With the Sun crossing the celestial equator and going south, it’s time to welcome the autumn season with the arrival of the autumnal equinox in the northern hemisphere.
A time when day and night are of equal length, Mabon (one of the eight Wiccan sabbats) celebrates the Autumnal equinox – marking the end of summer and the beginning of fall. It is a point from where we head into the dark half of the year, leaving behind the long days of summer. This significant Pagan / Celtic festival marks the halfway point between the summer solstice and the winter solstice; the exact opposite of the Vernal equinox, which marks the beginning of spring with Ostara.
The date can fall anywhere between September 21 and 24, depending on a particular year. In 2023, Mabon will be observed on the 23rd of September.
As the celestial equator during an equinox is in perfect alignment with the Sun – day and night are of equal length all over the Earth. And thus all the influences upon our planet are in perfect equilibrium. It is a time that emphasizes the harmony between light and darkness; and so it’s a time for restoring balance!
Autumnal equinox or Mabon is also observed as a celebration of the second of three harvest festivals that take place in the Wheel of the Year (Lughnasadh being the first, and Samhain, the third) – honoring the abundance of Mother Earth and the gifts she provides.
The occassion of Mabon can be observed simply by vibing with the rhythm of the season, or you can celebrate the turning of the year by involving yourself in activities that correspond with the theme of this festive time, like —
• DECLUTTER :
– Like spring, Mabon is also a great time to clean your living space to get rid of negative or stagnant energies. When your outer atmosphere is clean, calm, relaxing, and peaceful, it largely helps in clearing out emotional clutter and can bring a sense of harmony.
• SET UP A MABON ALTAR :
– Mabon altar is a personal reflection of your connection to the season. Allow your creativity to guide you. Infuse your altar space space with your own unique style and intentions. Give your altar the look of the season by decorating with Mabon-inspired colours like red, orange, yellow, and earth tones like green, brown, rust, cream, and gold; You can place symbols like autumn leaves, cornucopia, acorns, gourds, pumpkins etc that correspond with the seasonal vibes. Place a pair of white and black candle representing balance between the light and dark aspects of the equinox, or any other symbol that represents balance: such as a yin-yang or a mandala / sacred geometry. Your Mabon altar is a sacred space to celebrate the abundance of Mother Earth’s harvest in all forms, and to experience moments of inner balance.
• RITUALS :
– You can practice magick ritual as a part of your Mabon celebrations. Choose rituals that resonate with the vibes of the the occasion. Consider practicing candle magick for balance; or shadow work for acceptance and release. You can incorporate crystals like Sun stone and Moon stone, Citrine, Smokey quartz, Carnelian, Green Aventurine, Tiger’s eye, Peridot, Obsidian etc in your practice. You can also meditate on these crystals. The fragrance of the season subtly associates with the scent of pine, sage, sweetgrass, myrrh, rosemary. Add them to your ritual or your day’s experiences in forms of dried herbs or essential oils.
• LIGHT A BONFIRE :
– Lighting a bonfire symbolizes the welcoming of the dark half of the year as the days become shorter and the nights grow longer. Bonfires signify the cycles of life and transformation; and remind us to discover the strength to face our fears and the courage to seek transformation.
• MABON FEAST :
– Indulge in the seasonal delicacies that reflect the bounty of Mother Earth. Savor the flavors of the harvest with joy and gratitude. (Traditionally, whole grain bread, beans, squash, nuts, pomegranates, apples, carrots, potatoes, fresh seasonal fruits are included in the festive feast)
In this season of introspection, transition, and an occasion to harvest human potential, may we find strength to know that every ending is also a new beginning. May we release what no longer serves our growth; live in gratitude, and align with the sacred cycles of life – that’s perfectly woven with both light and darkness, each holding its own divine purpose.
Blessed MABON!
