Last Sunset of Summer – Autumnal Equinox Sunset Observance

Watch the Sunset Alignment and Catch the Sun on the Eve of Equinox

This Autumn Equinox and Sunset Alignment event is held the evening before the date of Equinox as we say farewell to Summer by watching its last sunset together. 

At Kinstone we have a unique alignment visible only at Equinox at sunset. Stand with us and the Enlightenment Stones (Atlas and Lancelot) as the sun aligns to shine through the perforations in Lancelot and cast a line of bright points of light onto Atlas. Come and see! Join us to celebrate the coming of harvest-time and the golden season of autumn.

Autumnal 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 herald of winter; a time for settling in for the season of rest, rejuvenation and root work.

COST: admission to Kinstone, (pay in advance online OR arrive early and pay in the Kinstone Gift Shop before the event); No Registration Required

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024 Time: 6:00pm – 7:15pm

LOCATION:  Meet at the stones known as “Atlas and Lancelot” at Kinstone, S3439 Cole Bluff Lane, Fountain City, WI, 54629

Actual sunset is expected at 7:08pm for our location. However, with the topography specific to Kinstone, the time we witness it is always a bit earlier than expected. 

This will be a quiet, meditative event with a short opening rite and reading to send Summer off with grace. Given fair weather and clear skies as the sun sets in the West, we will witness the light as it passes through the “Wise One” (Lancelot) and enlightens the “World” (Atlas). If the sunlight is strong enough and unobstructed by clouds on the horizon, we will see a line of polka-dots on Atlas and a select few folks may be able to “catch the sun” as it aligns with the perforations in Lancelot. We will begin watching for opportunities to Catch the Sun immediately after our readings.

Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear, jackets, scarves, hats and gloves. Bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on, for your comfort, if you wish. Be prepared for it to be breezy and cool up here on the ridge. Many people underestimate the wind and cold.