Autumn Equinox – A Balance of Light and Darkness

Turning points of the year – equinoxes and solstices

Since ancient times, humanity has lived by the rhythm of the Sun. Earth's journey around the Sun creates a cycle of four seasons, with the equinoxes and solstices as its most important highlights. These are like cosmic gateways; by passing through them, we touch the eternal dance of the Earth and the Sun. On these days, the Sun returns to the same point of ascent for several days, as if emphasizing the uniqueness of this transition.

There is no nation that has not celebrated these days of transition. Our ancestors gathered for rituals, honored gods, forces of nature, or mythical beings, and symbolically experienced the cycle of death and rebirth, the struggle of light against darkness. It is not without reason that we find architecture adapted to the Sun's path in temples and sacred sites: in the United Kingdom, Stonehenge marks the solstice points; in Mexico, the shadows illuminating the Chichen Itza pyramid announce seasonal changes every year; in Egypt, the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx align with the sunset during the equinoxes.

Symbolism of the Autumn Equinox

The word "equinox" comes from the Latin aequinox – "equal night." On that day, light and darkness are shared equally: 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night. It is a moment of natural balance, inviting a person to pause, step back from the daily grind, and align with the rhythm of the Earth.

In ancient cultures, the autumn equinox coincided with great harvest festivals – it was a time of gratitude before the approaching winter. In Greek mythology, it is associated with Persephone's descent into the underworld – a symbolic turning of life toward the inner world or a time of silence and rest on Earth. The autumn season was considered a period when the boundary between worlds grew thin, and invisible beings became more active. It is no coincidence that the spirits of departed ancestors were honored at this time.

The autumn equinox is a pause, a sacred balance where divine myths, human memory, and Earth's cycles merge. It is a symbolic reminder that light and darkness exist together within each of us, and only by finding harmony with our full spectrum of colors can we travel forward more firmly.

The Autumn Equinox and my present self

In the current world, dominated by speed, productivity, and a constant pursuit of efficiency, slow time and sacred presence are often pushed to the margins. However, neither modern fashion nor technological inventions have stopped the cosmic dance of the Earth and the Sun. And fortunately, this eternal rhythm of cycles still continues – as long as it does, so do we. So, what can a modern woman do if the wisdom of her ancestors is still alive within her, even if the ritual bonfire in tribal circles is long gone?

A personal or family ritual.Create or remember your own or your family's autumn equinox ritual, which gives meaning to past experiences, honors the present, and blesses the future. The ritual should be intimate, acceptable, and sincere for everyone. We can give meaning and holiness to any respectful action. A sacred act in the present is like a turning point that connects the past and the future. It is like the center of an infinity symbol, where we can initiate our new stage of life.

Seeking balanceThe autumn equinox radiates the energy of balance, so it is a favorable time to evaluate the areas of your life in this regard. Let us explore where harmony is most lacking, where we have become most misaligned, and in which relationships an imbalance has taken hold. Let us feel in what ways, with what means, and at what time it would be best to restore and rebuild harmony. It is suitable to meditate on balance.

Sun cycle diary.Let us start a Sun cycle (equinoxes and solstices) diary, where each quarter of the year we can review the path traveled and plan the work for the upcoming season or write down steps toward our dreams for the next three months. Such a practice helps to live more consciously, aligning with the rhythms of nature.

Autumn dream collage.Create an autumn season dream collage. This is the creation of a vision from colors, symbols, and images that reflect the aspirations of this period. You can also perform an intention ritual or meditation – this will allow you to more clearly feel your inner desires and the direction in which you want to travel in the coming season.

Creative reflection.Write a letter to yourself in the future, which you will open during the winter solstice or spring equinox. In the letter, you can record your current thoughts, dreams, fears, or goals, as well as wishes for yourself during the winter or when the brighter half of the year arrives. It is like a conversation with yourself across the "bridges" of time: your current version sends a message to the future one, reminding you of what was most important, what lessons you were ready to integrate, and what steps you longed to take. Such reflection strengthens the connection with your inner world.

Physical activity.Go on a hike or trip, organize an adventure not only for yourself but also for your loved ones. It is a good time to perform balancing body practices, yoga, or breathing exercises, combining movement and stillness.

Nature crafts and home decoration.Create a mandala of autumn treasures from leaves, twigs, seeds, flowers, or fruits. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Decorate your home with autumnal attributes of nature, seasonal flowers, or plants. (It is important to be mindful and not harm nature with your creativity).

Home coziness and order.Just like hundreds of years ago, the autumn equinox now "drives everyone in from the fields." We spend more time indoors, heating, beautifying, and tidying them. Let us take care of home coziness and environmental cleanliness. Let us settle into our homes or spaces so that it is good to simply be, rest, and gather inner strength for the approaching darker half of the year.

Strengthening community ties.Host an autumn festival, a charity event, or share the harvest you have grown or what you have accumulated. This could be the "results" of a seasonal closet clean-out – items that are no longer used but are still durable. Organize a gathering of neighbors or colleagues over a baked pie and chat in your community circles. Such actions strengthen mutual connection and harmonious coexistence.

Public events and traditional celebrations.Find out what celebrations are being organized by pagan communities, city municipalities, local artists, or national and folk ensembles. Participating in public equinox events allows you to touch a deeper layer of collective memory and feel the communal spirit of the celebration.

Gratitude practices.Perform a gratitude practice – this is one of the most meaningful intentions for the equinox. Express your thanks in writing or verbally to the people who have touched your life since the summer solstice, bringing gifts, more awareness, or important experiences. Do not forget to thank yourself as well – for your courage, for your work, and for being on this path.

Honoring the elements.At the turning points of the Sun cycle, it is favorable to honor the element of Fire by lighting a candle, a fireplace, or a bonfire. However, it is equally important to pay respectful attention to the other elements as well – Earth, Water, Air, and Ether. Their union forms the basis of life both in nature and in humans, and reminds us of our participation in the eternal process of creation.

Being in nature.Let us return, at least for a moment, to the forest, the meadow, the river, the lake, or the sea, to a hill or a mound. Let us immerse ourselves in the silence of nature, feel ourselves as a part of it, and listen to the eternal wisdom of Mother Earth, to the voice of the Earth's soul. Let us also hear our own Star – the Sun. This will return us to our roots, to the very beginning, and help restore the connection between man, earth, and sky.