{"id":5166,"date":"2019-09-11T21:52:08","date_gmt":"2019-09-11T21:52:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aura.net\/?p=5166"},"modified":"2019-09-11T21:53:17","modified_gmt":"2019-09-11T21:53:17","slug":"2019-fall-equinox-celebrate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aura.net\/2019-fall-equinox-celebrate\/","title":{"rendered":"2019 Fall Equinox: When and How to Celebrate"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2019 fall equinox is coming up, on September 23. But what is an equinox, and what can you do if you want to celebrate?<\/p>\n

What Is an Equinox?<\/h2>\n

The fading of summer is generally marked by the changing colors of leaves, a chill wind in the air, shorter days, and the return to school or the routines that define us for most of the year. Whether you\u2019re starting a new grade or pulling out your coziest scarves, autumn is a time of reflection and preparation for the coming winter.<\/p>\n

Autumn is an especially interesting season due to its transitional nature, easing us out of the warmth of summer and hinting at the colder months to come. There is a scientific reason<\/a> for this reflective change of pace\u2014the Autumnal Equinox.<\/p>\n

Essentially, an equinox is the astonomical term for a time of year when the day and night are about the same length. Soltices, on the other hand, represent extremes of either the shortest or longest day of the year. On an equinox, the sun shines almost directly on the equator, creating balance between day and night. In the northern hemisphere, the 2019 fall equinox will occur this year on September 23, marking the start of fall as the days gradually get shorter. The Vernal Equinox usually occurs in March, and marks the start of spring and longer days.<\/p>\n

The History of the Fall Equinox as Mabon<\/h2>\n

\"2019-fall-equinox-4(1)\"<\/p>\n

The Autumnal Equinox\u00a0 holds special significance for the Wiccan community, where it is celebrated as \u201cMabon<\/a>,\u201d an ancient holiday with Pagan roots. In fact, it’s sometimes referred to as \u201cPagan Thanksgiving.\u201d That’s due to its emphasis on the bounty of nature and harvested foods. The holiday is marked by symbolic meaning and usually entails fall equinox rituals in its traditions.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to see why fall is considered a reflective time. The days get shorter. You have to prepare for cooler temperatures when leaving the house. The plants themselves begin to shed their leaves. In the Wiccan community, Mabon recognizes these seasonal changes, while celebrating the harvest and the gifts of nature harvested at the end of the summer.<\/p>\n

Above all, the season carries with it common themes of gratitude, reflection, spiritual preparation, and intention-setting for the season to come. Fall foods such as apples, fresh-baked bread, cider, and even the cornucopia are common symbols of the season. We\u2019ve compiled some of the most popular fall equinox rituals below to help you celebrate.<\/p>\n

2019 Fall Equinox Rituals<\/h2>\n

As mentioned above, the most popular rituals for celebrating the fall equinox often include aspects of gratitude, enjoying the harvest, and preparing for winter. The season is all about acknowledging the gifts of nature while spiritually and emotionally preparing for the \u201cdeath\u201d that winter represents.<\/p>\n

Rituals for Gratitude<\/h2>\n

\"2019<\/p>\n

This 2019 fall equinox ritual can be as complex or simple as you want it to be. On the simple end, start a gratitude journal or make a list of things you are grateful for. Start with the basics, like having a roof over your head and food to eat, and get as detailed as you want.<\/p>\n

Another aspect of gratitude is truly appreciating the things you have. Try clearing your space<\/a> by donating unused or unwanted items, to more fully appreciate the things you have. Walking meditation<\/a> is also an effective way to acknowledge your personal bounty while taking in the fall colors.<\/p>\n

You can also hold a more formal gratitude ritual<\/a>. To do this, you will need:<\/p>\n