Honouring the Fall Equinox – September 22nd
On September 22, the sun reaches a moment of balance — the Fall Equinox. Day and night are equal, reminding us of the natural cycles that guide our lives. Across many Indigenous nations, the Equinox is a time of reflection, gratitude and ceremony.
For Indigenous peoples, the land, the skies and the seasons are more than backdrops to life — they are living teachers. The Fall Equinox marks the transition from summer to winter, from growth to rest, from light to darkness. It is a time to acknowledge both abundance and release.
A Time of Harvest and Gratitude
The Equinox has traditionally been a harvest season — a time to gather food, medicines and resources and to give thanks for the gifts from Mother Earth. Feasts, offerings and ceremonies often honoured this season, recognizing that what is taken must also be given back. Gratitude is central: gratitude to the land, to the ancestors and to Creator for sustaining life.
Balance in All Things
With day and night standing equal, the Fall Equinox reminds us of the importance of balance. In many Indigenous teachings, balance is necessary for wellness — balance within ourselves, with our families, with our communities and with the natural world. This day invites us to reflect: Where are we in balance? Where do we need to restore harmony?
Preparing for the Seasons Ahead
The Fall Equinox also marks preparation for the winter months. Communities historically used this time to prepare food stores, winter clothing and shelters and to ensure collective survival. Spiritually, it can be seen as a time to prepare our hearts and minds, to let go of what no longer serves us and to carry forward only what will sustain us through the colder, darker months.
Continuing the Teachings Today
For many Indigenous peoples, the Equinox continues to hold ceremonial and cultural importance. It is a reminder of connection — to the land, to each other and to cycles that continue whether we notice them or not. Observing the Equinox can be as simple as spending time on the land, offering tobacco or prayers or reflecting on balance in one’s life. As we honour September 22nd, may we remember that the Equinox is not only a seasonal marker but a call to live in balance, gratitude and respect with all our relations.
