“So this is how you swim inward. So this is how you flow outwards. So this is how you pray.” ~ Mary Oliver
The Autumnal Equinox (in the northern hemisphere) is marked by the Sun’s movement from the astrological sign of Virgo to Libra (on or near Sep 22), when the Earth’s equator passes through the sun center and day and night are equal. It is the point in the annual celestial calendar representing the restoration of equality. This cosmic projection of harmony provides an opportunity to bring anything out of alignment back into balance. Libra symbolizes the balancing of the scales of justice and the refinement of values in relationship.
The transitioning qualities of the Autumnal Equinox are pronounced through the harvesting of crops, the changing leaves, and the pungent smell of composting earth. Symbolically, it is a time to take stock of our lives to see where we have come by witnessing the fruits of our efforts. It is also a time of repurposing, sharing, and giving back. Being the midpoint between the Summer (solar) and Winter (lunar) Solstices our focus and attention will begin to shift from outward to inward.
“To live happily is an inward power of the soul.” ~ Marcus Aurelius
Nature, in its essence, is born out of cycles. The moon, sun, planets, night, day, seasons, growth, birth, and death are all innate rhythms that impact and inform our lives. Cyclical patterns are the keynote to understanding ourselves and the world around us. In yoga, we call this rta (pronounced rita) and one of the goals is to balance our energies and synchronize with rta and the natural order of life. The equinoxes are pivotal portals for harmonizing the polarities of our being, bringing distorted energies into balance and making it an ideal time for a shift in consciousness.
Yoga ritual is a conscious inward reflection that fosters greater presence and connection to ourselves and our experience. As a methodology of spiritual ascension and awakening to the truth of who we are, yoga teaches the natural reciprocity and interconnectedness of our lives and our existence. Yoga is an inturning and a yoking of our consciousness to live more harmoniously and joyously. Yoga is a ritual of unity.
As many of our ancient myths reveal, ascension requires that we first descend and the autumnal equinox marks the beginning of this descending period. A time when we turn inward and recognize that something must end or die in order to be reborn. Spiritually, the Autumnal Equinox is our passage into darkness and the flow of energy from the Anahata (heart) Chakra (sign of Libra) toward the Muladhara (root) Chakra (sign of Capricorn). Through the lens of our daily cycle, the Autumnal Equinox would compare to dusk and Winter Solstice would compare to midnight. Similarly, the Vernal Equinox would compare to dawn and Summer Solstice high noon.
This descending phase of turning our consciousness back upon itself, reflecting inward, is the initial practice of the yogic Ritual of The Moon. Every night when we go to bed we symbolically “die” shifting our consciousness from the waking state to the sleep state, our solar (outer) experience to our lunar (inner) experience. As we harmonize the angular energies of our subconscious or lunar experience we cultivate greater self-conscious awareness.
To perform the ritual of the moon as a daily sadhana begin by taking time each night to reflect upon the day and clearing the conscious of any disharmony. With a clear conscious we are able to enter the sleep state harmoniously and with awareness witness the subconscious memory that is received as flashes of insights, messages, or symbols in our dreams.
To learn more about how to apply the Ritual of The Moon in your life or to attune to and interpret Dream Symbols contact Elaina to schedule a session or click here to see a list of services.
SUGGESTED RITUALS
+ Give something away that is of value to you as a symbol of your gratitude for the abundance of life
(e.g. a personal service, a helping hand, a piece of jewelry or sacred object)
+ Perform japa mantra chanting Om shanti Om… for peace (108 repetitions) use mala beads for counting.
+ Meditate, with sustained focus, using an object of beauty visualization for 3-5 minutes a day (e.g. flower, crystal, flame etc.)
RITUAL PRAYER for HARMONY in RELATING
- Visualize the person or people who hurt you or whom you have hurt, and mentally surround them in divine light.
- Then deeply pray, “Lord, fill them with peace and harmony, peace and harmony, peace and harmony,” over and over, for a minute.
- Afterward, visualize yourself in divine light and pray, “Lord, fill me with peace and harmony, peace and harmony,” for fifteen seconds.
- Do this five times a day, and you will see a change come over those who you’re praying for and yourself.
INSPIRATION from Paramahansa Yogananda
“See that which is good, hear that which is good, speak that which is good.” And smell, taste, and feel that which is good; think that which is good; love that which is good. Be enthroned in the castle of goodness, and your memories will be like beautiful flowers in a garden of noble dreams.
HAPPY HARVESTING and HAPPY RETURNING.