My family has grown and I feel pulled to add greater emphasis to our holiday observations. I’ve always expressed my excitement for Samhain and Winter Solstice through decorating, but I want to explore that with the other High Days as well. If my daughter is anything like I was as a youngster, it will add joy to her own life. As our holidays emphasize nature and the agricultural cycle, the decor will also help to educate her about Druidism and the world she lives in. Furthermore, taking the time to do this helps me to engage in my tradition.
The centerpiece of the Autumn Equinox is, both literally and conceptually, the cornucopia. I placed it on our dining-room table to remind us of the blessings we’ve received. I filled it with locally grown veggies – including two from my own garden! Since taking the photo, I’ve added a tablecloth that I hemmed this afternoon. It’s orange and adds a seasonal brightness to the home!
I also added some seasonal color to my main altar. I used a garland of faux leaves and, despite being fake, they look nice! And if my cats go after them, they won’t get sick or make a huge mess.
In addition to my decorating, I’ve been listening to my Autumnal playlist. It includes tracks such as “Mabon” and “Equinox” by Omnia, “Golden Apples” by Faun, and “Leaves that are Green” by Simon and Garfunkel. It’s a decidedly mellow playlist, which seems to fit this time of year. It’s a contemplative time as we approach the season of death and sleep. It’s a time to count one’s blessings and accept the changes underway. The magic and excitement that balance with Samhain’s sense of saddness hasn’t fully been realized yet. The will come as the harvest winds down and the veil thins…
Next on the list – planning my family meal! Stay tuned.
Author M. A. Phillips 
*claps and cheers* I swear it’s that time of year where we all start feeling that sensation of creativity and inspiration! I’ve always liked your altars. Simple, but elegant creations.
Thank you! It was honestly getting a bit messy and chaotic – probably mirroring my own psyche and emotional state with all the changes. Now that I’m getting into a routine and raising a baby, it was time to go back to basics for my own sanity. 🙂
It can be difficult to keep up the practice when things get chaotic. We had what we are calling The Summer from Hell and everything got dropped.
I love celebrating holidays, decorating, eating cooking or baking certain foods that feel so timely, traditions and getting together with family and friends! This is my first Autumn Equinox to officially celebrate and I’m very excited for it
It literally is a “cornucopia” at the moment in Colchester, UK, there are apples, berries and nuts everywhere.