The leaves are scrumptiously changing colors and falling to the ground. The wind is blowing a crisp, comfortable breeze. The pumpkin vines are starting to take over the garden patch. And the inevitable release of Pumpkin Spiced Lattes is affecting anyone living within a 10-mile radius to Starbucks.
You’ve guessed it – it’s Autumn!
What Exactly is Autumnal Equinox?
The first day of Autumn (in the Northern Hemisphere) is marked by the Autumnal Equinox, which usually falls on September 22nd or 23rd, as the sun crosses directly over the equator going south. This is a special day where the day and night are equal in length. Spiritually speaking, this equilibrium of day and night represents balance and is an important reminder to keep our lives harmonized.
The Historical Significance of Autumnal Equinox
Historically, our ancestors were connected to Solstices and Equinoxes because they marked the seasons changing. The Autumnal Equinox was a great day of celebration for those in the Northern Hemisphere because it marked a day of collecting the harvest from the abundant summer’s garden. This harvest would (hopefully) sustain our ancestors over the winter when harvests would be minimal.
Our ancestors were so invested in marking the changing of the seasons that they built temples and monuments that served as massive calendars. The most famous monument built for tracking the sun and celestial events can be considered to be Stonehenge. You know, those massive slabs located in the United Kingdom?! Historians have concluded that Stonehedge was designed to be able to observe celestial events. That rocks! Literally, you guys.
Some other famous ancient monuments/temples designed to mark the Autumnal Equinox (and other celestial events) include:
- El Castillo in the Chichen Itza Pyramids of Yucatan, Mexico
- The Mnajdra Temple of Malta
- The Grianan of Aileach Structures of County Donegal, Ireland
- Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia
Mabon: A Modern Celebration with Ancient Roots
Mabon is the modern Wiccan/Pagan celebration of the Autumnal Equinox. The origins of Mabon come from ancient Celtic traditions, while the name Mabon comes from the Welsh God, Mabon. He was the son of Modron, the great Earth Goddess. People would celebrate Mabon with a great feast, by picking apples, and by practicing gratitude for the harvest that would sustain them all winter (hopefully).
Nowadays, people celebrate Mabon similarly, although most people aren’t as dedicated to their gardens as they were before the modernization of the agricultural world. Although rituals and practices differ from region to region, many of the practices have to do with harvesting, giving gratitude, and feasting.
Seven Simple (and Mostly Free) Practices to Celebrate the Autumnal Equinox
Although most of us do not live in an agrarian community anymore, you can still celebrate the Autumnal Equinox at home. You can even celebrate this special day if you live in an apartment! Here are 7 simple practices you can do at home to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox this year.
- Make an Autumn Themed Altar
Making an altar is an excellent way to celebrate special days, people and events. You can start with a special piece of fabric and set it on a flat surface such as a table or bookshelf. Then add objects that have significance to the Autumn season, such as corn/squash/pumpkins, acorns, apples, dried herbs, or anything else that represents harvest season. This may vary depending on the region you live in!
Embellish your altar with crystals, feathers, rocks, jewelry, photos of loved ones, and/or statues of Gods/Goddesses/Deities/Animals. Lastly, you can add incense or burning herbs such as sage (responsibly wildcrafted or bought from indigenous folks), mug wort, rosemary, or anything herb you can burn to your altar. It’s yours so make it special!
2. Harvest the Last of Your Summer Gardens
This practice is for those who have a personal garden or have a lot in a community garden. If you do not have a garden, you can alter this practice by buying vegetables and fruits that can be harvested in Fall. Think apples, squash, pumpkin, corn, pomegranate, figs, or anything else that might tickle your fancy!
3. Fall Feast!
Although Thanksgiving is celebrated in November, it makes more sense for me to have a huge fall feast in September. I love that one can still eat outside with the perfect weather of late September. The Autumnal equinox is a great day to gather with family and friends, enjoy the fruits of the labor, and give gratitude for the freshly picked harvest.
4. Give Gratitude for Your Food and the Seasons
This practice is one that will serve you all days of the year, not just on Mabon. Expressing your gratitude lifts up your emotional well-being, as well as those around you. It also helps you to stay connected to the things that mother earth provides. You can express gratitude verbally, mentally, or by writing down what you feel grateful for in a journal.
5. Immerse Yourself in Nature
I hope everyone reading this has access to nature – whether it be your own backyard, a park nearby, or plants in pots on your porch, nature is a great way to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox. You can take a walk in nature and notice the changing leaves, or you can notice how your own plants are changing. The point is to connect with nature so you can celebrate this special day of the year peacefully.
6. Hearth and Home Cleansing
Changing seasons creates a great opportunity to cleanse our homes. As the seasons change, our homes have an opportunity to change as well. Dusting, cleaning the doors and floors, and washing sheets are special cleaning chores that can create feelings of magical ritual. Don’t forget to freshen the air with an incense or candle! Perhaps cinnamon scented to complement the fall season.
7. Make a Witchy Autumn Broom This practice may not be accessible to everyone, but if you live near a place where you can collect dried brush and sticks, then you can make your own witchy autumn broom! Just bundle up the dried brush to form what looks like a broom top. Then put a large straight stick underneath and tie the bundle to it with string. Tie it tight so it stays put together. And off you fly!
There you have it – seven special and simple practices to celebrate the change from sweaty summer to cozy autumn. Whatever practice you decide to do, make sure you surround yourself with nature, loved ones (if that includes just yourself that’s okay too!), and yummy food! Happy Mabon, y’all!
