The autumnal equinox, also known as Mabon in many pagan traditions, is a sacred time of year that is surrounded by magic and symbolism. Occurring in late September, this equinox marks the official start of the autumn season and brings with it a sense of balance and harmony between light and darkness. During this time, the days and nights are of equal length before slowly transitioning into longer nights and shorter days. This shift in the celestial balance is mirrored in nature as the leaves begin to change colors and the weather cools down, signaling the approaching winter. Autumnal equinox magic is deeply rooted in the cycles of the Earth and the natural world. It is believed that during this time, the veil between the physical and spiritual realms is at its thinnest, making it an opportune time for divination, spellcasting, and spiritual reflection.
Maeanna Welti (Portland, OR—unceded Chinook Land) is a writer, astrologer and witch. She is the author of the Healing Witch Samhain to Samhain workbook. Maeanna offers readings, coaching, support for ancestral and personal healing, and teaches astrology and the fundamentals of witchcraft.
The autumn marks a perfect time to work on your current goals and develop plans for new ideas, so you can relax and hibernate so to speak in the winter. com, Following the autumnal equinox, those in the northern hemisphere begin to experience the sun s rays less directly, resulting in colder temperatures.
It is believed that during this time, the veil between the physical and spiritual realms is at its thinnest, making it an opportune time for divination, spellcasting, and spiritual reflection. Many practitioners use this time to honor the harvest and give thanks for the abundance that the Earth has provided throughout the year. It is common to create altars adorned with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other symbols of the harvest.
Autumnl equinox magic
Autumn Equinox ritual ideas, plus a tarot spread (or journal reflections) and Autumn Equinox Bowl recipe.
A time of equal day and night, the Autumn Equinox is a magical threshold for change. The feeling in the air is like a surge of energy, the spark of transformation, a new direction, full of possibilities, wrapped up in an invigorating chill. It tastes like squash and pumpkin, dark leafy greens, brassicas, toasted nuts, and warming cinnamon and nutmeg.
The Autumn Equinox is a great point on the Wheel of the Year to pause and consider shedding what we don’t need. It’s a time for fire ceremonies to burn what you’re leaving behind, cozy gatherings lit by candlelight, grounding practices, and warming food.
This mid-harvest celebration is about bowing to change, expressing gratitude for how far we’ve come this year and what we have, and — as a time of nearly equal light and dark — inviting in balance. It’s a time for welcoming transitions and transformation, for getting closer to who we are at our core, and preparing to turn inward.
Ushering in the start of Libra Season, the Autumn Equinox is a time when we’re seeking deep truths, connection, and equilibrium in our lives. The key is getting to the root of what balance means to you — because everyone’s idea of it is different, and it’s rarely a clear 50/50 split.
The way we relate to others is being called on for review this season. How are you there for others and for yourself? Do you do the most and abandon yourself often? Do you tend to retreat when you don’t know how to communicate an issue? Do you sweep things under the rug to your own detriment? This is all up for review now, and especially in Libra season.
Check out your Tarotscope for more insight.
Create your own ritual
I’m a big proponent of creating your own rituals, so take what you like from the Autumn Equinox ritual below and add in elements that feel special to you.
Theme: Shedding what’s no longer serving you to find balance.
Honor with:
- Burning rituals (see below)
- Gratitude practice
- Shadow work
- Home protection magic
- Breathwork (autumn is air season)
- Foods like squash and pumpkin, apples and pears, warming spices, toasted nuts — anything that feels like fall to you (yes, even a PSL).
Burning Ritual: Whether you have a fire pit or fireplace or just a candle and a fire safe container (like a bowl full of water), you can do a burning ritual.
- First, prepare your space by cleaning it and tidying any clutter. Cleanse your space by burning herbs or incense, diffusing essential oils, or with music. Light your fire and sit down with a few small pieces of paper (this can be done with others or solo).
- Spend 2-5 minutes breathing into your belly to get into your body and declutter your mind. On your deep inhales, let your body feel into receiving, and on the exhale feel into letting go.
- Write down what you want to release to create change in your life on the pieces of paper. Burn each piece of paper one by one, speaking what’s written on them aloud before throwing them in the fire. If you’re using a candle, burn the paper and place it in the bowl of water before it burns your fingers (you can flush it or pour down the sink when you finish your ritual).
- Once all of the pieces of paper have been released, state what you’re grateful for, then what you’re calling into your life in the present tense, as if you already have it.
- Close out the ritual with music and a dish of something grounding and warming.
Autumn Equinox Tarot Spread/Journal Reflections
i. Where am I transforming?
ii. What needs to be shed to aid in my transformation?
iii. What am I ready to step into?
iv. Where am I ready to take action?
v. Where can I give more?
vi. Where can I receive more?
For more insights on this season for you personally, book a tarot reading with me here or check out my course Tarot Foundations for Intuitive Witches to make your Fall extra magical.
These altars act as focal points for gratitude and manifestation, allowing individuals to connect with the Earth's energy and express their intentions for the coming months. In addition to harvest celebrations, Mabon is also seen as a time of balance and introspection. As the daylight hours wane, it is a time to reflect on personal growth and find inner balance. Many people take this opportunity to meditate, journal, or engage in other forms of self-reflection to align themselves with the changing energies of the season. Furthermore, autumnal equinox magic is often associated with the element of water and the colors of oranges, reds, and browns. Water is seen as a purifying and healing force, while the colors reflect the vibrant hues of falling leaves and the impending transformation of the natural world. These elements can be incorporated into rituals and spellwork to enhance the connection with the season's energy. Overall, autumnal equinox magic provides a powerful opportunity to connect with the natural world, honor the harvest, and find balance in our own lives. By embracing this magical time of year, we can tap into the transformative energies of the season and set intentions for growth and personal development. Whether through rituals, altars, or self-reflection, the autumnal equinox invites us to embrace the magic and beauty of the changing seasons..
Reviews for "Celebrating the harvest season with the magic of the autumn equinox"
1. David - 2 stars: I was really excited to read "Autumn Equinox Magic" as I love magical books set in the autumn season. However, I found this book to be quite disappointing. The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters felt flat and uninteresting. The writing style also didn't captivate me, as I felt it lacked depth and detail. Overall, "Autumn Equinox Magic" failed to deliver the enchanting story I was hoping for.
2. Emily - 2 stars: I struggled to connect with the characters and the story in "Autumn Equinox Magic". The pacing was slow, and it felt like nothing significant was happening throughout the book. The magical elements felt forced and underdeveloped, and I couldn't suspend my disbelief enough to fully immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the romance felt forced and lacked chemistry. Overall, I found "Autumn Equinox Magic" to be a mediocre read that failed to engage me.
3. Sophie - 1 star: I found "Autumn Equinox Magic" to be a complete waste of time. The plot was dull and unoriginal, and the characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. The writing style was mediocre at best, with repetitive phrases and cliche descriptions. There was nothing unique or captivating about this book, and I struggled to find any enjoyment in reading it. I wouldn't recommend "Autumn Equinox Magic" to anyone looking for a compelling and magical read.