Sun Enters Libra and the Autumnal Equinox

With the passing of summertime here in the Northern Hemisphere, we applaud the arrival of autumn. Get ready for colorful falling leaves, crisp air and cool breezes. This week, not only does the autumnal equinox occur, but the Sun moving into Libra also coincides with this event. With it, we celebrate the halfway point of the astrological year. There are four major astrological points each year which mark the changing of the seasons. These points are the spring equinox, the summer solstice, the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice. While these points measure the seasons, they are also a study of how we're connected and affected by the planets. It is the Sun's relationship to the Earth's equator that determines the seasons. While solstices occur when the equator of the Earth is at its maximum tilt, equinoxes happen when the equator is at zero tilt in relation to the Sun. In Latin, equinox literally means, 'equal night.' On September 23 of this year, all over the world, day and night will be of approximately equal length as the Sun moves from the Northern Hemisphere into the Southern Hemisphere. The autumnal equinox takes place as the Sun crosses the equator, or halfway point, of the Earth. As we usher in autumn, we also welcome the Sun's movement into the sign of Libra. Ruled by Venus, Libra seeks harmony, beauty and peace. Diplomacy and courtesy are important keynotes of Libra. Represented by the Scales of Justice, Libra prefers amiable and beautifully balanced situations, as opposed to conflict and violence. Partnership and teamwork are part and parcel of the cooperative and charming Libran influence. With the Sun in Libra for the next few weeks, harmony and balance will be in the air. People may be more sociable, friendly and tolerant. Decisions might be a bit harder to arrive at, as Librans are able to see all sides of an argument but may never be able to pick a side. Plan to attend social events where you're likely to find good-natured discussions and possibly even a new partnership. As Libra is the sign of marriage and partnership, new unions of the romantic, business and friendship kind are apt to bloom. The influence of the new Libran Sun depends on the individual, so visit our ChartShop for a report on how this will affect you.