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The beginning of autumn is a special part of the year. As the air turns crisp and the leaves change colors, everything feels like it’s slowing down. Nature transforms, offering a way to pause and reflect. It's a time for cozy sweaters, festive and warm drinks, and meaningful rituals.
But when exactly does autumn begin? The season starts during the fall equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, Vice reports. This year it’s on Monday, September 22 at 2:19 pm Eastern Daylight Time. The unique moment is one of the only times when the sun lines up with Earth’s equator, creating nearly equal day and night.
What is the Fall Equinox?
The fall equinox occurs when the sun crosses the equator and moves south, leading to a balance of daylight and darkness that’s nearly equal — though daylight lingers a little bit longer. The word “equinox” comes from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night), according to Live Science.
The fall equinox has also been symbolic across history. Ancient civilizations around the world built monuments to mark this celestial event. At Chichén Itzá in Mexico, the sun casts shadows that resemble a serpent making its way down the Pyramid of Kukulcán. In Cambodia at Angkor Wat, the sun creates a shadow that lines up with the causeway entrance. These wonders reflect a long-lasting reverence for the equinox.
Fall Equinox Rituals
There are many ways to honor this special time of year, according to the Times of India. Here are rituals to help you reconnect with nature, yourself, and the season. Read ahead for ways to celebrate this celestial shift.
Find Balance With Yoga
The fall equinox represents harmony and equilibrium. So mark the occasion with movement through yoga. Try grounding poses such as child’s pose, which involves kneeling and bringing your head to the floor. Tree pose is also a way to incorporate balance into your session. As you immerse yourself in your practice, reflect on the balance you seek in your own life.
Transform Like Nature Itself
Just as trees shed their leaves, the equinox is a powerful time to let go of what no longer serves you. Take a walk in nature and reflect on what you're ready to release — whether it’s people, things, or old habits. As nature goes through a transformation, you have the opportunity to change as well. Use this season as a time of renewal and personal growth.
Prepare a Festive Feast
Celebrate the abundant harvest season with a nourishing meal filled with seasonal specialties. Inviting loved ones to share the meal is also a great way to foster connection. During the feast, give thanks for what this year has brought you so far.
Express Gratitude
Take a moment to reflect on the blessings that you have in your life, whether big or small. Write a list of what you’re grateful for. As you write, think about people, experiences, and gifts that have touched you and made you feel joyful. Embrace this meaningful and expansive practice of appreciation.
Gather and Feast on Apples
One popular and classic fruit may also be a sweet way to honor the equinox. Apples are a significant part of rituals during the equinox, including in pagan traditions where the day is known as Mabon, Mental Floss reports. People often go apple picking, share the fruit, and offer them to the goddess. Whether you're spiritual or love celebrating the season, biting into a crisp apple can be a delicious way to honor the day.
The fall equinox is more than just an event on a calendar. It’s also a reminder to slow down, let go of what no longer serves you, and give thanks for what you’re grateful for in your life. Whether you go on a walk and immerse yourself in nature or share a festive meal, paying tribute to this shift can help you feel more connected to the natural cycle of the season and to yourself. As the days grow shorter, find meaning in the small ways to mark the beginning of autumn.
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