This week marks the vernal equinox, an instant in time when light and dark are in near perfect balance, day and night are equal in length, and it is the day when the sun rises precisely in the east and sets precisely in the west. Equinox’s happen twice a year. The vernal equinox marks the traditional beginning of spring here in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a day full of magic and power, and the perfect time to bring your life back into perfect balance!
The vernal equinox is not really the beginning of spring or autumn based on our science. That happens on March 1st, as scientists have divided our seasons into four exact quarters. Though a look outside at the snows here in Santa Fe last week, and this morning’s low temperatures, make it hard to believe that spring has been in the air for the past three weeks. As is often the case the cosmos may have a much better idea than our scientists of how the universe really works.
No matter your beliefs about the coming of spring or autumn, equinoxes have always been held as sacred in human traditions. Times of celebration and sacrifice, ancient cultures and modern celebrants alike timed important rituals and other activities to the equinoxes. And the Mayans in Mexico and ancient peoples of Peru even built structures to harness the practical and spiritual powers of the equinoxes.
The Mayan calendar and the Peruvian Chankillo site still exist today, as does the Cahokia site here in the United States built by the Skidi Pawnee Indians, and Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. These all not only harnessed the power but also helped the ancients know when the equinoxes were occurring. In Bernal, México, pictured here, people flock to La Peña to celebrate and draw on her energy. Google any of these and you will be amazed!
Modern scientists have yet to explain how ancient cultures were able to create such things unless they had advanced knowledge and techniques that we are only now beginning to rediscover. Sometimes I wonder if it has only been our own arrogance as we have “advanced” that has caused us to forget knowledge that is even more advanced than ours today.
The equinox this week is a reminder to explore your own ways of balance. It is an opportunity reconnect with things in your life that feel out of balance. Twice a year Nature gives you this opportunity to exponentially jumpstart your activities around balance and to intentionally put into motion a plan to restore balance. It’s a great gift to reestablish ties with things that often get lost in the hustle and bustle of modern life.
A great way to start is to journal a bit using words, sketches, cutouts… however it is that you journal best. You can still do this even if you’re not a “journaler.” Nothing more than a piece of paper is required.
Express your thoughts on the meaning of balance. Consider how you feel when life is in balance. Wonder: Do I feel that way now? Where might I be out of balance. What can I do to move into better balance in any areas that need an equinox jumpstart? How might I keep it going from there?
This could take five minutes or an hour. You decide! But the transformation can last a lifetime.
Let us know your thoughts, below.
With blessings and great gratitude
from Santa Fe, NM,
Dr Mark
PS, be sure to enter current Monthly Free Giveaway for a chance to win a copy of my 5-Point Workbook for Whole Life Alignment and a Free Coaching Session to you get you started! https://drmarkarcuri.com/free-monthly-giveaway
