The Pagan fall equinox traditions have deep roots in ancient harvest festivals and rituals. These traditions celebrate the change of seasons and the abundance of the harvest. One common Pagan fall equinox tradition is the making of corn dollies, also known as corn maidens or corn mothers. These dolls, typically made from the last stalks of corn harvested, were believed to represent the spirit of the grain harvest. They were then kept throughout the winter months to bring good luck and to ensure a bountiful harvest for the following year. Another Pagan fall equinox tradition is the creation of wreaths made from autumn leaves and other natural materials.
We can combine the symbolic and ritual elements of the Fall Equinox into a reflective and celebratory space to practice gratitude, reflection, and energy renewal. Clear a space in a calm indoor or outdoor setting, then gather some elements that represent the season. These might include fallen leaves, candles, and other decorations in autumnal orange, brown, gold, and scarlett, as well as the fall foods discussed above and other traditional Mabon plants like ginger, elderberry, white oak bark, chamomile, or star anise. Arrange your bounty around (and a safe distance from!) a spot to burn your fall incense (see recipe above), let the smoke fill the space, and take some time to meditate on your intentions for the season ahead.
Therapeutically, rose has astringent and cooling properties that are helpful for skincare, and like many Autumn Equinox herbs, they can also aid digestion. These might include fallen leaves, candles, and other decorations in autumnal orange, brown, gold, and scarlett, as well as the fall foods discussed above and other traditional Mabon plants like ginger, elderberry, white oak bark, chamomile, or star anise.
Another Pagan fall equinox tradition is the creation of wreaths made from autumn leaves and other natural materials. These wreaths are often adorned with fruits, nuts, and flowers, symbolizing the abundance of the season. They are typically hung on doors or used as centerpiece decorations to welcome the onset of autumn and give thanks for the harvest.
How To Celebrate The Fall Equinox, Or “Witches’ Thanksgiving”
On Monday, September 23, day and night will be equal length, and autumn will officially begin. It’s the fall equinox, and along with being the official start of Libra season, it’s a spiritually significant day for many.
“It’s a very potent time for magic and manifesting, because the gateway between both the spiritual and physical world will be unlocked,” astrologer Lisa Stardust tells Refinery29. “During the height of the harvest season (which is when the equinox occurs), we have a witches' ‘Thanksgiving’ of sorts by eating seasonal fruits and honoring the Earth.”
This “Thanksgiving,” called Mabon in pagan communities, is a time to give thanks for the harvest and prepare for the end of the year. Wiccans celebrate the goddess as she turns from Mother to Crone, and Druids offer libations to Mea'n Fo'mhair, the Green Man.
Advertisement ADVERTISEMENT“Mabon signifies the start of fall, a time where the veil to the other realm begins to become more thin, and we’re meant to reap all the benefits of our hard work we’ve put in through the spring and summer months,” Blue June, host of the Mystic Witch podcast, tells Refinery29. “In olden times, that meant a feast of livestock and crops that have been harvested. These days, we are more prone to think of pumpkin spice lattes and the only thing we’re harvesting is bags of candy, but there are many modern ways in which to celebrate Mabon, while still connecting to traditions.”
June suggest throwing a bonfire party with friends, “celebrating each others’ accomplishments throughout the year and passing a cup of water around in a circle, sharing our achievements. You should try to do this as the fire is dying to signify that this is a time for slowing down, and when the last person has been congratulated we use the cup of water to put out the fire.”
Bri Luna, owner and creative director of the Hoodwitch, suggests taking some time for reflection, even if you can't have a big celebration. "On the day of the Sabbat [holiday], it's important to take just a moment out of your busy schedule to honor Mother Earth,” she says. “Spend time meditating on what you have accomplished in the past months, and write out a list of all you have to be thankful for. Keep your list posted where you can see, just in case you start feeling ‘Grinch-y’ as the coming winter months begin.”
As you unpack your sweaters from storage, take a moment to reflect on the end of the season and the good things in your life. As Luna says, "Gratitude is powerful medicine!"
June suggest throwing a bonfire party with friends, “celebrating each others’ accomplishments throughout the year and passing a cup of water around in a circle, sharing our achievements. You should try to do this as the fire is dying to signify that this is a time for slowing down, and when the last person has been congratulated we use the cup of water to put out the fire.”
Pagan fall equinox celebrations also often involve feasting and sharing meals with loved ones. It is a time to gather together and give thanks for the abundance of the harvest. Many Pagans also participate in ritual ceremonies and dances to honor the changing of the seasons and to express gratitude for the gifts of nature. Some Pagan fall equinox traditions also highlight the mythology and symbolism associated with this time of year. For example, the equinox is often seen as a balance between light and darkness, with the days and nights being equal in length. This balance is reflected in rituals and ceremonies that involve lighting candles or bonfires to symbolize the transition from light to darkness. Overall, Pagan fall equinox traditions emphasize connection to nature, the cycles of the seasons, and the importance of giving thanks for the abundance in our lives. These traditions continue to be practiced by many Pagans today as a way to honor the natural world and celebrate the harvest season..
Reviews for "Incorporating the elements in pagan rituals for the fall equinox"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I found the "Pagan fall equinox traditions" to be highly unappealing. The entire event felt like a hodgepodge of random activities with no cohesive theme. The organizers seemed more interested in shocking attendees with strange rituals rather than providing an informative and enjoyable experience. It felt more like a bizarre cult gathering rather than a cultural celebration. I left feeling deeply disappointed and regretting the time and money I spent on this event.
2. Michael - 2 stars
While I went into the "Pagan fall equinox traditions" with an open mind, I was left underwhelmed and confused by the entire experience. The rituals and performances were poorly organized and lacked any real meaning or depth. It felt like a shallow attempt at capitalizing on the rising interest in alternative spirituality, without actually offering anything substantial. The ticket prices were also exorbitant for what was ultimately a lackluster event. I would not recommend attending unless you have a specific interest in the occult or pagan practices.
3. Emily - 2 stars
As someone who has attended other pagan festivals in the past, I was sorely disappointed by the "Pagan fall equinox traditions" event. The organization was chaotic, with long queues and a lack of clear directions. The activities and workshops offered were unoriginal and lacked creativity. The entire event felt like a watered-down version of other, more authentic pagan celebrations. I left feeling like my time and energy had been wasted, and I wouldn't recommend this event to anyone looking for a genuine pagan experience.