so, is the autumnal equinox a holy day for the pagans?

[rurallib]

are there any rites or spells as we move to fall? Is raking leaves a rite?

[mitchum]

1. I'm sure there is as far as the "new pagans" are concerned...

they seem to love the woo woo supernatural trappings
rather than the natural

[LibertyLover]

2. Yes- in some traditions it's called Mabon

and is the middle of the 3 harvest festivals that start with Lughnasadh (August 1) and end with Samhain (October 31). Mabon is a day of thanksgiving for the second harvest, a harvest that started at Lughnasadh and ends with Samhain. It's also a celebration of the balance between light and dark. Darkness is growing and we become more introspective. Leaf raking can be a very good time to be introspective and to think about deep things. As for rituals - a big feast is how my coven celebrated Mabon, with the idea of continued abundance being behind it. Hope that helps.