Instructions
Hello River! Today is the Autumnal Equinox, a special day of balance when daytime and nighttime are nearly the same length. This reminds us of the cycles of giving and receiving we read about in the story of Skywoman. The seasons are one of the Earth’s greatest gifts, a beautiful cycle of change and renewal.
Look at the diagram below. It shows the Earth's journey around the Sun. Your challenge is to label the correct season or event for each of the four points in this journey for the Northern Hemisphere.
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Position 1 The Sun's rays shine directly on the Equator. The Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt towards the Sun, bringing warmer weather. Day and night are almost equal. What season begins now? Equinox |
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Position 2 The Northern Hemisphere is tilted most directly towards the Sun. This brings the longest day and shortest night of the year. What is this event called? Solstice |
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Position 3 The Northern Hemisphere is tilted most directly away from the Sun. This brings the shortest day and longest night of the year. What is this event called? Solstice |
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Position 4 (Today!) The Sun's rays shine directly on the Equator again. The Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt away from the Sun, bringing cooler weather. Day and night are almost equal. What season begins now? Equinox |
A Time for Reciprocity
The seasons show a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving. In autumn, many plants give us their fruits and seeds, and the Earth prepares for a long rest. In the spirit of reciprocity that we read about, what is one gift you can give back to the Earth this season?
(This could be planting a bulb for spring, helping to rake leaves for compost, picking up litter, or simply spending quiet time outside listening to nature.)
Answer Key
- Position 1 (Top): Spring Equinox
- Position 2 (Left): Summer Solstice
- Position 3 (Right): Winter Solstice
- Position 4 (Bottom): Autumnal Equinox