The Autumn Equinox signals the end of the summer months and the beginning of winter. From the Equinox forward, the nights become longer and the days become shorter. The word "equinox" comes from the Latin term that simply means "equal night." The Fall Equinox arrives on the cusp of Virgo/Libra with astrology using the scales as a symbol of this season. Not only does this represent the balance of light and dark but also an important time to cultivate personal balance and inner harmony.
When the Fall Equinox occurs, the universal energy on our planet shifts, and all of life begins to turn inward. Accompanying the Fall Equinox is a shift from the more "Yang" masculine, action oriented self, to a more "Yin" feminine, intuitive, receptive self. We are being invited into the realms of our inner-worlds, perhaps giving ourselves permission to sleep a little more and delve more fully into our subconscious worlds of dreaming, meditation, contemplation, prayer and creativity.
Autumn is Earth's designated time to turn inward and surrender. As the nights lengthen and cool, the trees change into their warm and varied colors we are reminded of the cycles mirrored in our lives. As we witness the trees begin to surrender their warm, bright and varied colored leaves, we may be inspired to surrender and relinquish those things that are a burden or no longer serving us. All religious traditions pay tribute to such acts of relinquishment. Fall is the time to practice getting out of the way and invite Spirit to take greater charge of our lives.
The beginning of the Fall season can be a powerful time to take personal inventory and reflect on the seeds you have planted and if those seeds have grown into fruition. It is an opportunity to acknowledge how far you have come and where you may want to go next. This is a potentially a transformational time, where you have the opportunity to take greater responsibility and refocus your attention on what you truly want to manifest and then set the intention to create it.
As we go deeper into the Fall, we celebrate the season of grace, gratitude and thanksgiving. The time of the abundant harvest is symbolized by cornucopias and horn of plenty, overflowing with great bounty. This is joyously accompanied by huge feasts, celebration, music and dance. This is the perfect occasion to consciously open your heart more fully in generosity and celebrate both your divine connection and human relationships. This is a beautiful season to begin a tithing practice or give more fully of your heart, energy, resources, talents and time.
Our time here on Earth is temporary and to meet the seasons with an open and vulnerable heart helps us experience a deeper and more soulful life. To venture forward courageously, with intentionality, while taking responsibility, can support each of us in becoming more empowered and more fulfilled. It can also help us cultivate greater affection and reverence for ourselves for each other and for the world.
Dr. Tammi Baliszewski is a holistic life counselor, author, artist and sacred art facilitator.