The autumn equinox, also known as Mabon in pagan traditions, will occur in 2022. This celestial event marks the transition from summer to autumn in the northern hemisphere. It occurs when the sun is directly above the equator, resulting in nearly equal hours of daylight and darkness. Pagan celebrations of the autumn equinox focus on themes of harvest, balance, and abundance. Mabon is a time to express gratitude for the bountiful gifts of the Earth and to honor the cycle of life and death. It is a time to appreciate the fruits of our labor, both literally and metaphorically, as we gather the crops from the fields and reflect on our own personal growth and achievements.
For Mabon, try adding harvest fruits and vegetables to your altar (like apples, leaves, pine cones, corn, pomegranate, squash, and root vegetables—go ahead, add a pumpkin if you must). Color-wise, you’re looking for gold, orange, red, bronze, and rust. For scents, you’re seeking sage, cinnamon, orange, and apple. Crystals in dark colors, particularly in shades of green or brown, will add a good vibration. Make it look welcoming, pretty, and festive. Light an orange or yellow candle on your altar and give thanks for the security, happiness, and the advantages you have in your life.
Ancient Celts and pagans used this day to give thanks to nature for a good harvest and to pray to their gods and goddesses that the crop would last throughout the winter. Whether or not you pick something to give that is sentimental or more like a gag is up to you your peers will think it s fabulous because you gave it to them.
It is a time to appreciate the fruits of our labor, both literally and metaphorically, as we gather the crops from the fields and reflect on our own personal growth and achievements. During the autumn equinox, pagans often perform rituals and ceremonies to honor the changing seasons and to seek balance in their lives. This may include creating altars adorned with symbols of the harvest, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and colorful leaves.
How to Celebrate Mabon
Mark your calendar for September 23 and start making plans to celebrate Mabon. Ma-what? Mabon takes place on the fall equinox. It’s a pagan celebration originating from the ancient Celts, who populated Britain and much of Northwest Europe before the march of the Romans (so we’re going back nearly 2,000 years here). This group of druidic, tree-lovin’ people celebrated the Earth’s cycles and seasons by dividing the year into eight segments at key seasonal turning points, creating eight festivals that are still celebrated today by Wiccans and neo-pagans. Got all that? Okay, good.
The lighting of candles or bonfires and the offering of prayers or blessings are also common practices during this time. In addition to the spiritual aspects, the autumn equinox is also a time for family and community gatherings. Pagan festivals and feasts are held to celebrate the abundance of the harvest and to strengthen the bonds between individuals and their communities. These celebrations often involve music, dance, storytelling, and the sharing of food and drink. As the Earth begins its descent into winter, the autumn equinox serves as a reminder to embrace change and to find balance in our lives. It is a time to release what no longer serves us and to make way for new opportunities and growth. Whether through rituals, celebrations, or personal reflection, the autumn equinox offers a chance to connect with nature and to honor the cycles of life and the changing of the seasons..
Reviews for "The Wheel of the Year: Understanding the Autumn Equinox in Pagan Calendar"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the Autumn Equinox Pagan 2022 event. The organization was a mess, with long lines and confusion about where to go. The atmosphere was also really lacking - I was expecting a mystical and enchanted experience, but it just felt like any regular festival. The workshops and activities were poorly planned and lacked substance. Overall, I wouldn't recommend attending this event if you're looking for an authentic and meaningful pagan experience.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I attended the Autumn Equinox Pagan 2022 event with high hopes, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The main issue was the lack of diversity in the programming. The workshops and talks seemed to focus only on a limited subset of pagan practices, leaving me feeling excluded as someone who follows a different path. The ticket price was also quite high for what was offered. The event could definitely benefit from more inclusive programming and a better value for the attendees.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I wanted to love the Autumn Equinox Pagan 2022 event, but ultimately, it didn't impress me. The organization was chaotic, with long wait times for everything. The vendors and practitioners seemed disengaged and unenthusiastic. The energy of the event just didn't feel right. Additionally, the advertised lineup of speakers and performers didn't deliver. It's a shame because I was really looking forward to connecting with the pagan community and deepening my spiritual practice, but this event missed the mark.
4. Alex - 1 star
I found the Autumn Equinox Pagan 2022 event to be incredibly underwhelming. The workshops and talks lacked depth and felt shallow. The atmosphere was lackluster and didn't foster any sense of community or connection. The event seemed more about commercialism and making a profit rather than truly embracing the spirit of paganism. I was hoping for a transformative and meaningful experience, but unfortunately, this event failed to deliver. I won't be attending again in the future.
5. Michelle - 3 stars
Although the Autumn Equinox Pagan 2022 event had its drawbacks, there were some redeeming aspects. The venue was beautiful and provided a lovely setting for the event. The merchandise available from the vendors was of good quality and offered a variety of pagan-related items. However, the event felt disorganized and lacked a clear schedule of activities. The workshops were hit or miss, some being informative and engaging while others felt superficial. Overall, it had potential but fell short in execution.