The Autumn Equinox occurs between September 21st and 24th, depending on the year. In 2024, it is today - Sunday September 22nd.
It marks the point when the sun is directly above the equator, leading to nearly equal amounts of daylight and darkness. We say nearly, as although the day itself is often said to be equal day and night that’s not 100% true. (Keep reading to find out more).
What is the Autumn Equinox?
The Autumn Equinox is one of two times each year (the other being the Spring Equinox), when the Earth’s tilt is such that the sun is positioned directly above the equator. This results in nearly equal hours of daylight and night, which signals the change and transformation from summer to autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.
It is also considered a time of transition, marking the shift from the vitality and Yang (active) energy of summer to the harvest season, Yin (passive) energy, and the eventual death or dormancy of the winter season.
Symbolically, it represents the importance of balance in life, both in the natural world and in human life itself.
Other names for the Autumn Equinox include:
Mabon (in Pagan and Wiccan traditions), Second Harvest (following Lammas, the first harvest), and Alban Elfed (in Druidic tradition).
Are night and day actually equal length?
Although the equinox is said to be a time of equal day and night, daylight is actually still slightly longer than night. This is due to factors such as the atmosphere refracting sunlight (sounds very scientific), and the way we measure sunrise and sunset from the first and last rays of the sun, not the centre.
The Equilux (equal day and night), occurs a few days before or after the equinox, and this is the point when day and night are truly equal in length.
Who celebrates?
Pagans and Wiccans: Celebrate it as Mabon, a harvest festival.
Druids: Honor it as Alban Elfed, marking the harvest and balance in nature.
Many Indigenous Cultures: Have fall harvest festivals aligned with this time.
Cultural Celebrations: For example, in China and Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates harvest and family reunions, often around this time.
How to celebrate?
Harvest Festivals: Many cultures celebrate by giving thanks for the bounty of the earth.
Feasts: Foods associated with the season, like apples, pumpkins, and grains, are often part of celebrations.
Balance Rituals: Symbolizing the balance of light and dark, many people perform meditations, rituals, or set intentions.
Offerings and Gratitude: Some honour deities or spirits associated with harvest and fertility.
Rituals for Autumn Equinox.
Thanksgiving: Express gratitude for the harvest, both literally and metaphorically (life’s abundance).
Balance: To align with the equinox's theme of balance, rituals often involve reflection on areas of life that need harmony.
Altar: Altars decorated with autumnal colours (orange, red, gold) and symbols of the harvest, such as corn, apples, and wheat.
Fire: Lighting a fire to honour the sun’s diminishing light and the warmth it provided through summer.
Connect with Nature: Spend time outside to appreciate the changing seasons.
Set Intentions: Reflect on areas of your life that need more balance or gratitude.
Harvest Offerings: Gather fruits, vegetables, or herbs to create an offering or meal in celebration of the earth’s bounty.
Decluttering: As nature prepares to shed leaves and prepare for winter, many honour the equinox by simplifying their homes and lives.
Yoga Poses for the Autumn Equinox.
Yoga for the Autumn Equinox focuses on grounding and balance, aligning with the themes of the equinox. Here are some poses:
Tree Pose (Vrksasana): Helps with physical and mental balance.
Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III): A balancing pose that promotes strength and stability.
Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Grounding and stabilizing, perfect for connecting to the earth.
Corpse Pose (Savasana): A restorative pose to reflect on balance and transition.
Summary
The Autumn Equinox, usually occurring on or around September 22nd, represents a time of balance, as day and night are nearly equal.
Also known as Mabon or Alban Elfed, it marks the beginning of fall and a time of harvest, reflection, and preparation for the darker half of the year.
Although equinox is often thought of as the day when daylight and night are equal, the true equilux occurs when the lengths of day and night are exactly the same, which happens a few days before or after the equinox.
Various cultures and spiritual traditions, such as Pagans, Druids, and indigenous people, celebrate this time with rituals involving gratitude, balance, and reflection.
Celebrating the Autumn Equinox can involve harvest feasts, meditations, and grounding rituals. To honour the equinox through Yoga, focus on poses that promote balance and grounding, such as Tree Pose and Mountain Pose.
Celebrate the Autumn Equinox with Yoga Borne!
I have been guiding seasonal based and Wheel of the Year workshops for many years.
Autumn Equinox is one of the sabbats (celebrations), on the Wheel of the Year, and probably my favourite!
This year, we will once again be holding a Yoga workshop, and if you join us in the studio this will include a fire release ceremony.
Click here to find out more.
The studio is currently fully booked, but you can add yourself to the waitlist on the Glofox app, or join us LIVE online via Zoom. Click here to book!
Free Yoga Nidra!
Autumn symbolises a downward and inward movement of energy, and practices like Yoga Nidra are perfect for for the colder and darker seasons.
And what’s even better? You can snuggle up at home for a FREE LIVE online via Zoom Yoga Nidra practice to honour Autumn Equinox!
There are 17 of you booked so far, and we cannot wait to welcome you. If you would like one of the last 3 spaces just click here.
Wishing you an abundance of health, wealth and happiness this coming season!
