Witchcraft practices during the fall equinox involve a deep connection with nature and the changing seasons. This is a time to honor the harvest and give thanks for the abundance of the earth. The fall equinox, also known as Mabon, is a time of balance between light and dark, as day and night are of equal length. This is a perfect time for witches to perform rituals and spells that focus on finding balance in their own lives. One of the main elements of fall equinox rituals is the creation of an altar. This altar is often adorned with symbols of the season, such as pumpkins, acorns, and leaves.
Gottesdiener is an artist, designer, tarot reader and witch — you may know her from her popular and often sold-out Many Moons workbooks or from her shop, Modern Women. For Gottesdiener, the season’s magic is especially potent because it combines with her celebration of the Jewish High Holy Days. While she says that the Celtic mythology attached to the Wheel of the year doesn’t resonate with her, its connection to nature and the season’s effects on us personally and collectively makes following it important to her. This includes embracing the return of the darkness that accompanies the Equinox. “The darkness is a beautiful thing, because it is where seeds germinate. The darkness is deeply potent: it is our subconscious and a source of our own power,” Gottesdiener said.
Those who practice Mabon see it as a time of balance between the opposing forces of light and dark, life and death As you celebrate the harvest you ve reaped, you simultaneously recognize that the soil is dying, that the nights will start to become longer, and that the earth is slowly going into hibernation. While she says that the Celtic mythology attached to the Wheel of the year doesn t resonate with her, its connection to nature and the season s effects on us personally and collectively makes following it important to her.
This altar is often adorned with symbols of the season, such as pumpkins, acorns, and leaves. It is a place of connection with the earth and a focal point for meditation and spellwork. Some witches also choose to incorporate elements of the harvest, such as bread and wine, into their altars to further honor the abundance of the season.
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
During the fall equinox, many witches choose to perform rituals that focus on gratitude and letting go. This is a time to reflect on the blessings of the past year and release any negative energy or unwanted thoughts. Witches may write down their blessings and burn them as an offering to the universe, symbolizing their gratitude and willingness to let go of what no longer serves them. Another common practice during the fall equinox is the creation of a corn dolly. These small dolls are traditionally made from corn husks and represent the harvest goddess, who provides nourishment and sustenance for the coming winter months. The corn dolly is often placed on the altar and blessed during rituals, serving as a reminder of the abundance of the earth and the importance of gratitude. In addition to these practices, witches may also perform spells and rituals that focus on balance and intention setting. This is a time to meditate on what you want to manifest in your life and set clear intentions for the months ahead. Some witches may also perform divination rituals during this time, using tools such as tarot cards or scrying mirrors to gain insight and guidance. Overall, fall equinox rituals in witchcraft are a time of honoring the earth, giving thanks, and finding balance. Through the use of altars, rituals, and spells, witches connect with nature and the changing seasons to bring abundance, gratitude, and balance into their lives..
Reviews for "The Magic of Tarot and Oracle Cards on the Fall Equinox"
1. Anna - 2 stars - I attended a "Witchcraft practices during the fall equinox" workshop and was sorely disappointed. While I went in with an open mind, expecting to learn some interesting rituals and practices, I found the entire experience to be vague and lackluster. The workshop didn't provide any meaningful insights or practical techniques related to witchcraft during the fall equinox. The facilitator seemed more interested in promoting their personal beliefs rather than offering valuable information. Overall, I left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this workshop to anyone seeking a genuine exploration of witchcraft practices during the fall equinox.
2. Mike - 1 star - I have always been fascinated by witchcraft practices, so I was really looking forward to attending the "Witchcraft practices during the fall equinox" event. However, I must say I was extremely disappointed. The event was poorly organized, with little structure or guidance. The facilitator rambled on, presenting confusing and contradictory information. It was evident that they lacked deep knowledge on the topic and were simply regurgitating generic information found online. Overall, it was a waste of time and money, and I left feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the "Witchcraft practices during the fall equinox" workshop, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The facilitator seemed unprepared and disinterested, making it difficult to engage with the material. The content provided was surface-level and lacking in substance, leaving me without any new insights or techniques to incorporate into my practice. I would have appreciated a more interactive approach with hands-on activities or demonstrations rather than just a lecture. It's safe to say I won't be recommending this workshop to fellow witchcraft enthusiasts.