Finding Balance: Yoga and the Autumn Equinox

As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, the autumn equinox marks a powerful turning point in the year. On this day, light and darkness are in perfect balance, with equal hours of day and night. For many, it is a reminder to slow down, reflect, and realign with nature’s rhythm. In yoga, this seasonal shift offers the perfect opportunity to explore balance in both body and mind.

The Meaning of the Autumn Equinox

The autumn equinox, which usually falls around 22–23 September in the Northern Hemisphere, is a time of transition. Ancient cultures celebrated it as a moment of harvest, gratitude, and preparation for the quieter months ahead. In yoga philosophy, the equinox can be seen as a symbolic union of opposites: light and dark, sun and moon, activity and rest.

For modern practitioners, honouring the equinox through yoga and mindfulness can bring a deeper sense of harmony with the changing season.

Why Practise Yoga at the Equinox?

Yoga is not just physical exercise — it’s a practice of tuning inwards and creating balance. The equinox reminds us that both energy and rest are essential. Incorporating yoga at this time can:

• Support balance and grounding during seasonal change

• Boost energy while also encouraging restfulness

• Enhance mindfulness and connection to nature

• Encourage reflection and letting go of what no longer serves you

  
  

Yoga Poses for the Autumn Equinox

Certain yoga postures are especially powerful for embracing the qualities of balance, grounding, and transition:

• Tree Pose (Vrikshasana): Encourages stability and rootedness, perfect for this time of year.

• Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): A strong, steady pose symbolising inner strength and focus.

• Forward Folds: Invite calm, introspection, and release of tension.

• Seated Meditation: A practice of stillness to reflect on the balance of light and dark.

  
  

Consider creating a gentle autumn yoga sequence that blends standing balance postures with restorative stretches, finishing with meditation or breathwork.

Rituals to Deepen Your Practice

Alongside your yoga, you might bring seasonal rituals into your equinox practice:

• Light a candle to symbolise the balance of light and dark

• Journal about what you wish to let go of before winter

• Practise gratitude for the “harvests” of your year so far

• Spend time outdoors, connecting with the crisp autumn air and falling leaves

Embracing Balance Moving Forward

The autumn equinox is more than a date in the calendar; it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and embrace balance. By combining yoga for the autumn equinox with mindfulness and seasonal rituals, you can create a practice that supports both physical wellbeing and emotional harmony.

As the year moves towards winter, let your yoga mat be a space where you ground yourself, honour change, and find peace in the natural rhythm of the seasons.

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