Rudens lygiadienis – the balance of light and darkness

Turning points of the year wheel – equinoxes and solstices

Since ancient times, humanity has lived by the rhythm of the Sun. The Earth's journey around the Sun creates a cycle of four seasons, with the most important highlights being the equinoxes and solstices. These are like cosmic gates, which, when passed through, connect us to the eternal dance of the Earth and the Sun. On these days, the Sun returns to the same rising point for several days, as if emphasizing the special nature of this transformation.

There is no nation that has not celebrated these days of transformation. Ancestors gathered for rituals, honored gods, natural forces, or mythical beings, symbolically experiencing the cycle of death and rebirth, the battle of light against darkness. It is no coincidence that in temples and sacred sites we find architecture aligned with the Sun’s path: in the United Kingdom, Stonehenge marks solstice points; in Mexico, the shadows illuminating the Chichen Itza pyramid annually announce seasonal changes; in Egypt, the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx align with the Sun’s burial during equinoxes.

Symbolism of the autumn equinox

The word “equinox” comes from the Latin aequinox – “equal night.” On that day, light and darkness share 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 everyday life, and attune to the rhythm of the Earth.

In ancient cultures, the autumn equinox coincided with great harvest festivals – a time of thanksgiving before the coming winter. In Greek mythology, it is associated with Persephone’s descent into the underworld – a symbolic turning of life inward or a time of silence and rest on Earth. The autumn season was considered a period when the boundaries between worlds thinned, and invisible beings became active. It is no coincidence that at this time the spirits of departed ancestors were honored.

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

The autumn equinox and my present self

In today’s world, dominated by speed, productivity, and constant pursuit of efficiency, slow time and sacred presence are often pushed aside. Yet neither modern trends nor technological inventions have stopped the cosmic dance of the Earth and the Sun. And thankfully, this eternal rhythm of cycles still continues – as long as we live. So what can a modern woman do if the wisdom of her foremothers still lives within her, even though the ritual fire circle of the tribe has long disappeared?

A personal or family ritual.Create or recall your own or your family’s autumn equinox ritual, in which past experiences are given meaning, the present is honored, and the future is blessed. The ritual should be close, acceptable, and sincere for each person. We can give meaning and sacredness to any respectful action. A sacred act in the present is like a turning point that unites past and future. It is like the center of the infinity symbol, where we can initiate a new stage of life.

Seeking balance. The autumn equinox radiates the energy of balance, so it is favorable to assess areas of your life from this perspective. Explore where harmony is most lacking, where you are most out of tune, in which relationships imbalance has taken hold. Feel what ways, means, and timing would be best to restore and recover harmony. It is recommended to meditate on balance.

Sun cycle journal.Start a Sun cycle (equinoxes and solstices) journal, where each quarter of the year you can review the path traveled and plan the work for the upcoming season or write down steps toward your dreams for the next three months. Such a practice helps live more consciously, attuned to nature’s rhythms.

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

Creative reflection.Write a letter to yourself in the future, which you will open at 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 winter or when the brighter half of the year arrives. It is like a conversation with yourself across the “bridges” of time: your present self sends a message to your future self, reminding what was important, what lessons you were ready to integrate, and what steps you wished to take. Such reflection strengthens the connection with your inner world.

Physical activity.Organize a hike or trip, plan an adventure not only for yourself but also for loved ones. It is favorable to do balancing body practices, yoga, or breathing exercises combining movement and calm.

Nature’s creation and home decoration.Create an autumn bounty mandala from leaves, twigs, seeds, flowers, or fruits. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Decorate your home with autumnal natural attributes, 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 still “drives everyone in from the fields.” We spend more time indoors, heating, beautifying, and tidying up. Take care of your home’s coziness and cleanliness. Arrange your home or personal spaces so that it feels good just to be, rest, and gather inner strength for the coming darker half of the year.

Strengthening community bonds.Host an autumn celebration, charity event, or share your harvested produce or what you have stored. This can be the “results” of seasonal closet cleaning – unused but still durable items. Organize a gathering of neighbors or colleagues around a baked pie, socialize within your community circles. Such actions strengthen mutual connection and harmonious coexistence.

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

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

Honoring the elements.At the turning points of the Sun cycle, it is favorable to honor the Fire element by lighting a candle, fireplace, or bonfire. But it is equally important to respectfully acknowledge the other elements – Earth, Water, Air, Ether. Their union forms the foundation of life both in nature and in humans, reminding us of our participation in the eternal process of creation.

Being in nature.Return, even briefly, to the forest, meadow, river, lake, or sea, on a hill or ancient mound. Immerse yourself in the silence of nature, feel part of it, listen to the eternal wisdom of Mother Earth, the voice of the Earth’s soul. Hear your own Star – the Sun. This will bring you back to your roots, to the beginning of beginnings, and help restore the connection between human, earth, and sky.