Autumn is a time of early shadows as the season of summer passes over.
And cobwebs everywhere! And here, in the Northern Hemisphere, one can easily notice the later dawns and earlier sunsets,as Spring is ushered in south of the Equator.
Equinox is all about balance…the balance of equal day and night, of dark and light.
I await the first light of morning with great anticipation, aware that the light grows more and more precious, to be cherished.
We are creatures of the light!
During these colder mornings I use the electric kettle to make my early tea.
There is something very comforting about an old tea tin…often referred to as a Tea Caddy!
We are poised at the turning time and the descent towards Samhain.
The Celts only recognised two parts of the year in terms of life, and that was Summer and Winter, for Samhain, despite falling on the 31st of October, meant “Summer’s End.”
The sun is casting long shadows…we grow evermore closer to the turning.
In the night sky, Fomalhaut – the Autumn Star – is making its way across the heavens each night.
The equinoxes and solstices formed an important part of ancient rituals here in Ireland.
This Autumn Equinox is also referred to as Mabon.
Mabon is a good time to look at the ancient Greek legend of Persephone and Demeter.
“The breezes taste
Of apple peel.
The air is full
Of smells to feel-
Ripe fruit, old footballs,
Burning brush,
New books, erasers,
Chalk, and such.
The bee, his hive,
Well-honeyed hum,
And Mother cuts
Chrysanthemums.
Like plates washed clean
With suds, the days
Are polished with
A morning haze.”
– John Updike, September
Departing summer hath assumed
An aspect tenderly illumed,
The gentlest look of spring;
That calls from yonder leafy shade
Unfaded, yet prepared to fade,
A timely carolling.
– William Wordsworth, September
Stone monuments were built here in Ireland and aligned to witness the light on these days.
One can still view the illumination of these chambers in ancient cairns, at sunrise, on important celestial days. 
It just remains for me to wish you all a Happy Equinox on this beautiful evening at Bealtaine Cottage.
Thank you for sharing the John Updike poem. It’s lovely and so aptly describes the feeling autumn gives me! Your cottage is so warm and cozy. Hope you enjoy your cup of tea!!
Blessings to you XXX
Thankyou for your lovely pictures & words. Blessings to you & Jack & Sammy.
Brightest Blessings on the turn <3
And you Michael X
Enjoy your pictures and words.
Thanks so much! X
Lovely, autumn is my favourite season. Being in Australia we are heading into the vibrant and tempestuous days of spring.
Exciting and colourful…beautiful days ahead!
I was reading today on Facebook that the name/term ‘Mabon’ is comparatively new (i.e. From the last 50 years). It doesn’t matter of course, but people might be interested to read more about its use etc from this article by Ronald Hutton
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00155870802352178
Thanks Martin!
Blessings at the Equinox! Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece.
Blessings X
Happy Mabon. x
The sun light streaming in the cottage windows is beautiful and Sammybear looks settled for the evening. I also wanted to let you know I started my geraniums on the 1 to 10 urine fertilizer and can’t wait to see an improvement! Blesses Mabon <3 …….Heather
You will be both surprised and delighted!
Thank you for sharing your part of the world. It is truly beautiful
Beautiful! I love the autumn, and how you express it in your home and pictures.
Blessings X