The Autumn Equinox: A Magical Turning Point for Witches

The autumn equinox is upon us, marking a significant turning point. Twice each year, the sun casts its light equally upon the northern and southern hemispheres, creating a perfect balance of day and night. These moments are known as equinoxes. The term “equinox” itself is derived from Latin, meaning “equal to night”, reflecting the harmonious equilibrium that characterises this celestial event. As we embrace the energy of the Autumn Equinox, we are invited to reflect on balance, gratitude, and the transitions that come with the changing seasons.

The history of Mabon

Mabon: Ancient Welsh Hero and Modern Pagan Festival Mabon, a figure from Welsh mythology, has an intriguing history that spans ancient lore and modern pagan practice. In Welsh legend, Mabon ap Modron, meaning “Divine Son of the Divine Mother”, appears in the tale “How Culhwch won Olwen” from the Mabinogi. This story portrays Mabon as a mysterious figure, kidnapped at just three days old and imprisoned for an incredibly long time. Mabon was rescued by King Arthur

Interestingly, whilst Mabon is an ancient mythological figure, the pagan festival bearing his name is a modern creation; there is no evidence the Celts celebrated an autumn festival. The Celts only had four festivals: Samhain, Beltane, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh. I personally prefer to stick to the four. Samhain being my favourite – more on that next month! I like Imbolc too; I was born around this one.

It was Aidan Kelly, an American neopagan writer instrumental in establishing Wicca, who introduced Mabon as a named holiday in the 1970s. Kelly coined this name for the autumn equinox celebration as part of his efforts to shape and balance the eight pagan festivals that would become known as the Wheel of the Year.

What is the Autumn Equinox?

The Autumn Equinox is an astronomical phenomenon marking the point when day and night are of nearly equal length.

Significance for Witches

For witches, the Autumn Equinox is a potent time for magic and ritual. It represents:

Harvest: A time to reap what we’ve sown, both literally and metaphorically.
Gratitude: An opportunity to give thanks for the abundance in our lives.
Balance: A moment to seek equilibrium in all aspects of our being.
Release: Letting go of what no longer serves us, as the trees shed their leaves.
Preparation: The beginning of the dark half of the year, prompting us to prepare for the introspective winter months ahead.

Many witches celebrate this time with rituals of thanksgiving, divination, and spellwork focused on balance and abundance.

Celebrating the Autumn Equinox

Celebrating the Autumn Equinox

Whether you’re a seasoned witch or simply curious about earth-based spirituality, there are many ways to honour this magical time:

Create an altar: Decorate it with autumn leaves, acorns, and seasonal fruits. Add a small harvest offering such as bread, apples, or corn to honour the season’s abundance.
Hold a gratitude journaling session: Write down the blessings, achievements, and moments you are thankful for over the past season or year. Keep these notes in your journal to revisit during the darker months ahead.
Conduct a balance spell: Light a black candle and a white candle to represent the equal day and night. Sit quietly between them and focus on areas of your life that feel out of balance. Visualise the energy of light and dark harmonising within you. Speak a simple affirmation aloud, such as “I honour the balance of light and shadow within me.” Allow the candles to burn safely while you reflect on this balance, then extinguish them with gratitude.
Release what no longer serves you: Write down habits, fears, or burdens you wish to shed, then bury or burn the paper as the leaves fall.
Connect with nature (and the fae): Take a mindful walk, observing the changes around you. Keep an eye out for fairy rings, mossy stones, or unusual patterns in leaves — traditionally believed to mark where the fae gather. You might leave a small offering for the fae, such as a tiny piece of bread, honey, or milk, as a gesture of respect. Gather fallen leaves and berries for your altar as reminders of what has grown and what is now being released. Only take what you need, and always make sure there are enough fallen berries, acorns, or other natural resources for the wildlife and fae.

Remember, the Autumn Equinox is not just a single day but a season of transition. Many witches celebrate and honour its themes for the eight weeks surrounding the astronomical event.

See the blog Autumn witchcraft and wellness for more ideas here

I highly recommend the Pagan Portals books. Take a look here

Celtic Cauldron: Rituals for self-care and manifestation Hardcover, by Nicola McIntosh