The Medicine Wheel is located in the Bighorn National Forest on the western peak of Medicine Mountain at an elevation of 9642 feet in the Bighorn Range east of Lovell, Wyoming. The 75-foot diameter Medicine Wheel is a roughly circular alignment of rocks and associated cairns enclosing 28 radial rows of rock extending out from a central cairn. This feature is part of a much larger complex of interrelated archeological sites and traditional use areas that express 7000 years of Native American adaptation to and use of the alpine landscape that surrounds Medicine Mountain. Numerous contemporary American Indian traditional use areas and features, including ceremonial staging areas, medicinal and ceremonial plant gathering areas, sweat lodge sites, altars, offering locales and fasting (vision quest) enclosures, can be found nearby. Ethnohistoric, ethnographic, and archeological evidence demonstrates that the Medicine Wheel and the surrounding landscape constitute one of the most important and well preserved ancient Native American sacred site complexes in North America. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is considered the type site for medicine wheels in North America. Between 70 and 150 wheels have been identified in South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
The Medicine Wheel This site has instructions on how to construct a medicine wheel!
Traditionally, a Medicine Wheel is a circle of stones which are aligned to the four cardinal directions and divided into four quadrants. This ancient symbol represents life, cycles of time, the Earth, and the Universe. It is a place to come to create, to meditate, to pray, to deepen your inner being, to mark a change in your life and to seek guidance. Each direction or quadrant of the Medicine Wheel holds attributes to assist in your journey around the Wheel.
The medicine wheel is a sacred symbol used by Plains tribes and others to represent all knowledge of the universe. The medicine wheel consists of a circle with horizontal and vertical lines drawn through the circle’s center. Sometimes, an eagle feather is attached in the wheel’s center. – See more at: http://aktalakota.stjo.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8592#sthash.EopoNG7h.dpuf
The Medicine Wheel divides all personality types into 4 main categories.
These types are listed below with short summaries of the positive and negative or “shadow” areas of each type:
Warrior/North – Positive: courageous, takes charge and willing to take risks. Shadow: may bulldoze others and can be very hurtful.
Nurturer/South – Positive: wise, patient and understanding. Shadow: may hesitate to move forward if there is any disagreement.
Critical Thinker/West – Positive: detailed oriented, can analyze lots of information. Shadow: may hesitate to move forward without all the necessary information, can suffer from analysis/paralysis.
Visionary/East /Air– Positive: Creative and innovative. Shadow: may not be detailed oriented and things may “fall through the cracks.”
In 1974, an archaeoastronomer named Jack Eddy visited this Medicine Wheel and studied its alignments, that is, its arrangements of rocks, cairns, and spokes. He found the arrangements point to the rising and setting places of the Sun at summer solstice, as well as the rising places of Aldebaran in Taurus, Rigel in Orion, and Sirius in Canis Major — all bright, important stars associated with the Solstice. Later another astronomer, Jack Robinson, found a cairn pair that marked the bright star Fomalhaut’s rising point with the Sun 28 days before solstice.
Sighting from cairn E through the center hub (which may have supported a pole) marks the summer solstice sunrise. Sighting from C through the center marked the equivalent solstice sunset.Standing at cairn F, one could sight the once-yearly dawn, or heliacal, risings of the key stars Aldebaran, Rigel, and Sirius, which play symbolic roles in an ancient Cheyenne Massaum ceremonyand are also important stars in the sacred Lakota circle constellation “The Animal”.
The dawn or heliacal rising of a star is important because it pinpoints a date exactly. This is the day a star is first seen, just before dawn, after it has been behind the Sun for an entire season. From about 1200 AD to 1700 AD, these 4 stars would have acted as solstice markers for the Native Americans – Fomalhaut (F to D) would rise 28 days before the Summer Solstice, Aldebaran (F to A) would rise during the 2 days just before the solstice, Rigel (F to B) would rise 28 days after the solstice, and Sirius (F to C) 28 days after that, at the end of August and hence marking the end of summer and time to leave the mountain.
“The medicine wheel is a symbol for the wheel of life which is forever evolving and bringing new lessons and truths to the walking of the path. The Earthwalk is based on the understanding that each one of us must stand on every spoke, on the great wheel of life many times, and that every direction is to be honored. Until you have walked in others’ moccasins, or stood on their spokes of the wheel, you will never truly know their hearts.
The medicine wheel teaches us that all lessons are equal, as are all talents and abilities. Every living creature will one day see and experience each spoke of the wheel, and know those truths. It is a pathway to truth, peace and harmony. The circle is never ending, life without end.
In experiencing the Good Red Road, one learns the lessons of physical life, or of being human. This road runs South to North in the circle of the medicine wheel. After the graduation experience of death, one enters the Blue or Black Road, that is the world of the grandfathers and grandmothers. In spirit, one will continue to learn by counseling those remaining on the Good Red Road. The Blue Road of the spirit runs East to West. The medicine wheel is life, afterlife, rebirth and the honoring of each step along the way.”
“The Medicine Wheel represents the Circle of Life – Mother Earth where we are all connected, man, animal and all living things” Phillip Whiteman Jr.
“The Medicine Wheel Model
is a guide to help us
find balance in our lives
and to understand
how our actions
affect everything around us:
horses,
humans
and all living things.”
These are the elements and attributes of my personal Medicine Wheel: Visit My Page to learn more about how the Medicine Wheel reflecta, and helps to heal, my life.
EAST: Totem: eagle Element: air Color: Red Kingdom: human Human aspect: spirit Manifestation: art and writing Time: momentary Heavenly body: sun Season: Spring The East is the farsighted place.
SOUTH: Totem: bear Element : water Color: black Kingdom: plant Quality: strength and introspection Human aspect: physical body Manifestation: healing Time: present Heavenly body: stars Season: Fall The West is the looks-within place.
WEST: Totem: wolf Element: fire Color: yellow Kingdom: animal Quality: finding out Human aspect: emotions Manifestation: journeying Time: past Heavenly body: moon Season: Summer The South is the close-by place.
NORTH: Totem: buffalo Element: earth Color: White Kingdom: mineral Quality: knowledge and wisdom Human aspect: mind Manifestation: philosophy Time: future Heavenly body: earth Season: Winter The North is the place of knowledge.
For general basic Equinox Information, please visit EQUINOX page at tchiya.com
Sirius Rising is ongoing until she culminates on December 31.
here is great Equinox Song with info about the Equinox!
This year, I have come across something different: I first learned about this when I was visiting Machu Pichu in 2007, and one of the guides explained this very thing to me. So perhaps with the wisdom of the 13 month system comes another great truth to break down illusion and romantic notions….However, we DO feel the season change, and we DO know that Fall is here. We DO feel the alignment.
“Day and night are not exactly of equal length at the time of the March and September equinoxes. The dates on which day and night are each 12 hours occur a few days before and after the equinoxes. The specific dates of this occurrence are different for different latitudes.
For observers within a couple of degrees of the equator, the period from sunrise to sunset is always several minutes longer than the night. At higher latitudes in the northern hemisphere, the date of equal day and night occurs before the March equinox. Daytime continues to be longer than nighttime until after the September equinox.
In the southern hemisphere, the dates of equal day and night occur before the September equinox and after the March equinox.
In the northern hemisphere, at latitude 5 degrees the dates of equal day and night occur about February 25 and October 15; at latitude 40 degrees they occur about March 17 and September 26.
On the dates of the equinoxes, the day is about 7 minutes longer than the night at latitudes up to about 25 degrees, increasing to 10 minutes or more at latitude 50 degrees.”
On these two days, the geometric center of the sun is above the horizon for 12 hours, and one might think this would indicate that the length of the day (hours of daylight) would be the same.
However, ‘sunrise’ is defined as the instant when the upper edge of the sun’s disk becomes visible above the horizon – not when the center of the sun is visible. In the same sense, ‘sunset’ refers to the moment the upper edge disappears below the horizon. At both instances, the center of the sun is below the horizon, and therefore the equinox day lasts a little longer than 12 hours.
Atmosphere causes optical illusion
Another reason why the Sun is visible longer than 12 hours on an equinox is that the Earth’s atmosphere refracts sunlight.
Refraction causes the Sun’s upper edge to be visible from Earth several minutes before the edge actually reaches the horizon. In the evening, we can see the sun for several minutes after it has actually dipped under the horizon. This causes every day on Earth – including the days of the equinoxes – to appear at least 6 minutes longer than it actually is.
The extent of refraction depends on atmospheric pressure and temperature. Our calculations in theSunrise and Sunset Calculator assumes the standard atmospheric pressure of 101.325 kilopascal and temperature of 15°C or 59°F.
Approximate date of “Equal Day & Night”
Latitude
March
September
60° North
Mar 18
Sep 25
55° North
Mar 17
Sep 25
50° North
Mar 17
Sep 25
45° North
Mar 17
Sep 25
40° North
Mar 17
Sep 26
35° North
Mar 16
Sep 26
30° North
Mar 16
Sep 27
25° North
Mar 15
Sep 27
20° North
Mar 14
Sep 28
15° North
Mar 12
Sep 30
10° North
Mar 8
Oct 4
5° North
Feb 24
Oct 17
Equator
No equal day and night
5° South
Apr 14
Aug 29
10° South
Apr 1
Sep 10
15° South
Mar 28
Sep 14
20° South
Mar 26
Sep 16
25° South
Mar 25
Sep 17
30° South
Mar 24
Sep 18
35° South
Mar 24
Sep 19
40° South
Mar 23
Sep 19
45° South
Mar 23
Sep 19
50° South
Mar 23
Sep 20
55° South
Mar 23
Sep 20
60° South
Mar 22
Sep 20
Latitude determines length of the day
All the means to me is that the Equinox is an entire Season, not just an event. Things DO line up, but the dates and times are different for each location, just as it is with Sirius Rising. It is not just a moment in time, but a season.
This page is specifically devoted to the Celestial Event going on in 2014. Starting with the Equinox at 7:30 pm today and lasting for 3 days, ending on. However, now I know that the season lasts until mid October.
This article will cover ways to observe times such as this.
There is plenty of talk going on about the new Moon in Libra. However, Sidereally, we are in the moment known as Aspolia (Virgo).
In the Western System, the time of the Equinox occurs when the Sun is in Maat/Libra. In this Kemetic Sidereal system, HeruScopes, the time of alignment and purification falls during the season of Aspolia/Virgo. Which in fact IS the time for order and purification, planting and harvesting! Now is the time to bring ORDER into our lives, through purification, release, shedding old skin, shedding illusion. Letting go of what no longer serves us, letting go of that which causes distractions suffering or pain. This makes way for the Balance of Maat. With attention to detail, creativity, and nurturing, we can grow a beautiful garden that is our life. Now is thew time to PLANT your intentions. To acknowledge the beauty that exists in all of life, and especially in our own life. In fact, the month of Aspolia/Virgo is the longest month, it lasts around 45 days. In this system, The Fall Equinox IS the month of Aspolia. Not just for the season, or year, but for your life.
It is not necessary to equate the date of the entry of the sun in Libra to be able to draw some conclusions about our personal life and psychology in general. The sun is lying in Virgo when passing this important point in the sky and it gives harmony, balance and courage to the people and most importantly it gives willingness to cope with difficulties and responsibilities of the new cycle of life. At this time we feel a strong desire to connect with other people to learn and maybe help in turn our family and our friends. The nights are getting longer in the northern hemisphere which helps more contemplation and thinking about our future.
Happy Autumnal Equinox!
Today, we are also blessed to have Asar/Pluto return to direct again. Has been retrograde since April 2014! Asar symbolizes huge transformation and rebirthing. from Lyn Dalebout,
This can manifest as sea-change turning points in terms of all themes Plutonian ~ uses/abuses of power, biological concerns, life and death transformations, recycling, cataclysmic events. You get the picture. The old is dying and the inevitable new vitality of the future is being born. But not without a struggle. And a whole lot of courage. Star Signposts
Ways to observe this season, ways to become one with the Universe through the Natural Alignment and Order of Maat:
1. make a list of your intentions for the coming week, month, year, 5 years, and 10 years. even for the rest of your life. Put it away and revisit next year!
4.You have heard of Spring Cleaning? Well, you can also do some Fall Cleaning. Fasting yes, and also cleaning out your living space. Clearing out clutter from mind, body, spirit. Clear away brush in the yard and have a bonfire.
5. write a list of things you want to let go of and burn it in the bonfire tonight.
6. HARVEST!
7. Harvest celebration, with delicious foods from your garden.
7a. INNER Harvest! Give thanks and acknowledgement for all of the achievements and accomplishments from the previous year. Remember how you have gracefully faced adversity and overcome many challenges.
8. Forgiveness: make a list of all those that you feel have hurt you or wronged you in some way. Burn the list in the fire. Clear out your heart and make room for new relationships.
9. Anything that you have been talking about doing for years, DO IT! Like Yoga practice or mediation practice, or getting more exercise. I am going to start chanting and voicing affirmations while I am dancing or running. I am becoming more consistent and insistent about putting myself first. I am number one in my life. Thanks Tim! (He is my coach)
10. Most Indigenous cultures have a way to bring in the Fall. If you don’t know your own history or your culture, NOW IS THE TIME TO LEARN! Or at least to develop your very own way. “A People without the knowledge of their history or culture is like a tree without roots.” Marcus Miosiah Garvey. It cannot live without roots, and neither can YOU!
11. Get in line with the Cosmic Time: Planetary Hora Watch. Learn to plan daily activities in alignment with the Cosmos
13, Honor your Ancestors. Here is an ancestral prayer that i enjoy, or you can make your own.Oath to the Ancestors.
14. If you do not already have one, start now: create an altar, begin with one for yourself, one for the ancestors, and then you can just go from there…..
15. APPLE SEASON! Apples are in season now, so go apple crazy! FRESH Apple juice and hot spicy apple cider are my personal favorites. Then there is apple pie, apple fritters, apple cake, apple pancakes. Apple slices and almond butter….
Well, there are many other ways, but this will get you started. remember to read up on what the equinox is about here at the Equinox page at tchiya.com
Here is what is ahead for us on Tuesday and Wednesday from star signposts:
Tues Sept 23
On the last day of a lunar cycle ~ today ~ you can go one of two ways. You may be very tired and just want to rest and reflect, or you may find yourself in a flurry of finishing up many tasks. If you are up at the literal crack of dawn, you can see the barest sliver of a waning Moon exactly conjunct Venus, both in sidereal Leo, a beautiful conjunction to behold. Make a wish upon these planets as you bask in their magic, that what you need and what you want find union within your being, for that is the cosmic meaning and manifestation of this alignment.
Wed Sept 24
What a potent New Moon arrives today, hatching in the early morning hours. The birth of this SolLunar cycle takes place in sidereal Virgo, closely aligned with the star of Zaniah, which speaks of finding the pure Source of everything, our world, the purity of your soul essence, that one deep longing that forever resides and guides you throughout your life. Normally on the first day of a New Moon cycle, the wisdom would be to get your bearings, make no plans, all is new, don’t make a move yet. But not today. This New Moon makes an immediate sextile to passionate, and very driven Mars in Scorpio. Whatever you are feeling strongly about, you will want to find a way to make it happen. In addition, Pallas Athene ~ ruler of our creative intelligence, goddess of wisdom and strategy ~ crosses the North Node ~ your future destiny. New alliances are launched, and your bright ideas and life plans move suddenly forward.
This is the page of the Equinox. These lyrics were written years ago when my daughters were studying the seasons at our Home School. You might recognize the melody, that classic tune by John Coltrane.
Day equals night
Night equals day
The World turns with a tilt
Spring or Fall it’s the Equinox.
Night equals day
Day equals night
The Sphinx’s gaze is truly East
When there’s no shadow it’s the Equinox.
The Spring point moves
Opposite the Sun
Aquarius has just begun.
It’s the Precession of the Equinox.
Spring or Fall it’s the Equinox
When there’s no shadow it’s the Equinox.
It’s the Precession of the Equinox!
Tonight (Saturday September 22, 2012), the Equinox Quarter Moon is soooo lovely: perfectly symbolizing the Balamce of Lightness and Darkness….
WHAT IS THE EQUINOX?????
Oh, you mean Maat? Balance, Truth, Order, Harmony, Justice, Reciprocity, and Righteousness
John Coltrane was born on September 23, 1926 in Hamlet, North Carolina. As a child he played clarinet as well as alto saxophone. During his early years he played orchestral and march music rather than jazz. In 1943 he moved to Philadelphia and was in a Navy Band by 1945. He recorded and privately issued four songs in 1946. He began his jazz career with King Kolax but left in 1947 to play with Eddie “Cleanhead Vinson.” His first big gig was with Dizzy Gillespie’s Big Band in 1949. They broke up in 1950 but for the next year he worked with Gillespie’s quintet before returning to Philadelphia…..
The equinoxes. As the sun progresses eastward along the ecliptic, it crosses the celestial equator moving northward at the vernal equinox (spring [nothern hemisphere]) and again six months later moving southward at the autumnal equinox (fall[nothern hemisphere]). By definition, the right ascension – declination of the vernal equinox is (0h, 0º).
– Zeilik, M. & E. v. P. Smith. (1987). Introductory Astronomy & Astrophysics.
“The Sun is at its lowest path in the sky on the Winter Solstice. After that day the Sun follows a higher and higher path through the sky each day until it is in the sky for exactly 12 hours. On the Spring Equinox the Sun rises exactly in the east travels through the sky for 12 hours and sets exactly in the west. On the Equinox this is the motion of the Sun through the sky for everyone on earth. Every place on earth experiences a 12 hours day twice a year on the Spring and Fall Equinox.
After the Spring Equinox, the Sun still continues to follow a higher and higher path through the sky, with the days growing longer and longer, until it reaches it highest point in the sky on the Summer Solstice.” From solar physics
Autumn Equinox News
And while the Sun is lying directly above the Equator today, it has risen at the South Pole for the first time in six months!
LEAVES CHANGE COLOR
The official start of fall is the autumnal equinox, which occurs on September 23, 2007 at 5:51 am EST. This is when the sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night essentially the same length.
When leaves appear green, it is because they contain an abundance of chlorophyll. There is so much chlorophyll in an active leaf that the green masks other pigment colors. Light regulates chlorophyll production, so as autumn days grow shorter, less chlorophyll is produced. The decomposition rate of chlorophyll remains constant, so the green color starts to fade from leaves. At the same time, surging sugar concentrations cause increased production of anthocyanin pigments.
Temperature affects the rate of chemical reactions, including those in leaves, so it plays a part in leaf color. However, it’s mainly light levels that are responsible for fall foliage colors. Sunny autumn days are needed for the brightest color displays, since anthocyanins require light. Overcast days will lead to more yellows and browns. from topix.com: why leaves change color in the fall
The beginning of the autumn season officially commences in September with the Autumn Equinox. As the sun enters the astrological sign of Libra, the hours of dayand darkness are equal to one another, just like the balanced scales of Libra itself. From this point of the year, with each passing day, the daylight hours become noticeably shorter and the weather starts to cool. Autumn is a season of shadows and a time of wanlight, but it is also a season of abundance, thanksgiving, and harvest.
Ancient people realized the importance of the sun to life on earth. In the time after the equinox, the sun appears to be growing weaker, losing its battle against the darkness. To help the sun regain its former strength, people held harvest festivals of light featuring torches and bonfires as an act of sympathetic magick to encourage the sun to return.
Autumn has always been our colorful season of reward. As the sun began to decline and its yearly job was finished, the people gratefully gathered in the field crops. The grains from the fields, the fruit from the orchards, and the vegetables from the garden were harto be safely stored away for winter. Everyone in the community was involved in the harvest, as folks needed to make sure they could gather in their crops before they spoiled or were ruined by inclement weather.
At the end of the harvesting, the people were worn-out but happy and looked forward to a celebration. No matter where on earth the harvest is celebrated, from mid-August throughout the month of September, there is a basic and profound magick in the hearts of all people as they gather around with friends and family to feast and to celebrate the abundance of the earth.
Autumn Equinox or Mabon?
A Harvest Festival No Matter How You Look At It
The word equinox actually comes from the Latin word aequinoctium, which means “equal night.” September, the seventh month of the Roman calendar, is taken from the Latin word “seven,” septem. In Gaelic the month is identified as An Sultuine, the month of plenty. In Welsh it’s called Medi, the month of reaping. The Anglo-Saxons called this month Gerst moanth, the barley month. Barley was thought to be the first grain grown in Britain.
The majority of magickal traditions do celebrate this second harvest festival of the year as one of the fruits and the late grains. All around us signs are everywhere in nature, hintof the shortening days and cooler nights to come. The leaves are beginning to turn and the birds are beginning to migrate south. Apples and many varieties of squash are ripe and ready to be harvested, and the grapes that were harvested just a few weeks before, in late August-early September, begin to be processed into wine.
Various Harvest Goddess Mythologies
Throughout the world, in many mythologies, a goddess of the grain, the harvest, and the good earth was venerated at the Autumn Equinox. This is not surprising, as the Earth itself is seen as a fertile mother, or Gaia. From this matriarch all life was born. She is a great mother goddess who was known by many names throughout time and in numerous cultures. Some of these names include Astarte and Ishtar (to the Sumerians), Isis in Egypt, Demeter in Greece, and Ceres in Rome. To the indigenous people of the Americas she was known as Old Woman Who Never Dies and the Mother of Maize.
The harvest mother, Demeter, was a Greek goddess of grain and the fertile earth. Her characteristic of being the “spirit of the grain” is well-known in many cultures as Mother Earth’s child. This child was represented by the seeds that fell from the mother plant, which would then be planted for the following year. Demeter would be visualized as the ripe crop of this year while her daughter, Persephone, would be the seed taken from it to be sown the following spring.
The spirit of these future crops could be seen as a daughter, a maiden (such as Perseor as a divine child. In Russia the child was simply called the Corn Baby. In Egypt the spirit of the grain was the goddess’s son, Horus. The Aztecs called the harvest goddess Chicomecoatl, while a goddess named Xilonen was Goddess of the New Corn. Her son was symbolized by the seeds and called the Spirit of the Corn. The Cherokees called the harvest child the Green Corn Girl.
N
ow is the time to prepare for the darker half of the year. A good time to finish our projects before Winter arrives. It is the half time where night and days are equal. Time for balance! Preparation time of new direction.
Blessed be this season of Mabon, time of the second harvest, the harvest of fruit and wine.
Tonight all things are in balance: Goddess and God, Life and Death, Light and Dark.
Tonight the darkness will conquer the light, leading us deeper into the waning year. [
Blessed Mabon
East
i
n Japan, September 23 is a national holiday, marked as Autumnal Equinox Day or Shubun-no-hi. Today the Japanese not just mark the changing of seasons, but also pay their respects to their ancestors.
SHUBUN NO HI/ HIGAN NO CHU-NICHI
The Japanese have traditionally called the period around the autumnal and vernal (springtime) equinoxes higan. Higan lasts for seven days – beginning three days prior to the equinox and ending three days after it. It occurs twice a year, once when the blustery winter temperatures give way to spring and again when the heat subsides and the cool, crisp air of autumn arrives.
The Japanese have a saying “Atsusa samusa mo Higan made” (“Heat and cold last until Higan”)
Higan has Buddhist origins. It means the “other side of the river of death.” This side of the river is the world where we live, and the other side is the realm where the souls of those who have passed away dwell. To pray for the repose of deceased ancestors, visits are made to the family grave.
Kati Bihu / Kangali Bihu
Tulsi PujaKati Bihu is also called Kangali Bihu (Poor Bihu). It is held on the last day of Aswin coinciding with the autumnal equinox. The Kati Bihu marks the completion of sowing and transplanting of paddies. At this time, paddy seedlings begin to grow. There is not much to eat at this time of the year. Accordingly the day is named Kahttp://www.indianetzone.com/1/bihu.htmngali Bihu. In the evenings, offerings are made to the `Tulsi` (Basil) plant in the courtyard. Little earthen lamps (`Diyas`) are lighted at the base of the Tulsi plant, for a whole month. Puja`s are offered to God for improved yield of crops.
The significance of this Bihu is more in the villages, where farmers go to their respective fields and light “Akash-Banti” or `sky-lamp` hanging from a tall bamboo, to ward off pests and other insects. Although, Bihu is observed in all parts of Assam, in Goalpara and Kamrup districts of lower Assam and in Darrang district of centt is also called Domahi here), it is not attended with dancing as in upper Assam.
The Kati or Kangali bihu is known as ‘poor’ bihu and held in the month coinciding with the autumnal equinox. The main function associated with this bihu is the worship of the sacred tulsi (basil) plant at the root of which earthen oil lamps are placed. For a whole month lamps are lighted at the foot of the tulsi plant. People pray for a better harvest for the coming year. http://www.explorenortheastindia.com/assam.htm
During this time of the year, the paddy in the fields are in the growing stage and the granaries of the farmers are almost empty. Thus it can be also referred as the empty bihu. The people fast during the day and in the evening offer prayers to the Tulsi plant and also in the paddy fields by lighting a diya (earthen lamp), with the hope that there is a good harvest and also to ward off any evil eyes. There is also exchange of sweets and greetings at this time.
both in Egypt and India, the Festival of Dewali is observed: Festival of Lamps
West
Equinox at Chitzen Itza
“Here’s How It Works:
Fall Equinox Shadows
At the precise time of the spring and fall equinox, the sun casts its rays on the balustrade, in turn highlighting a feathered serpent that seems to be moving or slithering its way down the steps. How the Maya managed to concentrate its energies in building a monument of incomprehensible scale to highlight the time of year when the hours of daylight and darkness are equal is extraordinary.
El Castillo stands as testimony to the Maya’s superiority as builders and mathematicians. The surfaces are massive, detailed, and sharp. The sophisticated Mayan calendar is incorporated in the architecture of this structure. For example, the number of steps on each of the four sides is 91, adding up to 364, which together with the top platform equals the number of days in a year. On the days of spring and fall equinox, the edge of the shadow from the sun, falls exactly on the corner of the pyramid, leaving one side in total sunlight and the other in total shadow. This always provides the shadow on the balustrade which takes on the appearance of slithering snake.
From mexicolesstravelled.com
On September 22 you can witness the incredible accuracy of Mayan astronomy as it was integrated into architecture.
The Mayans planned their lives around the sun; their daily lives centered on the sowing and harvesting of their crops, especially corn. At the fall equinox they harvested the crops while the spring equinox (March 21) was their signal to plant the crops. The Mayan built complex structures using advanced geometry and astronomy to map the cycles of the sun.
The equinox phenomenon can actually be viewed in Chichen Itza on the El Castillo pyramid for up to four days, so if it is raining or cloudy or you just can’t get there, it is visible from the 20th – 24th. During the equinox the sun casts its rays on the pyramid, forming seven isosceles triangles that resemble the body of a serpent 37 yards long slithering downwards until it joins the huge serpent’s head carved in stone at the bottom of the stairway. It is said this snake is trying to make its way to the Sacred Cenote well of sacrifice which is in a straight line from the pyramid.
At the Mayan site of Dzibilchaltun, September 22 at 5 AM is the official day and exact time of the fall equinox when the sun sends its beams through the two windows of the Temple of the Seven Dolls providing a lovely spectacle of Mayan exactitude.
Dzibilchaltun is located 20 km north of Merida and while it doesn’t have the giant pyramids of Chichen Itza and Uxmal, it does have its own special claims to fame such as its museum of the village, Museo del Pueblo, the refreshing cenote where you can take a swim and the Franciscan chapel that blends in with the ruins.
During the fall equinox, you must get there early if you want to see the Equinox at Dzibilchaltun – it is at 5 AM. In Chichen Itza the equinox is at sunset, so you can actually see both in one day. In Dzibilchaltun, it can only be seen on the exact day – September 22 at sunrise.
During sunrise and sunset on the Autumn equinox in Mexico (22 September), the Mayan pyramid at Chicen Itza casts a large shadow in the shape of feathered serpent god Kukulkan onto the North staircase, as rays from the sun play upon the edges of the pyramid’s elaborate terraces.
The greatest standing monument of the Mayan civilisation, Chichen Itza also displays the advanced intelligence of the Mayans, who built the Temple of Kukulkan to mark the solstices and equinoxes in a truly unique way that must be seen to be truly appreciated.
Beyond the light and shadow works, the 90 foot high pyramid at Chichen Itza is also a repository of information on one of the most interesting civilizations in South America.
Today, Chichen Itza is a historical site of great importance, and the Mexican pyramid was recently voted by people around the globe as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Mike Nelson’s Colorado– Cave Markings Seen Only On Spring, Fall Equinox
Cave Lights Up To Reveal Rare Markings On Spring, Fall Equinox
Deb Stanley, 7NEWS Producer, Avid Hiker and Colorado Junkie
POSTED: 7:46 pm MDT March 20, 2007
UPDATED: 12:01 pm MDT August 8, 2007
The spring Equinox was marked by something unique in far Southeastern Colorado on a foggy March morning.
Markings inside a cave lit up at sunrise for a short time. It is believed the markings were carved into the rock face more than 1,000 years ago. They were discovered in 1976.
There are three panels and they only light up for eight to 12 minutes two days a year — the spring and fall equinoxes.
The cave is in Picture Canyon on the Colorado/Oklahoma border in the Comanche National Grasslands. There is a natural separation in the sandstone that formed a cave known as Crack Cave.
Although it’s a mystery exactly how these markings were placed here, it is certain that these inscriptions, in conjunction with the rays of the sun striking them, precisely mark the equinox.
The cave is locked to prevent vandalism. It is only opened on the equinox in the spring and fall. For more information on when the cave will be open, contact the Springfield office of the Commache National Grassland at 719-523-6591. For more information on Crack Cave, Picture Canyon, and the area, click here.
Fall equinox occurs around September 21. The sunpath is crossing the celestial equator (as it does at both equinoxes), about to enter the constellation Virgo, the Virgin, having left its late summer constellation Leo. Day and night are (as in spring) once more equal in length. From now until winter solstice, days will shorten and nights lengthen. http://www.kstrom.net/isk/stars/starkno4.html
Ancient and modern sun-in-zodiac. For those curious about the effects of time on the ancient science of astrology, which (thousands of years ago) was also astronomy. As usual, the heavy dashed line represents the plane of the ecliptic.
I have previously shown how the precession of the equinoxes, the 26,000-year cycle through which the earth’s polar axis sweeps a double-cone in the sky, changes the sun’s apparent path through the stars as the earth’s rotational axis changes orientations over long periods of time. The astrological constellations of the zodiac, and their relation to the sun’s path over a year were known more than 2,000 years ago (about the time the Lakota star-determined ceremonial times must have been established). This chart shows the time relationship of the old constellation-positions (which are still used as astrological birth-signs) to the present-day ones. My “sign”(according to those newspaper horoscopes) is Taurus. But in reality, on my birthdate, the sun was just entering the Pleides (not an astrological constellation).
So all those birth-date horoscopes are a month off. If you’re a fan of those little newspaper horoscopes, maybe you should try reading the one given for the month after your birth! But . . . it’s not exactly even months. Because star time differs slightly from sun time, the sun is “fast” for most of April, May, and about half of June; and again most of September, October, November, and most of December; the other months (and parts) it’s slow.
Because of this effect, the days on which the length of day and night are exactly equal, called the equilux, occur a few days before the spring equinox and a few days after the autumn equinox. This date will vary depending on where on Earth you are, and indeed equiluxes do not occur at all close to the equator, whereas the equinox is a fixed instant in time.
Twilight
But the story doesn’t end there. Even on the days of equilux, the sky will have been bright for some time before the first rays of the Sun hit you, and will remain bright for some time after the last rays disappear from view. This time of day is called twilight, starting at dawn and ending at dusk.
Rephan : Saturn; Sani; associated with Geb, Muruga; Hanuman; Saturday bringer of stability and prosperity, boundaries, limitations, rules, laws, restrictions, limits, negative influence, endurance, discipline, denial, cruelty, . It defines deeper feelings; symbolizes death/transformation and also sex. Karma. from the cosmic path “Saturn in your birth chart reveals the place where you must learn to be more mature in your approach, it points to where your fears are, where you tend to repeat mistakes, and therefore feel inadequate, or handicapped. Saturn can be the voice of your conscience, the remnants of a parent who restricted you or limited you in early childhood. The planet is known as The Great Teacher, Fate or Karma, and Father Time, because it puts you through repetitive cycles that turn out to be lessons in becoming responsible for yourself. Saturn functions on the social level of our experience (along with Jupiter), and it represents the place where you feel social stigma, less than adequate with regard to others, where you feel judged by others, or afraid to assert yourself for fear of social rapprochement. Eventually, Saturn bestows personal authority in those areas where you feel most limited, because the discomfort causes you to learn how to deal with the issues that repress you and hold you back.”
RA : Sun; Surya; associated with Siva; Sunday Power, light, courage, creativity, leadership, rebirth, the whole of things. from the cosmic path Shows the individual STYLE with which we express the cosmic forces.. Depending on the way you utilize the vital power the Sun offers you, the personal vibration of your individuality will emerge over the years and shine forth throughout the course of your lifetime.
Sesheta : Moon; Chandra; associated with Yemaya, Aset/Isis; Monday
Sesheta
According to Vasilis Kanatas inAstrology of the 13 Signs, “The location of the Moon along the ecliptic is independent of our geographical location at birth. The Moon on the ecliptic at birth is instead seen as the indicator of one’s personality. Just as the Moon stabilizes the Earth’s orbit, so is our character regulated by it. The moon represents our ego, our character. Intuition. It defines our relationships in life, our constitution, our finances, and our relationships with siblings and family.” pg. 87. Sounds like Positive Aspects of Set…..It is a symbol of our primal needs for attachment, bonding and nurturing.It is our knowing. Sesheta is the female scribe, master architect, engineer, mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, scientist, etc. Djehuty taught hieroglyphics to the masses. Sesheta invented and taught to Djehuty. She is the Moon Goddess.
Set, Moloch, Typhon: Mars; Mangala; associated with Sekhmet, Shango. Muruga; Tuesday Conflict, disaster, war, hatred, force, direction, strength, aggression, determination, action, self-preservation, energy, power, might. It defines our limitations and our enemies. Set is the Neteru of egoism and selfishness
Djehuty, Tehuti: Mercury: Buddha; associated with Thoth, Hermes, Vishnu, Jiyoti; Wednesday Communication, The Messenger, Travel, Information, Intelligence. Education, Wisdom. Love of Teaching AND Learning. The fastest moving planet. Trickster. from the cosmic path “It is a planet that helps to form your individual personality. It describes the way you focus your mind, what stimulates you to learn and what you like to learn about.”
Pi-Cheus : Jupiter; Guru; associated with Amun, Siva; Thursday A beneficial influence, peacemaker; Witnessing Consciousness, governance of emotions, optimism, good fortune, faith, philosophy, hope, vision, expansion, travel, abundance, plenty. It defines the home, family, and children. the cosmic path Jupiter is known as the Greater Benefic, and its placement in your chart reveals the area of your life where you are most fortunate, where opportunity to explore Life at the educational, religious, cultural and spiritual levels exists. Where Jupiter is there is abundance, growth and plenty of Wisdom available. Jupiter’s focus is social, in that its energies are absorbed through our understanding of our relevance to others, (or of others to our Selves), and this awareness produces a “Truth” that becomes essential to us and guides us throughout our lives.
Het Heru: Venus; Lakshmi; associated with Lakshmi, Oshun: Friday Beauty, balance, sex, love, passion. Divine feminine. Sociability, Wealth, abundance. Opulence. Fertility, peace, reconciliation. Integrity. Power of the Life Force Energy. Knowing when to go into battle, and knowing when to pull back.
Heru: Uranus was discovered by William Herschel in 1721. Revolution, evolution, intuition, transformation. liberation. New Order. It determines friends…. the cosmic path “Uranus is the first planet that connects us with our own Higher Consciousness, and an awareness of its presence in our lives produces the will to step onto the cosmic path. Uranus brings flashes of intuitive foresight, all kinds of psychic awareness, and there is always an element of the future, lying dormant where Uranus is in your chart.” The Redeemer.
Nebt Het: Neptune, Nepthys. Neptune is an ice giant. It has an intense magnetic field that is tilted 50 degrees to rotational field. It was discovered in 1821. Imagination, ecstasy, romance. it determines health,work, and career. Open to alternative healing modalities and modern day inventions. the cosmic path “Neptune in your birth chart reveals where you tend to be the most idealistic and romantic about your life. Where Neptune is there is a certain level of cloudiness and confusion that eventually leads to crystal clear understanding and Enlightenment.” Universal Oneness, Bliss, visionary, meditation ; fog, confusion, cloudiness, escapism of all kinds, sleep, illusion, delusion, deception.
Asar; Pluto. Death and Transformation. the ruler of deep, core-level transformation the cosmic path Pluto in your birth chart reveals the place where you have access to your personal power. Pluto’s presence often generates the need to engage in power plays and manipulation, because of the intense desire to dominate that it produces. Pluto is another force that is more connected to the Universe than to your personal drive, and so it often causes you to have to let go and surrender to its power in order to experience your own. Rebirth through Loss, Grieving and Metamorphosis. Face the future you have created through the past.
Sedna: represents overcoming Trauma and betrayal through self love and forgiveness. Helps us across difficult waters and through trying times…be careful what you wish for” syndrome; selfishness and greed hurt everyone; When we’re forced to let go of something we feel victimized, powerless, and that life is unfair, which it is.
http://darkstarastrology.com/sedna/ “The lesson here is not to accept being the victim, to turn the situation round and turn an extreme negative into an extreme positive. “
“Sedna’s myth may exemplify a female who does not want to commit in marriage, participate with men, or even be here on Earth, due to her fear of being hurt–an unresolved issue or molding from her unfortunate past, one that only perpetuates a life of loneliness. “ [Lunar Planner]
Mike Brown of Caltech commented on the naming of Sedna “Our newly discovered object is the coldest most distant place known in the solar system, so we feel it is appropriate to name it in honor of Sedna, the Inuit goddess of the sea, who is thought to live at the bottom of the frigid arctic ocean.”
“The encounter with what has been lost, drowned out, or frozen long ago… In other words, our own ‘Ice Age’: the wounds in the soul caused by the impatience, condemnation, dismissal or anger of the father; the living hell of unresolved outrage; the violence of hardship where we cut off from what is desperate and vulnerable in ourselves or others in order to survive. “ [Melanie Reinhart, in her article “The Goddess of the Frozen Waters.”]
“Sedna swims into your life to tell you to stop being a victim. The way to wholeness is to recognize how you’ve been caught up in and are living the victim archetype, then to change the pattern by empowering yourself. Are you fond of saying, “Why is this happening to me?” Don’t get stuck in the “why”. … Sedna says we have all been victimized by something, by patriarchal institutions, discrimination based on race, gender, sexual preference, religion, or color. She encourages you to claim your power “ [Lynn Koiner]
“The goddess Sedna teaches us that we must delve into the dark, cold places that we fear most if we are to find the riches that rest there. Sedna reminds us that, in spite of all our infirmities and our foolish mistakes, we are still worthy of love and respect and have every right to expect, and even demand, that others treat us well” [Goddess Gift]
Sedna takes approximately one hundred years to travel through thirty degrees of the zodiac. (i.e. one zodiac sign)so like the three transcendental plants (Pluto, Uranus and Neptune) her effects will be felt most strongly by humanity as a whole – unless there are any strong contacts in the natal chart. Transiting planets in our charts will also activate Sednas influences though, opening our awareness of the unknown and the vastness of the universe. The role of Sedna seems to be to move humanity to the next level of cosmic awareness.
From 1865 through till 1966 Sedna travelled through Aries. This hundred year period saw the emancipation of women around the world, beginning with the forming of the suffragist movement and ending with the bra burning women’s libbers of the sixties. This seems an appropriate illustration of the collective influence that Sedna has. (Remember as a goddess in the myth, she cared for her people as a collective)
In 1966 Sedna gradually made her way into Taurus, where she remains today. So what can Sedna in Taurus hold for the collective influence of humanity? Taurus governs things that we value, to my thinking it is likely that our values will change and become increasingly orientated towards spiritual considerations during the next hundred years.
The Goddesses: Asteroids
The first Asteroid, Aset/Ceres, was discovered in 1801, and herald in the rise of the Divine feminine Consciousness. Now there was more space for the feminine celestial archetypes, to balance out the preponderance of male archetypes. The first hundred were named after Goddesses, and there seems to be no end in sight…. learn more at neptunecafe
The asteroids were all named after the female family of Jupiter. Ceres his sister, Juno his wife, Pallas Athena his daughter and Vesta another sister. Much of the feminine is left out of astrology aside from Venus and the Moon. The asteroids help add the feminine back into the astrological chart.
Aset/ Ceres
Ceres was the first to be discovered in the asteroid belt. It has since been reclassified as a dwarf planet, which would make Ceres at least as important as Pluto in the astrological chart since they are both dwarf planets.
Ceres was the sister of Zeus (Jupiter). She is the quintessential Earth Mother, and rules over food, cooking and nutrition. Wherever she appears in your chart, she shows how best you feel nurtured. This is also the area where you can easily provide love and comfort.
Your Ceres Sign influences mothering, hard work, parenting, and gardening as well. It will show how well we go with the flow… the universal one, that is. This is the unification of both giving and receiving through ourselves as an exchange of energy. Ceres is associated with fertility, the uterus and stomach. On her negative side, she influences grief, work problems, eating disorders, custody issues and kidnapping. She may influence low self esteem, fear of abundance, feelings of abandonment or unworthiness, over-attachment, possessiveness, parent-child complexes and barrenness.
Maat/ Pallas Athena
Pallas Athena was the second asteroid discovered. Named after Jupiter’s daughter, Pallas Athena is intelligent and cerebral. She is the weaver of patterns, linking ideas together. She is strategic command in both the warrior and the peaceful general.
Cities are her domain. She has an interconnection with Libra because of her focus on ideas. Like Libra, she can see both sides. She is not blind justice… she is only just. She is creative and artistic. She is a survivor. She expects everyone to claim their personal power.
Where her influence falls is where you will find talents in the following areas. Jupiter’s daughter carries influence over many things, such as the immune system, the arts, the father/daughter relationship, intuition, justice, wisdom, defense, horses and the kidneys.
With her spotlight on daddy’s little girl, Pallas Athena will help determine how you interpret your relationship with your father, and in turn how you treat all males in general. On her negative side, Pallas Athena touches on conflict, legal battles, injustice and illnesses due to a weakened immune system.
Juno
Juno was the third asteroid to be discovered. Juno is the wife of Jupiter. She has some similarities to Venus, but while Venus sparks that initial attraction, Juno makes the commitment. She sings of soul mates. As she moves through the sky, the face of relationships change, but she still stands for commitment of one kind or another.
Where you find Juno in your chart is where you may meet someone that you will remain with for a long relationship. She covers marriage, fashion and beauty. She is the patron of relationships and true love. Diplomacy is part of her sphere.
She has influence with the weather, flowers, fairness and female genitalia. She also dealt with many of Jupiter’s infidelities, and thus has influence over the negative issues of spouse abuse, powerlessness, women’s rights (both positive and negative), rage, inferiority complexes and unfairness. She may also affect issues of denial, betrayal, inequality and of course bitterness.
Vesta
Vesta is the second largest asteroid in our solar system and the fourth to be discovered. Vesta is a sister of Jupiter, the virgin goddess. Vesta is the keeper of the hearth. She is focus and dedication. She is mental clarity and self-respect.
Vesta brings out your purest potential and Essence into being. Vesta is organized and perfect. She has a talent for breaking things down into its components. She rules the metabolism and the upper intestine. She carries influence over locks and keys, sisters, security, investments, insurance, and inheritance. She is the epitome of the home and family, ritual, chastity and sexuality, and devotion.
Her negative aspects include insecurity, lack of focus, promiscuity, segregation, secret societies and family troubles. There may be a fear of sex or intimacy, as well as an invalidation of self. Denial can be a big aspect when she is negative.
Chiron: The Wounded Healer. Closely associated with Ophiuchus, as this was his student. from http://www.cafeastrology.com/chiron.html “is a comet with a unique and erratic orbit. In the natal chart, Chiron is symbolized by the “wounded healer”. It represents our deepest wound, and our efforts to heal the wound. Chiron was named after the centaur in Greek mythology who was a healer and teacher who, ironically, could not heal himself.
Chiron in our natal charts points to where we have healing powers as the result of our own deep spiritual wounds. We may over-compensate in these areas of life. Chiron, as a wounded healer, first must face issues of low self-worth and feelings of inadequacy and learn to rise above these issues. Because the wound goes deep, and we may work hard to overcome the wound, healing powers are potent.“ http://www.alwaysastrology.com/asteroids.html
Chiron deals with all aspects of health and disease and how they affect our spiritual path.
Chiron in our charts shows where we are on a quest for healing and wholeness. As we follow that quest, we find how we can serve particular others in their own quest for well-being. M. Kelley Hunter
Chiron was wounded himself, and despite his great skills, he never healed. He symbolizes everyone who finds their strength through their suffering. Everyone gets wounded in some manner. Whatever our wounds are, Chiron influences us to overcome our condition and go on. Like Chiron, we may find that in healing others we gain some insight and salvation even though we are unable to fully heal ourselves.
Chiron has an unusual orbit, rather like Pluto. Many astrologers think of Chiron as a “mediator” between Uranus and Saturn. Chiron gives wisdom and patience as well as mastery over the darkness of our souls. Our wounds are gifts when looked at from a different angle. They give us character, lessons in life and perseverance. Chiron teaches us these things whether we are ready to learn them or not. Chiron is the Key…..
CONSTELLATIONS ALONG THE ECLIPTIC: THE ZODIAC
Pi-cot Sahu/Orion (Pisces); March 12 to April 19 The company of fish of Him (Sahu/Asar/Orion) that cometh, wayfaring man The beginning. Self-expression, worry, dynamism, impatience, initiative, courage, aggression, impulsiveness, passion, selfishness, leadership, tendencies, self-obsession, self-preservation, confusion,and escape. Can be sensitive and/or emotional at times.
Tamet Ammon (Aries); 19 April to 14 May Established Dominion Stability. Strength, materialism, productiveness, a practical mind, security, sensuality, stubbornness, possessiveness, routine, and patience.
from True Nature of Aries:
“Sidereal Aries is stubborn, fiery, independent and bossy sign. Sidereal Aries (Tamet Ammon) is always doing something. It is the most active sign in zodiac. It is strange that tropical Taureans accept their “sign”, although they are anything but lazy or passive. They are always acting for something in their life. Everybody can notice that. Since sidereal Aries belongs to fire signs, its meaning is linked to WILL. If Aries wants something, Aries will also gain it.”
from www.westernsiderealastro.com/ “Being born in Sidereal Aries (Tamet Ammon) you are an essentially positive restless and idealistic character. Always ready to move on to the next thing you display a degree of energy and drive that fills your life with considerable excitement. Your super abundant energy is the envy of your friends and enemies alike.”
Apis (Taurus) The Bull; 14 May to 22 June
Adaptability; associated with Ptah.
Communication, duality, diplomacy, eloquence, curiosity, socializing, intellect, duplicity, multifacetedness, worry, symmetry, stubbornness, the desire to have a good time, and sluggishness. Creating and establishing Value.
Pi Mahi (Gemini) The Divine Lovers United; 22 June to 21 July
Represents Chiron, the teacher of Ophiuchus in Greek tradition. Also connected to Jupiter.
In celestial charts of Middle Ages, Pi Maere is represented as an arrow pointing at Ip (Scorpio) Responsibility, Conservatism, stability, power, authoritarianism, discipline, prudence, self-restraint, sense of duty, cohesion, pessimism, roughness, spiritual, patience, narrow-mindedness, idealism. Wise Elder or Mentor.
Answering Higher Calling,
from the siderealist.com
“The struggle for a Sagittarius is never over, however, they are tireless workers and fighters for truth—even if it hurts.” Inspiration and Optimism.
Hupeneius (Capricorn); 20 January to 16 February
Idealism
Altruism, detachment, coldness, revolution, reformation, justification, eccentricity, idealism, fraternity, objectivity, progressiveness, science, and unpredictability. The Place of Sacrifice.
Ku-ur-ku and Ramman; Hupei Sahu/Asar/Orion (Storm God; Aquarius); 16 February to 12 March Place or Chamber of Him (Sahu/Asar/Orion) coming down as rain; When the Ra was in Ku Ur Ku, the flooding of the Nile reached its highest point. The Great Awakener.
In approximately 600 years, the point on the ecliptic will be beyond the boundaries of this constellation, At this moment, will begin the TRUE dawning of the Age of Aquarius….
Star Beta Aquarii, Sadalsuud, ’The Luck of Lucks” is the luckiest star in the sky…..
Imagination. “the sign of Divine Love, where Love is experienced as unconditional and endlessly abundant. Here you learn to access this higher Love and direct it toward your Self, the way Source does. This aspect of your consciousness, then, is about recognizing self-destructive habits and liberating yourself from them.”http://www.thecosmicpath.com/cosmic-101/signs/aquarius/
Compassion, expressiveness, mysticism, day-dreaming, hesitation, and receptiveness.
the cosmic path 
Chiron deals with all aspects of health and disease and how they affect our spiritual path.
Light Being Wellness Center 