How To Celebrate the Autumn Equinox
Happy Equinox!
Equinoxes occur twice a year. They are marked by the time the sun is exactly above the equator, creating an equality in the time of day and night. The word equinox is derived from Latin meaning “equal night”. The Autumn equinox marks the day of equality as the sun starts moving south creating longer nights than days. It indicates the first day of the autumn season and has been revered for the time of the second harvest. For those in the Northern Hemisphere this occurs in September, for those in the Southern Hemisphere in March.
The Autumn Equinox also indicates the last 3 moon cycles of the year. This can be important for not only harvesting food, but harvesting the ideas, projects, and relations in our lives. The Autumn Equinox shifts our mindset and behaviors from the outward expression time of summer to the reflection and production time of autumn. In accordance, we can change our diet to remain seasonal, our sleep patterns (we need more sleep in the autumn and winter), our exercise patterns, relationship, and work.
Autumn asks us to start to slow down and to wrap up projects that are important to us. Since there are only 3 moon cycles left in the year, we are asked to choose where it is most important that we put our energy. It is a great time to reflect on where you have been and to consider where you want to put your energy going forward. Some projects will need to be delegated to next year, and some will need to be wrapped up and finished so we can be allowed to rest in the winter season to come.
Below are some ideas of how to celebrate and take advantage of the Autumn Equinox:
Write out a list of the things you’ve accomplished this year. This need not be only outward accomplishments. Consider the areas of personal growth, spirituality, community, relationships, finances, work, health, physical activity, creativity, and learning new skills. Share these with a partner or friend and have them help remind you of the things you’ve forgotten.
Deep clean your home. As a time of equilibrium, it is beneficial to create balance in your home or work environments. Get rid of anything causing you stress or irritability. Make room for space and rest.
Honor the coming autumn with fall crafts or decorating your home or office in autumn shapes and colors.
Meditate or practice yoga or meditation with the intention of finding balance in your breath, mind, body, and spirit.
Cook an autumn harvest. Check your local farmer’s market for what’s in season around you. Choose spices that bring out autumn flavors such as cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and rosemary. Here is one of my favorite harvest dinner recipes, and one of my favorite easy desserts.
Additionally, take some time to choose the most important places you would like to put your energy towards in the next few months. As more gets piled on our plates (literally!) we can become overwhelmed and forget what we truly want to spend our time and energy on, so take some time to reflect, plan, and maybe find an accountability buddy to keep you focused in the upcoming months.
Happy Equinox! May you find balance and harmony!
