Embracing Mabon: Celebrating the Balance
As the vibrant hues of autumn start to paint the world around us we find ourselves on the cusp of Mabon, a Wiccan Sabbat that honors the autumn equinox. Mabon typically falls around September 21st-29th, though it's important to note that the exact date varies slightly.
For the year 2023, Mabon is expected to occur on September 23rd 6:50 UTC (2:50 am EDT and 11:49 pm PDT on September 22, 2023). On this day, the daylight and nighttime will be nearly equal, signifying balance. It's a time where light and shadow exist in perfect harmony as we move from the warmth of summer into the cool embrace of autumn.
As we express our thanks for the Earth's bounty, we also acknowledge the inevitable dormancy of the soil. The vibrant crops that sustained us all summer are now fading to brown, and the chill of winter looms on the horizon. Come along and delve into the essence of Mabon to discover rituals and symbols that can deepen your connection with this captivating season.
THE CORE ESSENCE OF MABON
Mabon, also known as the Second Harvest -- or the Witch's Thanksgiving -- is a period characterized by reflection and equilibrium. It signifies that point in time when day and night are balanced before transitioning into the later half of the year.
SYMBOLS OF THE SEASON
Here are some meaningful symbols of Mabon to incorporate into your celebrations:
Mid-Autumn Vegetables: Squashes, eggplants, pumpkins, and gourds are abundant during this season, symbolizing the Earth's final offerings before winter's rest.
Apples: Apples take center stage, featured in various forms like cider, pies, applesauce, apple butter, and dried apples, all representing the sweet rewards of the harvest.
Seeds, Nuts, and Seed Pods: These humble treasures signify the cycle of life, growth, and renewal as the Earth prepares to rest and regenerate.
Baskets: The gathering of crops is symbolized by baskets.
Grapes, Vines, and Wine: Grapes and the vine represent the Earth's fruitful abundance and are often associated with the transformation of grapes into wine, symbolizing the cycle of life and death.
MABON RITUALS
Craft an Autumnal Altar:
Kickstart your Mabon celebration by fashioning an altar that embodies the spirit of this season. Decorate it with fallen leaves, gourds, apples and symbols representing abundance. Place an autumnal colored candle at its center to symbolize the interplay between light and dark.
Blessings for Harvest:
Take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate all you have harvested from your garden or through your endeavors. Offer gratitude, for all the abundance you have received. If you have a garden it's an idea to gather the remaining herbs or vegetables as a way of celebrating the harvest.
Enjoying a meal, with Family and Friends:
Invite your loved ones to join you for a feast. Share a meal that showcases the treasures like apples, pumpkins, squash and grains. While you dine together take a moment to express gratitude for the nourishment and the strong bonds of friendship and family.
Finding Balance through Meditation:
Find a spot where you can meditate on the concept of balance. Light a candle. Let your focus rest on its flame reflecting on how light and darkness find equilibrium in your life. Consider areas where you seek balance and harmony while setting intentions to achieve them.
Giving Back:
Mabon presents an opportunity for acts of charity. Reflect on donating perishable food items to local food banks or offering your time as a volunteer to assist those in need. This beautiful gesture allows you to share your abundance with the community, around you.
Nature Stroll:
Take walks amidst nature to witness firsthand how the season is in transition. Gather fallen leaves, acorns or other natural treasures to incorporate into crafts or rituals. Allow the beauty of the world surrounding you to evoke feelings of gratefulness and abundance.
SETTING INTENTIONS FOR RELEASE
As the Wheel of the year completes its cycle, Mabon emerges as an opportune moment to set intentions that revolve around reduction and release. It's a time to consider bidding farewell to unhealthy relationships, detrimental habits, or self-destructive beliefs to make space for the transformative energies of the season.
In conclusion, Mabon symbolizes reflection, gratitude and harmony. Through these practices we can pay homage to the changing seasons and express our appreciation for the abundance in our lives while honoring the importance of the shadows.
As we commemorate the equinox let us embrace the teachings of Mabon by seeking balance in our lives and extending our blessings to those around us.
May this season bring joy, unity and prosperity to all. Wishing you all a magical Mabon!
