This year we celebrate the Autumn Equinox on Wednesday 23 September at 1.04am (in the UK). This is the moment when the Earth's equator is perfectly aligned with the centre of the sun, therefore day and night are nearly equal in length.
After this, we tip into longer nights and shorter days, sliding from the Yang of Spring and Summer to the Yin of Autumn and Winter. Melatonin production is key in this shift, being primarily influenced by darkness. So, with earlier sunsets and onset of darkness, the body produces melatonin earlier and we feel sleepy earlier. With this, the cooler nights also help our body to slip into a deeper, more rejuvenated sleep.
This is a great time to think about our sleep patterns. After the more relaxed Summer months there is a calling to re-engage with routines. At this time, remember to keep your bedroom dark, quiet and cool as much as you can to help your body adjust to this major change in seasons.
Jen and I often mention the concept of the ‘evening’, a pause between the busy day and the rejuvenation of sleep (the evening feels like a luxurious gift at this time of year). We add an oil to this moment, to calm our systems after our busy days, in anticipation of a fabulous nights’ sleep. I am always drawn to woody, earthy fragrances and will be using a dab of Vetiver as my evening treat.
The Autumn Equinox has many meanings
Astrologically, the Equinox represents the beginning of Autumn and marks which Full Moon is determined as the Harvest Moon.
Spiritually, the Equinox represents a time where we strive for balance, express gratitude and prepare for the change of energy from Yang to Yin, shifting from the outward, Yang energy of Summer towards to inward, Yin energy of Winter.
We can use the energy of the Equinox to reset our purpose by reflecting on what we have cultivated during the year, giving gratitude for what serves us and releasing what no longer serves us, giving us a pause to identify what needs to change. We can then set our intentions for personal growth and action for the rest of the year.
A Simple Autumn Equinox RitualWe love a ritual and, if you are celebrating the Equinox at home, meditate on this...
“I acknowledge that the Equinox gives me a space to consider the cycles of nature and prepare for the Yin Seasons to come.
I take this time to have gratitude for the year that has just gone and hold on to that gratitude for the year to come.
I let go of all that no longer serves me and focus my energy on what serves and feeds me”
It is useful to write your thoughts in a notebook, to take out and review over the Winter months.
Light a candle to welcome the Equinox and add an oil of your choice to inhale (or diffuse) while meditating on the above.
Here's what we'll be diffusing6 drops of Clove
4 drops of Frankincense
5 drops of Cedarwood
Let us know which oils you choose. You can use these aromas to help you recall this moment and feel the power.
Last year, Jen chose Northern Lights Black Spruce and Clary Sage. Every time she smelled it, her feelings of gratitude came to the front of her thoughts.
We will be thinking of you all on the Autumn Equinox and recommend these oils for your diffusers, your bath salts and your perfumes.
We're helping members of our community work on their priorities - such as deeper sleep and improved mood. If you'd like our help, book an introductory call.
0 Comments