7 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Deep Magic of the Autumn Equinox
When is the Autumn Equinox Celebrated?
The Autumn Equinox (also known as Mabon), takes place around:
22nd or 23rd of September in the Northern Hemisphere.
20th or the 21st of March in the Southern Hemisphere.
What Are the Themes of the Autumn Equinox?
The word ‘equinox’ comes from the Latin aequinoctium, meaning ‘equal night’.
As the leaves fall and the nights draw in.
The Autumn Equinox invites us to explore the themes of death, harvest and gratitude.
It’s a time to turn inward and reflect on what we’re grateful for and what we might want to let go of.
What Are the Symbols of the Autumn Equinox?
Let’s explore some popular symbols of the season.
Apples
The humble apple is a staple fruit in many countries around the world.
Apples are in season throughout September, October and November.
Making them an abundant symbol of autumn.
Apples feature prominently in mythology.
From the fairytale red apple used to poison Snow White by her jealous stepmother to the golden apples of Hera tended in the Garden of the Hesperides.
Cornucopia
Cornucopia’s are symbols of the abundance of harvest.
In times where crop failures were more common, having a bounty of food to feed societies through winter was extremely important.
Many Pagan gods and goddesses are depicted holding overflowing cornucopias as a powerful symbol of their fertile and life giving natures.
Harvest Moon
The haunting harvest full moon hangs like a glowing lantern in the nights sky as a potent symbol of autumn.
The harvest moon occurs closest to the first day of autumn.
The next one will occur on the 6th October 2025.
Farmers are said to have used the additional light to continue harvesting the plentiful summer crops.
Pomegranates
The deep rich red of the pomegranate fruit symbolises death, desire and fertility.
The ancient Greeks told the story of the maiden goddess Persephone who descended into the underworld at the beginning of autumn.
Having agreed to spend six months of the year in the underworld with her husband Hades after eating six pomegranate seeds.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are also a part of the Autumn Equinox.
What better symbol for spooky season than the jolly orange pumpkin?
Pumpkins are part of the squash family and originate in North America.
Carving dryly sardonic faces into pumpkins is an old Halloween tradition.
Said to chase away the mischievous spirits that roam at this time of year.
Scythe
The ‘sickle’ or the ‘scythe’ represents the tool that was used to bring in the crops during harvest season.
The scythe is also the distinctive symbol of the deathly grim reaper.
In Greek mythology, the god Kronos used a sickle to mutilate his father Ouranos in the succession myth.
It acts as a reminder that like the leaves dying in Autumn, death is a natural process.
Below, you’ll find seven simple ways to celebrate the Autumn Equinox.
1. Create an Altar to Persephone
Persephone wasn’t worshipped at the Autumn Equinox in ancient Greece.
This is purely a modern association.
But it’s something I find deeply symbolic.
Persephone Altar Ideas
Image of Persephone
Black or red candles
Red roses
Black and red crystals
Apples, pomegranates, rosehips
High Priestess Tarot card
On or around the Autumn Equinox.
Wash your hands and read the Orphic Hymn to Persephone.
Make an offering of honeyed oat milk, red wine or a whole pomegranate.
Contemplate her presence as you sit at your altar.
2. Go Outside
Visit somewhere where you feel safe enough to mindfully breathe in the crisp autumn air and observe the colourful fallen leaves.
If you’re physically unable to go outside for walks.
Look out of a window and mindfully observe without distraction.
What signs of autumn do you notice?
3. Go Apple, Pumpkin or Blackberry Picking
The Autumn Equinox is the perfect time to pick your own produce.
In England, blackberries are easily foraged in wild areas but do your legal diligence wherever you live!
The easiest way to pick these foods is to visit a farm that offers pick your own.
4. Cook An Autumn Inspired Meal
Ah yes, food.
What better way to celebrate the Autumn Equinox than with a homemade feast!
There’s a cornucopia of produce available at this time of the year:
Potatoes, parsnips a myriad of squashes, apples, pumpkin, pomegranates and blackberries.
One way I’ve celebrated the Autumn Equinox for the last few years, is by cooking a homemade vegan roast dinner.
And a vegan blackberry crumble.
When planning your autumn feast.
Think yummy vegetable pies, homemade soups, stews, apple pies and blackberry crumbles.
5. Autumn Equinox Tarot Reading
Autumn is the perfect time to look through your tarot or oracle cards and choose any Halloween or spooky themed decks.
Ask yourself this question:
What is my personal harvest?
Pull a card and journal about how the card applies to your life.
6. Start a Gratitude Journal
I really enjoy journalling as the seasons change.
It’s a fun way to align yourself with the energy of the season.
Autumn Equinox Journal Prompts
What are you grateful for?
Which part of your life has changed for the better since the start of the year?
What do you need to let go of?
7. Read An Autumn Themed Novel
Autumn and winter are peak reading season.
As the nights draw in.
Light a warm scented candle.
Grab a cosy throw blanket and snuggle up with an indulgently autumnal spooky read.
Here are some perfect autumnal reads:
Can you tell I like Rachel Harrison books?