Fall Equinox and a 'New Year' (September 22, 2008) Autumnal Equinox, when the Sun at 0 degrees Libra, crosses over the earth's equator on its way south and day is almost the same length as night. Besides being a time of  adoration for nature's many beautiful expressions, it is also an opportunity to focus inwardly upon the many beautiful expressions of the 'self''. It is a time to withdraw in order to reflect, to plant seeds that will germinate over the winter months and sprout quickly with the warm sunshine of Spring. On this year's Equinox the planets are aligned to put us in a place where we may contemplate the balance we maintain in our individual environments and the balance that humanity creates on this planet that supports us. Through fall and winter we have time to consider what it is we want in terms of personal harmony, embracing ALL aspects of the self lovingly, and as the days lengthen to then apply this to every day life, to put into action those plans you have designed through this balsamic phase of nature. Balsamic is a term used to describe the phase of the Moon as it approaches conjunction with the sun, the New Moon. It is the darkest part of the Lunar cycle. On a monthly basis we have an opportunity to go within and examine the contents of our own subconscious and unconscious mind. And depending upon the sign the moon is in, you can tailor your objectives to utilize the characteristics that apply to this sign. For example, the next New Moon is on September 29th in Libra, the scales, so this would be a perfect time to consider how you relate to yourself and others. Libra is about relationship which is ultimately always about the self. When we are in relationship we have an opportunity to see more of who we are reflected to us through the other person. A simple exercise to promote balance within the self and to cultivate inner wisdom Stand with feet a foot or so apart. Feel yourself connect firmly with the ground beneath you. Breathe deeply into the belly at a point just below the navel. Continue to breathe in a relaxed manner. Allow yourself to experience the rhythmic flow of the breathe on its journey through your body. Now, be aware of your energy as it descends the left side of your body as you exhale and ascends the right side as you inhale. When the energy reaches the top of the head make a conscious desire for it to loop around the pineal gland which lies approximately at the center of your brain. The pineal gland is associated with inner wisdom and the third eye chakra. Esoteric schools knew this gland as the link between the physical and spiritual dimensions. Allow this circulation of energy to continue for several moments. It should be an easy process. If at any time the energy gets 'stuck' breathe through whatever block might be present. Be gentle and patient. At the end of the exercise if you have a desire, you may return to that spot and enquire as to its nature. After the exercise is complete, remain still to observe the effects.