How to Celebrate the Autumn Equinox with Moon Worship

As the days grow shorter and the air cools, many cultures mark the Autumn Equinox as a time of balance and reflection.

The Autumn Equinox occurs between the 21st and 24th of September. In 2024, the Autumn Equinox will take place on Sunday September 22nd.

On this day, the length of day and night are equal, symbolizing the harmony between light and darkness. It's a perfect moment to pause, connect with nature, and express gratitude for the harvest.

Many cultures tie lunar worship to this time of transition. The moon, often representing intuition, mystery, and feminine energy, plays a central role in these rituals.

One of the most celebrated lunar deities during the Autumn Equinox is Chang’e, the Moon Goddess of Immortality, whose story is honoured during the Chinese Moon Festival.

In Chinese tradition, the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, coincides with the Autumn Equinox and celebrates the legend of Chang’e.

According to the myth, Chang’e ascended to the moon after drinking the elixir of immortality. She now resides there, watching over those honouring her with offerings and prayers during the festival.

But moon worship extends far beyond this festival. In ancient Egypt, the moon was revered as the eye of Horus, a symbol of protection and regeneration. The Greeks paid tribute to Selene, their lunar goddess, who was associated with time and growth.

The moon represents cyclical change, wisdom, and the divine feminine in many traditions. Rituals often included offerings of food, lighting lanterns, and burning incense to honour the moon’s power and connection to earthly cycles.

If you are looking to celebrate the Autumn Equinox through lunar worship, here are some time-honoured rituals you can incorporate into your practice.

Incense has been a staple in lunar rituals for thousands of years and is believed to carry prayers to the heavens.

As you prepare for your Autumn Equinox celebration, consider using incense from our Origins Incense Collection, which draws inspiration from ancient rituals. The fragrant smoke creates a serene space, allowing you to connect deeply with the moon’s energy.

The full moon that appears around the time of the Autumn Equinox is known as the Harvest Moon. This is a time when many cultures give thanks to the abundance of the harvest.

During the full Harvest Moon reflect on your life—what have you “harvested” this season? Whether it's personal growth, relationships, or achievements, take a moment to acknowledge and give thanks.

On the night of the Autumn Equinox, spend time outside, under the moon. Use this time to meditate on the balance of light and dark in nature and your personal life.

Consider lighting a candle or lantern as a symbol of your connection to the moon’s cycles. Write down your intentions or prayers and release them into the night sky if possible.

Numerous cultures around the world worship their own version of the moon goddess. You can also honour Chang’e or other moon goddesses by incorporating symbols representing them. For Chang’e, offering mooncakes, lighting incense, and gazing at the full moon are traditional ways to connect.

For other cultures, using symbols like silver (often associated with the moon), water (representing intuition), or the crescent shape can deepen your practice.

Our Origins Incense Collection captures the most popular incense fragrances used in rituals worldwide for centuries. It also features the classic and familiar incense fragrances including Jasmine, Patchouli, Cinnamon Spice, and Frankincense & Myrrh.

Whether celebrating the Autumn Equinox or simply looking for a mindful way to honour the moon, Floré Incense offers a way to bring these sacred practices into your modern life.

By incorporating incense into your moon worship, you continue a tradition that spans cultures and centuries. Let the smoke rise and carry your intentions to the heavens, just as it has done for generations before.