Southern Hemisphere -March 21st/22nd
Northern Hemisphere - September 21st/22nd
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, the Southern Hemisphere prepares for the Autumn Equinox, known as Mabon. This significant moment on The Wheel of the Year symbolizes balance, as we experience equal daylight and darkness. It’s a time to reflect on the harvest and express gratitude for the fruits of our labor.
Mabon, celebrated around March 21st in the Southern Hemisphere, is the second of three harvest festivals in Celtic pagan traditions. This festival invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the community and nature’s abundance before the winter months arrive.
It is named after the Welsh god, Mabon, son of Earth Mother goddess, Modron. Mabon helps us reconnect with the earth and encourages us to harmonize with its rhythms. Did you know that during this time, the days get about 15 minutes shorter each week, providing a fascinating reminder of the seasonal changes?
As the air cools, and the earth & its animals prepare for the darker months, it's a good time to consider what we will take with us, what of all things warmth & light, will sustain us during the coming winter. Set intentions for these months of quiet & rest.
A wonderful tradition of this time of the year is gathering and sharing food. Communities often come together to feast on the season’s last harvest. Common dishes might feature apples, which symbolize knowledge, grapes representing abundance, and root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Sharing meals strengthens our connections and deepens our gratitude for what the earth gives us.
Many individuals create altars adorned with seasonal items such as acorns, brightly colored leaves, and pumpkins. These altars serve as sacred spaces for prayer and reflection.
Creating an altar during Mabon can be a powerful way to set intentions and reflect on your journey. Here’s some ideas on decorating your space -
Seasonal fruits like apples and pears, which can serve both as decoration and a snack. Nuts and seeds gathered during the harvest, symbolizing potential.
Dried herbs & flowers such as marigolds, rosemary and sage, which invite scents and memories of the season. Autumn leaves.
Candles in warm autumn colors like red, orange, gold, and yellow.
Personal symbols of nature that hold significance for you.
Crystals such as Amber, Aventurine, Tigers Eye, & Hematite.
RITUAL & ACTIVITY IDEAS FOR MABON -
Setting Intentions: Take a moment to set an intention or say a blessing. This could be about gratitude for your achievements or aspirations for personal growth.
Light a candle to represent the sun and signify the balance between light and dark. Honour gods & goddesses of the harvest & earth, such as Demeter, The Green Man, Minerva, Thor & Mabon.
Write down three things you are thankful for from the past season on a piece of paper. Once completed, safely burn the paper in a fire-safe container while imagining those feelings being released into the universe.
Take a leisurely walk outdoors during Mabon, focusing on noticing the seasonal changes. Collect natural items that resonate with you, such as vibrant leaves, unique stones, or interesting branches. You can use these to decorate your altar or create a personal seasonal piece for your home.
Journaling can be a powerful form of reflection during this time. Dedicate some time to write about your experiences over the past year. Consider what you’ve learned and how you've grown, as well as what you’d like to release and what your hopes are for the upcoming season.
Invite friends and family for a potluck dinner where everyone brings their favorite seasonal dish. This gathering fosters community and emphasizes the joy of sharing food and love.
Engage your creativity by making autumn-inspired decorations. You could create a wreath using twigs and leaves or press beautiful flowers to produce seasonal art. These projects not only personalize your space but also deepen your connection to the season.
If you’re near an apple orchard, consider going apple picking. This enjoyable outing immerses you in nature and allows you to bring home delicious apples for autumn recipes, like pies and cider.
Perform spells for blessings, abundance, home protection, balance, & cleansing.
Embracing Mabon’s Spirit
Mabon presents a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature, reflect on our blessings, and prepare for the colder months ahead. By honoring the traditions and engaging in rituals associated with this equinox, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the earth's cycles. As we approach the darker months, take time to center yourself and celebrate life’s richness.
Mabon is an invitation to reflect and be grateful. Gather your loved ones, enjoy the seasonal gifts, and enter this lovely balance of light and darkness with an open heart. Happy Mabon!
Blessings, Terésa xx
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