The fall solstice is a significant event in the Wiccan calendar. It marks the beginning of the autumn season and is a time of celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for the abundance of the earth. Wiccans believe that the fall solstice is a time when the balance between light and darkness shifts, with the days becoming shorter and the nights longer. This shift in balance is seen as a natural part of the wheel of the year and is celebrated with rituals and ceremonies. During the fall solstice, Wiccans often gather in groups or covens to honor the season and connect with the energy of the earth. They may create altars adorned with autumnal symbols such as pumpkins, gourds, and fallen leaves.
Ohigan (Japan): Japan celebrates both Equinoxes, taking the time to visit the graves of their loved ones gone from this Earth and care for their sites. It is traditional a time to spend with family and other relatives.
Once you have your rubbing, you can leave it in your sketchbook, hang it on the fridge, or even frame it to serve as ongoing seasonal decor for years to come. Scare the life back into your heart by grinning so loudly in the mirror that you can see every tooth, fang, and monster song gurgling forth from the back of your throat.
They may create altars adorned with autumnal symbols such as pumpkins, gourds, and fallen leaves. Candles are often lit to represent the guiding light through the coming darkness. The fall solstice is also a time of reflection and introspection.
Fall Equinox: Rituals and Traditions
This marks the start of the fall season and a point in the sky where the day and night are equal in length.
Also known as Mabon, Fall Equinox is a special time in the year where we meet balance once again. Mabon marks the official time where summer ends and fall begins.
Sometimes known as the witches thanksgiving, it is celebrated with bounty from the harvests planted near Lammas or before.
This time marks a great shift in our seasonal cycle. A shift towards the shutting down of the Earth. Blossoms once colorful and rich in Summer, wilt away and trees prepare to shed their leaves for the coming cold.
We start preparing for winter, animals collect food and warmth in anticipation of darkness. We start to turn inward, and practice gratitude for what the harvest has brought us.
The seasonal cycle of the year is created by Earth’s annual orbit around the sun.
Solstices are the extreme points as Earth’s axis tilts toward or away from the sun—when days and nights are longest or shortest. On equinoxes, days and nights are equal in all parts of the world. Four cross-quarter days roughly mark the midpoints in between solstices and equinoxes.
We commemorate these natural turning points in the Earth’s cycle. Seasonal celebrations of most cultures cluster around these same natural turning points.
September 22: Equinox/Fall: gather and store, ripeness—Mabon (Euro-American), Goddess Festivals: Tari Pennu (Bengali), Old Woman Who Never Dies (Mandan), Chicomcoatl (Aztec), Black Bean Mother (Taino), Epona (Roman), Demeter (Greek).
The Gatherer © Chantel Camille 2018
Wiccans may take this opportunity to review their goals and intentions for the year and make plans for the future. They may also engage in meditation or divination practices to gain insight and guidance. In addition to celebrating the harvest, the fall solstice in Wicca is often associated with the goddess Demeter or Ceres, who represents fertility, abundance, and the nurturing aspects of the earth. Offerings of food, such as bread, fruits, and vegetables, are commonly made to honor these qualities and show gratitude for the earth's bounty. Overall, the fall solstice is a time of transition and gratitude in Wicca. It is a time to honor the changing of the seasons, connect with the earth's energy, and give thanks for all that has been provided..
Reviews for "Charging Crystals and Stones with the Energy of the Fall Solstice in Wiccan Practices"
1. Jane Doe - 1/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Fall Solstice Wicca". I was expecting a comprehensive guide to the Wiccan traditions and rituals surrounding the fall equinox, but instead, I found the book to be poorly researched and lacking in depth. The author seemed to rely heavily on generic information and stereotypes rather than providing any real insight or guidance. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a serious exploration of Wicca and its practices.
2. John Smith - 2/5 stars - As someone who has been practicing Wicca for several years, I was excited to delve into "Fall Solstice Wicca" to gain more knowledge about this particular Sabbat. Unfortunately, I found the book to be quite superficial and lacking in substance. The author briefly touched on some basic concepts and rituals associated with fall equinox celebrations, but the information provided was minimal and did not offer anything new or unique. I would not recommend this book to experienced Wiccans looking for a deeper understanding of the fall solstice.
3. Sarah Thompson - 2/5 stars - "Fall Solstice Wicca" was not what I expected at all. The book promised to provide a comprehensive guide to celebrating the fall solstice within the Wiccan tradition, but it fell short. The information provided was too basic and focused more on generalities rather than offering specific rituals or traditions that are unique to this Sabbat. I believe there are other books out there that provide a much more in-depth and insightful exploration of the fall solstice in Wicca. Overall, I was disappointed with this book.
4. Michael Davis - 1/5 stars - "Fall Solstice Wicca" was a complete letdown. As someone new to Wicca, I was hoping for a beginner-friendly guide to understanding and celebrating the fall solstice. However, the book was poorly organized and lacked any substantial information. The writing style was confusing, and the author failed to explain key concepts clearly. It felt like the book was rushed and not properly edited. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking to learn about Wicca or the fall solstice.
5. Elizabeth Green - 2/5 stars - I found "Fall Solstice Wicca" to be quite underwhelming. While the book briefly touched on some of the basics of Wiccan traditions associated with the fall solstice, it lacked depth and failed to provide any practical guidance. The author seemed to assume prior knowledge of Wicca, which made it difficult for beginners like myself to follow along. I was left wanting more information and a clearer understanding of how to celebrate the fall solstice within the Wiccan framework. Overall, I was disappointed with this book.