The Fall Equinox Is All About Embracing Contradictions
Hybrid. Fluid. Flexible. As life grows increasingly complex, humans have been adapting along with it. So, it makes sense that many of us have gravitated toward the wide field of “both/and” concepts (as in, “I’m both this and that”). If there’s any astrological moment that captures this vibe, it’s the fall equinox, a moment each year where day and night are essentially equivalent.
We’re not knocking the spring equinox for its balancing effects. But it arrives at the beginning of Aries season. And that brings an entitled “I want it that way” energy, prone to ordering everything custom rather than striving for compromise.
The autumnal equinox, on the other hand, kicks off Libra season, the most balanced sign of the zodiac. As Libra’s harmonizing energy envelops us all this September 22, it invites us to ponder paradoxes without feeling any pressure to choose a side.
In a coincidence too good not to mention, Friends first premiered on the fall equinox—September 22, 1994. What would Phoebe, Rachel, Ross, Joey, Monica, and Chandler do? Go ahead, let the entire cast of voices in your head have a say in your (ideally slow and deliberate) decision-making process.
In an age where fluidity defines everything, it’s no wonder this energy feels right on time. It’s hard to fit ourselves into a box—and why would we when there are so many tantalizing options to choose from? The equinox reminds us that we can embrace multiple truths about ourselves. “I’ll take the model/activist/creator/mompreneur meal deal, please!”
In the lead-up to the Trump-Harris election, staying balanced feels extra challenging. So many of us are grappling with deep fears about what the results could mean for us and our loved ones. The stakes feel impossibly high, and living in the limbo of not knowing until November 5 is just plain unsettling.
But here’s where the metaphor of the equinox can serve as a much-needed anchor. As we approach this moment of cosmic balance, we’re reminded of the importance of finding our own inner equilibrium, even in times of uncertainty.
The equinox doesn’t ask us to turn away from the fight. It encourages us to face it with clarity, grace, and a deep sense of purpose. Voting, activism, and staying informed are non-negotiables, but so is preserving your mental and emotional well-being. In this period of political tension, it’s equally important to stay centered by embracing both action and moments of serenity. If your skin-care routine gets more elaborate and your newsfeed scrolling more deliberate, call it balance.
It’s not easy to sit in the full range of feelings, but it’s not impossible. How can we fight for our rights while also nurturing the part of ourselves that craves calm? What’s the best way to stay engaged, but also to trust in the power of collective action?
This transitional season is about embracing contradictions, making space for both decisiveness and indecision, ambition and rest. And if it gets too noisy in your head, summon your friends to the Central Perk couch for some emotional support.
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