Autumn Equinox 2025: Rituals for balance as fall begins

On Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at 2:19 p.m. EDT, the autumnal equinox arrives, signaling the end of summer and the start of fall. Astronomically, an equinox occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in roughly equal hours of daylight and darkness. The event also ushers in Libra season in astrology, a period associated with balance, partnership and reflection.

Culturally, the equinox has long carried weight beyond astronomy. The day is linked to myths such as Persephone’s descent into the underworld and to harvest observances around the world. In modern Pagan practice, the festival of Mabon is celebrated on the equinox, a tradition popularized in the Wheel of the Year by Aidan Kelly in the 1970s. Mabon draws on Welsh legend surrounding Mabon ap Modron, a youth figure whose journey embodies themes of initiation, transformation and the balance between light and dark. Observers describe the energy of the season as a pivot point between abundance and the coming cold, a moment to pause, assess and prepare.

Rituals and practices surrounding the equinox emphasize practical steps to foster balance and clarity. Among the guidance circulating in coverage are approaches to balance in the home, sunlight exposure to recharge the body, and a dual focus on releasing the old while inviting what is new. A reader-facing feature cited by The New York Post highlights a set of actionable rituals: purge and polish living spaces to create designated zones for work, rest, solitude and social connection; stand in the sun to absorb energy; and cultivate gratitude while balancing what one hopes to release with what one aims to attract.

Solas, described as a trusted advisor at Psychic Source, framed the equinox as a moment that can set the tone for the remainder of 2025 and carry momentum into the holiday season and into 2026. He also promotes an elemental approach to engagement with the day: spend time with earth (grounding), water (flow), fire (energizing) and air (breathing) in equal measure. Scientific commentary accompanying the coverage notes that engaging with nature offers measurable benefits to mood and stress resilience, with studies indicating dopamine and endorphin release after relatively short exposures to outdoor environments. University of Pennsylvania researcher Kandi Wiens pointed to benefits observable after as little as ten minutes outdoors.

As Libra season unfolds, observers also weigh the psychological and relational dimensions of balance. Astrologer Reda Wigle cautions that Libra’s emphasis on harmony can prompt tensions between autonomy and connection, sometimes turning the season into an invitation to practice self-love and personal boundaries before engaging with others. In this context, the equinox serves not only as a marker of seasonal change but as a prompt to align daily habits with a broader sense of purpose and well-being.

Included in this season’s broader context is the historical and cultural framing that the equinox provides. The exact moment of the equinox is a precise astronomical event, but the symbolism attached to it—balance, renewal, harvest and preparation for winter—persists across centuries and traditions. The fall transition is also a reminder of how humans interpret natural cycles to guide practical steps, relationships and introspection as the days grow shorter and the year moves toward closure. The New York Post’s coverage ties these ideas to tangible practices, making the equinox a compelling intersection of science, culture and personal development.

Looking ahead, practitioners say the equinox can influence choices and mood for the months that follow. Whether through decluttering, mindful sunlight exposure, intent-setting rituals, or elemental meditation, the day invites a measured approach to rest and activity in order to navigate the seasonal shift with steadiness and clarity. As observed in the source material, the fall equinox is more than a timestamp; it is a seasonal cue to align energy with nature’s rhythm and to prepare for what lies ahead.