The Autumn Equinox is an important time for pagans as it marks the midpoint between the summer and winter solstices. It is a time of balance, when day and night are equal in length. This significant turning point in the year is celebrated by pagans around the world, who honor the changing seasons and the cycles of nature. During the Autumn Equinox, pagans often gather together to hold ceremonies and rituals that focus on gratitude and harvest. They give thanks for the abundance of the earth and the bountiful harvest that has been reaped. This is a time to express gratitude for the fruits of their labor and to recognize the interconnectedness of all living things.
Try lighting a candle during your Mabon ritual and focus on its flame. As you meditate, pose your question or intention and observe the flame’s behavior.
The fifth element, Spirit, can be honored by setting an intention or dedicating a portion of your ritual to acknowledging the spiritual significance of Mabon. He believed the solstice and equinox holidays should also have names like the ancient Celtic fire festivals Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lughnasadh.
This is a time to express gratitude for the fruits of their labor and to recognize the interconnectedness of all living things. In many pagan traditions, the Autumn Equinox is also associated with the goddess of the harvest and abundance. This goddess is often honored and invoked during rituals and ceremonies.
Mabon 2014: Six Ways To Celebrate The Pagan Autumnal Equinox
The autumnal equinox falls on September 23 in 2014, marking the official first day of fall as well as the pagan holiday, Mabon, in the northern hemisphere.
Mabon is a harvest festival, the second of three, that encourages pagans to "reap what they sow," both literally and figuratively. It is the time when night and day stand equal in duration; thus is it a time to express gratitude, complete projects and honor a moment of balance.
Advertisement"Mabon is a time to reflect on the previous year, when we can celebrate our successes (likened to bringing in the harvest) and assess which crops, projects, or dreams didn't come to fruition," the Los Angeles-based pagan leader Laurie Lovekraft told HuffPost.
The pagan website The White Goddess explains:
This is the time to look back not just on the past year, but also your life, and to plan for the future. In the rhythm of the year, Mabon is a time of rest and celebration, after the hard work of gathering the crops. Warm autumn days are followed by chill nights, as the Old Sun God returns to the embrace of the Goddess.
The holiday is named after the Welsh God, Mabon, son of Earth Mother goddess Modron.
Some pagans mark the holiday by enjoying rich feasts with seasonal foods like apples, pomegranates and root vegetables. Many also observe rituals honoring the goddess' transition from mother to crone.
Lovekraft offered six ways to celebrate that can be done in small or large groups or individually:
1. Create an altar. This can be on a dining room table, hearth, or dresser with apples, leaves, pinecones, corn, pomegranate, squash, and root vegetables. Add gardening tools (scythe, baskets, hand trowel) and objects that are the colors of gold, orange, red, bronze, and rust. Light an orange or yellow candle and give thanks for the blessings of abundance you have in your life. (Always remember fire safety when working with candles and never leave a candle burning unattended!)
Advertisement2. Ask for blessings. When lighting your candle, you can call to the Goddess in her Mother aspect and/or ask the Green Man to bless your harvest.
3. Do apple magic. Apples are often harvested in the fall. Cut an apple horizontally to reveal the hidden, five-pointed star (a pentagram) inside. Look for pentagonal forms around you (ex. five fingers and five toes, five petals of certain flowers, starfish, etc.)
4. Listen to music. Music is a wonderful way to get into the mood of Mabon! Songs by Lisa Thiel, the Reclaiming Tradition, and S.J. Tucker are especially evocative.
5. Meditate on balance. This is especially helpful if you are a family caregiver, but also if you have a high-stress job, pressure-filled commute, or have a lot of personal drama. Reflect on how you handle pressure, how you manage your and other people's emotions, and how easily your peace of mind can be disrupted. Think about ways you can reduce stress and bring more balance to your days. Consider going to bed earlier and waking up earlier to get a jump on the day, practicing non-violent communication, eating more healthily, and eliminating unhealthy relationships.
6. Pray for peace. In a world out of balance, praying for peace and stability -- including a stable climate -- can be especially potent during Mabon!
4. Listen to music. Music is a wonderful way to get into the mood of Mabon! Songs by Lisa Thiel, the Reclaiming Tradition, and S.J. Tucker are especially evocative.
For pagans, the Autumn Equinox is a time to connect with the divine feminine energy and to express gratitude for the cycles of life and death. In addition to celebrating the harvest, pagans also use the Autumn Equinox as a time for reflection and introspection. It is a time to look inward and assess the balance in one's own life. This is an opportunity to evaluate one's goals and intentions, and to make adjustments if needed. Overall, the Autumn Equinox holds great significance for pagans as a time of balance, gratitude, and reflection. It is a time to celebrate the harvest and the abundance of the earth, while also taking a moment to appreciate the cycles of life and the interconnectedness of all living things. Through rituals and ceremonies, pagans honor the changing seasons and connect with the divine energy that flows through the natural world..
Reviews for "Celebrating Balance: Exploring the Dualities of the Autumn Equinox in Paganism"
1. John - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with "Autumn equinox pagan designation". The content was poorly researched and lacked depth. It simply felt like a superficial overview of pagan traditions during the autumn equinox, without providing any meaningful insights or analysis. The writing style was also quite dull, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout the book. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive and informative exploration of the autumn equinox in pagan culture.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Autumn equinox pagan designation", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The book felt disjointed and lacking in structure, making it difficult to follow the author's train of thought. Additionally, the information provided was rather basic and repetitive, offering nothing new or unique to the seasoned pagan practitioner. The lack of depth and originality made me question the value of this book, and I would advise others to seek out more comprehensive resources on the topic instead.
3. Mark - 2.5 stars
While "Autumn equinox pagan designation" had a promising concept, it failed to deliver on many levels. The writing style was convoluted and confusing, making it hard to grasp the author's intended message. Moreover, the examples and anecdotes included were not relatable or informative, leaving me feeling disconnected from the subject matter. The book seemed more like a mishmash of random thoughts rather than a coherent exploration of the autumn equinox in pagan practices. Overall, I found this book to be lacking in substance and would not recommend it to those seeking thorough and insightful information.