The Gathering Place ( Modalities of Divination )
The fall equinox, the first day of autumn, arrives Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 02:50 AM EDT. Because Mabon and the Sun's transit into Libra also happen the same day, I am taking the next three days to write about each one individually.
FALL EQUINOX
While not a directly observable phenomenon, the second equinox of the year is characterized by equal amounts of day and night world.
SCIENCE AND ASTRONOMY
During this time, the Sun shines directly over the equator, dousing both hemispheres with equal amounts of sunshine. This also marks the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. The September Equinox – called the “autumnal ( or fall ) equinox” in the northern hemisphere and the “vernal equinox” in the southern hemisphere – signals the point where earth experiences roughly equal lengths of day and night.
In addition, Mercury — generally a rare sight since its proximity to the Sun makes observing difficult — will reach a point visually furthest from our star. You'll be able to spot the planet around dawn on this day, before it disappears into the sky along its 88-day orbit.
HISTORY
The Moon that occurs closest to this equinox is called "Harvest Moon", which rises around sunset for several nights in a row. Traditionally, the Moon rises an hour later each night; however, around the time of the equinox, the angle of the Moon's orbit and tilt of the earth align, causing the Moon to arise earlier.
I'll be writing more about the Moon next week. But for now, the rising of the Moon assists farmers in completing their harvest by illuminating the night across the fields.
According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the fall equinox has been a day of celebration for cultures since ancient days. People tracked the transitions of the Earth’s journeys around the Sun.
At Machu Picchu in Peru, an ancient stone monument called Intihuatana—which means “Hitching Post of the Sun”—serves as a solar clock to mark the dates of the equinoxes and solstices.
In Mexico, the Mayans built a giant pyramid called Chichen Itza. On the equinoxes, it looks as if a snake made of light slithers down the pyramid’s steps. In England, Stonehenge was also built with the equinoxes and solstices in mind.
Here's a wonderful article about 6 Ancient Sites Aligned With the Solstice and Equinox:
https://www.almanac.com/content/ancient-sites-aligned-solstice-and-equinox
RITUAL
My ascendant ( rising sign ) is Libra, and I view this equinox as a precursor to the astrological sign of harmony and balance. This liminal gateway invites us to examine these aspects within ourselves as we prepare to submerge into our own shadows in hopes of healing old wounds.
"The shadow," is a term coined by Swiss Psychoanalyst Carl Jung as the wounded or rejected part of ourselves. This is where Chiron, the wounded healer comes into play, and why I post so much about it.
The shadow is a cellar for repressed memories and/or the emotions associated with those memories. It can also include behaviors that didn't highlight our finest moments. It's the side of us or the face we'd rather not show the world, especially when attempting to make a good impression.
This is nothing to be intimidated by. On the contrary, it's actually a blessing that enables us the downtime we need, i.e. - shorter days, to integrate this shadow until, like nature, we are a balance that can emerge into the light fully healed.
I know many of you have your own personal rituals to observe on this equinox; however, I thought I'd share mine.
First, I will begin tomorrow evening at around 9:00 PM versus sunrise the following day, as this will honor and welcome my Shadow fully into my life for the healing season.
It begins with a warm, cleansing bath and autumn--colored candles/crystals. I'll also wear a special adornment for this ritual by wearing an autumn-colored kaftan.
Once cleaned and dressed, I prepare my altar for my ritual. This ritual is a commitment to honor my shadow throughout this season. When my altar is set and my supplies are gathered, I call forth my spirit team.
Once I've formed a safe and secure barrier of protection and safety around me, I initiate meditation by envisioning myself welcoming and connecting to my shadow. When emotions begin to rise, I envision what I want to release by writing it down before folding the paper into a small square.
I then speak my truth aloud, saying "I release ____(name the shadow issue) and bring balance into my life. So mote it be."
This process may not be immediate for you. You may have to sit with it, repeating your intention until you truly believe it yourself before you feel the shift. But trust me, you will feel the shift if you commit yourself to this.
I light the folded paper in the candle flame and place it in my burning bowl, extending gratitude to the Universe as I watch it burn. Once its embers have grown cold, I gather the ashes in a jar and mix with salt as a reminder of the balance of dark and light.
So above, as below. So within, so without.
I seal the jar's lid with candle wax. This will serve as a constant reminder of the commitment I have made to my shadow to honor its presence by balancing it with light.
Namaste, my dear friends and followers, for a beautiful equinox ritual to you each. May you discover peace, balance, and comfort in the dark.
#inspiritualservice #spiritualservice #spiritual #service #spiritualservices #equinox #autumnequinox #fallequinox #autumn #fall #mabon #ritual #equinoxritual
Aspecting the Cosmos: Fri, Sep 22, 2023
OOB Sagittarius Moon trine Black Moon Lilith ( BML ) in Leo. The OOB Moon presents an emotional unpredictability that cannot be charted; however, the trine with our shadow maiden, Lilith, presents resilience through cyclic acceptance combined with a nurturing and protective energy ( Moon ).
Fighting against the current will wear us down while allowing the current to carry us will reserve our energy.
There are a few squares today, i.e. - the Virgo Sun square the Moon that is square to Neptune in Pisces. We may doubt ourselves ( Sun/Self ) We may face uncertainty and feel the urge to escape ( Neptune ) emotions. BML guarantees our successful transit through these uncertain waters.
All we need do is believe.
Ocean Sprout by Vladimir Kush
#astrology #astrologer #inspiritualservice #energy
Tomorrow is the Autumn Equinox, Mabon, and the Sun's transit into Cardinal Libra. Blessed be the equality of Daylight and Darkness! We discussed the equinox yesterday, today it's Mabon!
Known as the "pagan Thanksgiving", Mabon marks the Autumn Equinox, which I described in yesterday's post as daylight and darkness being equal. This symbolizes a time of balance, equality, and harmony ( perfect for Libra season ).
In ancient times Mabon was a celebration of the second harvest ( Lughnasadh was the first - celebrated August 1 ). Mabon was a time when farmers gathered hearty foods like grapes, apples, and pumpkins.
Today's celebrations extend gratitude for the abundance of Gaia - both literally and spiritually. It’s also a perfect time amid the falling leaves to reflect on the Wheel of the Year, recognizing what serves you and letting go of the things and people that did not during the past twelve months.
The Wheel coming to an end heralds the perfect time to set intentions reflective of the waning light involving decrease and reduction, i.e. - releasing that which no longer serves you: toxic relationships, unhealthy habits or self-destructive behavior and/or beliefs.
Some Mabon symbols you can use to decorate your home also serve the Autumn Equinox:
• Cornucopia (horn of plenty), pinecones, seeds
• Colors: Orange, red, yellow, brown, copper, dark yellow, dark green
• Foods: Corn, beans, squash, apples, pumpkins, cider, root vegetables, pomegranate, wine
• Herbs: Yarrow, rosemary, sage, mug wort, rosehips,
• Stones: Amber, citrine, cat’s eye, aventurine, sapphire, jasper
• Flowers: Sunflowers, thistle, marigolds
• Deities: Mabon, Green Man, Demeter, Persephone, Morgan, Pomona, Inanna
• Animals: Owl, stag, blackbird, salmon
The easiest (and most fun ) ways to celebrate Mabon and the Autumn Equinox is to decorate your home to reflect the colors and bounty of Autumn. Fresh and dried flowers work perfectly for altars and areas about your home. Gourds are also fun to decorate ( children especially like this activity ).
It can sometimes be difficult to plan a family feast if Mabon/Equinox falls in the middle of the week, as is the case this year; however, it's not about the size but the intention behind the offering.
Celebrating solo can also be a blessing. It will allow you to be more relaxed and provide the freedom to celebrate however you choose. Be that outdoors in your favorite place or a picnic on your living room floor surrounded by candles, flowers, and autumn decor.
If the trees can gracefully release their leaves and the flowers can gracefully release their petals to the earth - then we too can release what no longer serves us in order to be better servants to the earth and her inhabitants.
Expansion benefits all beings!
#inspiritualservice #Mabon #harvest #gaia #gratitude #equinox #autumn #autumnequinox #fall #fallequinox
✨Aspecting the Cosmos: Sat, Sep 23, 2023: A beautifully transformative day in store for us Saturday!
💫Autumn Equinox & Mabon: http://inspiritualservice.com/celestial-events
💫Sun into Libra: Post forthcoming or sneak peak here: http://inspiritualservice.com/astrology-signs
💫Mercury will reach its highest point ( greatest elongation ) in the morning sky early on Sept. 23
The closest planet to the sun, Mercury is also the solar system's smallest world. This means even when it is at its highest in the sky during its September to October morning apparition and shining brightly, the planet will be a tough spot for some amateur astronomers depending on their location. While the planet will be fairly bright at a magnitude of -0.5, with the minus prefix indicating a particularly bright object over Earth, it will still be low to the horizon.
💫Capricorn Moon trine Mercury in Virgo. As the Moon is in its detriment in this position it will assume more of the sign's coloration than its own. Capricorn and Mercury are both articulate organizers and hard workers. Our emotions and expressions should align beautifully today.
#inspiritualservice #astrology #astrologer #mercury #astronomy #Moon #Mabon #Equinox #autumn #fallequinox #fallequinox2023
Happy Autumn Equinox, Merry Mabon and . . . SOLAR RETURN LIBRA! ♎️🎉💫✨
The Sun transitioned from earthy Virgo into airy Libra and was completed @ 2:50 AM.
Some information about Libra:
SYMBOL: The Scales⚖️
MODE + ELEMENT: Cardinal, Air🌬
RULING PLANET: Venus – cooperative, persuasive, companionable, peace-loving ✌️❤️
MANTRA: “I balance” ⚖️
Keyword: Harmony 🎵
BODY PART: kidneys, lower back, adrenal glands, appendix 🩺
COLORS: Pink/Purple ( Lucky ), Blue ( power ), white ( auspicious )💗💜💙🤍
UNLUCKY COLORS: Red, brown, black ❤️🤎🖤
ANGEL: Jophiel 🪶
GODDESS: Lusticia ( Roman ) & Lakshmi ( Hindu ) 🙏
FLOWER: Rose 🌹
The Sun stations in Libra on a Saturday, which is ruled by Saturn! 🪐Saturn is ruled by longevity, exorcism, endings, homes, and houses. 🏠
🌓The Moon is a waxing first quarter square in Capricorn, ruled by Saturn🪐in the Sixth House 🏠, the natural home of Virgo ruled by Mercury. This favors the accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene, and daily schedules.
Libra ( October ) Birthstone
October's child is born for woe,
And Life's vicissitudes must know;
But lay an Opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those foes to rest.
Modern: Opal or Tourmaline
Zodiac: Peridot
As a Cardinal Air sign, Librans are all about relationships or partnerships. But it's not about finding the perfect partner, it's about learning more about who you are from the partner/s you choose and the reflection he or she provides. This process could take you through several relationships ( or even lifetimes ).
However, even if you find a rewarding relationship with the best partner, it is not the relationship which will complete you. It will only provide the means by which you, through increased understanding and self-awareness, can complete yourself as a human being.
Happy Birthday, my Libran friends!
Do we have any Libran friends in the house?!
Aspecting the Cosmos: Sun, Sep 24, 2023
A powerful conjunction between the Capricorn Moon ( detriment ) and Pluto Rx in Capricorn perfects @ 4:05 PM. The Moon in detriment will assume the coloration of Capricorn in the First House, a House of life and identity ruled by Mars and the natural home of Aries. This conjunction emotionally challenges what we think we know about ourselves, begging the question to go deeper within to find answers we seek. Opportunity for transformation through reorganization.
At the exact time ( 4:05 PM ) Mars in Libra ( detriment ) will oppose Chiron Rx in Aries, thus Mars will take on the coloration of Libra: balance, justice, beauty. It's time for the warrior to lay down their sword and consider an alternative route to healing. Not everything has to be a battle or resistance. In acceptance lieth peace.
Moon: 27°CAP57'
Pluto: 27°CAP57'
Aspect: Trine
Time: 4:05 PM EDT
Mars: 18°LIB24'
Chiron: 18°ARI24'
Aspect: Opposition
Time: 4:05 PM EDT
Image: Helena by Evelyn Waugh
#inspiritualservice #astrology #astrologer #Moon #chiron #Mars #pluto
How many of us have felt we were walking the wrong path when things slowed down? Well don't. There's a reason.
Weekly Oracle Card: September 24 - 30, 2023: No 26. You are on the right path
There are times when you question your steps upon life's path. And ask if you are moving in the right direction. This isn't because you have lost your way. But because you are beginning to anticipate great change coming toward you.
The spirit masters are telling you to breathe and be patient, and change will come in its own good time. To force it could change your destiny. When things slow down, there is always a very good reason for it. It isn't because you are going in the wrong direction, it's because you are in a time of change. So, stay on the path you choose and watch for a sign that will point to your future.
Trust the process.
Deck: The Healing Spirit by Gordon Smith
Art: Naomi Walker
#inspiritualservice #oracle #oraclecard #oraclereading #oraclemessage #oracledeck #weeklyoracle #oraclecertified
