The autumnal equinox marks the arrival of Fall in the northern hemisphere, traditionally seen as a period of change which leads us into the darkness of winter. Acknowledging the coming of Autumn as the arrival of a new cycle literally and metaphorically supports us in living in harmony by the act of taking a moment to consciously consider the gifts of this time and reflect on seasons past.
The equinox occurs this year on September 22nd or 23rd 2023, depending on your location on the earth, and occurs the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator. There will be an equal amount of darkness and an equal amount of light during this time. This change of season presents us with a beautiful opportunity to reflect and consider.
Balance
One of the lessons of the autumnal equinox is balance. Carl Jung, explored the idea that contained within each of us is darkness and light. Two concepts, the “Shadow,” represents what lies mostly out of sight (to us), and another aspect, our “Self,” the most authentic and whole part of ourselves, can be one way to look at how we hold balance within.
The Shadow exists within our unconsciousness and often includes our shortcomings, defensive strategies, repressed ideas or thoughts such as unknown or unacted upon desires, our instincts and sometimes uncomfortable feelings and thoughts. It’s the part of us that may hold internalized racism, ideas that are not serving or kind, and can be critical, judgemental, jealous or petty.
The Self is a concept that refers to the aspect of ourselves that is unified and whole. This part has the ability to hold in balance the awareness of our unconscious shadow parts with our conscious mind, body, heart and spirit all at the same time. When the shadow is tenderly considered and brought forth, an individual has the opportunity to work through and transform those parts of ourselves that have been pushed into hiding. This creation of Self through the process of individuation, or the unification of opposites and working with our unconscious shadow material can be truly liberating for the soul and spirit. Here’s an activity to put these concepts into practice:
Take a moment to consider your shadow. What makes you uncomfortable? What brings up fear and anger? What do you neglect or avoid? What are some qualities that you don’t like about yourself?
Now, take a moment to consider your Self, your highest Self! The embodiment of who you really are and what you are capable of. What lights you up, brings you joy, or awe? In what places, situations or activities do you feel most like yourself? What are your gifts? What do you like about yourself, and where and when do you feel like these qualities are or could be of the most use?
Angela Pritchard, in The Path of the Spiritual Sun, writes about the alchemical workings of this universal concept. “This duality between light and dark exists within humanity, and in the work of spiritual transformation. All things must die before they can be born, all spiritual ascent requires descent first, and all those who long for light must firstly face their own inner darkness and overcome it. The autumn equinox symbolizes a stage of inner preparation in the process of enlightenment.”
We can only work with what we know. We don’t know, what we don’t know, until we know it. By taking some time to reflect on both our shadow parts and our light parts, we can begin to bring both these elements into our awareness. From this place and noticing what we think and feel about these parts, we can then make choices about what might be a next step in our development.
Change
Another gift from the earth at this time of equinox is that mother nature presents us with a visual representation of change. A tactile, full bodied experience, the leaves start to fall, and the trees become bare. The quality of color in the light of the sky shifts. The height of the summer sun starts to dull and falls lower on the horizon. We transition from an expansive, encompassing view to a more specific, pinpointed focus. Temperatures begin to change, bringing cool breezes and crispy mornings. The earth is more damp, wet, and receptive. This change allows us the opportunity to acknowledge the wonder and blessings of impermanence.
Recall a time when the transitory nature of life became very real for you. What feelings and thoughts come up in you now, as you reflect on this experience of change? What were the blessings of this shift and what were the challenges? What is your relationship to comfort and attachment? Are there adjustments you would like to make in yourself, life, work, or relationships as you reflect on these questions?
If so, think of three concrete and attainable steps that you could take in the coming weeks. What impact might this change have? How do you imagine this change might feel in your body, heart and mind? Are you willing? If so, make a plan.
Gratitude
Lastly, the Autumnal Equinox offers a time to reflect on and connect with gratitude. The fall is a time of harvest. We have received so much in this year to be thankful for. Despite the lack of rain from days past or an abundance of rain in parts of California, gardens have grown and crops have borne fruit. Though there are many reminders of lack, struggle, inequity and disorder in our world, there are also examples of hope, healing, and flourishing within our local communities and beyond if we only start to look.
Friends, family, community, the still beautiful world in which we live, art, creativity, ingenuity; the autumnal equinox presents us with a time to give thanks but also to give.
Buddhist teacher, Sharon Saltzberg says, “Generosity has such power because it is characterized by the inner quality of letting go or relinquishing. Being able to let go, to give up, to renounce, to give generously — these capacities spring from the same source within us. When we practice generosity, we open to all of these liberating qualities simultaneously. They carry us to a profound knowing of freedom, and they also are the loving expression of that same state of freedom.”
I’d like to invite the idea that gratitude is a verb. When you give gratitude you are offering to that person, thing, being, idea, place, God, universe etc that they are important and have made an impact. It’s vulnerable, honest and generous to express from the heart.
What are you grateful for? What do you feel called to give right now?
Gather together this autumn. Gather with yourself. Gather with friends, family, colleagues and community. Gather with strangers. Gather with and in nature. Gather where you love to gather or where you have never gathered before. Sit in reflection, play with balance, dance with change and give with joy.
From my heart to yours, from light to dark and dark to light,
Many blessings to you on your earth and sky walk in this autumnal wake.
May these transitions provide for you what you need.
And may the stars spark with your inspiration.
In love and light,
~ Naomi
Original Image, “Will You Sustain Me?” by Naomi Kimmelman, 2020