22 September 2020
Today marks the equinox and the first day of autumn in the northern hemisphere. Today we celebrate the balance between day and night. The autumn equinox, also known as Mabon, acknowledges the return of darkness, slowly prevailing over light, the return of the cold weather and the diminishing power of the Sun.
On this day, we celebrate the last harvest and feast on the last bounty offered by the Earth. Traditionally, this is when grapes are harvested and turned into wine. It is a time to show gratitude, to give thanks, to reminisce the past six months and appreciate everything we have accomplished. During this time, we also accept that winter will soon be upon us and that the Earth is slowly preparing for her “little death”. We accept that everything is impermanent, that there is no life without death, and that endings always bring new beginnings.
Today, the Earth transitions to the Crone phase, the darker aspect of her cycle: it is time to slow down, to withdraw into our warm nests, to concentrate on the inner rather than outside world. The Crone is depicted carrying a sickle and a scythe, as she prepares to reap what has been sewn these past months. Deities associated with the Crone include Hecate, Cerridwen, Baba Yaga, Kali, Morrigan, and many more across all cultures.
In Greek mythology, the symbolism of the autumn equinox is found in the myth of Persephone. This time of the year, Persephone (Virgo) leaves her mother Demeter (Taurus) to live with her husband Hades (Scorpio) in the underworld. Demeter (Mother Earth) weeps for her daughter and dies from grief, only to return to life on the spring equinox, when Persephone returns to her.
Today also marks the beginning of Libra season. Libra is the sign of balance, represented by the scales. Thus, she represents the balance between day and night, light and darkness, life and death, masculine and feminine. As a cardinal sign, she marks the beginning of the new season. Libra was introduced in the astrological calendar to embody this period of transition, by offering a balanced beginning, neither extreme nor mild. She symbolically divides Virgo and Scorpio to prevent them from fighting, as Virgo holds on to the last days of summer while Scorpio wants to instill its shadow upon the land.
Numerologically, today is represented by the number 8 (the sum of 22/09/2020). The number 8 symbolises abundance, as it is the infinity symbol placed vertically. Its shape is perfectly symmetrical, which is why it also symbolises balance. The two interconnected circles represent the continuous flow of time, thus showing that there are no beginnings without endings and no actions without consequences (karma). To go even further, the number 8 also symbolises achievements and accomplishments, all the themes celebrated during Mabon. There are no coincidences in the Universe.
As the leaves fall to the ground, And the green soils turn to brown, May you withdraw to the comfort of your hearth, To give your last thanks and share from your heart, And prepare for your own little death, As the Earth draws her last breath.
🍂 Happy Equinox 🍂
For seasonal visuals, check out the Autumn photo album.
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