My Autumn Equinox Guide

The Autumn Equinox falls between September 20th and 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere. At the time of writing it is just over a week away. This is a time of balance as day and night are the same length; and marks the beginning of (astronomical) Autumn. We know relatively little about how the Autumn Equinox was celebrated in pre or post-Roman Pagan Britain. It was almost certainly a time of celebration for the harvest, and a significant astronomical marker of the change in seasons. We see remnants of this in current Christian celebrations as “Harvest Festival” services are advertised at this time of year throughout the U.K.

For me this is a time to prepare for the darker season ahead. I spend time cleaning, and clearing the house in preparation for spending more time at home. A time for harvesting, and foraging; harvesting the summer herbs from my garden, collecting Rose hips, berries, and other Autumn goodies. I am not generally a jam person but I do like making shrubs, syrups, and oils; and finding space to hang herbs and flowers for drying. This is also a time for preparing the garden for winter; pruning, and in some cases removing plants ready for the next season, and looking even further ahead ready for Spring growth.

So here are some suggestions for your Autumn Equinox celebrations:

Foraging

Always do so with care. Don’t pick anything you are unsure of; go out with an experienced friend or a very good field guide if you are new to foraging. Take only what you need; leaving plenty for the plant, and for the animals that rely on it for food.

“Autumn Cleaning”

Do a deep clean of your space; for me this involves not just cleaning (even the awkward corners I rarely see) but also clearing out things I no longer need. This helps clear the energy of my space ready for spending more time inside as the nights drawn in, and the weather becomes colder and wetter.

Dress your Altar

If you have an altar (or several) dress one to mark the change of season. Autumnal colours, seasonal finds such as acorns; symbols to mark the change of seasons or to celebrate the spirits of the season. I have a small seasonal altar with a “Wheel of the Year” plaque I turn to mark each tide, draw an oracle card for the season, and place a statue with a seasonal offering. Seasonal altars can be as big or small as you like, just make sure it has meaning to you.

A Harvest Ritual or Meal

Do something to mark the Equinox. A ritual can be big or small; involving just you, your family, or a group of friends. There are plenty of books and online resources with suggestions; generally with an emphasis on giving thanks, and celebrating the balance of the seasons. If you’re not feeling up to a ritual try something smaller, a meal of seasonal food, or just making a seasonal item.

Find this guide helpful? Let me know how you will be celebrating the Autumn Equinox this year!

Like this review? Follow me on Ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/thewhitewitchofwiltshire

This is not sponsored content.