Mabon and Autumnal Equinox

Mabon is a pagan Sabbat celebrating the second harvest of three in the Wheel of the Year, and the Autumnal Equinox.  As the Wheel of the Year winds down and moves toward its final harvest (Samhain) and dark half, farmers assess their season's harvest and food supply for the coming winter months.  In earlier times, a bountiful season meant there would be enough to go around, for which the farmers gave thanks - usually by having a celebration of food and drink shared with others. This harvest festival of Thanksgiving was first celebrated in early October.

Mabon was a Welsh God, son of an Earth Mother Goddess, however, the name as a Sabbat seems to be a neopagan creation rather than something used in ancient times.  It represents the time of equal light and dark, a time of balance and harmony.   It is the second point of complete balance on the Wheel of the Year - the first being Ostara representing the Spring Equinox.    Mabon is on the cusp of transition into the dark half of the year (in the northern hemisphere).

Typically, it's the time to assess how your year has gone and where it may have deviated from plans made at the beginning of the year.  The pandemic we currently find ourselves dealing with has altered many paths, so this assessment will undoubtedly have most of us far off track, but it's still good to take a breather and see where things stand now.   Use it as a base point for what needs to be altered to get back on  course for the coming months.   It is also time to clear out the old, complete projects, and let go of whatever isn't working in our lives.   This reflection and cleansing will be helpful in the coming months as plans are made for the new season in the cycle of life.

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Symbols of Mabon:  The Cornucopia or Horn of Plenty, acorns, gourds, seeds, pinecones, and leaves.

Colors of Mabon:  Rich and deep reds, oranges, yellows, dark greens, and browns.

Herbs of Mabon:  Chamomile, Mugwort, Rosemary, Sage, and Yarrow.

Foods of Mabon:  Apples, beans, dried fruits, grains, nuts, pumpkins, root vegetables, squash, and wine.

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Celebrate:  

Go on a nature walk and gather - leaves, acorns, flowers - signs and representations of the season.  Create a sacred space on a table or part of your home using the items you find, or use them to decorate your living space.

Try a new recipe or make a favorite using ingredients from the Second Harvest / this time of year.

Plant bulbs - adding a special intention with each one for something you want to manifest during the upcoming year.

Hold a virtual Mabon Second Harvest Feast with family or friends - each make a dish to bring to the virtual party and share recipes and thanks as you eat together.  (please take proper precautions and stay safe if gathering with others to prevent the spread of the coronavirus).

Write in a journal your year's assessment.  How did it compare to what you thought would happen, and how can you plan for the new year ahead?

Wishing everyone a happy, safe and blessed Mabon from the Holiday Chicks!

​- Barbara 🙃