IT’S THE EQUINOX. Today marks what is known as the Autumnal Equinox, that time of year when the wonderful sun crosses the celestial equator and moves southward. This officially marks the beginning of Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.
A Greek astronomer and mathematician named Hipparchus, who lived around the years 190-120 BCE, is known for first observing and recording what we call the equinoxes.
The word “equinox” comes from the Latin for “equal night” and refers to the time when the sun crosses the equator and the day and night are nearly equal at 12 hours apiece. And that other equinox? Called the Vernal Equinox, it will occur on March 20, 2010, marking that time when the sun appears to move back across the equator, bringing with it the beginning of Spring.
Are you an Autumn person, loving the russets and browns, the snap in the air, literally gathering your wool around you for a long winter’s knit? I am. Margaret, more a Spring person, is constantly in motion, especially in the garden, finding ways to appreciate the potential for new life in all things.
You?
Whatever side you are on, the Equinox is here. How do I know this? I write and record the daily almanac piece entitled The Naturalist’s Datebook, heard exclusively on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Sirius 112/XM 157. Listen up.
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Oh, I am definitely a fall person! Bring on the cooler weather!
I’m so glad to know this. I love both equinoxes. I am a fall person, though living in Florida it doesn’t get cooler for a month or two. But the harvest energy of fall, the thankful and appreciative qualities of autumn, is what I love the most.
Hi, Danielle: So glad to have another russet and cool-weather sister on my side. It is the loveliest of seasons, isn’t it? Please come back soon. I’m going to run that almanac whenever there is something in the air for the sisterhood. We look forward to reading you here again.
Hi, there Deb: And welcome to TSP. Yes, the harvest energy of fall is a lovely way to put it. Thank you for that. There is such a distinct kind of energy now, you are so right. Lovely to ponder. That would make a sensational personal essay, that topic, BTW. If you need a boost on how to go about getting it on the page, check out my memoir tips here. Those personalized ways of looking at the universal bind us in ways that are a marvel. Sending you some cool air down the Florida way, and hoping your harvest energy keeps you writing, as well as pleased with what you write. Keep coming back here to check on us, please. We love our FLA sisters.
Although I love the wonderful fall colors of rust, yellow, golden and 70-ish temperatures, it always leaves me a little sad because I know the warm weather is soon behind us and cold weather is on its way! As I get older I find the warmer temps are a bit easier on the me. With the falling leaves, bare trees, loss of colors from summer flowers, and cold temps it’s just not as much of a ‘happy place’ as the Springtime is for me. Of course, others feel the opposite. Isn’t it great we’re all different!?? Thanks Marion for the info on ‘equinox’… didn’t know that before! I continue to stand in awe of God’s creation when I learn this stuff!
Hi, Debra. And welcome back to TSP. Yes, the fall does make some people a little sad. So, as you so wisely suggest, stand in awe of the mighty beauty it holds. It will help. Margaret, though, will be glad to have a sister on her side of this, though, so thanks for chiming in. And come back soon.