Autumn Equinox or Alban Elfed marks the official end of the summer and usually falls sometime between September 21st through the 23nd. This year it falls on the 22nd.
There is very little evidence, if any that the Celts or Druids celebrated the Autumn Equinox. However we know they were very in tune with nature's cycles and in spirit of that knowledge, many Druids celebrate the occasion! The Autumn Equinox is essentially the day or moment when the plane of the earth's equator passes through the center of the sun's disk and there is equal duration of day and night. So begins the slow journey towards the colder half of the year for the northern hemisphere and the warmer half for the southern hemisphere.
Ways to Celebrate:
Harvest: This time of the year was when final harvests and winter storage preparations were being made. It's time to do a final outdoor cleaning and putting things away in a safe place for the winter. Buy extra food goods to store away and batten down the hatchets.
Create: Make something representative of the season! Make a fall inspired wreath, leaf art or bouquet. Create a cornucopia!
Decorate: Decorate your home or space with seasonal symbols and colors of nature. Common decorations are the cornucopia, apples, leaves, pine cones, acorns or other nuts and the colors brown, black and yellow. Sometimes less is more. Focus on quality decorations verses quantity. Find those unique items that have a stronger meaning for you. Set up your dresser or altar accordingly.
Connect: Connect with others. Prepare a Fall Equinox dinner. Listen to appropriate seasonal music. Light candles. Some common dishes are turkey meatballs and pasta, broccoli casserole, harvest ratatouille, squash and carrot or ginger muffins or cake. Enjoy your family and friends. Cook something different you've never tried before or try a new wine! Go out to a restaurant you'e never been too. Call up and meet friends or family you haven't seen in a while to encourage meaningful and new conversation. Attend a pagan social event. Mark this season with something unique to make it feel like more of a special occasion.
Reflect: The Autumn Equinox is about bounty and gratitude. Reflect on and be grateful for all that you have! Put your priorities in order and make sure you’re continuing to keep things in perspective and take things in stride. Take this time to write in your journal.
Relax: Take a meditative walk through nature! If so desired, collect natural objects to build crafts at home, add to a fall inspired altar or make a temporary nature mandala during your outing. Visit a farm, orchard or pumpkin patch! Have a bonfire! Take walks as needed to reconnect.
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