The Autumnal Equinox

"Medicine woman" by Susan Boulet

Autumn Equinox, Mabon, Second Harvest

The Autumn Equinox signals that day and night are, for today, divided equally and we will be saying good bye to long days and hello to longer nights. There is finally a break from the summer heat and a cooling in the morning air. Fall is my favorite time of year and Autumn Equinox is always a holiday in my life.

Our minds and spirits are reminded of the coming change by the colors of golden leaves, the southward migration of the hummingbirds, and the winds starting to shift more often to blowing in from the north. People start to nest and stay close to the hearth. Yard-work is easier and chores are done to prepare for the coming of winter.

In the old days, this was the "Wine Moon," the time of storing the new wine, the wheat and corn would be brought in, fruits and vegetables dried and stored, meats salted and hung, and extra hay put up.

In addition to 'putting up,' now is the time to enjoy the spirit of this season. Go on a nature walk and enjoy the scenery. Harvest something from your garden, golden flowers for drying, squash, and corn. Here in the desert canning tomatoes and roasting chilies is another a welcomed Autumn Ritual.

For my Northern neighbors, I believe you’re still finishing up berry season. Savor a glass of red wine with a meal. Dry some seeds to use for planting next year or to snack on now. Make some decorations with corn and dried leaves. Use the rich golden, orange and russet colors to brighten your home with some decorations such as garlands in the windows, a wreath on the door or make a harvest basket for an elderly neighbor who doesn't get around much.

In these modern times, a spiritual way to look at this time of year is to contemplate in a philosophical manner the ideas of what did you grow, harvest and bring to your hearth this year? And then to give thanks in whatever form of thought or worship is appropriate in your belief system for what you have been able to accomplish.

Cut away the chaff, the useless things and situations that are slowing your life down. For those on a Pagan path, as the end of the Pagan year draws near, review what can be hoped for and what plans need to be set into place to accomplish needed or wanted goals next year?

And now share, how can you spread some of your good fortune around to others who are needy? How can you work to balance any conflict that is around you? This day begins the sign of Libra and it is no mistake that Libra's symbol is a set of scales. It is also time to give thanks for the special people in your life. These things are your modern day "Harvest."

The Wheel continues to turn; the nights will get longer, the days shorter and the weather cooler. For the night of the Autumn Equinox, we celebrate that we have accomplished and the hard work that has been done. Mabon is considered a time of the Mysteries. In the Pagan world, it is a time to honor Aging Deities and the Spirit World. Considered a time of balance, it is when we stop and relax and enjoy the fruits of our personal harvests, whether they be from toiling in our gardens, working at our jobs, raising our families, or just coping with the hussle-bussle of everyday life. The light from the sun is as golden as it will ever be and the feasting is a blessing with wine and good company to gratefully share it with. Give thanks!

Symbolism of Mabon:
Second Harvest, the Mysteries, Equality and Balance.

Symbols of Mabon:
wine, gourds, pine cones, acorns, grains, corn, apples, pomegranates, vines such as ivy, dried seeds, and horns of plenty.

Herbs of Mabon:
Acorn, benzoin, ferns, grains, honeysuckle, marigold, milkweed, myrrh, passionflower, rose, sage, Solomon's seal, tobacco, thistle, and vegetables.

Foods of Mabon:
Breads, nuts, apples, pomegranates, and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions.

Incense of Mabon:
Autumn Blend-benzoin, myrrh, and sage.

Colors of Mabon:
Red, orange, russet, maroon, brown, and gold.

Stones of Mabon:
Sapphire, lapis lazuli, and yellow agates.

Activities of Mabon:
Making wine, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods, walking in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields, offering libations to trees, adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns, and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.

Energy Workings of Mabon:
Protection, prosperity, security, and self-confidence. Also those of harmony and balance.

Deities of Mabon:
Persephone, Goddesses-Modron, Morgan, Epona, Pamona and the Muses. Gods-Mabon, Thoth, Thor, Hermes, and The Green Man.

There are many Fall Equinox celebrations of Christianity, Pagans, etc. View the clusters of Megalithic Cairns that are dotted around the Slieve na Caillaigh hills at Loughcrew. Here are pictures from the Loughcrew Autumn Equinox of 2006.

Autumn Equinox is celebrated around the world today. It's a time to be thoughtful and thankful. May your day be filled with blessings.