What is Mabon? Celebrating the Autumn Equinox

As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisper, the arrival of Mabon marks a time of balance, reflection, and gratitude. Mabon, celebrated during the Autumn Equinox around September 21st-24th, is a pivotal moment in the Wheel of the Year for witches and pagans alike. It's a time when day and night are of equal length, symbolizing harmony and balance between light and dark, the seen and unseen.

The Significance of Mabon

Mabon is often referred to as the "Witch's Thanksgiving" because it is a celebration of the second harvest—the time when the fruits of summer have ripened and the land gives us its final bounty before winter. It is a moment to honor the Earth for its abundance, and a reminder to pause and reflect on all that we have harvested in our own lives, whether it be physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

In the mythic cycle, Mabon also represents the descent of the Sun God into the Underworld, as the days grow shorter and the nights longer. It is a symbolic death that will lead to rebirth when the Wheel turns again. For many witches, Mabon is a time of preparing for the darker half of the year by turning inward, meditating on the lessons learned, and letting go of what no longer serves us.

How to Celebrate Mabon

Create an Altar – Decorate your altar with symbols of the harvest, such as apples, grapes, corn, and pumpkins. Colours like gold, orange, red, and brown reflect the vibrant hues of autumn.

Gratitude Ritual – Write down all the things you are grateful for this year. You can burn the list in a candle flame as an offering to the universe or the deities you work with, acknowledging the abundance in your life.

Balance Meditation – Since Mabon is all about balance, it’s the perfect time to meditate on areas of your life where you may feel out of harmony. Use this equinox energy to bring equilibrium to your body, mind, and spirit.

Harvest Feast – Host a small feast with friends or family, featuring seasonal foods like squash, apples, root vegetables, and bread. Share stories of what you are grateful for and what lessons you’ve harvested this year.

Nature Walk – Take a walk in nature, observing the changes in the landscape. Collect fallen leaves, acorns, or other natural objects to use in your Mabon rituals or to decorate your altar.

Why Mabon Matters

Mabon is not only about celebrating the physical harvest but also about embracing the natural cycles of transformation. Just as the Earth prepares for a period of rest and renewal, we too can follow this rhythm in our spiritual practice. It’s an opportunity to release old patterns, reflect on our inner harvest, and prepare for the quiet introspection of the coming winter months.

By celebrating Mabon, we align ourselves with the changing energies of the season, grounding ourselves in the ancient wisdom of the Earth. It’s a beautiful reminder that balance, gratitude, and letting go are essential parts of our journey, and as witches, we have the tools to harness these energies for personal transformation.

Blessed Mabon!