Autumn Equinox – A Moment of Balance Between Light and Darkness
The autumn equinox is the perfect time to celebrate the balance between light and darkness. On this day, the Sun is directly above the Earth's equator, and the length of day and night are almost equal. Although this is not entirely accurate—since the moment of equal day and night occurs slightly before the spring equinox and slightly after the autumn equinox—the symbolic significance of balance remains strong.
In 2024, the autumn equinox will occur on Sunday, September 22nd, precisely at 3:43 PM Finnish time. This moment marks the official end of summer and the beginning of astronomical autumn, which continues until the winter solstice on December 21st, 2024.
You can celebrate this balance in nature with a simple yet powerful ritual, whether in your yard, indoors, or even out in the wilderness. Below are instructions for welcoming the autumn equinox and embracing the season.
1. Prepare a Sacred Space
Choose a calm and peaceful spot, either outdoors or indoors, where you can connect with nature or your inner self. Create a symbolic circle using stones, candles, flowers, or other natural elements. This circle will serve as a sacred space for your ritual.
You will need:
- Natural items such as stones, leaves, branches, or flowers.
- A candle or small lantern to symbolize light.
2. Honor Balance
During the autumn equinox, day and night are equal. This is the perfect time to reflect on balance in your own life. Start the ritual by standing calmly and taking deep breaths. First, face east to symbolize daylight and life force, then turn west to honor the quiet of the night and rest. Feel the temporary balance between these two forces.
In your mind, you can recite: "As above, so below; as within, so without." This reminds you that everything is interconnected—you and nature are part of a greater whole.
3. Lighting the Candle – Balance of Light and Darkness
Light a candle or a small lantern. This light symbolizes the strength you will carry with you through the darkest part of the year. As you light the candle, you may express gratitude or make a wish for the coming season. Place the candle in your sacred space.
Example statement: "I give thanks for this light that guides me through the darkness. I am one with the cycle of nature."
4. Silent Reflection – Inner Balance
Sit by the candle or your natural elements and spend a few moments in silence. This is a time for inner meditation. Focus on your breath and feel your connection to the universe. Remember, the autumn equinox symbolizes harmony between light and dark, action and rest.
You can reflect on a thought from the Emerald Tablet: "Truth is the strongest and highest force, capable of overcoming all." This serves as a reminder that finding inner truth brings strength to your life.
5. Closing – Offering Gratitude
When you feel at peace, close the ritual by giving thanks. You can make a simple gesture, like bowing or raising your hands to the sky and earth, symbolizing your connection to the universe and nature. Thank the earth, the sky, the light, and the darkness for being part of your life.
Quietly extinguish the candle, and take a natural object with you to place at home as a reminder of the balance you have found in this moment.
Final Thoughts
This ritual is a simple yet powerful way to honor the autumn equinox and reconnect with the natural cycle. You can perform it anywhere, without elaborate preparations—the most important thing is to take a moment to pause and find balance within yourself and the world around you.
Wishing you peace and balance in the season ahead 🌿✨