Spirited Essence Works

Today, we find ourselves in the embrace of the autumn equinox, a powerful moment in our seasonal calendar. This event occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in nearly equal amounts of day and night across the globe. It marks the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere—a time to reflect on balance, gratitude, and the changing rhythms of nature. But this year, the equinox carries even more cosmic significance, as it closely follows the lunar eclipse and full moon that illuminated our skies just days ago, on September 17th. Let’s dive into the meaning behind these events and explore how you can celebrate the equinox.

What Is the Autumn Equinox?

The autumn equinox is one of two equinoxes that occur each year, with the other being the spring equinox. On this day, the tilt of the Earth’s axis is such that the sun is directly over the equator, making the length of day and night roughly equal. It’s a time when nature moves into a phase of rest and harvest, reflecting the themes of balance and transition. Ancient cultures, from the Celts to the Mayans, have long celebrated the autumn equinox, seeing it as a time to give thanks for the bountiful harvests of summer while preparing for the colder months ahead.

Symbolically, this day is also associated with themes of introspection, shedding old patterns, and embracing the cycles of death and rebirth. As the leaves begin to change, we too are encouraged to reflect on what we’ve achieved this year and what we need to let go of as we enter a quieter, more reflective season.

The Connection to the Recent Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse

This year’s autumn equinox holds even more astrological weight as it follows the lunar eclipse and full moon of September 17th, 2024. Full moons are traditionally seen as moments of culmination, clarity, and heightened emotions. When a full moon coincides with a lunar eclipse, it amplifies these energies, making it a potent time for change, revelation, and closure.

The lunar eclipse—known as a “Blood Moon” due to the reddish hue the moon takes on during the eclipse—signifies a time of intense reflection. It brings hidden emotions or unresolved issues to the surface, allowing us to confront them and move forward with clarity. Since this lunar eclipse happened just days before the equinox, the themes of release and balance are strongly aligned. You’re invited to take stock of any lingering emotional baggage, to acknowledge what’s no longer serving you, and to find peace in letting it go as you step into a new season.

Now that we understand the deeper meaning of the equinox and its cosmic alignment with the lunar eclipse, let’s explore some ways you can celebrate and honor this special time of year:

1. Harvest and Gratitude Rituals
   The equinox is a time to give thanks for the abundance in our lives. You can create your own gratitude ritual by listing out things you’re thankful for this year. Consider donating to a local food bank, cooking a meal with seasonal ingredients like apples, pumpkins, and squash, or even visiting a farm to pick fresh produce.
2. Meditation and Reflection
   Reflect on the balance between light and dark, both within and around you. Find a peaceful spot in nature and meditate on what you wish to release this season. Let the energy of the eclipse guide you in processing any emotions or thoughts that have surfaced over the past few days.
3. Create an Autumn Altar
   Decorate a small altar or sacred space with symbols of the season—autumn leaves, pinecones, candles, and crystals like citrine or carnelian. These items can serve as visual reminders of the changing season and help you stay connected to the grounding energy of fall.
4. Bonfire or Candle Ritual
   Fire represents both the warmth and light of summer and the spark of new intentions for the months ahead. If possible, gather around a bonfire with loved ones, sharing stories, or setting intentions for the season. If a bonfire isn’t feasible, lighting candles at home can be just as powerful, symbolizing the balance between light and darkness.
5. Moon Journaling
   Given the recent lunar eclipse, journaling under the moonlight can help you connect with the celestial energies. Write about what this summer has brought you, what the full moon revealed, and what intentions you’re setting as we enter autumn.

The autumn equinox and the lunar eclipse together create a powerful reminder that life is cyclical. Just as the leaves fall, we too must allow parts of our lives to shed, making room for renewal. This season invites us to embrace change gracefully, acknowledging both the beauty of summer’s abundance and the quiet peace of fall’s arrival. The full moon and lunar eclipse serve as a cosmic reminder to balance our inner world, to release what weighs us down, and to welcome new growth.

As you celebrate this equinox, may you find harmony between light and dark, abundance and letting go, and prepare yourself for the transformations this new season will bring.