28/08/2026
Intrafaith September
Rather than reel off the celebrations that other paths are following this month, I thought I would relate to you all how I as an Eclectic will be celebrating the Autumn Equinox.
I have always felt that the Autumn Equinox was the edge of darkness, the time where you shed what you no longer needed and made preparations to travel into the next season.
This is why I always have an Autumn purge and perform a ritual to let go.
I take a candle, matches, paper, a pen, a fallen leaf and a metal dish to a spot usually in nature where I will not be disturbed. Increasingly I’m finding the allotment an ideal place for this.
Once there I will cast and open the circle with these words.
I cast this circle in the spirit of place, may it remain strong and keep me safe.
I call upon the guardians of the east and the element of air,
Home of the spring dawn and clarity of thought,
The swirling wind and wisdom taught,
Welcome.
I call upon the guardians of the south and the element of fire,
Home of summer days and energetic goals,
The flaming sun and the passionate soul.
Welcome.
I call upon the guardians of the west and the element of water,
Home of autumn dusk and depth of emotion,
Of cleansing rains and heartfelt devotion,
Welcome.
I call upon the guardians of the north and the element of earth,
Home of winter nights and standing still,
Of mountain peaks and strength of will,
Welcome.
The circle is open.
At this point I will sit in quiet of my surroundings, musing on the year up until this point, celebrating the wins and commiserating the losses. I will then think how I want my winter to look and what I need to purge in order to achieve this. Then I will take my paper, write down what it is I need to purge and then I’ll light the candle, making sure it is safe to do so. Taking my paper I will set it alight and watch it burn safely in the metal dish, watching the smoke rise and disappear, seeing what I wrote down rise and disappear.
After sitting a while I will thank the guardians, the elements, the spirit of place and close the circle.
Food is important in my celebrations and Autumn Equinox feasting is usually baked potatoes and something appley for dessert.
I’d love to hear what your path is and what you celebrate in September!
