessions reduce reactivity and make space for meaning to re-emerge. PDPAOLA
Talk to a guide or therapist
A trusted spiritual director, community elder, or licensed counselor can hold the bigger picture while you navigate the practical steps. If distress is severe, prioritize clinical care. PubMed
Creative expression as soul-physics
Paint, sing, code, write, or garden. Creativity lets unspoken material move, then settle. Many find that making something small each day dissolves fog and unlocks purpose.
Rebuild your rhythm
Sleep, sunlight in the morning, nourishing meals, weekly social time, and device boundaries after 9 p.m. Small rhythms are alignment in action.
When the dark feels endless
Even revered figures have endured long seasons of doubt and spiritual darkness. Knowing this can normalize your experience and model perseverance with compassion for yourself. TIME
FAQ
What is a spiritual problem in simple terms?
It is a loss of meaning or connection that pushes you to realign your life with your deepest values.
How do I know it is not “just stress”?
If obligations ease but emptiness remains, look at meaning, values, and belonging, not only workload.
Do I need rituals if I am not “woo”?
Rituals are structured habits with symbolism. If they help you act on values, they work.
How long does a spiritual crisis last?
It varies. Support, rest, reflection, and aligned action shorten the arc.
Conclusion
A spiritual problem is not a failure. It is a signal to rebalance how you live, love, and choose. Use the Autumn Equinox as your annual checkpoint, and let simple geometry, good questions, and steady habits help you come back to center. Begin with one small action today.
Sources
- “Spiritual crisis,” overview and characteristics. Wikipedia
- Agrimson, L. B., concept analysis of spiritual crisis in nursing literature. PubMed
- Holotropic Association, definition of spiritual emergency. Holotropic Association Europe
- British Pilgrimage Trust, Autumn Equinox (Mabon) as balance of light and dark. British Pilgrimage Trust
- Wicked Mystics, Autumn Equinox as a balance metaphor and release theme. Wicked Mystics
- Spirited Earthling, seasonal reflection and harvest framing. Spirited Earthling
- Cassie Uhl, Vesica Piscis as meeting of worlds for meditation focus. Cassie Uhl
- Enter the Earth, Seed of Life and Vesica Piscis basics. entertheearth.com
- UniGuide, Seed of Life symbolism. UniGuide®
- TIME, Mother Teresa’s long crisis of faith, for context. TIME