The transition from summer to fall is one of my most cherished times of the year. Watching my garden ready itself for harvest beneath bright gradients of leaves; Monarch butterflies floating through on their way to a sweet winter respite in the hills of Mexico; crisp mornings and cozy evenings alive with the promise of a new season. As the world around me begins to surrender itself to the sleepy draw of cooler months ahead, the night sky glittering with freshly placed stars, my mind turns to the little bit of space I take up in the grand order of things. At this time of year, as days will grow shorter and we’ll find ourselves withdrawing to the warmth of our homes, it is a beautiful thing to remember and celebrate the unmistakably interconnected nature of all life.
In the Northern hemisphere, we mark the start of the fall season with the Autumnal Equinox (in the Southern hemisphere, this is the start of spring); this year, it falls on September 22nd. Regardless of where we find ourselves on the planet, the equinox takes place within the same instant the world over as the sun makes its way across the celestial equator: a brilliant astronomical reminder of planetary oneness, that we all exist within one universe. The word equinox, in fact, is derived from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night); on this date we see the most uniform worldwide divisions of day and night that occur throughout the year, shining light on ideas of unity and global equilibrium. Furthering this theme of equality (astrologically speaking), the Autumnal Equinox sees the sun moving into the sign of Libra: the sign of balance, harmony, and cooperation.
Often, for the most invaluable guidance, we need not look any further than the natural world. Mirroring the elemental rhythm of life in our daily experiences can help us not only to feel a deeper connection to the cosmos, but to find a sense of peace within ourselves, as well. As the earth tilts on its axis and calls in the cold days of fall and winter, it urges us to keep ourselves on an even keel and not to lose sight of the constant motion of things that will inevitably return us to summer warmth. The crossing of the sun and the equator offers us the example of returning to center in order to create transformation on the grandest of scales. This astral balancing act reminds us that, in all things, the most phenomenal manifestations can be achieved with clear direction and a steady supervision in the elegant polarities of light and dark.
Here’s to encore moments of summer’s blooms, a touch of frost in the air, hot apple cider, celebrations with loved ones, and the mindful presence to fall helplessly in love with every second of the coming season.
Ashley Collier is Executive Assistant to the President of Greenheart International. She is a writer, Reiki practitioner, and songbird who is always dreaming up new adventures and looking for creative ways to give back.