Autumn Equinox ~ September 21st. Approximately

(A Victorian Grimoire ~ Patricia Telesco ~ Llewellyn Publishing 1996 ~ PPS 51-52)


Now comes the dusk of the sun, the second harvest and a time of banishing and cleansing before the winter snows. Falls theme is rest after labor and contemplation. Thinks about what changes you want to make within, while without the world sleeps. Then, come spring, both may be born anew.


          Invocation


Call the winds, chant the rite,

Dance the fires, reclaim the night,

Asperse the circle, draw it round

Salt of Earth with water bound


Bring the censor, bless the Grail,

Raise your voice, the Goddess hail,

Light the brazier, carve the runes,

Reach the stars, draw down the moon.


Wind Father, Lord of Suns,

Move your power, become as one.

Earth Mother, Lady Sea,

Share your magick, Blessed be.


Many verses and music easily added to this chant. I recommend a low, steady drumbeat as accompaniment and a spiraling circle dance. Accompaniment has been written for this, and may be attained by sending SASE to the author via Llewellyn Publications, P.O. Box 64383, St. Paul, MN 55164.


Prayer 


Autumn brook with crisp waves flow

Greet the eve let willows blow

A spell to weave, a love to grow

Touch the cup to lily ponds

With lotus blossoms and driftwood wand

The Mothers womb renews her bond.


 




Activities


This is a harvest celebration to which an offering of a shell, cloth, grain, yarn and feathers is often brought. Since this is also the time when winters night and summers day are in perfect balance, magick that deals with mediation, symmetry, and overcoming and releasing bondage is especially effective.

 

          Tools and Ritual Components

 

Incense

Combining benzoin, myrrh, honeysuckle bark, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a light, aromatic scent to bring balance, cleansing, and the mysteries of the Grail to our lives.

 

 

Ritual Soap

Marigold for concentration and purification

 

 

Anointing Oil

Myrrh and vanilla for awareness

 

 

Ritual Cup

Sage combined with white rose water, so that we may drink our fill of wisdom and strength for the months ahead

 

 

Altar Decorations

Acorns, gourds, thistle, and late blooming flowers decorate the altar, while fresh ferns may be crossed on the floor for the outer circle. Bloodstone and malachite may be brought into the magickal space to promote wisdom and healing.

 

 

Clothing

Bedeck yourself with the colors of fall. Burnt orange, light brown, vibrant red. Wear a wreath of waxed leaves and enjoy the refreshing winds of change.

 

 

Cakes

Apples are still fresh off the trees. Apples pie or goodie made with vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger promise health and abundance over the winter. Corn bread is also a nice alternative.