Mabon: Celebrating the Autumn Equinox

What is Mabon and How Do We Celebrate It?

Mabon is a sacred time of celebration in the Pagan calendar, marking the autumn equinox. Falling around September 21st to 24th in the Northern Hemisphere (and around March 20th to 23rd in the Southern Hemisphere), it is one of the eight sabbats on the Wheel of the Year.

Being an equinox means that there is an equal amount of daylight together with an equal amount of darkness. In other words, we see balance in nature yet again. This is a magical time provided by the Goddess and God, which gives us another aspect of their power. However, we go through a beautiful spiritual awakening process.

Mabon, or the Autumn Equinox, is one of the “quarter days.” This is directly opposite Ostara or the Spring Equinox on the Wheel of the Year.

Named after the Welsh god Mabon ap Modron, this festival has roots in ancient harvest traditions. Moreover, it symbolizes the balance between light and darkness, as well as a time of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest.

In this article, we will explore the significance of Mabon. Furthermore, we will reveal its history, symbolism, and how modern Pagans can celebrate this sacred Sabbat.

The Origins and Significance of Mabon (Autumn Equinox)

The Story of Mabon ap Modron

Mabon takes its name from a figure in Welsh mythology: Mabon ap Modron, which means “Son of the Mother.” In the Welsh Mabinogion, Mabon is a divine child who was kidnapped at the age of three days and imprisoned in the Otherworld. His rescue by the hero Culhwch, with the help of wise and ancient animals, symbolizes Mabon’s return from darkness into light.

This myth has been linked to the themes of the equinox, where we witness the transition from the long, warm days of summer into the cool, crisp nights of autumn.

Mabon ap Modron also represents the archetype of the divine youth, the energy of life that fades away and is reborn in the cycle of seasons. He is sometimes seen as a counterpart to Persephone in Greek mythology, who descends into the underworld in autumn and returns in the spring, representing the dying and rebirth of the land.

The Autumn Equinox and Balance

The central theme of Mabon is balance. The autumn equinox is one of two points in the year where day and night are equal. This makes it a powerful time to reflect on the balance in our lives. After this point, the days grow shorter, and the nights lengthen as we move deeper into the dark half of the year. In this sense, Mabon symbolizes the turning inward, a time for introspection and preparing for the winter months ahead.

This balance also reflects the cyclical nature of the seasons, as it is a time of transition between the active energy of summer and the quiet dormancy of winter. Many Pagans see Mabon as a time to honour both the light and dark aspects of life. Indeed, you can acknowledge the importance of both joy and sorrow, growth and decay.

The Harvest Celebration

Mabon is also a harvest festival, the second of three on the Pagan calendar, between Lughnasadh (August 1st) and Samhain (October 31st). It marks the final gathering of crops and the conclusion of the agricultural year. Traditionally, it was a time to give thanks for the abundance of the earth. However, it is also time to store food for the upcoming winter months.

The theme of thanksgiving is central to Mabon celebrations, where the fruits of the harvest are not just physical but also spiritual. It is a time to reflect on personal growth, what we have sown throughout the year, and what we have reaped. In many ways, Mabon is akin to a Pagan version of Thanksgiving, honouring the gifts of the earth and our place in the cycles of nature.

Harvesting continues while the power of the Sun God begins to fade. The Goddess is now surrendering the remaining harvest to those that need it. So, use Mabon to take a day off from whatever you are doing. This applies to everyone, from agricultural workers to city dwellers alike. After all, everyone is part of the cycle of life, and we should all honour the deities regardless.

Mabon Symbolism and Traditions on the Autumn Equinox

Sacred Symbols of Mabon

Several symbols are associated with Mabon and its themes of harvest, balance, and gratitude. These include:

• Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty): A symbol of abundance and nourishment, the cornucopia represents the overflowing gifts of the harvest and is often used in altars and decorations during Mabon celebrations.
• Apples: As a key harvest fruit, apples are closely tied to Mabon. In many cultures, they symbolize health, love, and knowledge, and they are often featured in rituals and feasts.
• Grapes and Wine: Grapes, which are harvested in autumn, and wine are also significant during Mabon. Wine is used in many rituals as a symbol of both life’s sweetness and its eventual decline.
• Wheat, Corn, and Grain: These grains are central to the agricultural harvest, of course. Furthermore, people often place them on altars to represent the fruits of the earth’s bounty.
• Equinox Sun and Moon Imagery: The balance of day and night is often represented with symbols of the sun and moon, reflecting the equilibrium between light and dark.

Deities of Mabon

While Mabon ap Modron is the primary deity associated with this sabbat, other gods and goddesses linked to the harvest, balance, and the turning seasons are also honoured during this time. These include:

• Demeter and Persephone: In Greek mythology, Demeter is the goddess of the harvest, and her daughter Persephone’s descent into the underworld in autumn mirrors the dying of the land.
• The Green Man: The Green Man represents the spirit of the forest. He also represents the cycles of life, death, and rebirth in nature. As the vegetation withers, the Green Man’s energy withdraws, preparing for renewal in the spring.
• Modron (Mother Goddess): In Welsh mythology, Modron is Mabon’s mother, embodying the nurturing, life-giving force of the earth. She is often honoured as a mother goddess during Mabon.

Ways to Celebrate Mabon (Autumn Equinox)

Decorating the Altar

Creating a Mabon altar is a beautiful way to honour the season and its themes. Use colours like deep reds, oranges, yellows, and browns to evoke the changing leaves and the rich tones of autumn. Common altar decorations include:

• Apples, pumpkins, and gourds.
• Cornucopias filled with grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Candles in autumnal colours, especially gold and burgundy.
• Symbols of the sun and moon to represent balance.
• Fallen leaves, acorns, and pine cones.

You could decorate your altar with the Autumn harvest, but this is down to what inspires you most at Mabon. There are many things to use, such as acorns or fallen leaves. Whichever way you decorate your altar, ensure you light some coloured candles and make an offering too. After all, this is a time for sharing the harvest or the Thanksgiving time of year.

We have lived in harmony with nature through Spring, Summer and Autumn. It has been a long and fruitful time, so we need to thank the Goddess and God for everything. You can also ask for help clearing your conscience and mind of negative thoughts. Together with a little meditation, you are preparing yourself for the final period on the Wheel of the Year. A dormant time which sees the Sun God die in preparation for the rebirth.

Therefore, you should use Mabon as a time of preparation so we are in tune with the deities and the universe. Don’t forget to tend your Book of Shadows as well, because it may need adjusting because of new inspirations. Remembering all the time that your chosen spiritual path is your own personal journey and you are free to do as you wish. Therefore, whatever suits your needs, do it. After all, the Wiccan Rede says, “If You Harm None, Do What You Will.”

Feasting and Sharing

A communal meal or feast is one of the most traditional ways to celebrate Mabon. Sharing the fruits of the harvest, particularly those that are in season like apples, squash, corn, and grapes, is a way to give thanks for the earth’s abundance. Many Pagans choose to make bread or wine as part of the celebration, incorporating the sacred grains and fruits of the season.

Sharing this feast with family, friends, or the community also honours the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of gratitude and generosity. Some modern Pagans incorporate acts of charity or volunteer work into their Mabon celebrations. In other words, sharing their abundance with those in need.

Reflection and Meditation

Mabon is a time of reflection and introspection, and many Pagans incorporate meditation or journaling into their rituals. As the days grow shorter, this is a perfect time to think about balance in our lives. We can think about what we have accomplished and what we need to release as we prepare for the inward journey of winter.

Daytime gives us the heat from the dying embers of the Sun while the night-time air becomes cooler and crisper. The Goddess begins to rest after nurturing the universe; we must also prepare to rest. This is because we are fast heading towards Yule time, which is cold and less activity occurs.

Nature Walks and Harvesting

Spending time in nature during Mabon is a powerful way to connect with the earth. Nature walks, especially in forests or fields, allow you to observe the changing seasons. You can also collect fallen leaves, acorns, and other symbols of autumn and give thanks for the beauty of the natural world.

If possible, harvesting your own fruits or vegetables is a beautiful way to physically engage with the season. Even collecting herbs, making jams, or preserving fruits can become a sacred act of honouring the gifts of the earth.

Removing Negative Energy

One of the main things we do in our preparations is clear our ritual tools of negative energy. Then we need to recharge them so they are ready for usage over the dormant periods. Whatever ritual tools you use, any of them could have some built-up negative energy. For example, your wand, crystals, chalice, jewellery or cauldron may contain some negative energy.

Soaking in sea salt overnight is an excellent way of eliminating negative energy. The Sun can eliminate negative energy too, so take advantage of what our God can give.

Recharging

Once you have eliminated the negative energy, you need to recharge them for the months ahead. Indeed, by doing this, you can retain positive energy throughout the Winter season.

While the Sun can get rid of negative energy, He can also recharge your tools, as can the Moon Goddess. Therefore, seek help from the Goddess too. Cast your spells and then store your tools for future use. This will ensure that your positive energy and intentions are retained.

For specific ritual tools, such as your wand or altar tools, you need to consecrate them. While charging, ask the deity to help with the process. But cast a circle and clear it of negative energy first before charging within it.

Think of Mabon as a positive season even though we know things are dying. Wiccans should always stay positive during this time because we know that rebirth will come again.

Mabon: Rituals and Practices on the Autumn Equinox

Mabon Ritual for Balance

1. Create a Sacred Space: Set up an altar or circle with items representing both light and darkness (such as a sun symbol and a moon symbol).
2. Centre Yourself: Begin by meditating on the balance between day and night, the light and dark aspects of life.
3. Offer Thanks: Place offerings of apples, wine, or bread on the altar, thanking the deities or spirits for the blessings of the year.
4. Release What No Longer Serves You: Write down something that no longer serves you on a piece of paper and burn it. Indeed, this will symbolize the release of burdens as you move into the darker half of the year.
5. Closing: Close the ritual by grounding yourself, thanking the deities or spirits, and extinguishing the candles.

Gratitude Ritual

To honour the harvest and give thanks, you can perform a simple gratitude ritual. This can be done alone or with others:

1. Gather a Basket: Fill it with items that symbolize abundance and gratitude to you—fruits, vegetables, flowers, or handmade crafts.
2. Give Thanks: Speak aloud or silently to express your gratitude for the year’s blessings—whether they are tangible (such as good health and friendships) or spiritual (such as wisdom and personal growth).
3. Offer the Basket: Leave the basket outside as an offering to the earth and the spirits of nature. You can also share the items with friends and family as a symbol of thanksgiving.

In Conclusion: Mabon (Autumn Equinox)

Mabon is a rich and meaningful celebration for Pagans, marking a time of both balance and abundance. As we honour the harvest and give thanks for the earth’s gifts, we also take the time to reflect on the balance in our own lives. Whether through feasting, rituals, or quiet introspection, Mabon offers an opportunity to connect deeply with nature’s cycles and prepare for the colder, darker months ahead.

By celebrating Mabon, we remind ourselves of the profound wisdom of the seasons. We also remind ourselves of the importance of gratitude and the beauty of life’s continuous cycle of death and rebirth.