Seasonal Celebrations for September

September is one of my favorite months, in one of my favorite seasons. Every year I look forward to the changing leaves, as the last vestiges of summer wane and end. Simple walks in the woods are magical; the smell of fallen leaves, the golden sun filtering through the canopy, and the last warmth tempered by the fall chill in the air. September seasonal celebrations are events that honor the harvests that are abundant this time of year and mark a time to look forward to the rest and darkness that winter will soon bring. It’s a time to enjoy the final remnants of the warm months, and prepare for the winter to come.

September Holidays, Festivals, and Events:

1st-3rd: Eid al Adha
4th: Labor Day
16th: Selichot
20th-22nd: Rosh Hoshana
21st: Islamic New Year, St. Matthew’s Day
22nd: Mabon/Autumnal Equinox/1st Day of Autumn
30th: Ashura, Yom Kippur

September Moon Names:

Corn Moon, Barley Moon, Harvest Moon

September Moon Lore:

Corn and barley are both harvested this time of year, so giving their name to the full moon in September. Harvest moon refers specifically to the full moon that is closest to the Autumnal Equinox.

September Moon Phases:

Full Moon: September 6th
New Moon: September 20th
1st Quarter: September 28th
Last Quarter: September 13th

September Seasonal Bucket List:

• Go leaf peeping.
• Pick your own apples.
• Visit an apple orchard.
• Drink freshly pressed apple cider.
• Go for a walk in the woods.
• Press leaves.
• Visit a harvest market.
• Make an apple pie (or just eat one 😉 ).
• Make your own apple sauce & apple butter.
• Can or preserve your garden harvest.
• Visit a harvest festival.
• Create a corn dolly.
• Decorate your home for autumn using fallen leaves and other natural elements.
• Make a fall craft using leaves, nuts, or corn husks, dried corn kernels.

September Seasonal Personal Growth Activities:

• Give thanks!
• Enjoy your harvest/success.
• Look forward to what is next, and plan your next action steps.

A Simple Ritual of Thanks

Tools:

• A cup or other vessel to hold liquid.
• Red wine, apple cider, or tea.

Method:

1. After gathering your tools, take a moment to think of all the things you have to be grateful for.
2. Slowly pour your libation into your cup or vessel. As you do speak aloud or mental thank all those involved in helping you get to where you are today. You may thank any deities of your choice, the Universe, people in your life both known and unknown, and/or your ancestors. Thank whoever you feel is appropriate, or even just off your thanks to the Universe as a whole. Envision your libation filled with your love and appreciation.
3. Place your libation in a place that is sacred to you. An altar, your garden, or any other sacred space. Alternately, pour it out near a large tree, or your garden, or other outdoor place that holds meaning for you. As you do so, tell the spirits of place, your deity(ies) of choice, or the Universe as a whole your thanks once more, and that you offer them this small token of appreciation.

What will you be doing this September?