Moments of balance
Today is Autumn Equinox, well known as the time when day and night (equi-nox) are equal. The equinox is actually a point, specifically the point when the sun is vertically overhead at the equator. The apparent path of the sun around the earth (although of course it's actually us that are moving) is called the ecliptic, and it contains the circle of the zodiac. The equinox point is when the sun, moving along the ecliptic, crosses over the celestial equator (which is simply the terrestrial equator projected out into space). Day and night being roughly equal length is actually known as equi-lux, or equal light, and takes place around the equinox point but not necessarily on the same day. Opposites come into balance for a brief moment, the sun moves from one hemisphere to another, and energy shifts. In the northern hemisphere, we are moving further into the dark time of the year, as the sun travels south away from us.
Astrologically, the equinox point is when the Sun moves into the sign of Libra. We are halfway around the wheel of the zodiac (which starts at 0 Aries, the Spring Equinox point). In natal astrology, the first six signs of the zodiac are concerned with the development of the self, which reaches a stage of refinement and perfection in Virgo. Moving into Libra, we begin to look outside the self, and so this is the first sign to encounter the other. Libra is therefore known as the sign concerned with intimate one to one relationships. As well as romantic relationships, Libra rules business partnerships and describes in a broad sense how we relate to others. Libra is the sign of beauty and harmony, and those with strong Libran energy tend to be moderate and balanced, able to see both sides and to respond to the feelings and ideas of others. They are often very social and dislike conflict, becoming the diplomat of the group. On the other hand, they may play devil's advocate if everyone else seems to be agreeing, offering an opposing viewpoint in order to restore balance. The symbol of Libra is the scales, the only zodiac sign not represented by a living being. This reflects the Libran tendency to step back and take an impartial view. The sign of cardinal air, Librans seek a meeting of minds and a harmonious blending of opposites.
Libra is the sign of polarities, self and other, male and female, inner world and outer world, summer and winter. As I've written before, balance is a moving process not a static state, a constant ebb and flow between opposing energies. There is often a lot of chaotic energy around at Equinox times - last week my family and I were in north Wales, being buffeted by high winds and high tides, both literal and metaphorical. And so we are challenged to find our points of balance, to seek ease and harmony among the challenges which life throws at us.
Astrologically, the equinox point is when the Sun moves into the sign of Libra. We are halfway around the wheel of the zodiac (which starts at 0 Aries, the Spring Equinox point). In natal astrology, the first six signs of the zodiac are concerned with the development of the self, which reaches a stage of refinement and perfection in Virgo. Moving into Libra, we begin to look outside the self, and so this is the first sign to encounter the other. Libra is therefore known as the sign concerned with intimate one to one relationships. As well as romantic relationships, Libra rules business partnerships and describes in a broad sense how we relate to others. Libra is the sign of beauty and harmony, and those with strong Libran energy tend to be moderate and balanced, able to see both sides and to respond to the feelings and ideas of others. They are often very social and dislike conflict, becoming the diplomat of the group. On the other hand, they may play devil's advocate if everyone else seems to be agreeing, offering an opposing viewpoint in order to restore balance. The symbol of Libra is the scales, the only zodiac sign not represented by a living being. This reflects the Libran tendency to step back and take an impartial view. The sign of cardinal air, Librans seek a meeting of minds and a harmonious blending of opposites.
Libra is the sign of polarities, self and other, male and female, inner world and outer world, summer and winter. As I've written before, balance is a moving process not a static state, a constant ebb and flow between opposing energies. There is often a lot of chaotic energy around at Equinox times - last week my family and I were in north Wales, being buffeted by high winds and high tides, both literal and metaphorical. And so we are challenged to find our points of balance, to seek ease and harmony among the challenges which life throws at us.