Seasonal Spotlight: On The Autumn Equinox

 

Autumn Equinox

As we head into the darker half of the year, Mabon is an excellent time of reflection for what you have accomplished in your life. What is working? What is not working? Are you where you want to be, or does something in your life need to change? The equinox is an excellent time for working magic pertaining to harmony and balance. Such magic may include protection, abundance, prosperity and self-improvement. By choosing to be grateful for the things that you have instead of regretful for the things you do not, you are able to be reborn into a higher state of consciousness.

This is a time of thanksgiving for the abundant harvest, so take some time to cultivate a spirit of gratitude. Be grateful for the things that you have instead of regretful for the things you do not. Mabon is an excellent time for reflection, magic, and gratitude. What will you do with this time?

Spiritual Significance and Symbolism

As the autumnal equinox arrives, it brings with it a time of balance and harmony. This is a time to give thanks for all that we have been given, and to contemplate our place in the world.

There are many symbols that can be used to represent this time of year. Colored leaves, wreaths made with autumn flowers, corn, maize, pine cones, vines, and acorns are all symbols of the second harvest. Scales, the imbas or awen, and doves are symbols of balance and harmony. The Goddess in her Crone aspect can also be represented by icons such as wolves and birds of prey like the eagle, the hawk, and the owl.

Take some time to reflect on what this time of year means to you. What are you grateful for? What inward journeys will you take during this time?

Seasonal Deities

Mabon is the celebration of the Golden Child, who is honored in various forms at this time of year. This God goes by many names, including the Green Man, or the Holly King, or Cernunnos, or Lugh, or the Lord of the Wild Hunt.

Autumn Equinox Common Traditions

Mabon is a time of thanksgiving, when we reflect on the harvest and give thanks for the abundance we have been given. It is a time to celebrate the second harvest, when fruits and vegetables are at their peak. Corn bread, apple cider, and other traditional Mabon fare are enjoyed during this time, as well as root vegetables, wines, and wild game. As we enjoy our feast, we take the time to contemplate how to bring balance to our own lives.

My Daily Practice

 Many people think that to be a Pagan Monk requires big blocks of time set aside for prayer, chanting, and meditation. And while those things are a part of my practice, I've found that the most important part is integrating my spirituality into every aspect of my life. 

For me, that means taking a few moments each morning and evening to center myself and connect with my deities. It means being mindful of my words and actions throughout the day, and taking time to reflect on how they might impact others. It means living with intention, and being grateful for the opportunities I have been given. 

I know that not everyone has the same spiritual practice, but I hope that by sharing mine, I can provide some insight into what it means to be a Pagan Monk in today's world. 

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A typical morning routine for me starts with my shower. Feeling clean and fresh is symbolic to my practice -- I come before my gods and goddesses as clean as I can. Then, I begin my morning prayers. As a rule, a ritual known as the Sphere of Protection (SOP) is performed before the prayers start. This is a shared practice within the members of my Order, Church & Monastery and serves to center and balance the energies we work with as well as our own energy. Each day of the week is dedicated to a specific deity. Although every day, all of the Shining Ones, Ancestors, and Nature Spirits are venerated, each morning the focus of the prayers are to one member of the pantheon. After breakfast, I like to spend some time outside if the weather is nice. Just a few minutes of fresh air and sunshine helps me feel connected to the natural world - something that is very important to me as a Pagan and Druid. 

The rest of my day varies depending on what's going on, but I always make sure to take a few moments each evening to give thanks for the good things in my life. No matter how stressful or challenging the day might have been, there is always something to be grateful for. For me, this is an important part of winding down before bed and preparing for the next day ahead. I also make sure to incorporate some Lectio Divina, or sacred reading. The premise is to read a piece of a poem, article, or chapter of a book and identify what stands out the most. Then, there are various levels of meditation known as discursive meditation on that word or phrase and how it applies to my life and the greater level of existence we find ourselves in.

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Living spiritually doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's about being intentional in your thoughts, words, and actions - both big and small. If you're looking to incorporate more spirituality into your life, start by doing one thing each day with intention. Over time, you'll start to see how these little moments can add up to create big shifts in your life!