What Does Fall Equinox Mean?
What does fall equinox mean?
The end of summer is on its way, and it’s the perfect time to get in the mood for pumpkin spice lattes, trick-or-treating and all things autumn. It’s also when the sun crosses the celestial equator, an imaginary line in the sky above Earth’s equator.
In science, the equinox is a moment in time that marks two points throughout the year when the Earth’s rotational axis does not tilt toward or away from the sun. These days are called equinoxes because the day and night on the planet are of equal length. They happen twice a year, and the first day of spring and fall are equinoxes, while the first day of summer and winter are solstices.
Astrology & Traditions
Like the summer solstice and winter solstice, the fall equinox is an astrological milestone. It correlates with the cardinal signs — Aries, Cancer and Capricorn — and is a time to look back on the goals and desires we planted in the spring.
This season is a time to reconnect with your deepest self. Take a closer look at your goals and dreams, review how you’ve progressed in these areas and decide where you want to make the most of this moment in your life.
Aside from the seasonal shifts, the equinox is also a moment to pay tribute to loved ones who have passed on. This is why Japanese culture celebrates the fall equinox with the festival of Higan, which lasts for seven days.
The fall equinox is also a time to give thanks for the bountiful harvest. Many Chinese and Vietnamese people celebrate the harvest moon, or Mid-Autumn Festival, on this date. Lanterns line the streets, people gather for prayer and celebration, and they give round pastries called mooncakes to their friends and neighbors.
In Greek mythology, the fall equinox is associated with the return of the goddess Persephone to the underworld for three months, where she is reunited with her husband, Hades. In neopagan traditions, the fall equinox is celebrated as Mabon, a harvest festival that also celebrates the bountiful harvest.
It’s a time to honor your family, and it can be especially powerful to focus on the relationship between you and your parents. You may be feeling a bit detached from them, but remember that you can always turn to them for support and guidance.
During the fall equinox, when the sun is in Libra and your 12th house of spirituality, it’s a time to spend more alone time and tune into your dreams. This is a great time to work through emotions that have you feeling restless and restrained. It can also be a great time to connect with your partner about where they see the two of you going and how you can support each other.
This time is also a great time to explore deep-rooted emotional issues and build a routine of self-care that will help you get through the rest of the fall season with ease. As the sun joins messenger Mercury in this area, it’ll be easier than usual for you to speak your truth, so it’s important to share what’s on your mind and heart with the people who mean the most to you.
