Embracing the Fall Equinox: the Balancing of Opposites
The sun is becoming more mellow and soon the days will begin to shorten... we are on the cusp of a sacred transition—the Fall Equinox. This celestial event, which occurs today, October 22nd, in my area of the world; marks the official beginning of autumn. As a healer and a lover of Nature, I find profound beauty and wisdom in this time of year. The Fall Equinox is not merely a date on the calendar but a powerful moment of balance, transformation, and reflection that invites us to harmonize our lives with the rhythms of the natural world.
The Equinox: A Dance of Light and Dark
The word "equinox" comes from the Latin "aequus" (equal) and "nox" (night), signifying a day when light and darkness are in perfect balance. This equilibrium between light and dark can serve as a reminder of the delicate balance we attempt to find in our own lives. This is a time to honor both the light and dark aspects of ourselves, realizing that each can serve a vital role in our personal growth and spiritual journey.
The Element of Fall
In Five Element Acupuncture, the element associated with Autumn is Metal. This season impacts the lungs and large intestines, organs that symbolize the process of taking in and letting go. Autumn teaches us the appropriateness of release, making room for rest and rejuvenation.
During this time, we may encounter emotions such as grief, depression, low self-worth, emotional withdrawal, or grasping due to unmet expectations or unfulfilled harvests. Balancing the Metal element requires us to practice letting go, acceptance, and to develop an appreciation for the awe-inspiring life around us.
Steps to Help Balance the Metal Element
- Breathe: Engage in deep, mindful breathing exercises to nourish your lungs and clear your mind.
- Clean House: Declutter your physical space to create a sense of order and clarity.
- Let Go: Release old habits, limiting beliefs, and emotional baggage that no longer serve you.
By embracing these practices, we can find harmony within ourselves and align more deeply with the natural cycles of the season.
Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies
This was the big one for me this Equinox! The awareness of how big it was just hit me yesterday! It was a deeply inward journey. For me, it is sometimes difficult to keep these parts of self in balance in a world that seems to require lots of masculine, action energy and minimizes the value of rest and taking time to gather energy and be quiet before setting a path of action. I am always happier and more successful when i approach life in a way that honors the quiet, energy building time. We are coming into that time now... we will harvest what we planted this year and then we will begin to slow down and take time to build energy for the season of Spring.
Just as the Earth finds balance between light and dark, we too are called to harmonize the masculine and feminine energies within us. The masculine energy, characterized by action, logic, and strength, complements the feminine energy of intuition, nurturing, and creativity. The Fall Equinox is a sacred invitation to bring these energies into alignment, fostering a sense of wholeness and inner peace.
Living in Harmony with the Seasons
Nature has a rhythm, a cycle of birth, growth, harvest, and rest. When we tune into these natural cycles, we can live more harmoniously and gracefully. The Fall Equinox marks a shift from the outward, expansive energy of summer to the inward, reflective energy of autumn. It is a time to slow down, turn inward, and prepare for the introspective months ahead. Sometimes this will take a concerted effort as very little in the way our society currently functions seems to allow for these "seasons".
Harvesting the Seeds You Have Sown
For many farmers, the Fall Equinox is a time of harvest—a moment to gather the fruits of their labor and give thanks for the abundance they have received. Spiritually, this is a time to reflect on the seeds we have sown throughout the year. What intentions did you set in the spring? What projects have you nurtured over the summer? Now is the time to harvest the wisdom, lessons, and growth that have come from your efforts.
Spiritual Reflection and Transformation
The Fall Equinox invites us to pause and reflect on our lifes journey. It's a moment to assess where we are, how far we've come, and where we aspire to go. This period of reflection is essential for our well-being, allowing us to realign with our true purpose and make conscious choices that support our highest good.
As the trees shed their leaves, we are encouraged to let go of what no longer serves us. This may include old habits, limiting beliefs, or relationships that drain our energy. By releasing these burdens, we create space for new growth and opportunities. The Fall Equinox is a powerful reminder that transformation is a natural part of life, and by embracing change, we can evolve into our most authentic selves.
The equilibrium of light and dark during the equinox is a metaphor for the balance we seek in our lives. This balance is not just about equal parts of work and rest, but about living in harmony with our inner and outer worlds. It’s a time to nurture our physical, emotional, and spiritual health, ensuring that each aspect of our being is tended to with care and love.
Practical Ways to Celebrate the Fall Equinox
1. Rituals of Gratitude
Create a gratitude ritual to honor the harvest season. This can be as simple as writing about the things you are thankful for or creating a gratitude altar with symbols of the things your are grateful for. Expressing your gratitude helps to cultivate a mindset of abundance and appreciation.
2. Nature Walks and Meditation
Spend time in nature to connect with the changing landscape. Take a walk in the woods, sit by a river, or meditate under a tree. Observe the colors, sounds, and scents of autumn. Let the serene beauty of nature ground you and bring you into the present moment. Notice what wildlife is present with you, perhaps that animal has a message for you.
This morning, my medicine animal was the crow. The shapeshifter, embracing the higher laws beyond man made ones. Crow merges light and darkness, seeing both the inner reality and the outer reality simultaneously. It felt like the perfect symbol for this Equinox time!
3. Balance Practice
Engage in practices that promote balance and harmony, such as yoga, tai chi, or mindful breathing exercises. These activities help to align your body, mind, and spirit, fostering a sense of inner peace and equilibrium.
4. Community Gatherings
Celebrate with loved ones by hosting a harvest feast or a small gathering. Share a meal, stories, and traditions that honor the season. Community connections can provide support and joy as we transition into the quieter months of the year.
Living Gracefully with the Seasons
By aligning our lives with the rhythms of nature, we can live more gracefully and with greater health. The Fall Equinox teaches us the importance of gratitude, balance, reflection, and transformation. It reminds us that just as the Earth goes through cycles, so do we. Embracing these cycles allows us to flow with life rather than resist it, fostering a sense of harmony and well-being.
As we step into the autumnal season, let's carry the wisdom of the Fall Equinox in our hearts. May we find balance in our lives, nurture our spiritual growth, and live in harmony with the natural world. In doing so, we honor the sacred dance of light and dark, masculine and feminine, and the ever-present cycle of life.
Feel Like You Need Some Help Moving Into this Season?
Check out the following links to sessions I offer which might be helpful for your journey this Fall Season.
Healing sessions are available online or in office, Bodywork is in office only.
Breaking Habits That Bind with Marilyn Edwards
Intuitive Healing Session with Marilyn Edwards
Intuitive BodyWork with Marilyn Edwards