Leaves are starting to turn, the air will get a little chilly, you know what time it is: Sweater weather the Fall Equinox! This year in the Northern Hemisphere, the equinox lands on September 22nd.
What is the Fall Equinox?
One of two yearly equinoxes, when the day is equal to night. The Earth’s axis won’t tilt away from or towards the sun, as the sun is exactly above the equator. In the context of astronomical seasons, this equinox officially marks the beginning of fall.
In the Northern Hemisphere, we celebrate the equinox either on September 22nd or 23rd. In the Southern Hemisphere, this equinox is celebrated on March 20th or 21st.
During this time, the Southern Hemisphere will be celebrating their Vernal Equinox!
What’s the difference between an equinox and a solstice? The equinox occurs twice a year and during this time the night and day are equal; the solstice also occurs twice a year but rather than night and day being equal, the day is shorter on the winter solstice and longer on the summer solstice. Here’s a simple way to help you remember:
Equinox is made up of the Latin “aequus,” meaning equal, and “nox,” meaning night, since the daytime and nighttime are equal during the equinox; Solstice comes from the Latin “solstitium,” which means “stopped sun.”
The full moon nearest to this equinox is referred to as the “Harvest Moon”, referencing the extra time given to the farmers to gather their crops in the light of the full moon before the frosts start. This year’s Harvest Moon will take place on September 10th. For full moon meanings, check out my Full Moon Meanings post!
Perhaps one of the most popular stories, in ancient Greece the people believed the fall equinox to be the return of the goddess Persephone to the underworld where she remains until the spring equinox.
In Mexico, a large pyramid called Chichen Itza was built by the Mayans. On the equinoxes, the sun perfectly hits the pyramid to create an effect that looks like a snake slithering down the steps.
In Peru there is a stone monument called Intihuatana that serves as a solar clock, marking the dates of the equinoxes and solstices.
This equinox marks the first day of Mehr or Libra in the Iranian calendar. This day marks the festival of Mihragan, an Iranian and Zoroastrian holiday that celebrates the Yazata Mithra.
In China, many celebrate Zhōngqiū Jié (Simplified: 中秋节; Traditional: 中秋節), also known as the Mooncake festival or Moon festival, is held to celebrate and honor the moon. Held on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese Lunisolar calendar, the day that the festival is held can range from mid-September to Early October in the Gregorian calendar. This holiday is also observed by folks in Vietnam and Taiwan.
Japan has Shūbun no Hi (秋分の日; "Autumn Equinox Day") which is a public holiday celebrated on the 22nd or 23rd of September. This holiday was repackaged as a secular holiday but originally this day was Shūki kōreisai (秋季皇霊祭), a Shinto holiday. Moon-viewing festivals are held on this day called Tsukimi (月見) or Otsukimi (お月見), and Jugoya (十五夜) in honor of the autumn moon.
Japan also has Higan (彼岸, "Distant Shore") observed by Japanese Buddhists and is held not only on the fall equinox but on the spring equinox as well. During this holiday Buddhists will return to their hometowns and pay respects to their ancestors.
In South Korea Chuseok (추석), meaning “autumn evening” is a three-day mid-autumn festival celebrated near the autumnal equinox. This is seen as one of the most important festivals of the year.
Dożynki, a Slavic harvest festival, was traditionally held on or near the autumnal equinox but is celebrated in the modern day on the Sunday after the harvest season.
While it is possible that Celtic cultures celebrated or observed the autumnal equinox, there has yet to be a historical name found for it. If the Celts did celebrate this astronomical event, they likely wouldn’t have named it “Mabon”. I have not been able to find any article about the Celts possibly celebrating the fall equinox that has genuinely historical resources. Please send me your resources if you have them!
This is not a complete list of holidays on or surrounding the equinox, just a few that I have found! Please feel free to add more in a reblog or comment! <3
It's important to note that most of these are not considered witchy or pagan holidays. Witches and Pagans can and do celebrate these if they are a part of the culture, religion, or belief systems involved. We should only label these holidays as they are labeled in their respective religions and culture.
Modern Equinox in Witchcraft
So, how about the modern witches who want to celebrate?
As we welcome Autumn, cultivate the energy of the season: Summer is coming to an end, things are starting to change, crops are being harvested, and leaves are turning many shades of warm colors despite the weather growing colder.
Equinoxes balance day and night, where in your life do you need more balance? How can you obtain this balance?
Reaping what you sowed; Allow yourself a time of relaxation as the seasons begin to change. Working hard non-stop and never taking the time to chill out will cause burnout like no other. Reap the rewards of your hard work!
Generally, deities to do with Autumn or Harvest deities, including but not limited to: Mabon or Maponus, Persephone, The Morrigan, The Dagda, Lugh, Osiris, Vertumnus, Modron, Eurus, Demeter, Dionysus, Adonis, etc.
Go berry or apple picking.
Create a simmer pot with the corresponding herbs.
Go camping and appreciate the nature around you changing.
Have a bonfire with friends and family.
Create a feast for either your family and friends or just yourself!
Do a bit of a Summer’s End Cleanse—for real, clean your house physically and metaphysically.
If you work with any deities or spirits, set out offerings for them.
Clean and rearrange any altars you may have out.
This is not an authoritative list, these are just some correspondences and activities that you could use or participate in this holiday. Celebrate however you'd like!
References and Further Reading
Autumnal Equinox - Britannica
Fall Equinox - History.com
Fall Equinox - Farmer’s Almanac
September Equinox - Wikipedia
many other links sprinkled throughout the post
