How to Celebrate the Fall Equinox

Co-authored by Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: November 1, 2021 References

The Fall Equinox is a wonderful opportunity to get in touch with nature as the weather turns colder. Although it falls on a different day every year, the Fall Equinox is September 22 in 2022. This is when the sun illuminates both hemispheres equally so the day and night are about the same length. The equinox is also when pagans celebrate Mabon, a harvest festival, by thanking the earth for its abundance.

Method 1

Method 1 of 11:
Get into nature and watch the sunrise.

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Traditionally, pagans would gather at sacred stones on the equinox. Since you may not live near any, go into the forest, a local park, or somewhere in nature that's special to you. Head there just before dawn so you can watch the sunrise on this special day.^{[1]
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- Check your local weather station for the exact time of the sunrise in your area.
- While you're outside, make the effort to slow down and notice the changing season—listen for geese flying south, watch the squirrels gather nuts, and notice the cool breeze.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 11:
Read your tarot for the Fall Equinox.

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Meditate on the Justice and Hanged Man cards. The Justice card correlates to Libra—the sign of the Fall Equinox. Hold the card and think about how your visions and values match up with your life right now. Similarly, meditate on the Hanged Man or Woman cards and think about how to make some personal changes during the equinox that will better your life.^{[2]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 11:
Create a Mabon altar.

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Place colorful fall items on a table or mantel to set the right mood. Think vibrant leaves, apples, nuts, pinecones, etc. Then, place orange or yellow candles on your altar and light them on the Fall Equinox. As you do this, think of all the things you're grateful for in your life.^{[3]
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- There's no need to take down the altar right after the equinox. You may want to light your candles every night until the new moon in October to stay in the spirit of the season.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 11:
Have a bonfire.

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Enjoy the start of fall with a roaring fire. Celebrate the equinox by gathering your friends and family around a bonfire—share food, tell stories, and have fun! Cultures around the globe have been doing this for centuries. It's a great way to connect with loved ones while you take time to notice this special astronomical event.^{[4]
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- If you can't do a bonfire or fire in the fireplace, don't worry—you can still feel connected to the changing season by lighting candles or burning fragrant incense.

Method 5

Method 5 of 11:
Celebrate the fall harvest.

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Attend a harvest festival or make a feast to share with friends. Fall Equinox is associated with abundance! Appreciate the harvest by picking apples, decorating your home with gourds, or inviting loved ones to enjoy a meal. As you do these things, reflect on the bounty of the season.^{[5]
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- Apples are considered to be a symbol of Mabon and pagans believe they represent wisdom and guidance.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 11:
Cast a protection spell for the season.

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Cut an apple in half and carve a 5-pointed star on 1 side. You'll use this as a talisman for protection during the equinox—a time when the spiritual and material worlds aren't as strongly divided. As you cut the apple, ask your ancestors to guide and protect you. After you're done carving and meditating, you can eat the apple.^{[6]
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- Take the seeds and bury them as an offering.

Method 7

Method 7 of 11:
Perform a ritual smoke cleanse.

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Burn fragrant herbs and walk through each room of your home. Try sweetgrass or sage and let the smoke waft as you go clockwise around your home. Walk around each room so smoke works into the corners and don't forget to open doors and windows as you go.^{[7]
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- Cleansing each room with smoke is thought to remove negative energy so you move into the next season with a fresh start.
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Method 8

Method 8 of 11:
Take time for inner reflection.

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The sun enters the sign of Libra during Fall Equinox. Since Libra's sign is the scales, it's little surprise that you should strive for balance during this time. Pause, slow down, and reflect on your dreams. Try to let go of doubts, anxiety, and mental clutter. This can help you feel relaxed, centered, and hopeful for the upcoming season.^{[8]
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- The harvest also reminds us that our efforts determine what we get out of life. Ask yourself if you're happy with the direction your life is headed. If not, imagine what options are available to you.

Method 9

Method 9 of 11:
Center yourself with yoga.

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Yoga is a great way to slow down and appreciate the balance between day and night. Most yoga poses require you to find balance within yourself, so this is a great practice for the Fall Equinox. If it's possible, do yoga outside so you can immerse yourself in the autumn atmosphere.^{[9]
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- As you do yoga, imagine that you release negative energy every time you breathe out. Mindful breathing can help restore your balance.
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Method 10

Method 10 of 11:
Honor your ancestors.

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Tend to the resting places of your relatives or set out offerings. In the Buddhist practice, Ohigan is a holiday celebrated during the Fall Equinox. It's a time to remember deceased loved ones and tidy up their resting places. Traditionally, you can set out red spider lilies, a symbol of autumn and death.^{[10]
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- In Japan, Ohigan is celebrated for a full week around the time of the Fall Equinox. Ohagi is a popular treat—sticky rice wrapped in sweet red bean paste.

Method 11

Method 11 of 11:
Hold a gratitude ritual.

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Celebrate the equinox by talking about your blessings. The Fall Equinox, or Mabon, is a time for gathering with family to appreciate what you have. You can take turns sharing something that you're thankful for or write down your blessings in a gratitude journal.^{[11]
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- To help you develop a positive mindset as the days start getting darker, write down a few things you're grateful for and hang them where you'll see them throughout the day.
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