Today, in the northern hemisphere, we are experiencing the fall equinox. Twice a year, we have a balance of day and night, once in the fall (the autumnal equinox), and once in the spring (the vernal equinox). Here in the north, March offers our vernal equinox, while September brings the autumnal equinox.
Among the ancient Celts, all changes of seasons were sacred times to be celebrated with ritual and festivity, and the autumnal equinox was no exception. Today, this holiday is called “Mabon” on the modern Pagan wheel of the seasons:
Similar to our modern Thanksgivings, the autumnal equinox is a time to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for the fruits of our labors. It is also a time for generosity and sharing our bounty with our neighbors and communities.
As our gardens go through seasons of seeding, fruitfulness, harvest, and rest, so do the cycles of our lives. The autumnal equinox presents a transition from the creative, manifesting, and active energy of summer to the reflective, grateful, and rewarding time of fall. Now is the time to look at what we have created over the past year. What seeds did we plant, and how have they grown? What have our past actions brought us? Which projects have been successful, and which must we return to again in the next cycle? As the days of our year continue to shorten and nights begin to lengthen, we may begin to spend less time in active pursuits, and more time in contemplation and reflection.
The autumnal equinox is also a time for balance, as day and night are of equal length. Astrologically, it is significant that this equinox occurs as the sun enters the sign of Libra, or the scales, once again representing a time of balance and harmony.
Libra scales
I personally love tuning into the seasons in this way. I feel the more I connect to the Earth and its natural cycles, the more balance, and ultimately creativity, I bring to my own life.
Essential Oils for the Autumnal Equinox
Aromatherapy offers a wonderful way to enhance seasonal celebrations, as certain essential oils can assist us with different elements of the season. Here are a few of my suggestions for the autumnal equinox:
Black Pepper is a warming and spicy scent perfect for the fall. It comforts us and brings about a sense of security to help us through times of change.
Cardamom is seasonal and spicy, bringing about a warm enthusiasm to help us celebrate the new season.
Cedarwood, another warming oil, assists us with grounding and strengthens our spirits in times of crisis. This is a wonderful oil to help you deal with the more difficult aspects of seasonal changes.
Cypress is traditionally connected to Pluto, Greek god of the underworld and symbol of psychological transformation. Cypress can assist with unblocking fears that may inhibit change.
Myrrh brings balance by uniting the physical and spiritual realms. Its effect on the nervous system aids in a sense of calm and tranquility, making it a wonderful oil to use for meditation and reflection.
Patchouli is a wonderfully sensual oil that helps bring us into our bodies more fully. This oil helps us truly enjoy the earthy, celebratory aspects of the autumnal equinox.
Balance and Generosity Blend: This day is all about balance, and a wonderful way to bring balance into your life is to center yourself in your heart. The heart is our center, bringing our roots and our dreams into harmony. The heart is also the center of selfless love and generosity, and this day reminds us to share our gifts and spirit. Three oils that assist in balancing and opening the heart are lavender, rose otto, and bergamot. The following is my blend for opening the heart:
- 4 drops lavender
- 2 drop rose otto
- 2 drops bergamot
With this blend and all single essential oils, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Using blend a diffuser is a wonderful and safe way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils. If you’d like to use any oils directly on your skin, make sure to dilute them first in some sort of carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba.
Enjoy the celebration today with balance, gratitude, and generosity of spirit!
fall colors in Japan
Living Through the Senses 