The Autumn equinox, also called Mabon, is a pagan celebration, originating from the Celts, who once populated Britain and much of North West Europe before the march of the Romans.
This druid-led tribe celebrated nature and the progression of the seasons by dividing the year into eight segments, at key turning points, creating eight festivals.
The eight included the two solstices (midwinter and midsummer when the days are either the shortest or the longest), the two equinoxes (spring and autumn, or Mabon, when days and nights are equal in length), and the four ‘cross-quarters’ falling at seasonal peaks (Imbolc, Beltain, Lammas and Samhain).
Celts and pagans used the autumn equinox to give thanksgiving to nature/Mother Earth for giving a good harvest, and to pray to their gods and goddesses that the crop would last throughout the winter. There’d be feasting, fires, offerings and sacrifices.
Nowadays, it’s a time to get cosy, focus on the home and give thanks for your blessings, and to share the riches with those who are less fortunate.
When is the Autumn Equinox?
This year, in 2023 , the Autumn Equinox occurs on Saturday September 23.
How to celebrate the Autumn Equinox
At its core, the energy of this festival is all about gratitude and thanks for what has been reaped thus far in the year, with an eye to the hardships of winter, and a recognition of a mental and physical adjustment needed for the darker, longer nights and harder conditions ahead.
Set up a Mabon Altar
You can make a Mabon altar on your kitchen table, windowsill, dresser, fireplace – wherever. Adding harvest fruits and vegetables to your altar is a good idea (apples, leaves, pinecones, corn, pomegranate, squash, and root vegetables).
Colour-wise, you’re looking for gold, orange, red, bronze and rust.
Scent-wise, you’re seeking sage, cinnamon, orange and apple.
Dark-coloured, green or brown coloured crystals will add a good vibration.
Light an orange or yellow candle on your altar and give thanks for the security, happiness, advantages and blessing you have in your life right now.
Declutter
Mabon is a great time (just like spring is) to have a good old clear-out and clean up at home. After all, you’re probably going to be spending more time here over autumn and winter.
Finish lingering projects, and clear out emotional and physical clutter, so that your home feels calm, relaxing, and aim to fill it by the end of winter.
Write down everything that happens that you feel pleased, surprised or grateful for.
I guarantee this will help brighten your mood, and signal to the Universe that you’d like more of the same, please.
You might like to think about throwing a harvest feast and celebrate with friends.
Invest in a charity
Pick a cause or campaign that you feel strongly about, and give them some of your attention, time, energy or money.
Slow down and reset by having a massage with Rita: