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The Autumn Equinox, Cónocht an Fhómhair, is a significant time in our Irish Pagan tradition, symbolising balance between light and dark as the day and night become equal.
In 2024, the equinox falls on 22 September at 13:43 Irish Standard Time, marking the point when the Northern Hemisphere tips towards winter. For the ancient Irish, and for many modern Pagans, it’s a time to pause, reflect on the harvest, and prepare for the darker months ahead.
Ancient Sites and Celestial Alignments
One of the most remarkable connections to the equinox in Ireland is found at the ancient passage tomb complex at Loughcrew, also known as Sliabh na Caillaigh, or the ‘Mountain of the Witch’. Loughcrew is home to over 30 Neolithic tombs, built over 5,000 years ago.
The most famous of these is Cairn T, which is aligned with the rising sun on both the spring and autumn equinoxes. On the morning of the equinox, sunlight enters the passage of Cairn T and illuminates the rock carvings inside, which depict celestial symbols such as stars and sun-like motifs.
Witnessing this event offers a powerful connection to the rituals and astronomical knowledge of our ancestors.
The site itself, named after an ancestral witch (hag, crone), the Cailleach, is steeped in folklore. According to legend, the Cailleach leapt from hill to hill, dropping stones from her apron, which formed the cairns.
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This blending of mythology and astronomy makes Loughcrew a deeply sacred place for many who celebrate the equinox.
Harvest and Reflection at the Autumn Equinox
In Pagan tradition, the Autumn Equinox is also closely tied to the harvest season. The Irish word Fómhar means both ‘autumn’ and ‘harvest’, reflecting the importance of this time for gathering the last crops before winter.
Historically, communities would celebrate the abundance of the earth by giving thanks, and modern practitioners continue this tradition through rituals of gratitude.
In harvest the people are very busy gathering in the crops for the winter. They bring in hay. oats and turf; when they have all done they have a harvest festival and they have a dance and have music and great fun. (Co. Meath) – The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0697, Page 344
Offerings of food, drink, and flowers to the land and its spirits (and the Fairies, to keep them away!) are common, as is taking stock of what has been achieved throughout the year – whether in work, personal growth, or relationships.
The equinox invites us to consider balance not only in the natural world but also within ourselves. Just as the light and the dark meet in perfect harmony, this is a time for personal reflection on how we balance the various aspects of our lives – work and rest, giving and receiving, external goals and inner contemplation.
The Harvest Hare
In Irish folklore, the hare is a mystical creature often associated with the harvest and witchcraft. It was believed that witches could transform into hares to steal milk and crops from neighbouring farms.
As a creature of both land and magic, the hare is a symbol of transformation, sovereignty, and connection to the Otherworld.
A hare is a blessed animal. When a hare makes her lair near a house someone will die in that house. If a person meets a hare her children will have a hare’s lip. It was said that, formerly, witches could turn themselves into hares and so take the milk from the cows. Many stories are told of hares being shot with a silver sixpence and of finding the old woman wounded in her house. I have known two old ladies who were supposed to be witches. They had lots of butter for the market every week but their neighbours had none. It is said if a cow is coming from the bull and meets a hare or a rabbit the calf will have no tail. A hare’s foot is supposed to have magical power. A hare skin is very often used for a pain in the back. Hare’s soup is thought to have special value in the treatment of respiratory disease. (Co. Leitrim) – The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0229, Page 091
At harvest time, spotting a hare was thought to be an omen – either of good fortune or of witchcraft at play… depending on your perspective! The animal’s association with the harvest also tied it to fertility and abundance, reflecting its role in Irish seasonal rites and superstitions.
In some tales, harming or killing a hare could bring bad luck, as they were believed to be witches in disguise, particularly those who roamed the fields at dawn or dusk. This folklore is still remembered in rural Ireland, particularly around harvest festivals, where the hare serves as a reminder of the blurred lines between the natural and supernatural worlds.
Astrology and Seasonal Change
Astrologically, the Autumn Equinox signals a time for renewal and transition. It falls under the sign of Libra, known for its emphasis on balance, justice, and harmony.
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The shift into autumn also encourages introspection and planning for the colder months ahead. Many people use this time to set intentions for the winter, focusing on inner work and spiritual growth.
Modern Autumn Equinox Celebrations
Each year, crowds gather at Loughcrew to watch the equinox sunrise. This has become a modern tradition, blending ancient rituals with contemporary practices.
Pagans, photographers, families, and even tourists climb the hills to witness the sun’s light filling Cairn T, connecting with both the past and the present. Some groups perform rituals, while others simply take in the awe-inspiring spectacle of light aligning with stone.
Whether celebrated through ritual, meditation, or simply observing the changing light, the Autumn Equinox – Cónocht an Fhómhair – is a moment to honour the earth, our ancestors, and the cycles of life. As day and night stand in balance, so too can we seek harmony in our lives, preparing ourselves for the coming winter months.
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Is the term Mabon Wiccan not pagan? I’ve always called it Mabon.
It is a made up term, very common in Wicca yes. Nothing Irish about it, certainly.