Folklore and Folk Magic of the Autumnal Equinox

The poet John Keats described the coming of Fall in the opening of his ode To Autumn by as ‘a season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’, going on to marvel at the ripening fruits, nuts, and vegetables from their vines, trees, and soil. This season’s equinox – where the mighty Sun briefly balances directly atop the earth’s girdling equator and the measures the day and night as equal in duration – sees many examples of harvest festivities, folklore, and customs surrounding honouring the earth.

In the folk catholic calendar of medieval Europe, around a week after the equinox comes Michaelmas – indeed, a feast of All Angels – replete with various yearly customs of social and economic import as well as plenty of folk magics for calling upon the strength of the Archangel Michael. In contemporary Pagan practices, the Autumnal Equinox is celebrated as Mabon, as Alban Elfed, as Harvest Home, and by many other names, as one of the centrally significant cross-quarter days. A time of in-gathering, and perhaps of preparing for our journey to the wintery lands of the dead for hallowed Samhain later in the year…

In this workshop, contemporary cunning-man and historian Dr Alexander Cummins will lead us in exploring and celebrating the folklore and folk magics of this season: from the many cultural observations of autumn festivals and customs, to omens divined from the turning of the climate. We will discuss the sorcerous uses of Fall’s bountiful fruits: how to use an apple to dream of a future lover or even to try to make a boy kiss you; how to use a nutshell to heal a wound; and so on.

Along with historical considerations, we will discuss ways of further celebrating and exploring the Autumnal Equinox in your home, daily life, and personal spiritual practice for the coming days of Fall.