As the air gets cooler and the nights a bit longer we can rest assured that the Autumn Equinox is right around the corner. For those who don’t know, this year the equinox lands on September 22 at exactly 21:18.
Mabon is important to me because I consider myself to be Wiccan, and this will be the first time I properly celebrate the Wheel of the Year. I have been focusing on my religious studies and have been buckling down on learning all the correspondences, the Sabbats and how to celebrate them.
The Autumn Equinox need not only be celebrated by Pagans or those who follow the Old Ways, they can be celebrated by all walks of life. First, it is important to understand exactly what the Autumn Equinox really is.
In a literal sense, the world Equinox is derived from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night) together meaning that the day and night hours are now equal. Today is the first day of Fall, a signaling of the upcoming Winter months.
In the Old Times, this was a time of true harvest. If the crop was bountiful, a celebration of thanks and feasting would take place. However, if the harvest was meager, a solemn time of fasting and quiet contemplation would occur.
{mythology.} Mabon is the Welsh God of Light, son of Modron whose Greek equivalent is Matrona or ‘Mother’ (Mother Earth).
When Mabon was young, he was abducted and taken to the underworld, during which his parent mourn and the season is cold. Upon Mabons return to the world is called ‘Spring’ as he fills the world with light.
This is nearly exactly the same as the story of Demeter and Persephone.
{celebration.} There are many ways you can celebrate Mabon, or the Autumn Equinox in your own home. This Sabbat is one that emphasizes the home and harvest, so the practical easiest way to celebrate is to decorate your home and cook hearty meals for your family.
Decorate your home or altar (or both!) with the colors of the season, such as red, orange, gold and brown. You can use miniature corn, pumpkins and squash to emphasize the importance of the harvest.
Recipes are of special importance in this Sabbat. Here are some hearty recipes that you can use. They incorporate seasonal grains, fruits and vegetables.
Cinnamon Apple Butter and Turkey Sandwiches
Stuffed Grape Leaves with Meat and Rice
{contemplations.} Mabon is a time to think about the what you are ‘harvesting’ from your life now. Of the ‘seeds’ or goals that you planted in Ostara (Spring Equinox) or last Mabon, which have found completion? What changes have you made in your life?
This is also a great time to make goals for the upcoming year. What goals would you like to accomplish? Take advantage of the energies around you through this equinox and work them to meet your will.
Between now and Samhain (All Hallows Eve) the veil between the worlds will continue to get thinner. Now is a good time to think of family members and friends who have passed on. You can visit their graves, pay homage to their life on the earthly plane or prepare their favorite foods in your home. Think of their impact on your life.
{correspondences.}
Colors: Red, orange, maroon, brown, and gold.
Stones: Sapphire, lapis lazuli, and yellow agates.
Symbols: wine, gourds, pine cones, acorns, grains, corn, apples, pomegranates, vines such as ivy, dried seeds, and horns of plenty.
Herbs: Marigold, passionflower, grains, honeysuckle, myrrh, sage and vegetables.
Foods: Breads, nuts, apples, pomegranates, and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Incense: myrrh and sage.
Gods and Goddesses: Bacchus, Dionysus, the Green Man, or some other vegetative god, the god of the vine is a key archetype in harvest celebrations. Pomona, Goddess of the Apples.
{sources used.}
”Living Wicca” by Scott Cunningham
Great info! I'm Wiccan as well, and way you explained the origins, traditions and beliefs of our religion are quite enlightning. I'm 42 years old and have been practicing Wicca for approx. 2.5 years. Great job.
Hello, I found your bolg on Twitter via Llewellyn. I enjoyed your article on Mabon: the Autumn Equinox. I like that you didn't dwell only on the Welsh Mabon history but gave equal time to the Equinox as well. Your suggestions for celebrating could be used in any setting to honor the Harvest. Very nice!