The autumn equinox is a time of balance and transition, marking the change from the warmth and light of summer to the coolness and darkness of winter. Pagan rites and rituals have long been practiced during this time, celebrating the bountiful harvest and honoring the cycles of nature. These rites often involve gathering together in community, making offerings to the earth, and expressing gratitude for the abundance of the season. One common tradition is the creation of an "autumn altar," adorned with the fruits and vegetables of the harvest, as well as symbols of the sun and moon. These altars serve as a focal point for rituals and meditation, as well as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things. Another popular rite is the lighting of bonfires, which symbolize the transformative power of fire and serve as a source of warmth and light during the growing darkness of autumn.
Pass around apples while saying:
We re going to do something called raising power to consecrate these seeds with our life energy and store the strength of this year to begin the next. However, there is disagreement between those who see the equinox or solstice as the start of the season, and those who hold that it represents the middle of the season.
Another popular rite is the lighting of bonfires, which symbolize the transformative power of fire and serve as a source of warmth and light during the growing darkness of autumn. Many pagan groups also engage in divination and reflection during this time, using various methods such as tarot cards, runes, or scrying to gain insight and guidance for the coming season. Overall, the autumn equinox pagan rites celebrate the beauty and abundance of the earth while acknowledging the shifting energies as the wheel of the year turns towards winter.
Ritual of Balance for Autumn Equinox
Light the chalice and proceed to the outside, chanting: “Gathered here”
Circle and sit.
“We have come together at this most sacred time of year, when life and death stand in balance in their endless dance. Let us take one moment to think about what is in balance in our lives.”
pause for one moment
“And, to balance that out, let us dwell for a moment on what could be more balanced than it has been lately.”
pause for one moment
Pass around apples while saying:
“As a symbol of the bountiful harvest that each year brings our hearts, take a deep bite from the apple, but don’t swallow yet. Holding the bite in your mouth, consider its perilous position. Just a moment ago, it was safely part of a whole fruit, and had never known anything different. Now, it stands on the cusp of falling into a pit of boiling acid – and through that pit, the molecules within it will become us. There is literally no difference between us and the apple bite.
Only time separates us. We are just the same.”
“Okay, now we can swallow—and hold on tight.”
“Like the apple bite, we are always leaving something behind – or maybe we’d like to leave something behind but haven’t found a way to do so yet. I’m passing around some leaves and some pens, so you can write down things you want to leave behind. What you write will stay between you and the God/dess”
pause for two or three moments
"Now, one at a time, we will bring our leaves to the center of the circle and mulch them/burn them in the chalice. As you do so, you may share with the group what you are leaving behind. You may also mulch in silence if you prefer."
"If everyone has gone, there is a final piece of the harvest ritual to perform. Dig into your apples and retrieve a single seed.
We’re going to do something called “raising power” to consecrate these seeds with our life energy and store the strength of this year to begin the next.
There are several ways to do this, but one is with a simple open vowel sound chant like thus: A-Om. Try it. (maybe a couple of times)
So we all do that together, slowly getting louder and higher in pitch, all holding our seeds."
Get a few people to say this next part together.
"Now! Raise power that these seeds will rest, containing within the fruit as the fruit contained them. Never ending is the Cycle! Ever Blessed is the way!
(power is raised)
Everyone put your left hand out like this. And, with the seed, your right hand out like this.
Guard well this seed, and fertilize it with your wishes, hopes and truths, so that in spring, planted, they will thrive and grow. Protect and preserve this seed, that it protect you.
(people hand off their seeds)
.
Reviews for "Rituals for Release and Letting Go on the Autumn Equinox in Paganism"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I attended the Autumn Equinox Pagan Rites event with high expectations, but sadly, it fell short for me. The atmosphere was lacking the mystical energy that I had hoped for, and the organizers failed to create a sense of connection between participants. The rituals felt forced and lacked authenticity. Overall, I left the event feeling disappointed and unsatisfied.
2. Mark - 1 star - I had such high hopes for the Autumn Equinox Pagan Rites, but it turned out to be a complete letdown. The event was disorganized, and it seemed like the organizers were merely going through the motions without any true understanding or reverence for the pagan traditions they were supposed to be celebrating. The rituals were shallow and lacked any depth or spiritual significance. I left feeling like I had wasted my time and money.
3. Emma - 2 stars - As someone who has been actively involved in the pagan community for many years, I was disappointed by the Autumn Equinox Pagan Rites event. The organizers seemed more concerned with commercializing and capitalizing on the pagan culture rather than creating an authentic and meaningful experience for participants. The rituals felt superficial and lacked the depth and spiritual essence that I had hoped for. I would not recommend this event to fellow pagans looking for a genuine and connected celebration of the Autumn Equinox.