Autumnal Equinox: A fairy holiday

August Malmstrom (1829-1901)

The Autumnal Equinox marks time at which the Sun crosses the celestial equator, it’s one of those special in-between, or “’tween” times when humans might see fairies.  The equinox takes place today, Sept. 22 at 10:21 a.m. EDT (or 14:21 UTC).  The word equinox means “equal night,” from the Latin words aequus (equal), and nox (night). It’s the time when Summer fades into Autumn, and day and night are of equal length. Of course, in the southern hemisphere today is Spring Equinox day.  

Equinox days happen twice each year, in the autumn and in the spring. At the moment the equinox occurs on these magical days, the sun appears to cross the equator. It’s an “In-between” time, a time when the invisible magical veil between the mundane human world and the magical world of Faerie thins. During these “in-between” times, when the veil is thin, fairies might cross over into the human world, and humans might cross over to Faerie.

Beware, though, because Faerie can a dangerous place, and humans who go there are forever changed. In addition, liminal, or “in-between” times themselves can be dangerous. So, venture with caution and don’t be too quick to seek out the fairies. Fairies are not humans and don’t share human ethics, culture, rules, or morality. They can be tricksters, too.

Be cautious and respectful, they may let you see them. Celebrate the day by inviting like-minded friends over for a bonfire and leave some raw, unseasoned nuts, seeds, or fruit for their fairy feast. Always be kind to animals, nature, and fellow humans, and the fairies may make an appearance.