Autumn equinox: 16th seasonal node (September 22 – October 7, 2025)
September 22, 2025 marks the Autumn Equinox, the 16th of the 24 solar terms and the fourth of autumn. At this point, the Sun reaches 180° celestial longitude, and day and night are equal in length. From this point, yin increases as the nights slowly grow longer than the days.
On the Autumn Equinox, yin and yang come into balance. When two opposing forces are in harmony, beauty is created. The theme of the Equinox is beauty, reflected in the natural world and in us.
What’s Happening in Nature
Night and day are approximately equal in length
The light of the sun softens, giving afternoons a golden glow
Birds gather in flocks and forage
Insects prepare for hibernation
Psycho-Emotional Shifts
Nature shows us that balance creates beauty. Beauty opens the door to love and can be found in a sunset, a tree glowing with color or a kind word. Beauty softens the heart. In those moments, stress melts away and we feel gratitude and joy.
Allow the beauty of nature at this time to inspire more beauty in your own life. In in how you care for yourself and in the small gestures of kindness you offer others.
Emotionally, the Equinox asks us to steady the mind and emotions. It’s natural to feel more reflective, even contemplative, at this time. Guard against anxiety, impulsiveness and agitation to keep Lung qi smooth and steady.
This is a good time to:
Cultivate calm and stability
Notice beauty around you, especially at sunset
Balance desires and emotions with patience and restraint
Guard against anxiety and reactivity
Seasonal Diet (Five Element Nutrition)
During this time, balance is the key. Just as day and night are equal, your diet should also avoid extremes. Choose meals that are warm and nourishing, but not too heavy or too raw. Foods that moisten dryness and gently support digestion will help the body adjust as yin energy grows stronger.
Moistening foods for the Lungs:
Pears, apples, peaches, grapes, figs, honey
White rice, sesame seeds, almonds
Sour foods to gather Qi:
Vinegar (apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar, a splash in cooking or dressings)
Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit)
Cranberries (fresh or unsweetened dried)
Pomegranate
Plums
Balancing foods for digestion:
Squash, carrots, daikon, leafy greens
Rice, millet, oats, quinoa
Simple soups and warm teas (oolong, chrysanthemum)
Best to avoid:
Excess spicy or acrid foods
Heavy, greasy meals that create dampness
Too much raw or cold food, which weakens digestion
Closing Reflection
Autumn Equinox is a reminder to slow down, anchor in the moment and notice the beauty around you. Step outside to watch a sunset and take in the golden light and changing colors. Enjoy warm, balanced meals. A few deep breaths and simple acts of kindness go a long way right now. Let the beauty you see in nature remind you of the beauty in your own life.
Next season: Cold Dew - October 8, 2025
Speaking of seasonal health… Join me for a Six Healing Sounds Qi Gong Masterclass beginning October 15, 2025. Autumn is the perfect season for breathwork, sound and vibration healing. This set will strengthen your lung capacity and immune system.
