The September equinox, also known as the autumnal equinox, marks the transition from summer to autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time of shifting energies and changing seasons, and for witches, it holds a special significance. In many witchcraft traditions, the equinoxes are seen as points of balance between light and dark, day and night. The September equinox, in particular, is associated with the harvest season and the abundance of the earth. Witches often use this time to honor and celebrate the bountiful harvest, giving thanks for the gifts and blessings of the season. During the September equinox, witches may engage in rituals and practices that align with the energy of the season.
During the September equinox, witches may engage in rituals and practices that align with the energy of the season. They may gather herbs, fruits, and vegetables from the garden and create offerings to honor the earth and the harvest. These offerings can be placed on altars or in sacred spaces as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation for the natural world.
A Modern Witch's Guide to Celebrating the Fall Equinox
If you don't have time to meditate or cast a spell honoring the Mother Goddess, you can always just throw a big party.
September 22, 2016, 5:47pm Photo by Suprijono Suharjoto via StocksyToday is the fall equinox, which marks the day when the earth is at equilibrium. At this point, the world begins its descent into slumber for the winter; traditionally, this is seen as the time at which the crops are all harvested, when everyone must quiet their spirits as the season shifts once again.
Astronomically, the equinox occurs when the sun is exactly above the equator, which causes both the southern and northern hemispheres to receive the same amount of light. In other words, day and night are equal length today—ushering in a time of calm and stillness as the light begins to wane going into winter.
AdvertisementIn ancient Ireland, before the arrival of the Celts, prehistoric worshippers erected stone cairns containing chambers that that only let light in on the equinoxes. In ancient Greece, the Eleusinian mysteries, which marked the transition from summer to fall, were "considered essential to the survival of humanity," according to historian Mara Lynn Keller. Although the details aren't known—initiates were forbidden on penalty of death from speaking about the rites—the festivities honored Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, and Persephone, her daughter, whose six-month annual disappearance into the underworld was said to cause the barren winter season. The ancient Celts would conduct a mock sacrifice on this date, burning a wicker-work figure that represented the spirit of the vegetation.
As any practicing witch can tell you, the equinox is a powerful time energetically; the start of autumn, specifically, marks the point at which the light begins to wane. For pagans, equinoxes are particularly significant events, and the autumnal equinox—also referred to as Mabon by neo-Pagans—is somewhat equivalent to Thanksgiving. This is an important time to give thanks to Mother Goddess and the earth for her gifts. 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.
AdvertisementThe astrological climate during the autumnal equinox is also revealing. Around this time, the sun enters Libra. "Libra is the sign of beauty, harmony, and justice, so expect those to be big themes going into the fall," says astrologer Amelia Quint of the Midheaven. "How we relate to one another in all kinds of relationships—from the individual to the community level—will be in the cosmic spotlight."
A Mabon altar. Photo via Wikipedia.
Because of Libra's community focus, the best (and most fun) way to celebrate Mabon is by throwing a party. Honor the autumnal bounty by hosting a feast, even if you're not the one who harvested the ingredients. Celebrate in ritual outside, around a bonfire, or among the forest, giving libation and thanks to whatever it is that you worship and blessing the food in its name before partaking. Kitchen witchery, or using food for magic, is also apt.
Spending time outside, immersed in nature and her gifts, is another easy way to celebrate. Pagans often take this time to find connection to Gaia, the goddess of the earth and nature incarnate. Consider casting a protective circle, creating an altar outside, or leaving an offering of apples, milk, honey or bread for the faeries and elementals. Cleansing yourself by burning protective and cleansing herbs like sage, mugwort, and cedar is also a good way to use today's energy. And, if there's no time for that, simply gather up friends and loved ones, start a bonfire, go apple picking, or simply sit outside and enjoy the smells of the season. The point is to revel in the wheel of the year as she shifts once again, preparing us for darker days and a time of potent energetic opportunities.
Symbols of Mabon are reflective of the season: It's associated with rich, vibrant jewel tone hues and objects that possess grounding, comforting qualities. Vegetables such as squash and gourds, apples and anything made from their fruit, seeds, nuts, and corn are all appropriate for the holiday. If you have an altar, honor the new season by decorating it with any of the aforementioned, as well as with baskets to symbolize the gathering of the crops.
Mabon is a useful time for practicing protection magic as well as prosperity magic. (According to pagan beliefs, the veil between the spiritual and mortal worlds is particularly thin around the autumnal equinox.) Any form of divination you partake in will be particularly revealing now, and meditating on the balance between light and dark and this space of equilibrium is also customary.
Whether you're celebrating with a ritual, a feast, or simply by spending time outside, this is a perfect excuse to enjoy the season. Take time to appreciate Gaia's gifts and don't forget: Winter is coming.
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The astrological climate during the autumnal equinox is also revealing. Around this time, the sun enters Libra. "Libra is the sign of beauty, harmony, and justice, so expect those to be big themes going into the fall," says astrologer Amelia Quint of the Midheaven. "How we relate to one another in all kinds of relationships—from the individual to the community level—will be in the cosmic spotlight."
Additionally, witches may use the energy of the September equinox to set intentions and goals for the coming months. This is a time of reflection and introspection, where witches can assess their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their spiritual path. They may perform divination rituals or meditate on their intentions and desires for the future. The September equinox is also a time for witches to connect with the energy of transformation and letting go. As the leaves change color and fall from the trees, witches may use this symbolism to release anything that no longer serves them. This can be done through various rituals, such as burning written intentions or making offerings to the elements. Furthermore, witches may come together in community during the September equinox to celebrate and share their practices. They may hold gatherings, rituals, or workshops to honor the turning of the seasons and to connect with like-minded individuals. Overall, the September equinox holds a significant place in the hearts and practices of witches. It is a time of balance, reflection, and celebration, where they can connect with the energies of the earth and align with the cycles of nature. By honoring the harvest and setting intentions for the future, witches can embrace the magic of this season and continue on their spiritual journey..
Reviews for "The Witch's Guide to Crystals for the September Equinox"
1. Jane - 2/5 - I was really excited to read "Witches September Equinox" as I love books about witches and magic. However, I found the writing to be overly descriptive and the plot to be confusing. The author introduced too many characters without giving them proper development, leaving me feeling disconnected and uninterested in their struggles. Additionally, the pacing was slow, and I struggled to stay engaged throughout the book. Overall, it was a disappointing read for me.
2. Mark - 1/5 - "Witches September Equinox" was a complete letdown for me. I found the writing style to be repetitive and the dialogue to be cringe-worthy. The story lacked depth and seemed to rely on cliches and predictable plot twists. I couldn't connect with the protagonist, who felt one-dimensional and lacked any real growth throughout the book. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone seeking a well-written and engaging read.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Witches September Equinox" but ended up feeling let down. The world-building was weak, and I struggled to understand the rules of magic in this universe. The plot meandered without a clear direction, and the climax felt rushed and unsatisfying. The writing style felt amateurish, with clunky prose and awkward sentences. While I appreciate the effort put into crafting this story, it fell short of my expectations.