As the Earth tilts perfectly over the equator on March 20th, bringing balance between day and night, it also offers us a beautiful opportunity to reflect on our own internal balance between the sun and the moon. The word equinox, meaning equal (equi) night (nox), reminds us that we are all made up of both sun and moon energy. Just as nature finds harmony, so can we.

When we think of the Spring Equinox, we often associate it with new beginnings, budding ideas, and the return of life after the darkness of winter. And while these themes are certainly worth honoring, another equally profound aspect of this seasonal shift is energetic harmony, the delicate balance between sun and moon energy.

From this day forward, light begins to take up more space, warming the soil, urging buds to bloom, and stirring a sense of renewal in all of us. It is a time of rebirth: nature awakens from its winter slumber, and so do we. But the magic of the equinox is not only in celebrating the return of the sun; it is also in honoring the dance between light and shadow, action and rest, doing and being.

Just as the sun and moon coexist in the sky, within each of us exists a reflection of this balance. In yogic philosophy, these energies flow through channels called nadis: our energetic highways through which prana (life force energy) moves.

Understanding Sun and Moon Energy in Yogic Philosophy

The three primary nadis that influence our energy balance are:

• Sushumna Nadi – The central channel, running from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. When we are in balance, prana flows freely through this channel, allowing kundalini energy to rise.

• Ida Nadi – The left channel, associated with the moon. It is cool, intuitive, restful, and feminine, encouraging reflection and inward awareness.

• Pingala Nadi – The right channel, associated with the sun. It is fiery, bold, active, and masculine, fueling vitality and outward expression.

When these two opposing forces are in harmony, we experience creativity, ease, and a seamless balance between effort and surrender. This same principle appears in other traditions, such as Yin and Yang in Chinese philosophy or the divine masculine and feminine energies. We see this reflected in yoga practices like Sun and Moon Salutations, as well as the differences between Vinyasa (solar) and Yin (lunar) practices.

However, just as the equinox teaches us about balance, we, too, must assess whether we are leaning too much into one energy at the expense of the other.

Are You More Sun or More Moon?

Think of these energies like a scale—when one becomes dominant, the balance shifts, and we may feel misaligned. Take a moment to reflect:

Signs of Excess Sun Energy:

• Hyper-fixation on productivity and achievement

• Constant need to check things off a to-do list

• Feeling restless, anxious, or burned out

• Overwhelmed by the need to keep moving forward

Signs of Excess Moon Energy:

• Struggling to take action or complete tasks

• Feeling withdrawn, unmotivated, or overly introspective

• Over-caring for others while neglecting your own needs

• A tendency to live in the realm of ideas without execution

Both energies are vital, but if you are looking to restore balance this equinox, here are some practices to help you cultivate the energy you need.

If You Need More Sun Energy (Action, Vitality, Focus)

• Wake up early and greet the sunrise—let the morning light activate your body.

• Move with Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) or take a brisk morning walk.

• Set small, tangible goals—even something as simple as tidying a space can create momentum.

• Use affirmations of strength: I am capable. I am focused. I take inspired action.

• Try an energizing breathwork practice like Kapalabhati or Bhastrika (bellows breath).

• Ask yourself: What fears or doubts are keeping me stuck in reflection rather than action?

If You Need More Moon Energy (Calm, Reflection, Rest)

• Practice evening rituals like meditation, dream journaling, or slow walks under the moonlight.

• Try Chandra Bhedana Pranayama (left-nostril breathing) to activate your lunar channel and calm the nervous system.

• Embrace Yin or Restorative Yoga to encourage stillness and inward focus.

• Create a cozy ritual—read, paint, or rest without guilt.

• Reflect on your relationship with productivity—do you equate your worth with how much you do?

BALANCING RITUALS FOR THE SPRING EQUINOX

If you love welcoming seasonal changes with intention, here are a few ways to honor the balance of light and dark, both within and around you.

Sunrise Ceremony: Wake early and welcome the rising sun. It symbolizes hope, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings. Let the golden light touch your skin, and breathe deeply—today is a fresh start.

Planting Ritual: Plant seeds—both physical and metaphorical. Sow flowers, herbs, or vegetables as a symbol of growth. As you press seeds into the soil, whisper an intention for what you wish to cultivate in the coming months.

Balancing Breathwork: Sit comfortably and visualize your inner scale. Practice alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) to bring equilibrium to both sides of your body, mind, and energy.