Autumn Equinox, falls between September 20th and 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere. At this point each year, day and night length reaches equal balance once more as we pass through the doorway to the dark half of the year. After this point, the balance tips as hours of darkness increase and day length shortens. This heralds a time to begin slowing down, give thanks for what we harvest, release the old and turn our gaze inwards.
In astronomical terms, the Autumn Equinox marks the beginning of the Autumn season in the Northern hemisphere. The Autumn Equinox is thought of as the second of three harvests of the year; the fruit harvest, (Lammas, is the first harvest of the grain, and Samhain is the third and final harvest of nuts and seeds).
The word ‘equinox’ comes from the Latin word meaning ‘equal night’ and twice a year, on both the Spring and Autumn equinoxes, night and day length are in balance. The light has slowly but surely been declining from its highest point at the Summer Solstice in June. It will now continue to decline, until it reaches its lowest point on our shortest day at the Winter Solstice in December.
At this moment of balance between the dark and the light, it can be a good time to pause and consider the balance in our own lives, or any areas that may feel out of balance.
The is also a good time to pause and take stock of our year so far. What has gone well? Where may we need to clear out or make space.
In general the darker colder months can be thought of as a time to rest and restore. Return to our roots. Focus inward. carving out some time and physical space where you can build a meditation or journal practice to support you for the winter, make your surroundings more cosy, and let go on anything no longer needed in the months ahead.
Further reading
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