What is the Autumn Equinox and What is the Significance?
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”
Marigold are associated with abundance
Just a couple of weeks ago I was lamenting the end of summer coming, but alas, I am finding myself excited for the coming cooler weather. With chilly weather comes fires in the wood stove, soups and stew, steaming hot mugs of tea and time for a wardrobe change ( I love this part!) .
This is a great time of year to go inward and release what you no longer need and to start something new. I am really feeling that energy and right on schedule for the autumn equinox.
Acorn from a black oak- symbol of potential and growth
The autumn equinox, or Mabon in some pagan and Wiccan traditions, is a significant event in the natural and cultural calendar. It marks the point in the year when day and night are approximately equal in length, occurring around September 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. The significance of the autumn equinox varies among different cultures and belief systems, but it generally represents a time of balance, reflection, and transition.
Here are some key aspects of its significance:
Balance: The equinox is a moment of balance between light and dark, with the days gradually becoming shorter as winter approaches. It symbolizes the harmony and equilibrium in the natural world.
Harvest Festival: In many cultures, the autumn equinox is a time for celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for the abundance of crops. It's a time to appreciate the fruits of your labor and the bounties of the Earth. I still have so much to harvest and process in the garden, but so grateful for all of it. Check your local calendar for a harvest festival happening in your area.
Transition to Winter: The equinox signals the onset of the fall season and the preparation for winter. It's a time to start storing food, firewood, and making other preparations for the colder months ahead, unless you live in an area that doesn’t have distinct seasons, of course. You can still feel that shift in energy though, as the days get shorter and the nights last longer. Last winter was my first real winter and what an experience!
Spiritual and Personal Growth: Some people use the equinox as a time for personal reflection, setting intentions, and letting go of things that no longer serve them. It's seen as a time to cultivate inner wisdom and self-awareness. I am finding this to be a good time to plan ahead and get to work.
A classic sign of autumn
There are many herbs, flowers and foods that are often associated with the autumn equinox.. Here are a few of my favorites:
Sage is often used for cleansing and purifying rituals. It can be burned as a smudge to clear negative energies and make way for positive change during this transitional time. I also like to use palo santo wood to cleanse the air, it has such a sweet and grounding aroma.
Marigolds are associated with abundance, protection, and bringing light into one's life. They are often used as offerings or decorations during autumn equinox celebrations. As they are plentiful in my garden this year, I have them in vases all over the house. I never realized how good they smell. They are a new favorite of mine.
Cinnamon is a warm and aromatic spice that can be used in cooking, teas, or as an incense. It's associated with the comforting and grounding energy of autumn. I love making tea with cinnamon chips and a tasty herb like tulsi or damiana.
Rosemary is known for its properties of purification and protection. It can be used to cleanse and bless spaces or objects as part of equinox rituals. It also makes a wonderful tea that helps with brain health and remembering. A rosemary bush planted outside your kitchen is a great way to have this herb available anytime you need it and it denotes that a woman is in charge of this houselhold.
Apples are a symbol of the harvest season and can be incorporated into seasonal dishes or used as offerings for your chickens…haha. We have some wonderful apples this year and I have been enjoying them fresh. Maybe next year I’ll tackle a diy cider press.
Acorns symbolize potential and growth, as they contain the seeds of mighty oak trees. They can be used as decorations or talismans during this time. I may even collect and make some acorn flour this year. I hear the black oak is the tastiest and they are plentiful in my yard. I learned the basics of how to process the acorns in my herbal apprentice class last year…this sounds like a great blog post.
Pumpkins are a quintessential autumn symbol and can be used in cooking, carving, or as decorations. Every year I try growing a different variety- it’s amazing how many types there are! This year is the
Frankincense (Boswellia spp.) is a sacred oil that is in alignment with the harmonizing and reflective energy of the equinox.
Traditionally Frankincense has been used in aromatherapy for respiratory conditions, stress, and for it’s ability to work on dry and mature skin and wrinkles.
Energetically this oil is used to spiritually uplift and connect while also helping to root and ground us. This oil is one that enhances prayer and meditation helping to quiet the mind as we go inward to access our inner wisdom.
Remember that the specific herbs and rituals you choose to use during the autumn equinox can vary widely based on your personal beliefs and practices.
It's essential to honor the traditions and symbolism that resonate most with you during this season of transition and reflection.
What are you looking forward to this fall??
And what are you ready to leave behind??
Leave me a comment below- I would love to hear!
**I may use some affiliate links for Mountain Rose Herbs, a company I use for many of my own supplies and trust their quality and business practices.