Welcome to the fall season! The Sun shifted into Libra this past Wednesday, September 23rd, marking the Autumnal Equinox in the northern hemisphere. We are at the midpoint of the zodiacal wheel, which begins on the Vernal Equinox with  the Sun in Aries. Being the midpoint speaks volumes about the sign Libra– it’s a quality of energy that involves balance, consideration, and compromise.Libra innately strives for harmony, trying to make space for each individual to feel at ease. There is usually a bit more of a cooperative vibe in the air as the Sun passes through the 7th sign.
Something can also be a little sad about this time of year. As the strength of the summer Sun fades, we’re reminded of the approaching winter– and symbolically, that resonates with the passing of time and a phase of life ending. We all grow more internal, and with that, more absorbed in our own memories and past. I think most people would be quick to say that they love the autumn– the crisp air, changing leaves, and pumpkin cuteness all contribute to a cozy and sweet season. But there’s also a little nostalgia, a nod to the rear view mirror. Particularly in the northern part of our country, where we start seeing the seasonal shift in sunlight and darkness… it becomes a heavier time, where we know the light is fleeting, and our minds are thrown back into other times gone past. People we’ve lost, opportunities that have slipped away– they can feel really close when the veil is thin, and it seems to be harshly thin at this time of twilight on the yearly calendar.
Today (Sunday) is a big day for the Moon. First there’s a total lunar eclipse, while the Moon is at it’s closest possible point in orbit (known as a SuperMoon.) Then it will oppose the Libra Sun from the fire sign Aries at 10:50 p.m EDT, forming the Harvest Full Moon.  The Moon relates to our emotional and instinctively reactive sides, and in Aries that can potentially be hasty or overly aggressive. Since Full Moons tend to increase the intensity of our feelings, this Aries energy can propel things outward without much thought. It’s a good day to take a step back from total engagement, remaining somewhat focused on our own internal world. Change is tangible at this shift in seasons– we feel it in the air temperatures, we see it in the natural world around us. Honoring the cycle of the year and mentally embracing the change helps our nervous systems to relax into it. So enjoy the eclipse and take the time to welcome autumn of 2015!
( Image by Itokyl (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)
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