Autumn Equinox 2026

~ Ashley

As I now follow the seasonal tree cycle suggested in The Ogham Grove* the common Elder, Sambucus nigra, is seen as the guardian of the West and Dusk, and as it falls into the period between the 12th and the 29th September, it is the tree of the Autumn Equinox.  It is the 15th letter in the tree year: RUIS – R in Old Gaelic.

In Mandy Haggith’s wonderful anthology of tree poems Into The Forest* she opens the chapter on the elder tree describing it as more like a “scraggy shrub!”  I love that expression!  The elder tree is rarely seen as a full grown tree and is more usually found in hedgerows, or anywhere there is or was human habitation, where a phosphate rich soil is to be found (bones from domestic rubbish heaps or burial grounds).  The wood of the tree has been used for small items such as pipes and whistles as the narrower branches have a soft core which can be hollowed out.  The main areas of use though have been the medicinal properties garnered from the flowers in spring and the berries in autumn when cures for anti-inflammatory or anti-viral ailments are required.

It was said that having an elder tree growing near your home would protect it from evil.  The leaves have a distinct smell, not a pleasant one, and small bunches would be hung in dairies and kitchens to keep flies away; sprigs of leaves would also be attached to horses bridles.

A sketch by myself after one by Lizzie Harper.*

Here is part of a poem that I wrote last year:

In autumn
..............berries like alien antennae,
hang;
shining, black, full of vigour,
they shiver on the air.

Ashley 🌳

*The Ogham Grove by Yuri Leitch – ISBN: 9781517653637

*Into the Forest: An Anthology of Tree Poems – edited by Mandy Haggith – ISBN: 978-190864318-6

*The Living Wisdom of Trees by Fred Hageneder with illustrations by Lizzie Harper – ISBN: 978-1-786783-33-2

Further reading:  The Tree Dispensary: The uses, history and herbalism of native European trees by Christina Stapley – ISBN:978-1-91350-472-4

50 thoughts on “Autumn Equinox 2026”

  2. I tried to read that without translation. I think I got a good grip on that what you told, Ashley.

    When I saw that “A” on your drawing I remembered the “A” I once created. I think it’s the second best letter I did.

    My ability to smell things is not that great but surely a better one that that of my brother who lost it completely through COVID.

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  3. Happy Equinox Ashley. I enjoy all the information you share. With your interest in pagan lore and trees, you might enjoy Kim Wilborns info. She focuses on trees and other beings as spiritual guardians we can partner with and befriend. She has a whole telesummit she held with various experts discussing the attributes of trees and how to connect with them.

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  8. This reminds me of my childhood and the elderberries along the stream where we used to play. I haven’t thought of that for a long time–thanks! And always good to get some information about uses for trees, both physical and psychological. (K)

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    1. Oh Kerfe, I’ve pricked a memory…will they appear in your dreams? Elder is such a useful tree in so many ways. Hoping your dreams are happy ones! 🤗🙇‍♂️🤗

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  9. I might have to buy Mandy Haggith’s book, Into the Forest, as well as Yuri Leitch’s. Thanks for the info on elders. I like your poem and your drawing! Hope you and Carol had a good equinox! I spent a lot of time, today, in the backyard watching the hummingbirds’ last week here in KY. Transience…brevity. At least I got to spend a few months with them. Keep moving, Ashleaf!

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    1. Thank you Taka-san, hoping you had a great equinox! Mandy’s book is one of my favourites as it is full of magic! I hope you can get a copy. Let me know if you have problems; if you want me to get it for you. I’m envious of your hummingbird visits! Your videos on Flickr are magical. 🙇‍♂️

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    1. They’ll stay green for a while yet but I’ve seen many leaves falling already. There are even corners of our little garden that are filled with leaves but it’s too early to get the broom out!

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    1. Dear Lisa, thank you for your lovely comment, I try! My beloved is still recovering but a few setbacks have occurred so progress is slow. Still positive but it’s taking longer than it should; finding out that she also has diabetes 2 is a current concern. 🤗❤️🙏

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  16. That is very interesting about the Elder tree. My sister usually makes syrup of the berries. I love your drawing, it is really beautiful.

    Wishing you a lovely Autumn ♥♥

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    1. The sketch was originally in b&w but the colour of the berries and their stalks is hard to resist, so I added there. Thank you for your lovely comments. Wishing you a happy and peaceful autumn. 🤗💙💛💙💛🤗

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  19. The drawing of the common elder is lovely, and your description of the plant—that “scraggly shrub”—is fascinating, especially the part explaining its properties, including its medicinal uses. It is a pleasure to read your work, as I always learn something new from your writing. Where I live, autumn has brought much-needed rain and pleasant temperatures following a hot summer. Autumn is my favorite season, and I will soon begin my mountain walks to enjoy those special autumnal colors that will arrive in a few weeks.
    P.S. I read in another comment that your wife is having health issues; I hope she recovers.
    Mi abrazo hoy también es para ella 😊🙋‍♂️

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    1. Thank you for your wonderful comments. Also, my wife thanks you for your good wishes; she sends hugs to you and we both wish you happy the mountain walks in the weeks ahead. We will join you in spirit, as even our hill walking days have been stopped, as last November (she had open heart surgery, 7 hours, to replace a faulty valve) and whilst recovery has been slow it is positive! 🤗🍂🙏

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