Today, or thereabouts, marks the moment when the sun crosses the equator, heading south to warmer climates. The Autumn equinox in the northern hemisphere is when we dig out those sweaters and boots, fill our cups with cider and say a hello to cooler days. The sun rises a bit later and dusk comes a bit sooner.
Today we have approximately the same amount of daylight as moonlight…12 hours. Butterflies, hummers and some songbirds are trekking southward to escape winter’s wrath. Everything around us is ending its growth cycle, preparing for that long winter’s rest.
We use today’s equinox to celebrate the arrival of Autumn, but it’s really just a moment in time. Pagen cultures have their rituals while most of us simply use the equinox as an excuse to put pumpkin spice on everything.
Today ushers in the season of melancholy….a time for reflection. The weather is changing, and today is a respite for what we know is coming. As we turn inward to hearth and home, we may feel change in our personal lives as well. What is it about Autumn that stirs our souls to reflect on life and purpose? Maybe it’s that we’re so excited to see spring after a long winter, and summer is a time to revel in the glory of green. Winter is a time to hunker down, outwit and outlast Jack Frost. So, I suppose autumn is the only time we have to focus inward on ourselves.
Happy Fall, Ya’ll!
Peripheral Perceptions 
It’s been feeling very autumnal here the past few days, although more like late October than September. I’m fine with that, ready for brisk weather that doesn’t make me feel guilty for staying in the house.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fall has arrived, but we still are in the 90’s this week. We had some cooler Fall like weather in August…40’s at night and 60’s in the day. I much prefer the 70’s low 80’s of Fall and crisper, but I’ll enjoy this warmth for a bit more although it makes me wonder if we’ll then just flip a switch and winter weather will be upon us even before it is due. As I age, I don’t do winter well at all, but being retired, as long as it isn’t bitterly cold and the furnace stays lit, it is nice to view it from indoors. Seems the Summer flew by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, what a LOVEY post, Lisa! I was smiling all through it 🙂
As you know, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of the year! All day at work I was saying, “Today is the first day of Autumn…today is the first day of Autumn!”
“As we turn inward to hearth and home, we may feel change in our personal lives as well. What is it about Autumn that stirs our souls to reflect on life and purpose?”
What a perfect way to express Autumn!
I love the photographs and quotes you shared. Bellissima!
Happy Autumn, my friend!
Have a glorious weekend!
X
LikeLike
Here in NY, the early mornings are feeling very fall-like, but the days have still been in the 80’s and just gorgeous. Unfortunately for whatever reason, the leaves are changing unusually early, and falling fast.
Wishing you a beautiful fall, dear Lisa.
xo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect for the season.
LikeLiked by 1 person