Stonehenge Autumn Equinox 2023: What happens at Stonehenge on September 23
STONEHENGE is already a landmark in itself, but the autumn equinox attracts tourists from around the world.
Thousands of people are set to go to watch the sunrise and celebrate the occasion on September 23, 2023.
What happens at Stonehenge on September 23?
On September 23, visitors from around the world gather at Stonehenge at dawn to celebrate the autumn equinox.
Tourists and locals come together to watch the sunrise above the stones, which is quite the spectacle.
The event started as a Druid and Pagan tradition but now ordinary people flock to the landmark to come together for the special occasion.
What is the connection between Stonehenge and the equinoxes?
It is believed by some that Stonehenge was built with the guidance of astrologers as part of the astrological calendar.
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This explains why the stones perfectly line up with the autumn equinox.
It's also said that those who erected the landmark did so for people to know the best time to breed cattle as well as plant and harvest crops.
Stonehenge was carefully designed to align with the movements of the sun.
The sarsen stones and smaller bluestones, set up in the centre of the site in about 2500 BC, were arranged to meet with two particular events in the year: the sunrise at summer solstice, and the sunset at winter solstice.
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The stones also line up with the spring and autumn equinox.
The autumn equinox occurs in September each year in the northern hemisphere and marks the end of summer and the start of autumn.
It occurs when the amount of daylight and night time are equal and happens twice per year.
Throughout the year, the Earth is tilted on its axis and the sun illuminates the northern or southern hemisphere more depending on where the Earth is along its orbit.
When the sun illuminates the northern and southern hemispheres equally, this is known as an equinox.
How can you celebrate the autumn equinox in the UK?
Many people celebrate the autumn equinox by simply going to watch the sunrise, however, some may choose to carry out self care exercises to mark the occasion.
Rituals
It has been said that a burning ritual is perfect for the autumn equinox due to it signalling the new part of a year.
You can write down your thoughts and feelings on a piece of paper before burning it.
This can symbolise the start of a new beginning for you and letting go of anything that is holding you back.
Harvest dinner
To signal the change of season you may choose to have a dinner with your closest friends and family.
Gather those closest to you for an intimate dinner with the in-season fruit and vegetables.
Spending time with your loved ones on the autumn equinox can be the perfect way to start the new season.
Decluttering
You have probably heard of a spring clean but what about an autumn clean?
Living in a clean environment can mean that you also have a clear thought process.
Use the autumn equinox to clear any clutter you have to go into the season with a clear mind.
Journaling
Journaling has become more and more popular over recent years as some people enjoy getting their thoughts out onto paper.
Many find it therapeutic to be able to write down what they are thinking, allowing them to mentally unload.
Similar to the burning ritual, you can use the equinox to write down any troubling thoughts and let them go.
Earthing
If you're wanting to connect deeper with the world, then you may find earthing helps.
Step outside with bare feet in order to connect physically with the ground.
This in turn can help you absorb the Earth's energy of the changing seasons.
What time is the Autumn Equinox?
The 2023 autumn equinox will happen on Saturday, Sept 23, 2023 at 7:49 am.
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This is when the sun will cross what is called the celestial equator, which means the same amount of daylight is in the northern and southern hemisphere.
The event takes place each September, usually over a few days.