The Autumn Equinox occurs when the Sun reaches the zero degree point of Libra in the Tropical zodiac.  At this point the days and nights are of equal length, and this is the last sense of balance before the day yields to night and the darkness ascends in power.

The charts for the four cardinal points (equinox and solstices), when the Sun reaches the zero degree of the four cardinal signs (Libra, Capricorn, Aries and Cancer) are considered points of power and are often used to forecast weather and other events.  

The Equinox occurred this year on September 22 at 11:50 am EDT.  The chart features a tight conjunction of Mars to Mercury in Libra – a war (Mars) of words (Mercury) that threatens the tender balance that is Libra’s typical focus.  Venus is loosely associated with this conjunction, indicating potential difficulty with the usual alliances or with those things which we value, both provinces of Venus.  It’s not surprising that we’ve had a disruption in the financial markets under this triple threat, because even though Libra strives for harmony Mars looks for areas of weakness in order to create disruption and seek personal satisfaction.  

The trine from Neptune to the triple conjunction in Libra adds a spark of divine inspiration and creativity to aid in resolution of these conflicts, and Jupiter (optimism) is trine Saturn (responsibility) which suggests a good balance between expansion that is rooted in confidence and good luck (Jupiter) and the discipline to put one’s plans into motion (Saturn).  However, Saturn sits on the Midheaven of the Equinox in both New York and Washington D.C., putting pressure on the forces of government and the financial system to wake up to reality and become humbled in the face of failure (in this case, the failures on Wall Street).  The presence of the Sun in the tenth house (ruled by Saturn) reaffirms the importance of government and responsibility over the next few months.  

The Libra Sun is squared by the Cancer Moon in the chart, suggesting emotional conflicts that tug at our sense of reality, and the lack of the fire element in the planets right now can make it difficult for us to find the energy to lift ourselves out of our emotional blocks.  Libra teaches balance and that our relationships with others hold the key.  Autumn is my favorite time of year – it’s the time of my solar return and I relish the regeneration that is offered as the beauty of Libra moves into the darkness of Scorpio.