The Fall Equinox: A Time to Reflect, Unite, and Share

Exploring Balance, Harvest, and Change through Classical Chinese Medicine

As we approach the 2024 Fall Equinox, the sense of societal change and the themes of unity, collaboration, and sharing feel more significant than ever. Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) offers rich guidance on navigating these shifts, teaching that the equinox is more than a moment of equal light and dark—it’s a profound symbol of balance, a harmonious dance between yin and yang. Falling between the key seasonal phases of Harvest and Fall, the equinox offers a powerful lesson on moving forward together, grounded in community and shared purpose.

Understanding the Five Elements: Harvest and Fall

In the Five Elements model of Classical Chinese Medicine—which includes Five Seasons and Five Spirits—Harvest represents Late Summer, or the Earth Season. This phase, acting as a transition between Summer (the Fire element) and Fall (the Metal element), smooths the seasonal shift, helping both body and mind to adjust. It embodies a time of balance, drawing from Earth’s nurturing and gathering qualities that support and sustain the other phases.

At the heart of this cycle, the Fall Equinox exists at the junction of Earth (Late Summer) and Metal (Autumn). This balance can teach us much about how to move forward mindfully, adapting as the seasons change. To learn more on the Five Elements, see our article Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements.

Straddling Harvest and Fall: A Time to Share and Unite

In the Five Elements theory, Late Summer, governed by the Earth element, symbolizes nourishment, community, and gathering.

As the heat of summer fades, the energy of Earth invites us to gather, share the fruits of our labor, and ground ourselves in connection and support. This phase also governs the Spleen and Stomach, which are responsible for digesting not only food but also thoughts. These organs help us process, transform, and achieve mental clarity as we transition into Fall.

The Metal Element and the Power of Letting Go

Fall, governed by the Metal element, is about reflection and refinement. It is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine, which manage respiration and elimination. Just as trees shed their leaves, Metal teaches us to release what is no longer needed—both physically and emotionally. This element embodies boundaries, integrity, and discernment, qualities essential to refining what we allow into our lives.

The Po: The Spirit of Metal

Aligned with Metal is the Po, or Corporeal Soul. The Po connects us to our physical survival instincts and is deeply linked to the rhythms of breath and bodily sensation. Grounding us in the present, it reminds us of life’s impermanence. As we move into Fall, the Po encourages acceptance of change and loss as part of the natural flow. The balance between Harvest and Fall shows us that life is a continuous cycle of gathering and releasing, and that in unity, we find resilience to face these shifts.

The Importance of Self-Care in Autumn

In Classical Chinese Medicine, Metal’s organs (Lungs and Large Intestine) are closely tied to the skin, our largest boundary organ. The skin reflects the Lung’s role in protection and regulation, which is why we’re more vulnerable to external elements—like wind and dryness—during autumn. This highlights the importance of self-care, both physically (through nourishing food and protective clothing) and emotionally (by setting healthy boundaries).

Lessons for Today: Balance and Community

As we navigate a time of change, the Fall Equinox imparts several meaningful lessons:

1. Generosity through Sharing and Reciprocity

Late Summer is a time to gather the harvest, but this is not a solitary task. Earth’s energy reminds us that true abundance comes through sharing. Today, this idea is more relevant than ever—we’re being called to embrace interdependence and shared responsibility.

2. Balancing Reflection and Action

Situated between Late Summer and Fall, the equinox encourages us to enjoy the fruits of our labor while also preparing for what lies ahead. Reflection is essential, but so is action. The Lungs, governed by Metal, encourage deep breaths, clarity, and purposeful steps forward. Similarly, the Large Intestine teaches us to retain what nourishes us and release what doesn’t.

3. Uniting Through Change

Fall teaches us that change is inevitable, and to embrace it, we must release what no longer serves. However, this process doesn’t have to create division—rather, it offers a chance for unity. By coming together, we can discern what is best for the collective good. The Po, Metal’s guiding spirit, helps us remain grounded in the present, trusting life’s natural cycles.

Balancing the Po and Hun: Present and Future

In CCM, the Po is linked to the Hun, or Ethereal Soul, associated with the Wood element and Spring. The Hun gives vision and hope for the future, while the Po grounds us in the present. As we pass through the equinox, we can draw strength from both spirits: the Hun for a sense of direction and purpose, and the Po for remaining centered in the now.

Embracing the Energy of the Equinox

During this transformative period, the Fall Equinox encourages us to honor both our past achievements and the journey ahead. It’s a time for reflection on the value of community, unity, and mutual respect. Just as nature shifts from Earth’s nurturing harvest to Metal’s crisp refinement, we too are called to cherish our relationships while pursuing growth.

Finding Harmony in Balance

As we settle into Fall, the season invites us to appreciate both gathering (like in harvest) and releasing (as in fall). The Fall Equinox isn’t just a seasonal shift; it’s a reminder to reconnect with ourselves and each other as we prepare for the next phase in our shared journey.

A Call for Unity and Balance

By aligning with the natural cycles and wisdom of the Five Phases, we deepen our understanding of how to nourish, reflect, and release. The equinox underscores that balance is not a static point but a dynamic movement between opposites. We are invited to find harmony within ourselves and our communities—through sharing, unity, and discernment, we can create a world that thrives on mutual respect and collective well-being.