“Yellow the bracken, golden the sheaves,

Rosy the apples, crimson the leaves;

Mist on the hillside, clouds grey and white.

Autumn, good morning! Summer, good night!”

Happy Autumn Equinox and Merry Mabon!

The Sun’s alignment with 0° Libra on September 22 marks the autumnal equinox. As the second of three autumn harvests on the Wheel of the Year, this time is known as Mabon and is a time of reflection, balance, and preparation.

Here in the Northern Hemisphere the daylight hours have steadily been getting shorter each day since the Midsummer Solstice in June. Now as the sun enters the scales of Libra at the Autumnal Equinox, there’s no mistaking the shorter days. Day and night hang in the balance of perfect equality before night begins to tip the scales in its favor.

Balancing the Scales

At this time of equanimity, nature invites us to take stock of the past season’s harvest, measure our wins and losses and plan for winter accordingly. What bore fruit and what didn’t? What’s been given too much weight and what’s been neglected? Have we made mountains out of molehills and made light of our deepest desires and longings? Now’s the time to assess and adjust where we’ll put our energy in the coming days and weeks.

Can we balance the scales by being grateful for what has helped us grow and releasing what no longer serves us? Remembering that personal growth depends on a delicate balance of support and challenge, what can we do to tweak the ratio if it’s gone off kilter?

Are your relationships in balance? Do you care for yourself and others in a sustainable and harmonious fashion or is that dynamic in need of a reset as well?

Important themes and questions to contemplate at this liminal time as we turn increasingly inward and pass through the portal from the light half to the dark half of the year. 

You’ll know you’ve achieved balance when you feel at peace with all areas of your life. That’s when the harvesting, feasting and celebrating can truly begin, and your heart can overflow with deep gratitude and thanksgiving for the bounty of the season.

Reflection and Journal Prompts

What’s out of balance in my life? What can I do to restore harmony?

Where am I perceiving only downsides? What are the upsides I’ve been overlooking?

Where am I investing too much energy? What needs more of my attention?

Mabon

In modern nature-based traditions, the autumnal equinox is often called Mabon. The name comes from the ancient Welsh Sun God, Mabinogion, but calling the day Mabon began after the modern organization of the Wheel of the Year in the 1970s.

Mabon commemorates the apple harvest and is celebrated as the second of three harvest holidays. The first harvest, Lughnasadh, commemorates the grain harvest and is celebrated at the beginning of August and the third, Samhain, commemorates the end of harvest season and is celebrated at the end of October.

Our ancient ancestors benefited from tuning into the cycles and rhythms of nature and Mabon activities are the perfect way for us to do the same. 

Letting Go and Turning Inward

Autumn is often a welcome reprieve from the frenzy of summer and back-to-school activities. Like the deciduous tree withdrawing energy from its leaves after a fruitful summer, autumn likewise encourages us to slow down, go within and let go of excess.

Activities to Align with the Season

• If you haven’t already, make a point to put away the swimsuits, sunscreen and beach towels
• Pull out the autumn wardrobe and take stock of what’s needed for the colder months ahead
• Take Solo and Family Nature Walks 
• Enjoy Time Observing the Busy Squirrels
• Collect Fallen Leaves, Acorns, Chestnuts and Pinecones
• Decorate Your Nature Table or Altar
• Make a Craft Wreath, or Garland of Leaves
• Bake with Apples 
• Prepare and Share a Special Seasonal Meal or Feast 
• Stock up and Cozy Up with Autumn Picture Books
• Tap into the spirit of autumn with our Mabon • Autumn Equinox playlist

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