Autumn equinox, also known as Mabon, is a pagan celebration that marks the midpoint between the summer solstice and the winter solstice. It is a time when day and night are equal in length, symbolizing balance and harmony. This festival is deeply rooted in nature and celebrates the bountiful harvest and the abundance of the Earth. During this time, pagans come together to honor the changing seasons and give thanks for the blessings of the harvest. The celebration often takes place in the form of rituals and ceremonies, where participants create altars adorned with autumnal fruits, vegetables, and flowers. These altars serve as a focal point for the rituals and acts as a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and nature.
China and Vietnam celebrate the Moon Festival, or Mid-Autumn Festival, which is on the full moon nearest the equinox. On a lunar calendar, it’s the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Parts of the celebrations include gazing at the moon and eating moon cakes; in the southern United States, Moon Pies are often used in place of moon cakes. A similar holiday in Korea is called “Chuseok.”
Some rituals for Mabon include building an altar with harvest fruits and vegetables, meditating on balance, gathering and feasting on apples, offering apples to the goddess, sharing food, and counting one s blessings. Some rituals for Mabon include building an altar with harvest fruits and vegetables, meditating on balance, gathering and feasting on apples, offering apples to the goddess, sharing food, and counting one s blessings.
These altars serve as a focal point for the rituals and acts as a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and nature. One common tradition during the autumn equinox is the sharing of a harvest feast. Friends and family gather together to enjoy a bountiful meal filled with seasonal produce and foods that have been harvested during this time.
6 Ways to Celebrate the Autumnal Equinox
The first day of fall is the perfect time to get a little pagan.
By Miss Cellania | Sep 23, 2014 | Updated: Sep 20, 2023, 12:03 PM EDT
Apples are one way people honor the start of fall. / Nikada/E+/Getty ImagesIn the Northern Hemisphere, the autumnal equinox—the point after which the nights become longer than the days, as the North Pole tilts away from the sun—falls on September 23, 2023. Though Labor Day is seen as the end of summer, the autumnal equinox officially kicks off fall.
The darkening days and chilly weather are a bit melancholy, but that doesn’t stop people from celebrating. Here are six ways people honor the autumnal equinox around the world.
It is a time to appreciate the abundance of the Earth and to share the fruits of the harvest with loved ones. Another important aspect of the autumn equinox celebration is the practice of gratitude. Pagans take the time to reflect on their blessings and express gratitude for the abundance and prosperity in their lives. They may also perform rituals to honor and show gratitude to the Earth and the natural world for providing sustenance and nourishment. The autumn equinox is also a time for letting go and releasing what no longer serves us. Pagans believe that just as the trees shed their leaves in the autumn, humans should also let go of any negativity, regrets, or burdens that they may be carrying. This act of releasing allows for personal growth and transformation as individuals make space for new opportunities and experiences. Overall, the autumn equinox celebrations within pagan traditions offer a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection to the natural world. It is a celebration of the Earth's abundance and serves as a reminder to live in harmony with nature and appreciate the cycles of life. Through rituals, feasts, and acts of gratitude, pagans honor the changing seasons and the beauty of the autumn equinox..
Reviews for "The Sacred Feminine and the Autumn Equinox: Exploring Pagan Goddess Traditions"
1. John - 1 star
I was very disappointed with the "Autumn Equinox Celebrations Pagan" event. I expected a deep and meaningful celebration of nature and pagan traditions, but all I got was a flimsy gathering with no real substance. The organizers seemed more interested in making money than genuinely connecting with the spiritual aspects of the equinox. The event lacked any authentic rituals or ceremonies and was filled with commercial stalls and mediocre entertainment. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a true pagan experience.
2. Emily - 2 stars
As someone who practices paganism, I was excited to attend the "Autumn Equinox Celebrations Pagan" event. However, it fell short of my expectations. The organizers seemed to focus more on superficial elements like decorations and performances, rather than providing meaningful rituals or educational experiences. It felt more like a carnival than a spiritual celebration. I was also disappointed by the lack of diversity in the event's offerings. The same activities and workshops seemed to be repeated year after year, making the event feel stagnant. I hope the organizers take this feedback into consideration and make improvements for the future.
3. Sarah - 1 star
The "Autumn Equinox Celebrations Pagan" event left a lot to be desired. It seemed more like a gimmick than an authentic celebration of pagan traditions. The vendors were mostly selling commercial products unrelated to paganism, and very few of them had any knowledge or understanding of the spiritual significance of the equinox. The workshops and talks were poorly organized and lacked depth. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time and money attending this event. I would suggest finding a different gathering or community that truly honors and respects pagan beliefs and practices.