Welcome and many blessings are you wanting to celebrate the Autumn equinox also known as Mabon but have no idea what it is and where to start then look no further, don't worry we have got you, so lets dive in!
What is Mabon?
Mabon, the Pagan festival celebrating the Autumn Equinox, marks the time when day and night are equal, symbolising balance and reflection. Celebrated around September 21st-24th in the Northern Hemisphere, Mabon is a time to honour the second harvest, give thanks for the abundance of the Earth, and prepare for the coming winter months. It's a period of introspection, gratitude, and connection with nature's cycles.
The History of Mabon
The celebration of Mabon has roots in ancient traditions and has been influenced by various cultures. The name "Mabon" itself is relatively modern, coined by Aidan Kelly in the 1970s as part of the modern Pagan and Wiccan traditions. However, the essence of the festival can be traced back to earlier harvest festivals celebrated by Celtic, Norse, and Anglo-Saxon peoples.
In ancient times, these cultures held elaborate festivals to honour the Earth and the gods and goddesses associated with the harvest. For the Celts, it was a time to honour the god of the forest and the harvest, and for the Norse, it was a celebration of the god of fertility and abundance. These festivals were marked by feasting, music, dancing, and various rituals aimed at ensuring a bountiful harvest and appeasing the spirits of the land.
Mythology Linked to Mabon
Mabon is named after Mabon ap Modron, a figure from Welsh mythology. Mabon, whose name means "Great Son," was kidnapped from his mother Modron (meaning "Great Mother") when he was only three nights old. He was eventually rescued by King Arthur and his knights, symbolising the return of the light after a period of darkness. This myth reflects the themes of balance, loss, and recovery associated with the equinox.
Other deities associated with Mabon include Demeter and Persephone from Greek mythology. Their story of the changing seasons, with Persephone's descent into the underworld and return to the surface, mirrors the agricultural cycle and the themes of death and rebirth celebrated during Mabon.
How to Celebrate Mabon
Celebrating Mabon can be a personal and enriching experience, with many ways to honour this special time. Here are a few ideas:
1. Create an Altar: Decorate your altar with symbols of the harvest, such as apples, pumpkin, leaves, and grains. Add candles in autumnal colors like red, orange, and gold. Include crystals like carnelian, citrine, and amethyst to amplify the energy of the season.
2. Feasting: Prepare a feast using seasonal produce like squash, root vegetables, and fruits. Sharing a meal with family and friends is a wonderful way to give thanks for the abundance in your life.
3. Nature Walks: Take a walk in nature to observe the changes in the environment. Collect apples, fallen leaves, acorns, and other natural items to use in your decorations or rituals.
4. Harvest Rituals: Perform a ritual to give thanks for the harvest and to seek balance in your life. You can light candles, offer libations, and recite blessings or invocations.
5. Crafting: Engage in seasonal crafts like making corn dollies, wreaths, or Mabon incense blends. These activities can help you connect more deeply with the spirit of the season.
Mabon Blessing
Here is a simple blessing you can use during your Mabon celebrations:
"As the wheel turns and the days and nights align,
We honour the balance and the harvest divine.
With gratitude in our hearts, we give thanks for the Earth,
For the abundance and the blessings, and the season's rebirth.
May the light and dark within us find harmony and grace,
And may the spirit of Mabon fill this sacred space.
Blessed be."
Symbols, and Correspondences Linked to Mabon
Symbols: Cornucopia, apples, pumpkins, acorns, leaves, and sheaves of wheat.
Crystals: Carnelian (for energy and courage), citrine (for abundance and prosperity), amethyst (for balance and protection).
Deities: Mabon ap Modron, Demeter, Persephone, Dionysus, and The Green Man.
Foods: Apples, squash, root vegetables, nuts, seeds, bread, and wine.
Plants: Ivy, sage, myrrh, marigold, and autumn flowers.
Conclusion
Mabon is a beautiful and meaningful celebration that invites us to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the bounty of the Earth. Whether you choose to celebrate with a feast, a nature walk, or a quiet ritual at home, embracing the spirit of Mabon can bring a sense of balance and gratitude into your life.
As we honor the turning of the wheel and the gifts of the harvest, we also prepare for the introspective journey of the darker months ahead. Happy Mabon, and may your celebrations be filled with joy, abundance, and magic.
References:
"The Witch's Wheel of the Year" by Jason Mankey,
"The Complete Guide to Runes" by Nigel Pennick,
"The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore" by Patricia Monaghan.*