The autumn equinox falls around September 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere and March 22nd in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks a key turning point in the astrological calendar with day and night of equal length all over the world as summer turns to autumn.
Many ancient civilisations considered the equinox and solstice points the most important days of the calendar, with all life in balance. But for the next six months, nights are longer than days, which means it is time to start withdrawing energy from the outer world and prepare for the cooler months ahead. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes the view that external changes of season are also reflected internally. If you adjust your daily habits (sleeping, eating, what you wear) to reflect the seasonal changes then you are more likely to stay healthy.
Traditionally, people celebrated the autumn equinox with a harvest festival to give thanks for and share the fruits of the summer season. Most people no longer plant or harvest their own foods and while the convenience of the 24-hour supermarket is a blessing, we can take all that abundance for granted. At a time of year when plants are setting their seeds and getting ready for the new cycle, here’s a ritual to help you bring life into balance and reap your own personal harvest.
AUTUMN EQUINOX RITUAL
Perform the ritual just before dusk – you can do it alone or with others, indoors or outdoors. Set up a meditation or sacred space with seasonal elements such as baskets of nuts and fruit, flower, seed pods, stalks of grain and anything else you associate with the word ‘harvest’. Then take a bunch of dried herbs (sage and rosemary are good) and perform a smudging ceremony by wafting the smoke from the herbs around the room or space you are working in. This helps cleanse the atmosphere and relax the mind.
Sit quietly and think of all the goals and tasks you've accomplished over the past few months and those who have helped you. What have you given and what have you received? What are you now harvesting in family life, relationships, creativity, finances and health? How have you balanced your own needs with the needs of others? Go round the circle and share your findings or if you’re doing this ritual alone, write it all down. Then offer thanks and gratitude to those who have helped you, making sure to honour your own contribution.
Now close your eyes and imagine the sun rising above you, shining brightly for exactly half the day, then retreating below the horizon for the next twelve hours. Feel the delicate balance of night and day and ask yourself what you need to bring more balance into your life. More time with your children or perhaps in nature? Less stress? Or maybe a new relationship or more money? Give yourself time to explore the concept of balance and how you can create more of it in your life. Write down your findings and share your insights with others in the group.
End the ritual by holding hands and giving thanks for all your blessings then enjoy a shared feast to celebrate the abundance of the harvest.