A Time of Balance
We have now officially entered the Autumn season, and the countdown to Samhain and Halloween begins!
However, before then, in the Northern Hemisphere, we recognise the beautiful sabbat of the Autumn Equinox.
The Autumn Equinox on 22-23rd September celebrates the second harvest of fruit and vegetables. At this time of year, we see the theme of harvest and feasting worldwide, such as Oktoberfest in Germany, the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, and Thanksgiving in the US.
You will see the Autumn Equinox referred to as Mabon, so named by witchcraft author Aiden Kelly in the 1970s, after the Welsh god Mabon, which means 'divine or great son'. However, scholars cannot identify clear links between Autumn and this deity, and the naming of this festival remains a bone of contention in the pagan community.
The Autumn Equinox is the halfway point between Lammas and Samhain.
Equinoxes are a liminal time where the Earth is tilted on its axis at a right angle to the Sun directly over the equator providing equal amounts of daylight and darkness.
The Autumn Equinox also marks the Sun's transition into air sign, Libra, symbolised by the scales reinforcing that balance is a central theme for this festival.
One of the reasons we follow the wheel of the year is it provides a conscious opportunity to reflect on how what is happening in the outer world corresponds to our inner landscape. We can see and sense nature's energy withdrawing and preparing for winter.
Leaves are falling, plants are dying to preserve their roots, and animals are entering hibernation.
We also align with the changing season and emerging darkness as our energy also turns inwards.
It is a powerful time to reflect on the intentions we planted at Imbolc or the Spring Equinox and consider any growth and changes we have gone through this year. As we move into a period of rest and introspection, identify any areas of your life that are no longer working for you. We can also associate the Autumn Equinox with gratitude and giving thanks.
At this time of year, our ancestors would take stock of supplies to prepare for the winter and celebrate having enough successful crops to survive the harsh winter and the end of the hard work of harvest.
We are also entering the season of death and darkness, and some communities recognised themes of death and sacrifice at this time of year.
Collecting the harvest from the fields was labour-intensive work.
Therefore, at the end of the harvest, villages would celebrate by decorating their homes and towns and holding games and traditions, such as collecting the last sheaf of wheat.
Today, it can be a time to celebrate kinship, so consider getting together with friends or family or giving back to your community through volunteering.
While it is important to understand the seasonal and historical context for the sabbats, it is also essential to identify ways to work with the Autumn Equinox energy that fits with your traditions, practice and lifestyle.
Our suggestions for modern ways to celebrate include:
Journal, meditate, divination: Introspection and going inwards are central themes for this sabbat. Consider the theme of harvest; what are the results of the 'fruits of your labours"? Or reflect on how balanced your life is – do you feel you are in balance? Consider work and family; spiritual and physical; your finances etc., and make a plan to address any areas of imbalance.
Gratitude: Invite family or friends for a meal to give thanks for what they bring to your life. You could also create a gratitude jar alone or with your loved ones and ask them to include things they are grateful for. You can also give thanks to your spiritual allies through offerings or to the Earth by feeding local birds and wildlife.
Get outside: Go on a nature walk, observe the seasonal changes, and consider how they are reflected in your life; for example, consider the image of Autumn leaves falling from the trees and what you need to release. Or go fruit-picking or foraging (as long as you know what you are looking for); blackberries, sloes, hawthorn and elderberries and beech nuts are all perfect for foraging in the UK at this time of year.
Work your magic: The darkness of Autumn makes it a potent time to renew your magical wards and protection; for example, cast a Witch's Bottle (see Your Magical Guide to the Waning Year 2022) or undertake banishing work if you need to. Or craft spellwork for abundance and prosperity working with the harvest energy.
Correspondences: One of our favourite things about this sabbat is the abundance of botanical and food correspondences. Identify a correspondence (apples, squash, pomegranates etc.) associated with the Autumn Equinox, learn about its folklore, and create a simple spell or ritual around it. For example, there is an abundance of folklore around apples which are potent in love and healing magic. Alternatively, incorporate them into some kitchen witchery or place them on your altar.
Colour Magic: For a low-key way to celebrate, incorporate some colour magic into your day that honours the Autumn Equinox energy. Yellow, dark green, burgundy and brown are all associated with this sabbat, so include those colours in your clothing, nail varnish, accessories or make-up.
These are only some suggestions for how you can recognise this festival. There are many other ways to acknowledge the Autumn Equinox, such as kitchen witchery, arts and crafts and honouring your body through rest.
We believe in the power of creating your own traditions and celebrations, and the more personal you can make your celebration, the more potent it will be.
Also, these energies are not just available to us for one day but flow across the season, so celebrate at a time that is right for you!
Equally, you may not be drawn to work with this (or any) sabbat, which is also completely valid.
Have a blessed Autumn Equinox witches
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