Autumn Equinox: The Significance of Symbolism in Druidic Cultures

Kellyn Edraney

A tree of apples- great its bounty!

Like a hostel, vast!
A pretty bush, thick as a fist. Of tiny hazelnuts
A green mass of branches

From Dillon, Early Irish Literature

Mean

Fomhair is an old Gaelic phrase that refers to Autumn Equinox- the point in the wheel of
the year, often late September, in which night and day are of equal lengths. This time held deep meaning
to the Druids, symbolizing a time to honor both the light and dark, and a time to acknowledge the
impending darkness of the winter ahead. Druidism is an Earth-based religion that still exists today and is
practiced around the world. The key tenets of this spiritual path center around a deep connection to the
Earth and its seasonal cycles, which can be attributed to the deep dependence early Irish settlers had on
agriculture and a knowledge of the seasons.
One widely recognized motif of this festival is the cornucopia- a hollow, horn shaped basket,
sometimes made of wicker, filled with seasonal produce. This object has many symbolic connotations, all
of which were relevant to this holiday. Its first, and most obvious, is abundance, as exemplified by the
overflowing of many healthy and diversely colored fruits and vegetables. The cornucopia again reveals
this cultures deep attachment to agriculture, and Autumn Equinox was traditionally held as the time for
the final harvest (this is also connected to the still popular term, Harvest Moon, the full moon of late
September).
Another symbolic interpretation of the cornucopia is its depiction of masculine and feminine
principles, which were held in equal regard to Druids, who worshipped the Earth as a matriarchal figure.
The cornucopia, or horn of plenty, is both male (phallic) and female (receptive and hollow). The
polytheistic culture of Druidism held space for many male and female deities, whom held various
associations with the seasons and natural occurrences. The hollowness of the cornucopia also holds that
which has been manifested in the growing and harvesting seasons, both literally (the produce) and
figuratively.
It is also tradition at Autumn Equinox (also known as Mabon) to honor the patriarchal God of the
forest, the Green Man. This was done by offering ceremonial libations at the feet of trees (often Oaks, as
these were sacred to the old Irish). The gifts offered could be many things, but generally wine, herbs and
cider were considered appropriate. The offerings could also be scattered over a field, another symbolic
reference to the peoples deep reliance and connection to the earth.
The Autumn Equinox in mythology is depicted as a time to welcome in the matriarchal figure of
the Cailleach, the Old One, and her great power. The Cailleach was the druids personal adaptation of the
archetype of the hag and crone. She is referenced in Irish cultures Triple Goddess figure as the Goddess
who appears at the deaths of citizens and kinds, who gives birth, reaps death, and is a mystical
embodiment of the land.
The essential and deepest meaning of this feast is the coming together and drawing in of families
and communities, the recognition of the harvest and its reaped abundance, and the preparation for the

impending chaos of Samhain (the next Druidic Festival on the wheel of the year, which coincides with
our cultural practice of Halloween). Mabon was traditionally a time of settling the old business of
summer in order to prepare for a long stretch of cold, barrenness and introspection.
To these people, and to modern-day practitioners of Druidism, this is far more than a date to
check off on the calendar. This is a time to honor the changing nature of the world around us, and inside
us, and as an opportunity to use symbols as a means of better understanding our lives and our culture.