Autumn Equinox: Ritual of Balance

The autumn equinox occurs on Friday March 20^th this year, with the point of celestial balance happening at 1.49pm AEST. The second of the harvest celebrations, this time is known as Mabon in the Celtic calendar. From a celestial point of view, the autumn equinox is a moment of balance, when night and day are equal. The ritual for this season utilizes both the day and the night for a two-part working.

Leading up to the moment of equinox is a ritual for making a manifestation charm, and a ritual of release forms the second part. To bring in new abundance we must make room by releasing something that no longer serves us. The times given are not set in stone, merely they indicate when the sun and moon move. You can alter the times and there is no rule for how long each part needs to be, meaning you can complete this around your work shift.

For my astro nuts, the following are the positions of the moon and near-earth planets (bodies that cross earth’s orbit, directly affecting us on a personal level).

• ·         The moon is in Aquarius
• ·         Mercury is in Pisces
• ·         Venus is in Taurus
• ·         Mars is in Capricorn

Ritual of Balance

Friday March 20^th

4.33am – Start of twilight. I know this is an unseemly time to be awake without work commitments, but the benefit of being up when the sun starts casting light around is well worth it – you get the very first wisps of solar energy to work with! This part need only take 10-15 minutes, meaning you can go straight back to bed if you choose.

In your still dreamy state, focus on what you want to manifest in your life. See it as though you already have it. Gather your materials as you focus on this goal. Choose items that represent what you wish to gain. If you have gold colored candles use those, though white will work fine as well. If you are short on time birthday candles burn quick and we want the candles to burn out completely.

Materials:

• ·         Items to make a portable charm. As each person’s definition of manifestation differs, I will leave it to you to decide what items to use in a charm to draw something into your life. You’ll want to carry it with you, so keep the items small.
• ·         3 candles with holders (if using birthday candles, you can put them directly in the sand or dirt)
• ·         Bowl filled with dirt. This is to place your charm items on, so choose a bowl that fits those items comfortably.
• ·         Small tumbled clear quartz, or gemstones reflecting your goal. Submerge these in the dirt.
• ·         Essential oil corresponding to your goal

Place all items on your altar, step one complete!

5.51am – Sunrise. As close to this time as you can, begin your manifestation rite. Light your candles, visualizing your goal achieved. Dress or coat each item you are using to manifest your goal in the essential oil. Allow the items to sit together until the candles have burned down. Assemble your charm as per your tradition’s instructions or place them in a small case you can fit in your handbag or car. Carry this item with you until your goal has manifest.

Give offering to the sun by basking in the outside light. If it is raining where you are, try to be in a light filled space at the very least. If your tradition includes a solar deity, you may wish to give offering to them. Set out offering to your hearth spirits and personal guardians, asking their help to speed up manifestation.

1.49pm – Equinox. At the moment of equinox, perform a stillness meditation. If you are at work this would be a great during a break time, don’t stress if you cannot do this at the exact time. Sit in as quiet a spot as you can and focus on making your body still. This is not easy for most people, so do not try to clear your mind. Focus on making your breathing regular and paying attention to your body. As you notice tension within yourself visualize your breath targeting that spot and allow the tension to leave. Continue this until you feel relaxed throughout your body.

Still in a meditative state, reflect on the nature of duality. Within life we are constantly gaining and constantly losing things and energies that benefit or hinder us. This aspect of life is not something we can escape and gaining peace with this fact will actually propel us forward. Reflect on some of the things you have gained since the last autumn equinox, and what you have lost. Ground your energy and continue on with your day.

5.58pm – Sunset. Gather your materials for your ritual of release. For this evening’s ritual, aim for silver candles, or use black candles if silver is not available. White candles are always an option.

Materials:

• ·         3 candles
• ·         Same bowl of dirt and gemstones
• ·         Corresponding essential oil
• ·         Small square note paper
• ·         Black pen
• ·         Small item that represents that which you want to release from you

Place all items on your altar, and while looking at them truly think about that which you are releasing from your life. Visualize how you will be benefitted by not having it or no longer experiencing it. Leave the altar for now.

7.16 – Nightfall. Perform your ritual of release. If your tradition has a set way of doing that use it, otherwise write out, in full detail, what it is you are releasing on the note paper. Make sure you write out the exact situation or behavior you want released, along with your reasoning for why it needs to go. Dress your candles in the new essential oil and light them. Use the flame to light the paper on fire, and as it burns visualize the situation leaving with it.

When it is reduced to ash, place the small item you chose to represent it on top, and allow it to sit there until the candles have burned out. Place this item in a bag, and the next time you are out and about, throw it away.

Give offering to the moon by standing in her light and feeling her cool energy rush through you. If your tradition has a lunar deity, you can give offerings appropriate to them. Ensure you ground yourself completely before going to bed.