Autumn Equinox

As the warm hues of summer gradually fade, Ireland embraces the Autumn Equinox, a moment when day and night stand in perfect equilibrium before the long nights of winter begin their slow descent. This celestial event usually occurs on 21 or 22 September and it is so much more than an astronomical marker. In Ireland, it’s a deeply symbolic time that resonates with the country’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

The Autumn Equinox Explained

The Autumn Equinox is one of two that occur each year, the other being in the spring. During this time, the Earth’s axis is in steady alignment with the sun, resulting in almost equal amounts of daylight and darkness across the planet. For a brief moment, balance and harmony are achieved— a perfect time to reflect on the need for balance and life in the world in order to have peace.

Goddess of the Autumn Equinox

Banbha of the Tuatha Dé Danann is one of the trio of goddesses representing the spirit and sovereignty of Ireland, along with her sisters Ériu and Fódla. 

Banbha embodies the protective and nurturing aspects of the earth, making her particularly significant during the Autumn Equinox. It marks a time of balance between light and dark, harvest abundance to harsh winter. The spirit and power of Banbha is invoked to bless the land during the harvest and to ensure its continued wellbeing and protection through the darkness of winter.

Ancient Traditions 

Ireland, with its ancient landscapes steeped in myth and history, has long celebrated the changing seasons. The Autumn Equinox or celebration of Mabon, was particularly significant to the Ancient Irish, who celebrated the balance of light and dark as they prepared for the coming winter. It was a time for harvest festivals, where communities gathered to give thanks for the abundance of summer and to store provisions for the colder months.

The Druids called their Mabon rituals Mea’n Fo’mhair, meaning ‘Middle of the Harvest.’ These traditions represented more than just the physical harvest – it was also a time for soul searching and spiritual balance. 

The Druids also believed that the equinox was a moment when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds was thin, making it an ideal time for divination and connecting with our ancestors.

Rituals during Mea’n Fo’mhair often involved the lighting of candles or bonfires. These symbolised the diminishing sunlight and to celebrate the fire within, sustaining the community through the dark winter. 

Locals would gather seeds, representing potential for new growth. These seeds were often blessed by the Druid High Priests and stored over the winter, to be planted in the spring. Another tangible reminder of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

One of the most iconic sites associated with the Autumn Equinox is Loughcrew, a complex of Neolithic passage tombs located in County Meath. Loughcrew’s Cairn T, the largest of the tombs, is aligned with the rising sun on the mornings of the equinox. As the sun ascends, its rays penetrate the passage and illuminate the inner chamber, casting light on the ancient carvings that decorate the walls.

An incredible experience that has drawn spectators to the phenomenon for centuries.

Modern Celebrations and Reflections

In modern Ireland, the equinox may not be celebrated to the extent of ancient times, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of many. The day is often marked with quiet reflection, nature walks, and community events that honour the changing of the seasons. It’s a time to appreciate the natural world, to pause and consider the year’s journey so far, and to set intentions for the months ahead.

Many people take to the outdoors to witness the subtle shifts in the environment—the crispness in the air, the leaves beginning to turn gold and crimson, and the harvesting of autumnal fruits. These simple, yet profound experiences connect us to the land and to the rhythms of nature that have guided us since the dawn of time.

Embracing the Autumn Equinox

Whether you’re welcoming sunrise on an ancient hillsidel or simply enjoying the quiet as the day turns to night, the Autumn Equinox in Ireland is a time to pause and appreciate the beauty of balance. It’s a reminder that just as the Earth finds its equilibrium, we can also find moments of stillness and reflection.

Embrace the magic of the equinox this year and spend a moment connecting with the ancient traditions of the land. Honour the cycles of nature and try to find your own sense of balance as the world around you changes.

May this equinox bring you peace, reflection, and a deep connection to the timeless rhythm of the Earth.