The Autumn Equinox is known as Mabon in pagan circles. Another name for Mabon is the Second Harvest. It is a time for celebration and sharing our good fortune with the world around us. In today’s post, we are looking at seven ways to celebrate Mabon.
The dates for Mabon in the Northern Hemisphere are 21-23 September. This date always coincides with the start of Libra Season. In 2023, Mabon is happening later than usual, on 23 September.
7 Ways to Celebrate Mabon
1. Create a Mabon Altar
Set up a beautiful altar inspired by nature. You can use fallen leaves, gourds, apples, acorns, hazelnuts, and candles as decorations. Use the colours of autumn: orange, gold, and brown to create a warm and harvest-like atmosphere. Add representations of deities and or images of any ancestors you are working with. If you are creating an autumn angel altar, you may wish to light a candle to Torquaret, the Angel of Autumn.
2. Harvest Feast
Organise a seasonal get-together with friends and family. Cook and share dishes made from the fruits and vegetables harvested during the autumn. It’s a great way to celebrate abundance and give thanks for the harvest.
3. Spend Time in Nature
Go outside and spend some time appreciating the changing colours of the leaves and the crispness in the air. Observe the wildlife around you. Be open to receiving a sign in the form of an animal message. Take your camera to capture the beauty of the season. Or sit under a tree and meditate on letting go, just as the tree lets go of its leaves.
4. Leave Offerings for Nature Spirits
Gather fallen leaves, acorns, or other natural objects and create a small outdoor shrine or offering site. Offer gratitude for the gifts of nature and leave small, natural offerings to show appreciation. If you like, you can make yourself comfortable, light a candle/lantern and meditate for a while by your shrine as well. Pay attention to any signs as you leave and don’t forget to take your candle or lantern with you.
5. Bring the Beauty of Autumn Indoors
Decorate your home with natural elements like colourful leaves, pine cones, and dried flowers. Create a cosy and autumnal ambience by adding warm lighting and aroma therapy lamps/diffusers with warming essential oils. Stay away from commercial scented candles as they can be harmful to you and your pets. Be careful to only use essential oils that your pets tolerate if you have pets in your home.
6. The Magic of Introspection
Set aside some quiet time to reflect on the balance of light and dark in your own life. Tarot readings are a wonderful tool for self-reflection. So I have created two Mabon Tarot Spreads, the Mabon Blessing Tarot Spread and the Angelic Harvest Mabon Spread for you to use at this station in the Wheel of the Year. Journal about your personal journey and what you learn from your Tarot readings and set intentions for the final months of the year. Write down seven things you are grateful for so far this year.
7. Community Giving and Sharing
Take part in community service activities that emphasise giving back. Donate to a local food bank, volunteer at a shelter, or support a cause that resonates with the themes of Mabon, such as supporting local farmers or environmental organisations.
Remember, Mabon is a time for gratitude, reflection, and celebrating the autumn harvest. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions or come up with your own ways to honour this special time of the year. Enjoy!
