Honor the Equinox

In just a few days, September 22, we’ll experience the Autumnal Equinox, a poetic-sounding astrological event that occurs every fall when the day and the night are the same length. Just before it, day will be slightly longer than night, and just after, the night will be longer, with the darkness of winter on its way. You can honor this special day in a few different ways.

One way to honor the Equinox connects to its position as the beginning of fall – reap your internal harvest. This involves taking stock of your blessings and expressing gratitude for each one. What gifts has your family cultivated this year, that are now manifesting their presence in your lives?

A second path involves creating balance in your own life to parallel the balance the Equinox brings to day and night. You might do a deep cleaning and organizing of your home, or just spend some quiet time together to bring your internal lives into balance.

Third, you might like to explore Equinox celebrations from around the world. There is a gathering at Stonehenge, an event at Chichen Itza, and even a Moon Festival in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Read more about all of those celebrations here. The Moon Festival in particular is observed by exchanging mooncakes, which are rather complicated to bake but can be purchased in the U.S. from big box stores. In some parts of the Southern United States, this tradition evolved into the exchange of moon pies – yes, that’s the origin of the pre-packaged snack! - which are simpler to make at home. Check out this recipe, and your family can make your own moon pies to give to each other, and to other family and friends.

However you choose to honor the Autumnal Equinox, we hope you’ll find a sense of gratitude, balance, and wonder around this day that revolves around the movement of the heavens and our place in the galaxy. And be sure to share your family’s celebrations with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (or by bringing some of your leftover moon pies to church!).