Equal as in the same number of hours of sunlight and dark sounds so close to the word equanimity. Perhaps the message inside the equinox is to be moderate in all things if only on this one day a year, with not too much excess at the very least.
The Fall or Autumn Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere is a time of celebration for the gifts of the summer garden. It is a time to both enjoy the plenty, and to store ahead for the leaner days of winter and early spring before new plants are mature enough to eat.
As a little aside on winter growing I'd like to suggest making the best use of your east, west and south facing windowsills to grow herbs and salad leaves. I grow them all year in my south facing windows here at the 52nd latitude.
Now let's stay in the moment and plan a ceremony, a celebration for the Fall Equinox.
Prepare your main altar:
Items to include could be vegetables and fruits from the garden or harvest. Use a main candle to represent the light of the sun, which through photosynthesis allows food to grow. Also include a bowl of water to represent the much-needed rain for the thirsty plants.
Offer a prayer of thanksgiving:
Lord above, thank you for the gifts of this planet in the rain and soil
And the universe for the warmth and radiant energy of the sun.
May we grow ever more mindful of your blessings
As we work to preserve the earth and its natural balance.
May we appreciate our global community moment to moment to moment.
Be silent for a minute or more. If celebrating as a group, hold hands in a circle surrounding the altar during this short period of reflection.
While holding hands in the circle, each in turn can give an appreciation for what they have to be thankful for and their plans for the coming autumn season, which may include making gifts for giving during the winter holidays.
Ask everyone to sit down and finish your celebration with quiet time in a peaceful meditation for several minutes, followed by a joyful song of thanksgiving.
After your celebration eating a shared meal is a good way to socialize before leaving – a feeling of fellowship embracing all.
For offline reading
Meditation for AdultsMore than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.
Article and photo credit Susan Helene Kramer; garden at the 52nd latitude with greenhouse for tomatoes
