Mabon
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Around September 22nd
Overview:
Mabon is a sabbat on the Wheel of the Year, marking the second harvest of the year and the moment when day and night are equal in length. It is celebrated on or around the Autumnal Equinox, typically around September 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere and March 20th in the Southern Hemisphere.
Mabon is a time to give thanks for the abundance that the earth has provided, and to honor the god and goddess for their blessings. It is a time to celebrate the fruits of our labor and to prepare for the coming of winter.
Common traditions:
Share a meal with friends and family, and give thanks for the bountiful harvest.
Creating corn dollies:
These are small figures made from wheat, corn, or other grains that symbolize the god and goddess of the harvest. Make Traditional Corn Dolls or other crafts.
Making offerings:
Leave offerings of food and drink on the altar to honor the god and goddess. A good offering on Mabon can be something that represents the harvest and the gratitude for the bounty of the earth. Some examples of offerings that can be made on Mabon include:
Fresh fruits and vegetables: Offerings of fresh produce from the harvest, such as apples, grapes, squash, and corn, are a traditional way to honor the Earth and give thanks for the abundance of the season.
Grains: Offerings of grains such as wheat, barley, or oats, which have been harvested and prepared, can be made as a symbol of the abundance of the harvest.
Wine or cider: Mabon is a time of celebration and offerings of wine or cider, made from the fruits of the harvest, can be made as a way to honor the earth and give thanks for the abundance of the season.
Incense or candles: Incense made from fall herbs such as sage or cedar can be used to honor the element of air and candles of warm colors like orange, red and yellow can be lit to honor the element of fire.
Flowers: Offerings of dried flowers from the summer, like sunflowers or marigold, can be made as a symbol of the transition from summer to fall.
Harvest rituals:
Take time to harvest the last of your garden's crops, and to preserve and store food for the winter.
Meditating on balance and gratitude:
Take time to reflect on the balance in your own life, and to give thanks for the blessings you have received. Sip some Rose and Me Tea while you take part in a Mabon Ritual for Solitary Witches. Or soak in a Healing Comfrey Bath after a day in the garden bringing in the harvest.
Colors:
Use rich, autumnal colors like orange, red, and gold to decorate your home and altar.
Plants/Herbs:
Apples are a traditional symbol of Mabon, as they are often harvested during this time of year. They can be used in rituals, offerings, and as a food source during the festival.
Grapes are a symbol of abundance and are also often harvested during Mabon. They can be used in rituals, offerings, and as a food source during the festival.
Grains such as wheat, barley, and oats are also associated with Mabon, as they are harvested during this time of year. They can be used in rituals, offerings, and as a food source during the festival.
Sage is a traditional herb associated with Mabon, as it is often used for purification and protection. It is also associated with the element of air.
Marigold is a traditional flower associated with Mabon, as it is often used to honor the dead and to celebrate the end of the growing season.
Oak is a tree associated with Mabon, and it's acorns are often used in rituals and offerings, as they symbolize strength and stability.
Cedar is a tree associated with Mabon and it's leaves, branches and berries are used in rituals and offerings, as they symbolize purification, protection and longevity.
Rose hips, the fruit of the wild rose, are often used in Mabon celebrations because they are one of the last fruits of the season and symbolize the end of the growing season.
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Animals:
The raven, as it is a symbol of change and transformation.
The fox is often associated with Mabon, as it is a symbol of cunning and adaptability, representing the ability to survive in the coming winter.
The bear, as it is a symbol of strength and protection.
The spider is often associated with Mabon, as it is a symbol of creativity, patience, and skill.
The owl, as it is a symbol of wisdom, change, and transition.
The elk, as it is a symbol of strength, endurance, and grace.
The squirrel, as it symbolizes the gathering of resources for the coming winter and the wisdom of preparing for the future.
Mabon is a time to celebrate the fruits of our labor and to prepare for the coming of winter. Take time to reflect on the balance in your own life and give thanks for the blessings you have received.
A Mabon Poem
Mabon, the autumnal equinox,
A time for harvest, for thanks, for reflex
The days and nights are of equal length
Nature's balance, a cosmic strength
Golden leaves fall from the trees
A symphony of rustling breeze
The earth is bountiful, a feast to share
With loved ones, with gratitude, with care
The sun sets earlier, the air grows cold
But fires are lit, stories are told
Of ancestors, of magic, of old
As we honor the cycle, new and bold
Mabon, a time of gratitude
For all that we have, all that is good
We give thanks for the blessings bestowed
And look forward to the path ahead, unrolled
So let us gather, let us sing
In celebration of the changing of things
Mabon, a time of balance and peace
May it bring you joy, love, and release.
