Finding Balance with the Equinox

Twice a year, the Earth reaches a point in its journey around the Sun when day and night are nearly equal. These moments are known as the equinoxes - the spring equinox and the autumn equinox.

The word equinox comes from the Latin aequus, meaning “equal,” and nox, meaning “night.” Astronomically, an equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the Earth's equatorial plane. At this point, neither hemisphere is tilted toward or away from the Sun, creating nearly equal periods of daylight and darkness across the globe.

There is something naturally compelling about this moment: light and darkness come into balance; one season gives way to the other. For many cultures throughout history, these changes in the natural world have provided opportunities to mark time, give thanks, honor ancestors, celebrate harvests, and reflect on the cycles of life.

This balance gives us something to consider in our own lives.

What does Balance Mean in Your Life?

We often think of balance as having everything perfectly organized or giving equal attention to every area of life, and nature's balance is a brief point in an ongoing cycle.

Balance is recognizing where we are in the cycle and responding accordingly.

The Equinox and Balance

The equinox gives us a wonderful opportunity to look at balance in our own lives. You don't need an elaborate ritual to work with this energy; use the equinox as a simple checkpoint.

Find a quiet moment and consider these questions:

• Where am I feeling balanced in my life?

• Where am I feeling stretched or depleted?

• What am I holding on to that I'm ready to release?

• Where could I create more space for rest?

• What deserves more of my attention?

• What am I grateful for from the season that is ending?

• What would I like to carry with me into the season ahead?

You may want to write your answers in a journal, spend a few minutes in meditation, take a walk outside, or sit quietly and observe the changing season.

The Equinox and Balance

The purpose isn't to create a perfectly balanced life; it's to become more aware of the adjustments needed in life's changing cycles.

As the seasons change, use this natural turning point as a reminder to pause and ask:

What in my life is in balance, and what needs my attention?

The answer may be the beginning of your next shift in energy.