Celebrate the Magic of the Autumn Equinox and Mabon

The Magic of the Autumn Equinox

The autumn equinox, also known as Mabon, is a time of balance and transition. As the seasons change, the autumn equinox brings us a moment of equality between light and dark before we enter the darker half of the year. For pagans, witches, and lovers of the natural world, this equinox has deep magical significance.

The autumn equinox occurs every year between September 21st and 24th. The date varies because the equinox is determined by the position of the sun rather than our Gregorian calendar. This year, the autumn equinox falls on September 22nd.

Celebrating Mabon, the Pagan Autumn Equinox

Mabon is the pagan name for the autumn equinox, when night and day are equal in length. It is seen as a time of balance and harmony, and pagans celebrate by giving thanks for the bounty of the harvest and preparing for the colder months ahead.

For Wiccans and witches, Mabon is a sabbat and a time for releasing what is no longer needed as the days grow darker. Rituals typically involve decorating altars with seasonal plants like apples, pomegranates, acorns and wheat. Bonfires, food, and wine are offered as sacrifices. This is also a common time for pagans to honor the aging deities of the Celtic pantheon who are moving toward the end of their reign.

The Wheel of the Year Turns to Autumn

Mabon forms one spoke of the Wheel of the Year, an annual cycle of seasonal festivals celebrated by Wiccans and pagans. Lughnasadh, Lammas, and the first harvest begin the Wheel in early August. After the equinox, Samhain and the final harvest round out the Wheel before Yule and the rebirth of the year at the winter solstice.

Understanding this cycle of birth, growth, harvest, death and rebirth gives deeper meaning to the turning of the seasons. Mabon is an important point midway between the summer and winter solstices - a time to honor the natural cycles so intrinsic to our lives on Earth.

Autumn Equinox Symbolism

The autumn equinox has been celebrated for millennia and has strong symbolism across many cultures and spiritual traditions. Here are some of the common symbols and meanings associated with this seasonal turning point:

• Balance - The equinox balances day and night, light and dark.
• The setting sun - Darkness growing stronger as the light weakens.
• The harvest moon - The full moon closest to the equinox.
• Wine - From grapes harvested in early autumn.
• Gourds - Symbolizing the harvest and the passage of time.
• Cornucopias - Baskets overflowing with the gifts of the harvest.

Autumn Equinox Traditions & Folklore

The autumn equinox has inspired a variety of traditions and folklore across cultures. Some interesting examples include:

• The Greek myth of Persephone - The harvest season coincides with Persephone's return to the underworld with Hades for 6 months each year.
• Chinese Moon Festival - Celebrates the autumn full moon and the legend of the moon goddess Chang'e.
• Michaelmas - A Christian holiday honoring the Archangel Michael that falls near the equinox.
• Autumn fairs - Many cultures celebrated the harvest with fairs and festivals, such as Oktoberfest in Germany.
• Corn dollies - Wheat weavings symbolizing the spirit of the harvest made by farming communities.
• Scarecrows - Once believed to protect fields, they are now autumn decor.

Autumn Equinox Celebrations

However you choose to celebrate the autumn equinox, it is a wonderful time to embrace the magic of the changing seasons. Here are some ideas for celebrating Mabon this year:

Rituals & Ceremonies

• Host a Mabon ritual with pagans/Wiccans in your community.
• Create an autumn equinox altar filled with seasonal flowers, gourds, and foliage.
• Light a fire and burn away something you no longer need in your life.
• Craft a corn dolly to bless the harvest and honor the earth.
• Take a ritual bath with autumn plants and oils like cinnamon and clove.

Sacred Spaces

• Decorate your home with fall wreaths, garlands, and bouquets.
• Organize a magical autumnal picnic in nature.
• Build an outdoor shrine with fall leaves, acorns, pinecones and apples.
• Create an equinox mandala from foraged items on the earth.
• Press autumn leaves and flowers in a book to preserve their magic.

Harvest Festivities

• Host a harvest potluck with seasonal dishes like apple cider and pumpkin pie.
• Visit a local farm, orchard, or pumpkin patch and pick your own fruit.
• Create leaf, seed, or corn garlands to celebrate the harvest.
• Craft a cornucopia centerpiece or wreath from dried gourds and foliage.
• Host an equinox garden party and feast outdoors.

However you choose to celebrate this magical time, allow yourself to be present as the Wheel of the Year continues to turn. Happy autumn equinox!

FAQs

What date is the autumn equinox?

The autumn equinox usually falls between September 21-24 each year. In 2023, it takes place on September 22nd.

What happens during the autumn equinox?

On the equinox, the sun is positioned directly above the equator, making the length of day and night equal. It signals the change from summer to fall in the Northern Hemisphere.

How do pagans celebrate the autumn equinox?

Pagans celebrate the autumn equinox as Mabon, a harvest festival. Common rituals include making offerings to deities, decorating altars, and having harvest feasts with seasonal foods.

What are typical Mabon altar decorations?

Pagans decorate Mabon altars with autumn crops like apples, gourds, and pumpkins. Wine, corn, wheat, acorns, hay, and fall foliage are also popular altar decorations.

When was the autumn equinox first celebrated?

Celebrations of the autumn equinox emerged in many ancient cultures and pagan traditions, including the Egyptians, Minoans, Celts, and Native American tribes.