Autumn Equinox 2018

Photo by Mean Shadows on Unsplash

Every year, it comes and ignites my ember of joy and sparks the need to let go and cleanse my home! That's right, yall, it's the Fall Equinox! Living in Texas can be HOT! Spring and Summer here are great but after many months of bright sun, loads of fun and heat, one needs cooler temps and a lil break from Mr. Sun. Once this time of year hits, I spring to life! I clean out closets. I take my summer toys and put them away. This year, I found some decorations that apparently have been hibernating for years. 

Photo by Wang Xi on Unsplash

Fun Facts about the Equinox:

• The term equinox comes from the Latin words aequus, meaning equal and nox, meaning night. This has led to the misconception that everybody on Earth experiences equal day and night – 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night time – on the day of the September equinox. Locations that are not on the equator do get to experience equal day and night twice a year, usually a few days before or after the equinoxes.
• Did you know the dates are not always the same? It's usually on the 22nd or 23rd, but sometimes not! The equinox dates vary because of the difference between how the Gregorian calendar defines a year (365 days) and the time it actually takes for Earth to complete its orbit around the Sun (about 365 and 1/4 days).This means that each September equinox occurs about 6 hours later than the previous year's September Equinox. This eventually moves the date by a day. SO glad it falls on a weekend presently!
• The full Moon closest to the September equinox, the Harvest Moon, is astronomically special. This is because the time between one moonrise to another around this period becomes shorter.

For more fun facts, click here! 

Leslie's Tips:
Here are a few things that I do during the Fall Equinox. Let's focus on the 5 senses, since that's how Taurus's (Me) best communicate:
1. Smells- Time to put away the coconut sunscreens and Pina Coladas. Buy a harvest candle and let the smell fill your home. It will make you smile and then magic will start to begin. My personal preference is Apple Cinnamon. My other favorite is home made potpourri. Fill a pot up with water, add cut up apples and oranges, and toss in some cinnamon sticks and cloves. Put that baby on simmer and continue on to the next fun thing!
2. Sound- I am already sensitive to sounds (Taurus thing again) but I find my sensitivity is turned up during this shift. Summer was rock and roll, Jimmy Buffet, and chill pool tunes. This weekend, I'm craving folk music like , instrumental pieces like,  anything ADELE and even silence (no electronics).
3. Sight- Look around. Time to put away the beach balls, beach bags, and the clutter that has accumulated from the summer fun you've been having. While you're at it, clean! I use this time just like a 'Spring Cleaning'. Cause it hasn't been done since the Spring :) 

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4. Touch- Linens, fabrics, and curtains get changed here. It's like putting your summer cloths away and getting out your sweaters, except in Texas, that seems to never happen. So, I have warmer heavier fabrics for my couch pillows and curtains for this time of year. I pull those out and if there are decorations that you find hiding in the closet after 4 years, you'll put those up too!!
5. Taste- Fall harvest is here. Buy fruits and veggies that are seasonally at there prime! Bake! Pull out the crock pot. Today/tonight, I'm making home made stock and spaghetti with meatballs. ​

Fellow Reiki Practioners, Students, Light Workers, & Friends-
Time to cleanse you're crystals, you're space, your body & soul. If you've taken Level II, you know that it's what I call the BIG cleanse. 

• Salt bath: For the crystals- Full Moon is tomorrow, so perfect time to cleanse warm salt water and then place them in the moonlight to charge. Don't forget- DO NOT use a plastic bowl and make sure to discard the dirty water in the toilet. For yourself- An epsom salt bath with candles and some music to promote a release. Whatever you resonate with will work! Time to let go. Here are some of my fav Pandora stations, besides Enya. Loreena Mckennitt, Blackmore's Night, and even Lindsey Sterling.  
• Smoke IT out: White Sage I mean! While ALL of your doors & windows are open, clear the space and then charge it with cedar and palo santo.
• Goddess Time: Pamper yourself. A facial mask, paint your nails, do a hair treatment, whatever makes you feel special! Make the time while all of this cleansing is happening. 

Don't forget INTENTION is key to all of the cleansing. How will you spend this beautiful day? ​