Solstice + Equinox

The Astrological and energetic Significance of the equinox and solstices

Similarly to the Moon, Earth cycles through four different phases as well, what we know to be the changing seasons, marked by celestial events based on Earth’s orbit and tilt on its axis called equinox (“equal night”) and solstice (“sun standstill”). A solstice is the moment when one hemisphere sees the most light (summer solstice, longest day of the day) and the other is at its darkest (winter solstice, shortest day). When the Sun crosses the celestial equator going north to south or vice versa, this marks an equinox (either autumn or spring depending which hemisphere). 

These astronomical events happen at the exact same time around the world and have been observed and celebrated for centuries. Our ancestors who lived amidst nature observed the universe and marveled in its rhythms, using the Sun and the Moon as a calendar tracking the Sun’s path across the sky. Historical sites and monuments are what’s left to show of this alignment with solstices and equinoxes: i.e. Stonehenge in England, Machu Picchu in Peru, the famous pyramids and Sphinx of ancient Egypt. 

Equinox and solstices divide the zodiac wheel into four points, our “Cardinal” signs which are the zero degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. As the Sun enters either of these four constellations, the Equinox or Solstice is bringing forth a new season, with its distinct energies and lessons.

Spring Equinox is like the Moon’s first quarter phase, a time for rearranging and cleaning, fresh flowers, and basking in the balancing energies of a nod to the sun. Summer Solstice is like a Full Moon, a great check-in point halfway through the year, warm days for cleansing in the river, dancing, and soaking up the Sun’s energy to keep going. The equalizing Autumn equinox is like the 3rd Quarter, a moment to collect gratitude, and give one last go at things before preparing for winter. Honoring Saturn with the beginning of a new calendar at the Winter Solstice, the energies of the longest night are much like that of a New Moon.

The Equinox and Solstices mark changing points in seasons, both physically in nature and energetically within. We can align ourselves with the movement of the Sun and Moon in the sky, as did our Ancestors, to harness the Wisdom of Universe.