Autumn Equinox 2024: A Comprehensive Guide to Fall’s Magic

Last Updated on August 22, 2025 by Jess Brown

You know, for the longest time, I wasn’t a fan of fall. Living in Minnesota my whole life, autumn always felt like a sad goodbye to warm, sunny days and a reluctant hello to months of cold, dreary weather. The darker days and chilly air used to really bring me down.

Beautiful autumn landscape with. Colorful foliage in the park. Falling leaves and lake in background

But something funny happened as I hit my 40s – I started to see autumn in a whole new light. Now, I find myself actually looking forward to those crisp morning walks, the colorful leaves, and the cozy feeling of sipping a warm drink. Who would’ve thought?

In this post, I’m going to share everything you need to know about the autumn equinox 2024. We’ll talk about what it is, when it happens, and why it’s special. I’ll also share some fun ways to celebrate, rituals to try, and even a healthy recipe that’s perfect for the season.

Whether you’re a long-time autumn lover or someone who’s still warming up to the idea (pun intended!), I hope you’ll find something here to help you embrace the magic of fall.

What’s the Deal with the Autumn Equinox 2024?

The autumn equinox isn’t just a random day on the calendar. It’s actually a pretty cool moment in Earth’s journey around the sun. Let me break it down for you.

What is the Autumn Equinox?

The autumn equinox is like nature’s way of saying, “Hey, it’s time for a change!” It happens when the sun crosses the celestial equator, moving from north to south. In simpler terms, it’s the day when day and night are almost exactly the same length.

This balance of light and dark is what makes the equinox special. It’s like the whole world is taking a deep breath before shifting into a new season.

For the autumn equinox 2024, mark your calendars for September 22. That’s when fall officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere.

How Often Do Equinoxes Occur?

Here’s something cool you might not know – we actually get two equinoxes every year. There’s the autumn equinox in September and the spring equinox in March. It’s like the Earth is giving us two chances each year to pause and reset.

Does the Fall Equinox Change?

You might be wondering if the date of the fall equinox is set in stone. Well, not exactly. While it usually falls on September 22 or 23, it can sometimes happen on the 21st or 24th. This is because of how we measure time and how the Earth moves around the sun.

The exact time of the equinox changes too. In 2024, it’ll happen at 12:43 PM UTC. So depending on where you live, you might be eating lunch, just waking up, or even fast asleep when the equinox occurs!

Mabon: The Pagan Autumn Equinox

You might have heard the autumn equinox called “Mabon.” This name comes from Pagan and Wiccan traditions. Mabon is celebrated as the middle of harvest, a time of balance, and a moment to give thanks for the summer and prepare for the coming winter.

The name “Mabon” is relatively new, coined in the 1970s by Aidan Kelly, an American Wiccan. He named it after a character from Welsh mythology, though this connection is more poetic than historical.

Regardless of what you call it, the autumn equinox has been celebrated by cultures worldwide for thousands of years. It’s a time of transition, reflection, and gratitude – themes that resonate no matter what your beliefs are.

sunset over lake with fall colors with quote text that reads “The autumn equinox is a mystery, a day of balance when we are poised between light and dark, summer and winter, warmth and cold, as the Wheel of the Year turns.” - Carole Carlton manifesteveryday.com

Celebrating the Autumn Equinox

Now that we know what the autumn equinox is, let’s talk about how to celebrate it. There are so many cool traditions from around the world, and I’ve found some fun modern ways to mark the occasion too.

In ancient times, many cultures saw the autumn equinox as a big deal. The Chinese celebrated the Moon Festival, eating mooncakes and admiring the harvest moon. In Japan, people still celebrate Higan, a time to remember ancestors and visit graves.

One of the coolest equinox traditions happens at Chichen Itza in Mexico, and I’ve got a personal connection to this place. When I was 20, I visited this ancient Mayan pyramid during summer. Even though it wasn’t during the equinox, I was amazed by its design and history. I remember being both fascinated and terrified as I climbed to the top. The view was breathtaking, but so was the height!

What I learned later made me appreciate it even more: during the autumn equinox, the setting sun creates a shadow on the pyramid that looks like a snake slithering down the steps. How cool is that? It really shows how important the equinoxes were to ancient cultures.

Even if you can’t visit Chichen Itza (or see the equinox phenomenon in person like me), knowing about these ancient traditions can add a sense of wonder to your own celebrations.

But you don’t need an ancient pyramid to celebrate. Here are some simple ways I like to mark the equinox:

Have a bonfire: There’s something magical about sitting around a fire as the nights get cooler.
Make a gratitude list: The equinox is a great time to think about what you’re thankful for.
Declutter: I use this time to clear out stuff I don’t need, just like trees let go of their leaves.
Plant bulbs: It might seem weird to plant things as winter approaches, but planting bulbs now means beautiful flowers in spring!
Take a nature walk: I love to see how the world is changing around me.

Autumn Equinox Rituals to Welcome Fall

Rituals can be a great way to connect with the changing seasons. Here are some I’ve tried and loved:

Candle Meditation: Light a candle and watch the flame. As you do, think about balance in your life – just like the balance of day and night during the equinox.
Make a Fall Altar: Gather things that remind you of fall – colorful leaves, acorns, apples. Arrange them in a special place as a reminder of the season.
Release Ceremony: Write down things you want to let go of on fallen leaves. Then, let them go in a stream or bury them in your garden.
Harvest Ritual: Even if you don’t have a garden, you can buy some local produce and have a special meal to celebrate the harvest.
Equinox Bath: Take a relaxing bath with autumn-scented oils like cinnamon or orange. It’s a great way to reflect and relax.

Remember, rituals don’t have to be complicated. The most important thing is that they feel meaningful to you.

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Crystals for the Autumn Equinox

I’ve been collecting and using crystals since I was a kid. Over the years, I’ve found some crystals that really seem to match the energy of the autumn equinox. Here are a few you might want to try:

Citrine: This sunny yellow stone is said to bring abundance and positive energy – perfect for harvest time!
Smoky Quartz: Its earthy color reminds me of fall leaves, and it’s supposed to help with grounding and releasing negative energy.
Red Jasper: This deep red stone is all about stability and strength – things we might need as we head into the darker months.
Tiger’s Eye: With its golden brown color, it reminds me of fall leaves. It’s said to help with balance and making decisions.
Carnelian: This orange stone is believed to boost creativity and courage – great for trying new things in the new season.

You don’t need to do anything fancy with these crystals. I just like to hold one while I meditate, or keep them in my pocket as a reminder of the season.

Inspiring Autumn Equinox Quotes

Sometimes, other people’s words can really capture the feeling of a season. Here are some of my favorite quotes about autumn and the equinox:

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus (This one always reminds me to look for beauty in change.)
“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.” – Jana Kingsford (Perfect for the equinox, right?)
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald (I love how this captures the feeling of a fresh start that autumn brings.)
“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” – Jim Bishop (This makes me think of golden leaves and harvest time.)
“The autumn equinox is a mysterious time. A time to harvest. A time to let go. A time to prepare for the darkness.” – Unknown (This quote really sums up what the equinox means to me.)

dirt road in the woods with bright orange sunset with quote text that reads “Autumn is the time of balance and of sacrifice, a time when the light is waning. It is a time to reflect on the impermanence of life, to remember the dead, and to celebrate the harvest of the year’s crops.” - Caitlín Matthews manifesteveryday.com

Autumn Equinox Affirmations

Affirmations can be a great way to set intentions for the new season. Here are some I like to use around the autumn equinox:

“I am in balance with the rhythms of nature.”
“I release what no longer serves me and make room for new growth.”
“I am grateful for the abundance in my life.”
“I embrace change and flow with the seasons.”
“I find beauty in the cycles of life.”

The best affirmation is one that feels true and meaningful to you. Feel free to adjust these or create your own!

Journal Prompts for Autumn Reflection

Journaling can be a great way to process the changing seasons. Here are some prompts I use to reflect during the autumn equinox:

What am I harvesting in my life right now? What efforts are bearing fruit?
What do I need to let go of as I enter this new season?
How can I create more balance in my life?
What am I grateful for from the past season?
What new habits or practices do I want to cultivate as the days grow shorter?
How does the changing season affect my mood and energy? How can I adapt?
What’s one thing I want to accomplish before the winter solstice?

Take your time with these. There’s no right or wrong answer – it’s all about self-reflection and setting intentions for the season ahead. And if you’re anything like I am, you like a cozy drink to sip on this time of year when you’re journaling. You’ve got to try the recipe I share in the next section.

An Autumn Equinox Blessing

Sometimes, it’s nice to have a few words to mark a special moment. Here’s a simple blessing I like to say on the autumn equinox.

Feel free to use it as is or change it up to fit your own beliefs:

“As day and night balance, so may I find balance. As leaves fall, so may I let go of what no longer serves me. As the harvest comes in, so may I recognize the fruits of my labor. In this time of transition, may I find strength, peace, and wisdom. With gratitude for the passing season and hope for the one to come, I welcome the autumn.”

I usually say this while lighting a candle or during my morning walk. It helps me set my intention for the season ahead.

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FAQ: Common Questions About the Autumn Equinox

Let’s wrap up with some questions I often hear about the autumn equinox:

Is the autumn equinox always on the same date?

Not exactly. It usually falls on September 22 or 23, but can sometimes be on the 21st or 24th. In 2024, it’s on September 22.

Does everyone experience the autumn equinox at the same time?

The equinox happens at the same moment worldwide, but what time that is for you depends on your time zone. In 2025, it’s at 2:19 PM UTC-5.

Why don’t we have exactly 12 hours of day and night on the equinox?

It’s close, but not exact. This is because of how we define sunrise and sunset, and the way light bends in our atmosphere.

Is the autumn equinox the same as the first day of fall?

In astronomical terms, yes. But meteorological fall starts on September 1st. It really depends on which calendar you’re using.

Do I have to do anything special on the equinox?

Nope! Of course not. While many people enjoy celebrating or marking the occasion, there’s no rule saying you have to. Do what feels right for you.

Remember, the equinox is just a moment in time. What matters is how you choose to use it as a chance for reflection, gratitude, and setting intentions for the season ahead.

Embracing the Autumn Equinox 2025

As we approach the autumn equinox 2025, I hope this guide has given you some ideas on how to make the most of this special time. Whether you’re trying out a new ritual, sipping on a pro-metabolic pumpkin spice latte, or simply taking a moment to reflect, remember that the equinox is all about balance and transition.

For me, learning to appreciate the autumn equinox has been a journey. It’s taught me to find beauty in change and to see the value in both light and dark, action and rest. As the wheel of the year turns, we’re reminded that life is cyclical, always offering us chances for new beginnings.

So, as September 22, 2025 rolls around, take a moment to pause. Feel the shift in the air, notice the changing colors around you, and maybe try out one of the practices we’ve discussed. The autumn equinox isn’t just a date on the calendar – it’s an invitation to align ourselves with the rhythms of nature and find our own balance.

NOW OVER TO YOU: What are your thoughts on the autumn equinox? Do you have any special traditions or plans for 2025? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below. Let’s share our experiences and learn from each other as we welcome the fall season!