Autumn Symbolism and Myth: Harvest gods, goddesses, and Archetypal meanings
What is the Autumn Equinox?
(Art on the left by @irenhorrors)
As the sun sets on Friday, September 22, 2023, at precisely 11:49 PM PST, the Northern Hemisphere will welcome the Autumnal Equinox, marking the end of summer and the beginning of fall. This celestial event, also known as Mabon, is distinguished by the harmonious balance between day and night and heralds the gradual emergence of longer nights and shorter days.
The significance of this seasonal shift extends beyond mere astronomical observations, with ancient cultures, astrologers, and scientists drawing profound connections between the beauty of autumn and the human experience. These symbolic meanings serve as poignant reminders of the profound impact that Mother Nature has on our existence. Across the globe, indigenous communities honor earth-based traditions and rituals, assigning immense value to the seasonal transitions that occur throughout the year, including the Winter Solstice, Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, and Autumn Equinox.
Yet, as we observe the Earth's journey through these seasonal markers, we can also consider them as stages of our inner journey. As the natural world around us transforms and evolves, so do we have the opportunity to reflect, renew, and grow. The Autumnal Equinox invites us to embrace this transformative power as we welcome the changing seasons and all the promise that they hold.
Autumn by @yana.dhyana
What’s the Symbolism of Autumn?
Change and Transition
Just as springtime brings with it the promise of rebirth and transformation, so too does autumn herald a time of change and transition. Yet, unlike the outward growth and flourishing we witness in spring, the autumnal season is often associated with a more introspective and contemplative journey.
Indeed, this time of year has come to symbolize a process of turning inward and engaging in activities that nourish the soul, such as spending time with loved ones in the comfort of our homes or indulging in solitary pursuits that allow us to connect with ourselves on a deeper level.
Balance and Grounding
Autumn not only marks a time of change and transition, but also symbolizes balance and harmony. The sun's entrance into Libra, represented by the balanced scales, reminds us of the importance of finding equilibrium in our lives.
As we bid farewell to the vibrancy and excitement of summer, autumn offers us the opportunity to center ourselves and find grounding in the present moment. It is a season that beckons us to reconnect with the earth and nurture our inner equilibrium to approach the coming days with a renewed sense of balance and purpose.
Abundance and Preparation
Autumn, also known as the harvest season, is a time of abundance and preparation. After months of tending to the earth, the crops sown in springtime are now ready to be gathered and stored, filling baskets and markets with the bountiful riches of the season. With their innate wisdom, the animals have prepared their dens and homes with the necessary provisions and comforts to weather the coming winter.
But autumn is not just a season of physical preparation. It is also a time to reconnect with ourselves and tend to our emotional and spiritual sanctuaries. As the world outside begins to slow down and quieten, we are invited to turn inward and create spaces of refuge and renewal, both figuratively and literally.
Impermanence and Letting Go
Like the trees that gracefully shed their leaves and the serpent that sheds its skin, autumn signifies a season of letting go. It beckons us to take stock of our lives, reevaluate our habits and relationships, and release what no longer serves us.
As the leaves gently fall to the ground and the serpent sloughs off its old skin, we are reminded of the impermanence of all things and the fleeting nature of life itself. This season urges us to embrace the transience of our existence and to find solace in the knowledge that, just as the trees will bud anew in spring and the serpent will emerge renewed and revitalized, so too will we be given the chance to shed our burdens and start anew.
What are the Symbols of Autumn?
(Art on the left by @abigail_larson)
The Harvest Moon
The harvest moon, a cherished symbol of autumn, is a wondrous sight to behold. This full moon, which occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, illuminates the sky with its radiant glow, casting a luminous spell upon the land below.
This year, on September 20, 2021, the harvest moon once again graced us with its presence, filling the night sky with abundant bright moonlight. For farmers, this celestial event has long been a valuable aid, providing much-needed illumination as they work to harvest their summer-grown crops before winter's arrival.
Pumpkins
As autumn descends upon Mexico City, the vibrant streets come alive with the festive preparations for Dia de los Muertos, a celebration of life and death that has been a cherished tradition for centuries.
In the bustling markets, the calabaza reigns supreme, the quintessential symbol of the season. This word, meaning pumpkin or squash in Spanish, is derived from the indigenous language of the Aztecs and Mayans, who revered this humble crop as a sacred gift from the earth.
Indeed, the history of the calabaza stretches back more than 7,500 years, a testament to its enduring significance in the culture and cuisine of Mexico.
The Cornucopia
At the heart of Mabon's ancient traditions lies the cornucopia, a symbol of abundance and plenty that has long captured people's imaginations worldwide.
Often referred to as the Horn of Plenty, this iconic symbol speaks to the bounty of the harvest season, a time when the earth overflows with the fruits of its labor. From the golden grains of wheat to the succulent fruits and vegetables that grace our tables, the cornucopia reminds us of the boundless generosity of nature and the abundant blessings surrounding us.
Apples, Grapes, and Wine
Amid the falling leaves and the crisp Autumn air, the humble apple takes on new meaning and significance. This simple fruit has been revered as a symbol of life, healing, and regeneration, embodying wholeness and vitality for generations.
During the Autumnal Equinox, the Welsh honor this sacred fruit by adorning their altars with apples and grapes, a beautiful and poignant expression of gratitude for the gifts of the earth. In this act of reverence, they recognize the profound and enduring power of the apple and its life-giving properties.
Acorns and Oak Trees
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, the mighty oak tree sheds its bounty upon the earth. From this ancient and venerable source comes the humble acorn, a small yet powerful fruit that carries the very essence of vitality and strength within it.
Fallen to the ground during autumn, the acorn symbolizes the perseverance and tenacity required to achieve great things. Only on fully mature oaks can these small yet tough fruits be found, a testament to the long-term effort and dedication necessary to bring our dreams to fruition.
Red, Orange, and Yellow Leaves
In autumn, trees adorn themselves with vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow, a breathtaking sight that signals the end of their life cycle. As they let go of their leaves, they return to the earth, completing the circle of life. These brilliant hues that abound in nature imbue the season with a unique warmth and charm that fills the heart with awe and wonder.
Art by @artofmaquenda
Who are the Harvest gods and goddesses?
Archetypal meanings of Harvest deities.
The practice of expressing gratitude for the harvest season and preparing for the onset of winter is a widespread and ancient tradition observed by cultures across the globe.
Festivals are held to celebrate the abundance of crops, offer thanks to Mother Earth, and bid farewell to Summer. Historically, mythologies worldwide have honored and revered various deities associated with the harvest and the Autumn Equinox. Although not a comprehensive account, this article briefly acknowledges some of the most prominent harvest and equinox deities from various cultures, listed alphabetically.
Autumnus, the Roman goddess of the Harvest
Autumnus, the fall season's deity, embodies nature's overflowing abundance during harvest. In addition, Autumnus is gender fluid, appearing in both male and female forms, which speaks to the inclusive and diverse nature of this season's divine patron.
Banbha, the Celtic goddess and Earth Mother
Amidst the fall equinox celebrations, the Irish deity Banbha reigns supreme. As an Earth Mother, she presides over the culmination of the bountiful harvest. Banbha, much like the revered Greek goddess Gaia, is the protector and nurturer of all living beings and the land that sustains them.
Ceres, the Roman goddess of the Harvest, grain, and fertility
Ceres, the goddess of the harvest, was revered for her abundant generosity and for imparting essential knowledge to humanity.
In Greek mythology, she was known as Demeter. She was hailed as the deity who taught people the art of cultivating, preserving, and preparing grains and maize. Her divine powers were closely linked to the land's fertility, and she was regarded as one of the most prominent guardians of the harvest.
Ceres' influence and guidance ensured the earth's bounty was always plentiful. Her legacy lives on as a symbol of abundance and fertility.
Çhicomecoatl, the Aztec goddess of abundance and corn
Çhicomecoatl, the goddess of fire and fertility, embodies vitality, community, and plenty. She is revered in Mexico, particularly during the harvest season, as the guardian of corn and all fertile things. Her emblems are hot spices, maize, and fire, representing her power and providence over the land.
Corn Mother, the goddess of the Harvest of the Indigenous Peoples of North America
With her bountiful presence, the Corn Mother embodies the qualities of abundance, vitality, and strength. Her powers of fertility and harvest are celebrated as she blesses the land with the promise of plentiful crops.
In addition to her agricultural emblems of corn and corn sheaves, she also holds the healing attributes of the earth, nurturing all who seek her aid.
Demeter, the Greek goddess of the Harvest and Agriculture
At the center of one of the most famous myths about the seasons and the Harvest lies Demeter, the goddess of grain and fertility and mother of Persephone.
When Hades, the god of the Underworld, abducted Persephone, Demeter's anguish for her daughter resulted in a severe drought that threatened all life on Earth. With the crops perishing and humankind facing doom, Demeter embarked on a quest to rescue her daughter.
However, despite eventually reuniting with Persephone, now the goddess of the Underworld, fate demanded a sacrifice. Having consumed six pomegranate seeds, Persephone was bound to spend six months of the year in the Underworld, which begins with the Autumn Equinox when Persephone descends again into the depths.
Huichi, the Japanese goddess of the Harvest
In hopes of receiving the strength and resilience needed to complete the harvest, farmers would offer fire offerings to Huichi.
Inanna, the Sumerian goddess of fertility and abundance
Inanna's journey to the Underworld is another tale of descent, similar to Demeter's and Persephone's.
In this story, her sister Ereshkigal was the queen of the Underworld. As Inanna journeyed to the Underworld, the earth above became barren, and crops ceased growing. However, fertility was restored upon her return to the land of the living, and the crops bloomed once more.
Inari Ōkami, the Shinto kami of the Harvest and grains
Inari is a divine being whose identity transcends the binary constraints of gender. They preside over various natural elements, including grains, rice, foxes, and fertility.
Legend has it that Inari arrived in Japan during a time of severe famine, borne from the heavens on a white fox, clutching sheaves of grain in their grasp.
Inna, the Nigerian goddess of the Harvest and yams
Inna, revered as the patroness of the yam harvest, holds a special place in the hearts of farmers. Her divine blessings are sought after with offerings to ensure an abundant yield of crops. Her emblems are the yams and the produce of the harvest season, a reflection of her nurturing and bountiful nature.
Isis, the Egyptian goddess of the Harvest and magic
Isis, the great goddess of the Egyptian pantheon, possesses a diverse array of attributes that make her one of the most fascinating and enigmatic figures in mythology.
Among her many roles, she is closely tied to the annual flooding of the Nile River, which irrigates the surrounding land and ensures a bountiful harvest. As a result, Isis is celebrated as a powerful goddess of fertility and abundance, revered by farmers and worshippers alike for her ability to bring forth new life and nourishment from the earth.
Lugh, the Celtic god of the Harvest
In the ancient Celtic traditions, Lugh is celebrated during the Lughnasadh harvest festival, named in his honor. This multi-skilled god is often associated with the harvest and revered through symbols of corn, grains, bread, and other crops.
Osiris, the Egyptian god of Agriculture and of the Underworld
In the annals of mythological lore, Osiris stands tall as the benevolent god who imparted the secrets of agriculture to humanity. He was the one who taught them to divide the land, sow the seed, and reap the rich harvest that followed. Under his watchful gaze, people learned to transform the humble flour into a cornucopia of sumptuous meals. And as long as Osiris ruled, the earth was awash with prosperity and plenty.
Parvati, the Hindu goddess of the Harvest and protector of women
Parvati, the revered goddess of the Harvest, is also known as a protective force for all women. Her celebration, primarily observed by women, is intimately connected to that of her son Ganesha. Together, they are honored for their roles in bringing prosperity, abundance, and protection to the land and its people.
Pachamama, the Inca goddess of the Harvest and fertility
Pachamama, the revered Inca fertility goddess, is the benevolent guardian of all life on Earth, ensuring her children are always provided for. She watches every step of the planting and harvesting process, from the soil tilling to the reaping of the bounty. Across cultures, she is known as the embodiment of the nurturing and life-giving qualities of Mother Earth, the equivalent of the revered Greek deity Gaia.
Po Ino Nogar, the Cambodian goddess of the Harvest
In the realm of agricultural deities, Po Ino Nogar stands tall as a symbol of growth, harvest, and fertility. Her emblems include the life-giving rain, the nourishing clouds, and the fertile soil. Po Ino Nogar's name bears testament to her immense importance as the "Great One" who protects the crops and ensures the land's fertility.
Pomona, the Roman goddess of orchards and fruit trees
With gentle care and loving touch, Pomona, the goddess of the Orchard, watches over her fruit trees, ensuring they bear luscious and abundant fruit. Often depicted with a cornucopia overflowing with the earth's bounty or a plate brimming with ripe, succulent fruit, she represents the life-giving energy that sustains us.
Selu, the Cherokee goddess of the corn
In the Cherokee mythos, Selu is celebrated as the First Woman and the divine patron of corn. Her name translates to "corn" in the Cherokee tongue. Selu's influence extends to the harvest, weather, and fertility, as her benevolent nature ensures that her people have sustenance and abundance. According to legend, Selu gave of herself to end the people's hunger, planting her own heart, which gave birth to the sacred crop.
Wishing All a Blessed Autumn Equinox!
Warmly,
Anny
🦉🍂🍁
References
Cavendish, R. (1983). Man, myth and magic: the illustrated encyclopedia of mythology, religion and the unknown. Marshall Cavendish.
Downing, C. (1981). The goddess: Mythological images of the feminine. Crossroad.
Martin, K., & Ronnberg, A. (2010). The book of symbols: Reflections on archetypal images. Taschen.
Nozedar, A. (2010). The illustrated signs & symbols sourcebook: An A to Z compendium of over 1000 designs. Harper.
Kindly note: The information included in this blog is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for mental health services. Please consult with a qualified professional to determine the appropriateness of the information for your own life experiences or if you have any questions.
