As with the Spring Equinox (which occurs in September), this is a time of equilibrium, where the hours of daylight and the hours of darkness are equal. Both equinoxes are times where we think about balance, both in our lives and within nature, however, they also bring with them "psychic stress". While, this may first appear to contradict the idea of balance, of suspended activity, these are the times when us humans "change gear" (so to speak), and more into a different phrase. While, in our modern world, we are often not aware of this stress surrounding us on a subconscious level, no doubt, when we pause and take stock, we do notice this psychic as well as psychological turbulence. And once we become aware and understand the significance of these natural phases, we can use this energy to our advantage as opposed to bringing distress.

With Winter approaching, the Autumn Equinox marks the second of the three harvest festival, the time when both grain and fruit having been gathered. Celebrations revolved around the gathering of crops and the giving of thanks to Mother Earth for the harvest rituals to ensure the success of next year's harvest are characteristic during this time. The making of corn dollies from the last sheaf of corn which is harvested is a typical custom which is still performed today. This dolly, which represents the spirit of the corn, is kept until the Spring, where it is then ploughed back into the earth, believing to breathe the life of the corn into the coming harvest.

The Autumn Equinox is also the time of the Vine, where the excess fruit was made into wine. The God, who was Lord of the Greenwood in the Summer Solstice, and the Corn King at Lughnasadh, now appears as Dionysus, God of Wine, Music and Dance, before making his descent to the Underworld to take up his role as Dread Lord of Shadows during the Winter months. The falling leaves reflect this journey of the God.

In ancient Greece, the Greater Eleusinian Mysteries were held which, in part, re-enacted Persephone's descent into the Underworld. While details of this ancient rite are basically unknown, it is believed that at the climax, initiates were shown an ear of corn with the adarnation "In silence is the seed of wisdom gained". Such words I feel are even more relevant to us in the modern, and extremely stressful world, in that we all need to take time out to simply be. Another aspect of the Eleusinian mysteries is "know thy self", which seems appropriate for at the Autumn Equinox we can ready ourselves for the Winter months where our energy levels drop. We can look at our own personal harvest, and redefine our intentions.

While there is no festival in the Christian faith which was attached to the Autumn Equinox, the festival of Michaelmas, held in honour of St Michael (the archangel who expelled Satan from Heaven) does occur a couple of weeks later.

English folklore warns about picking blackberries after Michaelmas Day, for then they belong to the Devil. It is said that when Satan fell from Heaven, he landed in a blackberry bush. He was so angry with the bush that he spat on it and cursed the blackberries still remaining.

THE STORY OF MABON

In the Mabinogin, a collection of early Welsh mythology, Mabon ap Modron ("Great Son of the Great Goddess Modron") is found in the story "How Culhwch won Olwen". According to legend, Mabon was stolen from his mother when he was only three nights old and imprisoned in the darkness (the Autumn Equinox). Many years later, when the Welsh hero Culhwch enlists King Arthur's help in order to search for his beloved Olwen. Once found, Olwen's father consents to the union of Culhwch and his daughter only after a series of "impossible" tasks are performed (similar to the labours of Hercules in Greek myths). One of these tasks is to retrieve the scissors, razor and comb from between the ears of the giant boar, Twrch Trwyth. Culhwch, Arthur and Arthur's men soon discover that the only person who could track down the boar is Mabon, whose whereabouts are now shrouded in mystery.

During the quest to find out where Mabon is held captive, they seek the wisdom of various animals (who are totem animals of the Celts) as one of Arthur's men, Gwrhyr, is able to communicate with these creatures in their own language. They consult the Ousel of Cilgwri, who directs them to the Stag of Redynvre, who, in turn, directs them to consult the Owl of Cwm Cawlwyd. The Owl further directs to them to the Eagle of Gwern Abwy, who finally directs them to the oldest of all animals, the Salmon of Llyn Llyw. The salmon takes them to the walls of Caer Loyw (Gloucester) where Mabon is held. When finally released, Mabon is a strong, young hunter.

Mabon is often equated to the Greek/Roman God Apollo, as being the Divine Son, or the Child of Light. Just as "Modron" simply means "mother", "Mabon" simply means "son".

TASK FOR AUTUMN

Cleaning at the Autumnal Equinox is just as important as the familiar Spring cleaning. At the beginning of Spring we make room for the new growth, while Autumn allows us to make room for contemplation. Both activities are outward and inward, and the external action mirrors the internal. Get rid of everything that is past its sell-by date, and make room in your life for contemplation.

The Eleusinian injunction "know thyself" can be used for personal power and one way of knowing who you really are is by describing yourself in terms of your relationships - .…'s partner, ….'s mother/ father, a friend to .…, ….'s boss, etc. Observe your relationships. Look to see if there are any which no longer fit into your structure for life today, and decide whether it is worth keeping them or not.

This is not an easy exercise to do, but remember - we all change and should not feel guilty limiting contact with people we no longer have anything in common with, those who bring us down, or who restrict our own personal and spiritual growth.

APPLE SPELL STORY

Paddy Slane, in her beautiful book "Natural Magic" mentions that the Autumn Equinox is a good time to do some spells involving apples. She included the following spell aimed to strengthening the bond between couples.

Appropriate incense for this time of the year can be made from sandalwood, juniper berries and cypress which emphasis the mourning of the passing of Summer.

Sabbats Down Under  |   The Autumn Equinox  |   Samhain  |   Mid Winter Solstice

Imbolg  |   Spring Equinox  |    Bealtaine  |   Mid Summer Solstice

Lughnasadh

Return to the Labyrinth © Temple of the Dark Moon (unless otherwise stated)