How To Celebrate The Autumn Equinox

7 TRADITIONAL WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE AUTUMN EQUINOX

The Autumn Equinox signifies the transition from the warmth of summer to the crisp embrace of Autumn and is a celebration of abundance, life and giving thanks to nature. The Autumn Equinox is traditionally celebrated anytime between the 21st and the 24th of September and occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, leading to nearly equal lengths of day and night. During the autumn equinox, a symphony of ancient traditions awakens, weaving together the threads of myth, folklore, and spirituality.

THE HISTORY AND PAGAN TRADITIONS OF THE AUTUMN EQUINOX

The Autumn equinox ushers in a season of transformation and reflection. Pagan traditions, deeply intertwined with the cycles of nature, celebrate this equinox with rituals that honour the Earth's bounty and acknowledge the impending darkness.

Ancient cultures, from the Druids to the Mayans, revered the equinox as a time of balance, offering thanks for the harvest while preparing for the approaching winter. From the lighting of bonfires to the gathering of autumnal fruits, these traditions resonate with a timeless connection to the Earth's cyclical rhythm. As we embrace the autumn equinox today, we continue to pay homage to our pagan roots, grounding ourselves in the wisdom of the seasons and the enduring beauty of nature's dance.

AUTUMN EQUINOX SYMBOLISM AND MEANING

In the heart of this seasonal transition, the harvest moon rises, casting an ethereal glow upon the Earth. It marks a time of introspection and gratitude, a time honour the waning sun god and the impending reign of the darker seasons ahead. The equinox, a momentary pause in the eternal cosmic dance, beckons us to embrace change, accept the cyclical nature of existence, and rekindle our reverence for the mysteries of the universe.

6 RITUALS TO CELEBRATE THE AUTUMN EQUINOX

In this enchanting season of harvest and reflection, many are drawn to the ancient and pagan traditions that celebrate this pivotal point in the year. These rituals, deeply rooted in the earth's rhythms and steeped in symbolism, offer a profound connection to the natural world and its cyclical beauty. Let us delve into six traditional and pagan ways to embrace the autumn equinox, blending history, symbolism, and timeless wisdom.

Autumn Equinox bonfire rituals

Fire has long held a sacred place in pagan traditions, symbolisng transformation and renewal. On the Autumn Equinox, light a bonfire or a series of candles, and use this as an opportunity to release any negative energy or burdens you may be carrying. As the flames flicker and dance, visualise these troubles being consumed and transformed into something positive. This act of purification and renewal allows you to enter the next phase of the year with a sense of clarity and purpose. Let go of all you do not wish to carry forward into the new season.

Wear Autumn jewellery as a symbolic talisman

Jewellery can be part of a potent personal ritual to connect you to the seasons and the folklore that surrounds them. Wearing a symbol of what you wish to honour will act as a tactile reminder of your desires and wishes. Adorning yourself in symbolic autumnal jewellery is a way of ritually dressing yourself the same way you might a sacred altar. With this ritual, you become a living altar to honour the season.

DRAOIDH - SMALL ACORN NECKLACE IN SOLID STERLING SILVER

A single lifecast solid silver acorn, moulded from an aged oak in rural England. A talisman to invoke your endurance and personal growth. A representation of the fertile Earth.

DUIR - LARGE ACORN NECKLACE IN SOLID STERLING SILVER

A statement solid silver acorn, lifecast from an ancient oak tree in England. A powerful amulet in ode to your inner potential. The oak tree is most sacred and revered in Celtic mythology and British folklore. Known as the king of the forest, and as Duir in ancient Ogham.

Mabon feasts for the Autumn Equinox

The autumn equinox, known as Mabon in some pagan traditions, is a time of gratitude for the bountiful harvest the earth has bestowed upon us. To celebrate this, gather your loved ones and partake in a sumptuous feast. The table should be adorned with the rich hues of autumn, from deep reds to golden yellows. Enjoy dishes made from the season's treasures: apples, pumpkins, squash, and hearty grains. This act of sharing and indulgence not only nourishes the body but also nourishes the soul, fostering a sense of unity with the earth's seasonal abundance.

Autumn harvests

As the season turns, it's essential to gather the final fruits of the earth's labor before winter arrives. Engaging in the act of harvesting and preserving food is a deeply spiritual endeavor. It connects you to the cycles of nature, reminding you of the importance of preparation and sustainability. Whether you're canning, drying, or simply storing the harvest, this activity is a tangible way to celebrate the equinox while ensuring you have the sustenance you need for the colder months ahead.

Apple divination folklore

Apples, nature's dual oracle, bore secrets of life and death within their sweet flesh and delicate blooms. With their abundance and healthful connotations, they became a cherished symbol of love. A whimsical divination, casting apple pips into the fire, unveiled a suitor's affection - a pop, a confession of love; silence, unspoken desires. Peeling an apple in a single, sinuous strip and casting it over one's shoulder foretold the initial of a destined lover. Slicing an apple in twain, revealing the five pointed star, and partaking together, promised an enduring and fruitful union in love's embrace.

Autumn Equinox Corn Dollies

Lastly, we turn to the ancient art of crafting corn dollies, symbolic effigies of the spirit of the harvest. As nature's bounty wanes, these symbolic effigies capture the essence of the season's culmination. Crafted with care, they channel the collective hopes and gratitude of a community. Placed in hearths or hung within homes, they invoke blessings for abundance and sustenance throughout the leaner months. Corn dollies are talismans of continuity, preserving the agricultural traditions of old while offering a promise of renewal as the wheel of the year turns once more.