Fall Equinox Ritual: The Great 108

For the fall equinox, we wanted to share a special ritual to welcome in the shift of the season, called The Great 108. 

With ancient roots in the practice of yoga and Hinduism, The Great 108 is traditionally carried out four times a year, on the summer and winter solstices and well as fall and spring equinoxes.

It includes performing 108 Sun Salutations, or surya namaskar, which is a sequence of movements performed in a flow linking breath and movement. The number 108 has special significance in Hinduism, and while it IS a lot of Sun Salutations, by pushing through to the end you can discover … 

You are stronger than you think.
Negative energy does not define you.
You have the power to shift your perspective.
You can find grounding amidst any challenge.

Because of the purifying, and detoxifying nature of the practice, it is a wonderfully energizing way to reset your body and mind, while setting intentions for the upcoming season.

The Great 108 Ritual for the Fall Equinox

For this ritual, the 108 Sun Salutations are broken up into six rounds, with a pause in between for intention setting and a specific dedication for each round. 

Grab your tools: a Ritual Rug (or yoga mat), a piece of paper or notebook including notes for the ritual if you wish, and a water bottle. 

Find a quiet space. Create a serene space for yourself, in a quiet room at home, or outdoors under a tree if the weather permits. 

Get centered. Settle down on your mat, sitting either on your heels or cross legged. Close your eyes and breathe for at least one minute. If you have a meditation practice you can spend some time in meditation to clear your mind and come into your body.

Round 1: This round is dedicated to personal transformation, realization and healing. Focus the mind on compassion, love, creativity, and specific areas and projects that you want to realize. 

Practice 20 Sun Salutations. Surya Namaskar A is a great option, which looks something like:

  • begin standing, mountain pose (tadasana)
  • inhale, raise arms up (urdhva hastasana)
  • exhale, forward fold (uttanasana)
  • inhale, raise chest
  • exhale, jump back and lower through a pushup (chaturanga)
  • inhale, upward facing dog (urdhva mukha svanasana)
  • exhale, downward facing dog (adho mukha svanasana)
  • 5 breaths in adho mukha svanasana; on empty hop forward
  • inhale, raise chest
  • exhale, uttanasana
  • inhale, urdhva hastasana
  • exhale, tadasana

Pause in Mountain Pose or seated meditation to focus on your dedication for the next round.

Round 2: This round is dedicated to family and friends. Think of your loved ones, offer compassion to yourself and those you may be in conflict with, and allow your heart to fill with love so you can fully dedicate the next round of sun salutations to them. 

Practice 20 more Sun Salutations.

Pause in Mountain Pose or seated meditation to focus on your dedication for the next round.

Round 3: This round is dedicated to The World. Set an intention for what you care about and are active in transforming; from war to peace, healing mother earth, feeding the hungry, and for happy hearts everywhere. 

Practice 20 more Sun Salutations.

Pause in Mountain Pose or seated meditation to focus on your dedication for the next round.

Round 4: This round is dedicated to The Source. This is a conversation with you and your higher Self, cultivating praise, joy, and gratitude. 

Practice 20 more Sun Salutations.

Pause in Mountain Pose or seated meditation to focus on your dedication for the next round.

Round 5: This round is dedicated to PEACE; peace in our words, actions, thoughts, relationships, family, community, with nature, and for all living beings.  

Practice 20 more Sun Salutations.

Pause in Mountain Pose or seated meditation to focus on your dedication for the next round.

Final Round: For this final round, you will create your very own mantra, something healing you need to tell yourself right now. Repeat this mantra to yourself repeatedly throughout. 

Practice the last 8 Sun Salutations, and end in savasana. 

Reflection. After you finish your (well deserved!) savasana, take some time to write down your reflection from the practice. What felt hard, what flowed, where in your dedications did you feel love and hope, what aspects of your thoughts were challenging? Don’t judge, but let this self reflection serve as a guide for where to focus your energy in the coming season. 

We invite you to practice this ritual along with us seasonally, and to make it your own! Choose the dedications that your heart calls for, and explore other versions of movement and meditation that your body is asking for.

Happy equinox! Wishing you light as we enter into the darker season.

 

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