There’s something magical about the autumn equinox. It’s that fleeting moment of balance between light and dark, where the days and nights are equal before the descent into winter. The air feels crisp, the leaves begin their slow transformation, and there’s a quiet call to reflect, let go, and prepare for the months ahead. If you’re anything like me, the equinox feels like a reset button for your soul—a chance to embrace change and honor the season.

Whether you’re a seasoned witch or just curious about seasonal rituals, here’s a guide to celebrating the autumn equinox (also known as Mabon) with intention, creativity, and a touch of magic.


What is the Autumn Equinox?

The autumn equinox marks the official start of fall and occurs around September 21-23 in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a time of balance, reflection, and gratitude—a midpoint between the light of summer and the dark of winter. In many pagan and Wiccan traditions, Mabon is celebrated as a harvest festival, a time to give thanks for abundance and prepare for the darker half of the year.


Creating Your Equinox Altar

Your altar is the centerpiece of your equinox celebration. I like to gather items that reflect the season and my personal intentions. Here’s what I typically include:

Seasonal Symbols

  • Leaves: Vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves to honor change and transformation.
  • Apples: A symbol of knowledge, abundance, and the harvest.
  • Pumpkins or Gourds: Representing prosperity and grounding energy.

Candles

  • Use gold or brown candles for grounding and gratitude, or orange for creativity and joy.
  • Light them with an intention, like embracing balance or letting go of what no longer serves you.

Crystals

  • Carnelian: For courage and grounding during change.
  • Citrine: To attract abundance and positivity.
  • Smoky Quartz: For releasing negativity and embracing transformation.

Ritual Ideas for the Equinox

Rituals don’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Gratitude Ritual

  • Write down three things you’re grateful for on small pieces of paper.
  • Place them in a jar or burn them in a fire-safe bowl while thanking the universe for its blessings.
  • Bonus: Keep adding to the jar throughout the season as a gratitude practice.

2. Letting Go Ceremony

  • On a piece of paper, write down what you want to release (old habits, fears, or anything holding you back).
  • Safely burn the paper, visualizing those things leaving your life.
  • I like to do this outside under a tree—there’s something grounding about connecting with nature.

3. Seasonal Feast

  • Cook a meal using seasonal ingredients like squash, apples, and root vegetables.
  • As you eat, reflect on the harvest in your own life—what you’ve accomplished and what you’re ready to sow for the future.

4. Balance Meditation

  • Sit quietly with a candle, focusing on the flame as a symbol of balance.
  • Imagine your energy aligning with the Earth’s natural rhythms.
  • Repeat an affirmation like:”I am balanced, grounded, and open to change.”

Crafting Seasonal Magic

Fall is the perfect time to get crafty with your rituals. Here are some simple DIY projects:

1. Apple Spell

  • Cut an apple in half horizontally to reveal the star-shaped seeds inside.
  • Sprinkle a little cinnamon on the cut side and make a wish as you eat it.
  • Apples are tied to wisdom and abundance, making this a perfect equinox ritual.

2. Autumn Wreath

  • Gather twigs, leaves, and berries to create a seasonal wreath for your door.
  • As you weave the materials together, set an intention for your home (e.g., harmony, protection, or prosperity).

3. Harvest Candle

  • Melt soy wax and mix in cinnamon, clove, or nutmeg essential oils.
  • Pour into a jar with a wick and let it set. Use this candle in your rituals or as a cozy fall decoration.

My Personal Equinox Tradition

Every equinox, I take a long walk in the woods with a small basket. I collect fallen leaves, acorns, and anything that catches my eye, like tiny pinecones or interesting rocks. When I get home, I use them to decorate my altar or make a nature mandala on the floor. There’s something so grounding about being out in nature, soaking up the energy of the season.

Last year, I found the most beautiful golden leaf, and it felt like a little sign from the universe to embrace the changes I was going through. (Spoiler: I pressed it in a book, and it’s now framed on my wall.)


Final Thoughts

The autumn equinox is a magical time to pause, reflect, and honor the cycles of life. Whether you celebrate with a simple gratitude practice, a candlelit ritual, or a feast with loved ones, the most important thing is to make it meaningful for you.

So light a candle, brew some apple cider, and let the season’s magic inspire you. Happy equinox, witches!

About the Author

Welcome to Crescent Moon Goddess. I'm Raven—a 30-something Instagrammer with a hippie soul and a gothic edge. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood witch who's all about keeping it real. I'm into tarot, crystals, astrology, and all that mystical stuff, but I also believe in practical magic—stuff you can actually use in your everyday life. Grab a cup of herbal tea (or coffee if that's your jam), and let's chat about the universe, self-improvement, and maybe even how to make a killer potion or two.

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