The Autumn Equinox, also known as Mabon or the Second Harvest, is an important time for pagans and is celebrated with various rituals. Pagans believe that this equinox marks the point of balance between light and darkness, as the day and night are of equal length. It is a time to give thanks for the harvest and to prepare for the approaching winter. One common ritual during this time is the creation of an autumn altar. Pagan practitioners often decorate their altars with seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pumpkins, and gourds. They may also include items that represent the changing season, such as fallen leaves, acorns, and corn husks.
Guard well this seed, and fertilize it with your wishes, hopes and truths, so that in spring, planted, they will thrive and grow. Protect and preserve this seed, that it protect you.
To perform a fall equinox ritual, consider lighting a candle on your own or sitting around a bonfire with your loved ones and take time to express gratitude, either in a journal or out loud. To show appreciation for the bounty of nature, take a woodland stroll or embark on a hike to revel in the sights, sounds, colors, textures, and foods that exist in the great outdoors.
They may also include items that represent the changing season, such as fallen leaves, acorns, and corn husks. Candles are often lit to symbolize the warmth and light of the sun, which is essential for the growth of crops. Another ritual that is commonly performed during the Autumn Equinox is the act of giving thanks.
Ritual of Balance for Autumn Equinox
Light the chalice and proceed to the outside, chanting: “Gathered here”
Circle and sit.
“We have come together at this most sacred time of year, when life and death stand in balance in their endless dance. Let us take one moment to think about what is in balance in our lives.”
pause for one moment
“And, to balance that out, let us dwell for a moment on what could be more balanced than it has been lately.”
pause for one moment
Pass around apples while saying:
“As a symbol of the bountiful harvest that each year brings our hearts, take a deep bite from the apple, but don’t swallow yet. Holding the bite in your mouth, consider its perilous position. Just a moment ago, it was safely part of a whole fruit, and had never known anything different. Now, it stands on the cusp of falling into a pit of boiling acid – and through that pit, the molecules within it will become us. There is literally no difference between us and the apple bite.
Only time separates us. We are just the same.”
“Okay, now we can swallow—and hold on tight.”
“Like the apple bite, we are always leaving something behind – or maybe we’d like to leave something behind but haven’t found a way to do so yet. I’m passing around some leaves and some pens, so you can write down things you want to leave behind. What you write will stay between you and the God/dess”
pause for two or three moments
"Now, one at a time, we will bring our leaves to the center of the circle and mulch them/burn them in the chalice. As you do so, you may share with the group what you are leaving behind. You may also mulch in silence if you prefer."
"If everyone has gone, there is a final piece of the harvest ritual to perform. Dig into your apples and retrieve a single seed.
We’re going to do something called “raising power” to consecrate these seeds with our life energy and store the strength of this year to begin the next.
There are several ways to do this, but one is with a simple open vowel sound chant like thus: A-Om. Try it. (maybe a couple of times)
So we all do that together, slowly getting louder and higher in pitch, all holding our seeds."
Get a few people to say this next part together.
"Now! Raise power that these seeds will rest, containing within the fruit as the fruit contained them. Never ending is the Cycle! Ever Blessed is the way!
(power is raised)
Everyone put your left hand out like this. And, with the seed, your right hand out like this.
Guard well this seed, and fertilize it with your wishes, hopes and truths, so that in spring, planted, they will thrive and grow. Protect and preserve this seed, that it protect you.
(people hand off their seeds)
In the Northern Hemisphere, the autumnal equinox—the point after which the nights become longer than the days, as the North Pole tilts away from the sun—falls on September 23, 2023. Though Labor Day is seen as the end of summer, the autumnal equinox officially kicks off fall.
Pagans express gratitude for the abundance of the harvest by offering prayers, blessings, and offerings to the spirits of the land and the deities associated with the harvest. This can take the form of a simple prayer of thanks or a more elaborate ceremony, depending on the individual or group's preferences. In some pagan traditions, the Autumn Equinox is also a time for reflection and introspection. It is seen as a time to acknowledge the balance between light and darkness within ourselves and in the wider world. This reflection may involve meditation, journaling, or participating in group discussions about personal growth and spiritual development. Finally, the Autumn Equinox is often a time for feasting and celebration. Pagans gather with friends and loved ones to share a bountiful meal, often consisting of seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. This meal may be accompanied by music, dancing, storytelling, and other forms of entertainment. Overall, the Autumn Equinox is a significant time for pagan practitioners, as it represents a time of balance, gratitude, and preparation for the coming winter. Through rituals and celebrations, pagans connect with the cycles of the natural world and honor the harvest and the changing seasons..
Reviews for "Divination, Prophecy, and Pensieve: Pagan Practices during the Autumn Equinox"
1. Greg - 1 star - I attended the Autumn Equinox rituals pagan event and was extremely disappointed. The organizers seemed disorganized and unprepared. The rituals themselves felt forced and lacked authenticity. It was clear that they were just going through the motions without any true connection to the spiritual significance of the event. Overall, it was a waste of time and money.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to experiencing the Autumn Equinox rituals pagan event, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The atmosphere was not very welcoming, and it felt like a closed community that didn't embrace newcomers. The rituals were confusing and didn't provide any guidance or explanation for those who were unfamiliar with pagan traditions. I left feeling uninspired and unsatisfied with the overall experience.
3. Mark - 2 stars - As someone who was curious about pagan rituals, I thought attending the Autumn Equinox event would be a great opportunity to learn and explore. However, I was disappointed by the lack of inclusivity and diversity. The event seemed to cater only to a specific group of individuals, leaving newcomers like myself feeling unwelcome and out of place. The rituals were also hard to follow, as the instructions were unclear and the symbolism was not explained. It was a letdown and left me feeling disconnected from the spiritual aspect I was hoping to experience.