The Druids call this celebration, Mea’n Fo’mhair, and honor The Green Man, the God of the Forest, by offering libations to trees. Offerings of ciders, wines, herbs, and fertilizer are appropriate at this time. Wiccans celebrate the aging Goddess as she passes from Mother to Crone, and her consort the God as he prepares for death and re-birth.
Fall is the time to harvest what was planted and to begin preparations for the next season of crops or activities. In ancient times, fall celebrations were common, with the harvest of fruits, grains, and vegetables critical for survival in the coming winter.
It is no surprise that celebration began in ancient times and continues to this day. Harvest festivals of many types still occur today in farming country, and Thanksgiving is an echo of these. Many of the festivals coincide with Jewish and Christian holidays, by no accident. These points in the year were important community celebrations and the Pagan practices were kept largely intact although they were rededicated to the Christian God or a saint.
Ravenhawks' Magazine Magick for Mind Body and Soul 