Season of Transformation: Celebrating the Autumnal Equinox with Witchy Practices

The autumnal equinox witch celebration is an event that takes place during the autumnal equinox, which marks the beginning of fall. It is a time when witches and pagans come together to honor and celebrate the changing of the seasons. During this celebration, witches gather in outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, or forests to connect with nature and perform rituals. This is a time when the balance between light and darkness is equal, and it is believed that the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thin. One common ritual performed during the autumnal equinox witch celebration is a gratitude ritual. Participants take time to reflect on the blessings in their lives and express gratitude for them.

“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. Consider casting a protective circle, creating an altar outside, or leaving an offering of apples, milk, honey or bread for the faeries and elementals.

Participants take time to reflect on the blessings in their lives and express gratitude for them. This can be done through meditation, prayer, or by writing down what they are thankful for on paper and releasing it into the wind or burning it in a fire. Another common activity during this celebration is the creation of altars.

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.

Today 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.

In 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.

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."

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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A preview of The Modern Witch's Guide to Mabon online course, featuring ideas on how to set up your own mantelpiece altar for the autumn

Participants bring items that are representative of the autumn season, such as leaves, acorns, pumpkins, and apples, and place them on the altar. Candles are also lit to symbolize the warmth and light that will be needed during the upcoming winter months. In addition to rituals and activities, the autumnal equinox witch celebration is also a time for community and connection. It is a time when witches come together to support and uplift each other. Many groups organize feasts, potlucks, or picnics where participants can share food and stories, strengthen bonds, and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals. Overall, the autumnal equinox witch celebration is a time for witches and pagans to come together, honor nature, and celebrate the changing of the seasons. It is a time of gratitude, reflection, and connection, and it allows participants to deepen their spiritual practice and embrace the beauty and magic of the autumn season..

Reviews for "Tune in to Nature: Embracing the Autumnal Equinox as a Witch"

- John - 2 stars - I attended the Autumnal equinox witch celebration last year and was sorely disappointed. The event was disorganized and chaotic, with hardly any schedule or direction provided to attendees. The activities were lackluster and not engaging, leaving me feeling bored and uninterested. Additionally, the food options were limited and overpriced. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this event to anyone looking for a well-planned and enjoyable experience.

- Sarah - 1 star - The Autumnal equinox witch celebration was a complete letdown. The entire event felt like a cash grab, with exorbitant entrance fees and additional costs for every little thing inside. The supposed "witch" activities were laughable and seemed more like a half-hearted attempt to appeal to the theme. The lack of organization and structure made it difficult to navigate the event, and the overall atmosphere was underwhelming. Save your money and find a different autumn event to attend.

- Mark - 2 stars - If I could summarize the Autumnal equinox witch celebration in one word, it would be underwhelming. The event lacked creativity and seemed to be more of a marketing ploy than a genuine celebration. The entertainment provided was subpar, with amateur performers and unexciting acts. The ticket prices were high considering the lack of quality activities available. I left feeling unsatisfied and wishing I had spent my time and money elsewhere.

Finding Balance: Embracing the Autumnal Equinox as a Witch