ALSO CALLED:
Fall or Autumnal Equinox, Harvest Home, Gwl Canol Hydref, Alban Elfed 

DATE:
On the fall or Autumnal Equinox, near September 21st.

This brings us to the close of the Wheel of the Year.  It is a time of feasting and song...a time of 
harvesting, thanksgiving and joy.  It is a time of leave taking and sorrow as well.   Balance is again a 
central issue as day and night are once again equal.  This is a major Harvest festival.

It is the time of the Goddess in Her aspect of Crone.  Nature declines, readying for winter and its time of 
rest.  The God prepares to leave his physical body and begin the great adventure into the unseen, 
toward renewal and rebirth through the Goddess.   The Goddess nods in the weakening sun though 
fire burns within Her womb.  She feels the presence of the God even as He wanes.

It is traditional to walk in wild places and forests, gathering seed pods and dried plants. 
These can be used to decorate or for herbal magick.

TRADITIONAL FOODS:
the second Harvest’s gleanings, grains, corn, corn bread, beans, baked squash

HERBS:
hazel, corn, aspen, acorns, oak sprigs, autumn leaves, wheat stalks, cypress cones, pine cones, harvest gleanings

©1992, Donna E. Passaro, All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without prior permission from author.