Autumn Equinox Morning Observance
Watch the Sunrise Alignment Enlighten the Heart Stone
Autumn Equinox is an astronomically significant solar event. It occurs when the sun is midpoint in its journey from Summer Solstice to Winter Solstice. The sun appears to rise at due east and set at due west. It is traditionally seen as a time of balance. The light of day and the dark of night are equal. It is a harbinger of winter; a time for settling in for the season of rest, rejuvenation and root work.
At Kinstone we have a unique alignment visible only at Equinox at sunrise. Stand with us in The Three Witnesses sculpture as the sun aligns through the Equinox Window and highlights the Heart Stone. Come and see!
We will gather in the center of The Three Witnesses sculpture at Kinstone. Given fair weather and clear skies, we will watch the sun as it crests the ridge (and the corn across the road!) and beams through the Equinox Window to light up the heart of the middle standing stone, known as the “Heart Stone”. Given cloudy weather, we will not see the sunrise, but will greet it ceremoniously regardless! This will be a quiet, meditative event with a short opening rite and reading.
After our readings, if the sun is visible, participants may wish to look at the alignment through the Equinox Window, see the heart highlighted in the Heart Stone, sit in the light of the sun, take photos, and greet the sunrise. This gathering will last about 45 minutes to one hour. Actual sunrise is at 6:54am. However, with the topography specific to Kinstone and the fields and trees in our view, the time we witness it is always several minutes later.
COST: Suggested Donation of $5/person – there will be a donation box at the event; No Registration Required
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 Time: 6:30am – 7:30am (at Sunrise)
Location: The Three Witnesses Sculpture at Kinstone
Dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes, jackets, scarves, hats and gloves if chilly! Bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on, for your comfort, if you wish.
Due to COVID, if this event is rained out we will NOT be able to move this event indoors. Therefore, it will be cancelled if the weather is rainy. Watch this Kinstone website event page as well as the corresponding event page on Facebook for updates on cancellations due to weather. We will post cancellation notifications no later than 1 hour before the scheduled start time of the event.
Interesting fact: The exact time of the astronomical Autumnal Equinox is Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 8:30 am CDT.
IMPORTANT: If you wish to wander the grounds of Kinstone please plan to pay regular admission as well. Thank you.
Photo Credit: Kristine Beck
