Celebrating the Autumnal Equinox (Mabon)

Channel your inner Wiccan or Pagan and revel in some epic holiday merrymaking! With the right touches — you can keep people talking til the Winter Solstice rolls around….

Not that you *need* another reason to fête it up this fall, the autumnal equinox is a pretty sick one.

There's a lot of history, tradition, and evolution related to the transition away from the summer season. In this post, we tumble into the September equinox and share some modern witchy ways to observe the event.

The Festival of Fall

The autumnal equinox comes around once every year, about three weeks into September (in the northern hemisphere). It's one of two points during the year when the days and nights are the same length.

The fall equinox is a vital part of the natural cycle of the seasons. It marks the moment when the sun moves from the northern to the southern hemisphere and brings new life and growth.

For many, the autumnal equinox also symbolizes the return of balance and harmony after months of chaos and gives us a chance to reflect on the things we've accomplished during summer.

Mabon, A Sacred Time of Year for Wiccans & Pagans

Speaking of summer…. In Pagan and Wiccan heritages, the fall equinox is call Mabon. Mabonis a Celtic word that means "the end of summer."

Mabon is one of the most important Pagan/Wiccan holidays. According to Pagan/Wiccan religions, it's believed that on this day, the barriers between our physical world and the spiritual realm are at their thinnest. This is a period when we can connect with our ancestors, gain strength from nature's power, and prepare for the rest of the year.

Making Your Mabon Merry

From the Wiccan/Pagan traditions, the autumnal equinox is a time to rejoice in all that's been harvested in the farming season. They'd often commemorate the occasion by gathering together to share food and drink and making offerings to the gods and goddesses.

Today, there are many ways to celebrate Mabon, too. We've rounded up the best ideas we could find — just to give you some extra inspiration and get you in a celebratory mood.

Enjoy a Nature Walk

What better way to worship the passage of the seasons than by hiking or taking a leisurely stroll through a park — in the daytime or at night.

Have a Feast

Make some Mabon foods like herb roasted chicken, green beans, cornbread, acorn squash soup, and apple or pumpkin pie. Wash it all down with some mulled cider, of course…. Yummy!

Dress the Part

Wear clothing and accessories that will slip you into the Mabon mindset super quick. Here are some of our favorites:

• Lil Devil Headband. Bonus, this fun piece is sheer gold because you can wear it year-round for that Halloween-365 look. It's not just for casting shadows as your circle around the bonfire.
• Pink Glitter Pumpkin Hoop Earrings. Pumpkins don't just make for tasty pie filling — they can trick out your earlobes, which is pretty sweet, too.
• Fortune Teller Zodiac Mesh Gloves. OMG will this kick up the witchy fall vibe! Even if you're not holding a séance or polishing your crystal ball.
• Celestial Sun & Moon Shoulder Sling Tote. You can't go wrong with a carry-all bag. With heavenly bodies front and center, this one's on-point for the autumnal equinox.
• Finish Me Coffin Black Cropped Tank. The fall equinox is the last nail in summer's casket. So, yah, this top is beyond appropriate (and works for Halloween and the rest of the year, too).

Decorate Your Home

Add some seasonal touches to your living spaces. In true Pagan/Wiccan spirit, be sure to incorporate lots of natural materials and witchy motifs! Candles and incense, throw pillows, and fall fruit/veg arrangements are quick wins.

Practice Divination or Spell Casting

Many Pagans and Wiccans believe that the energy of the equinoxes is powerful and can help you reach your divine connections.

Attend an Outdoor Music Festival

Music has long been a staple of holidays, parties, and just about any other celebration. And an al fresco concert is an ideal musical experience for observing the autumnal equinox.

Perform a Ceremony

Honor the goddess and gods in your own fashion by conducting age-old rituals and offering up blessings. You might want to light some candles, play a specific type of music, or read from sacred texts.

Dance & Share Stories

This is bound to be an all-ages crowd-pleaser. And really, the sky's the limit when it comes to how you organize this gathering together of tales and toe-tapping.

Light Up a Bonfire

Ignite your Mabon merriment with a toasty, flickering communal fire. It could be the perfect setting for all that food and beverage you've prepped….

Host a Witches' Sabbat

Invite your friends and family over to participate in a magical evening of entertainment. Since Mabon is essentially Wiccan/Pagan Thanksgiving — it should be too hard to come up with a game plan that works for your crowd.

Welcome Fall with Equinox Celebrations

Autumnal equinox, eve of the first day of fall, Mabon — whatever you call it — it's a great occasion to celebrate! And Wiccans, Pagans, and others around the world have been commemorating the transition out of summer for eons.

There are countless ways that you can observe the September equinox as well. Spending time in nature and with people you care about, enjoying seasonal fare, and fall-inspired clothing and decorations are just a few.