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In the Southern Hemisphere we will be entering the Autumn Equinox. So what is an Equinox?
The word Equinox is derived from Latin and means 'equal night'. Equinoxes happen at the times of the year when day and night have become approximately equal length all over the world with roughly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.
The purpose of acknowledging the Equinox is for us to take stock of where we are, acknowledge what we have achieved reflect on what may have worked out as we had intended. It's also a great time to set goals for the next season.
We can choose to learn from those things that may not have gone as planned, celebrate our achievements and give thanks for the abundance in our lives and the things that are now bringing us peace and fulfillment.
Another theme that is often spoken of during an equinox is that of balance. As we become aware of the need for balance in our lives as we observe the balance of day and night at this time of year, and begin to prepare for the darker days of winter.
Ways to celebrate the Autumn Equinox
Soul Inquiry - this is a form of intuitive writing, or voicing out-loud that involves asking your soul a question and writing down what comes forth. Grab a pen and journal, fine a quite space and write what comes forth when you ask yourself
What feels balanced and harmonious in my life?
What is feeling out of balance in my life?
How can I bring more balance and harmony in to my life?
What has bloomed over summer that I am most grateful for?
What have I created that I am proud of?
How can I allow nature's balance of light and dark to filter into the month ahead?
Celebrate with family and friends - the Autumn Equinox is a wonderful time to celebrate with food! Gather together your family and friends, with each person bringing a dish celebrating the best ingredients of the season.
Create an Autumn Equinox altar - this is a easy and beautiful way to honour the season. All you need is somewhere to create your altar and some meaningful, symbolic items to place on it. You can gather things from nature that celebrate the shifts that are happening in the natural world at this time such as fallen leaves. Fruit, flowers or decorations that are in autumnal colours such as red, orange, rust, gold and brown. You can add candles in the autumn colours, statues of gods or goddesses that are connected to autumn or items that have a personal connection to autumn for you. Keep your altar in place for around a week making sure to tend to or 'feed; your altar during this time. This could involve practices such as lighting candles, watering flowers or spending time in thought or reflection while at your altar.
Perform an Autumn Equinox gratitude ritual - at this time of the wheel of the year it is appropriate to give thanks for the abundance of the earth and the good things in our life, so doing a gratitude ritual is a wondering way to show gratitude. The main thing is to spend time thinking about what you are grateful for, writing down everything that comes to mind, no matter how small. You may like to read your list out loud and then place it on your altar.
Achieving balance at the Autumn Equinox - one of the key themes of the autumn equinox is balance. This is the perfect time to take stock of how much balance you have in your life. What is one small step you can take today to help you bring your life back into balance?
One of my favourite spiritual practices is creating altars. It can be such a beautiful, mindful, calming process as you think about what you are going to include and why that piece has a special significance to you.
Since I have begun this practice I feel more in tune with Mother Earth. Being more aware of the cycles nature and how they affect me, both positively and negatively, has allowed my to know myself better and form a deeper connect with the amazing energy that is ever present all around us.
I would love to hear if you decide to honour or celebrate Mabon and in what way.
Wendy
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