Fall Equinox

Are you ready for a shift in your life? With the right intentions, you could be headed for a new path around the time of the Autumnal Equinox, which takes place on September 22, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. PDT. This transit marks the Sun entering Libra and the first day of autumn, when night and day are nearly of equal length. This equal measure of light and darkness mirrors the influence of Libra, the sign of balance.

In many traditions around the world, the Autumnal Equinox is accompanied by festivals that celebrate the blessings of the harvest. Common themes include gathering, gratitude and balance – which brings us to your personal goals! Commemorating the beginning of fall, through celebrations and rituals, can help you manifest your dreams for the coming year.

To start, think about all the good things that have come your way – this year, and in years past. Acknowledging your blessings sets up a vibrational boomerang in the universe that returns more blessings to you. Remember, what you focus on – whether it’s fear and lack, or love and prosperity – is what manifests in your life. You don’t have to deny your struggles, but keep your mental and emotional focus on what’s right about your life.

To accelerate this process, start a daily spiritual ritual, like meditation, prayer or chanting, while keeping your blessings and goals in mind. Such rituals will connect you with the spiritual realm to empower your intentions and activities. Try setting up an altar with some symbols of autumn that resonate for you. You might include a red or orange leaf, an herb, a stone or a candle. For balance, be sure to include all the elements, like a cup of liquid for Water, a candle for Fire, a feather or incense for Air, and a stone or leaf for Earth. It’s all about being in balance during the Autumnal Equinox – and beyond.

Speaking of which… the next step is to analyze where your life may be out of balance. Are you caring for others, but not taking much time for yourself? Are you eating, drinking or spending too much? Are you working hard and not playing enough? Are you filling your time with meaningless activities, while trying to find a job? Are you too busy for your spiritual life? The current transits of Mercury, Venus and Saturn in Virgo will help you to see the details on what’s out of alignment, especially in your thinking (Mercury), relationships (Venus) and work (Saturn). The Sun in Libra will help you achieve a more balanced life, and the current Saturn-Uranus opposition will help you make some needed changes.

So why is balance such a good thing? Leading a balanced life creates serenity, which will enable you to make better choices. It will also heighten your resiliency in handling challenges, while making you more open to receiving the good things life has to offer.

During the next month, don’t forget to partake of the fall celebrations in your community. Participating in autumn festivals can empower your intentions. These celebrations are reminders that we’re all in this together, and that each of us has a place in the world. With some positive intentions, which can turn into positive achievements, you can change your life and make a difference to others, as well.