The equinox occurs on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 7:21 PM UTC (3:21 PM Eastern Time). This key turning point occurs when the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun, intersects the celestial equator, heralding the advent of autumn season in the northern hemisphere and spring season in the southern hemisphere. (This article is mostly about the autumnal equinox since I live in the northern hemisphere).

You may want to check out this informative Earthsky.com article to learn more about the astronomy of the equinoxes.

The equinoxes represent the transitional seasonal cycles on our Earth and in the human energy system, as well. The autumnal equinox marks the point where the yearly cycle shifts from outward ebullience and growth to inward contemplation, dreaming, and recharging ourselves; for many of us, autumn is our favorite season when we really come alive!

In the Chinese/Taoist tradition, each season is associated with an element, a pair of organs, and contrasting emotions. Autumn is associated with the metal element, the lungs and large intestines, and the emotions of grief and depression versus contentment and courage. The metal element is also connected with the direction west, which is the prime directional source of inspiration and revelation. According to Ayurveda, we will be moving into the Vata season as autumn progresses and the days grow cooler.

All of creation reflects the play of duality, and nowhere is this play more evident than in the equinoxes, when the Sun and the Earth appear momentarily poised between two opposing forces, rajas and tamas, or light and dark. At this time, the planetary electromagnetic field is reset, and this affects all of us at the most sublime levels of our individual energy systems. During these days, we may feel especially sensitive and vulnerable and should act accordingly and support and nourish our physical and mental health.

The day before, during, and after an equinox should not be chosen for beginning important events (muhurta) like weddings, starting a business, etc. During these times, the energy of the Sun, which represents the vitality and lifespan of our initiatives, is too transitional and may not be not strong enough to sustain the intended effects of such an event over time.

If you feel weary or less than inspired during this seasonal shift, it might be a great time for an acupuncture treatment or energy balancing session. I recommend these at least four times a year at every season change. This is also a great time of year to focus on doing regular pranayama or a conscious breath practice, and also a light colon cleanse can be helpful.

The horoscope for the equinox set in Greenwich, England (GMT/UTC/00W00) represents the several days leading into the equinox and the following three months for the entire world (both northern and southern hemispheres). The ascendant constellation is Mars-ruled Aries, sign of ambition and self-assertion, but also of strife and conflict.

The section of Aries rising is Bharani nakshatra, ruled by both Mars and Venus. Mars is a tamasic planet, meaning that it embodies the tamas guna which in its lower expression can reflect irritation, attachment, and avidya (ignorance). Venus embodies the rajasic guna which in its lower expression can reflect fear, belligerence, and restlessness. Bharani is described as “ugra” (fierce, wrathful) and can point to fanaticism, discord, and dogmatism. The key word for Bharani is “extreme.”

Bharani rising can be incendiary, and this is even truer here as Uranus, the explosive “Great Awakener,” is exactly conjoined the ascendant, indicating exponential volatility both literally and metaphorically. This suggests explosive accidents, dangerous eruptions (seismic events), all kinds of unexpected shocks and surprises; mass anxiety and unrest; and revolt, rebellion, and protest movements. These look to be some major themes in September and through the last quarter of 2021.In the Vedic calendar, Pitru Paksha, the Fortnight of the Ancestors, is in place from the Full Moon on September 20 to the New Moon on October 6. Every year during this time, rituals like Tarpan and Shradh are performed to pay tribute to one’s deceased ancestors. Afterward, the festival known as Nine Nights of Mother Divine or Sharad or Chaitra Navratri will begin (lasting from October 7-14), and this is the season when Her shakti (power) becomes most potent and accessible.

The balance point of the fall equinox is a valuable opportunity to prepare for the next cycle in our lives. We would be wise to take time out of our busy schedules to give thanks for all we have been given, even the challenges we are facing, because they are our greatest teachers. We may want to look at what is out of balance within ourselves and our lives that may need some readjustment.

As we look out at so much fear, anger, divisiveness, and chaos in our world, we can benefit from examining how this outer state of affairs reflects some portion of our inner reality that may need a catharsis. Around the equinox, we are encouraged to perform rituals, take conscious rest, and celebrate the fruits of all the efforts made since the summer solstice last June. As we enjoy and give thanks for all that we have worked so hard to achieve, let us offer the seeds of our harvest toward our dreams for a beautiful, productive, and peaceful future.