In the UK this years Autumn Equinox takes place on Tuesday 22nd September at 2.31pm. Of course, as you know in the northern hemisphere it marks the official end of summer and the beginning of autumn. It marks the point at which the sun illuminates the northern and southern hemispheres equally.
Harvest Moon
This autumnal period is also associated with harvest, and harvest festivals. The Harvest Moon is a full moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox period. The light this moon provided was used by farmers to work long into the night to bring in crops from the fields.
Aurora Borealis
The Autumn Equinox increases the chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis in northern hemisphere latitudes, otherwise known as the ‘Northern Lights’.
Pagan Rituals
Pagans have three harvest festivals throughout the year, Lammas, Samhain and Mabon (which is the second). Mabon celebrates a plentiful harvest and a need to give thanks for abundance. It remembers that the bounty of Mother Earth should be celebrated and shared both literally and spiritually. (more…)