As the lush greenery of summer begins to transform into the rich tapestry of autumn colors, we approach the time of Mabon. On Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 6:44 AM MT, we celebrate Mabon, also known as the Autumn Equinox, when day and night are of equal length, symbolizing balance and harmony.
Mabon is the second of three harvest festivals on the Wheel of the Year, following Lughnasadh and preceding Samhain. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance of Mother Earth and to reap the rewards of our hard work. As we gather hearty foods like gourds, pumpkins, grapes, and apples, we also harvest the spiritual fruits of what we have sown throughout the year.
Named after the Welsh hero Mabon ap Modron, which means “Son of Mother,” Mabon’s roots as a harvest festival trace back to ancient times. Today, it is a time to reflect on the past year, recognizing successes and letting go of what did not serve us.
Some symbols and traditions are as follows:
Cornucopia: The horn of plenty represents the abundance of the harvest.
Colors: Orange, red, yellow, brown, and dark green reflect the changing season.
Foods: Seasonal produce like corn, beans, squash, and root vegetables are central to the feast.
Herbs: Yarrow, rosemary, sage, and mugwort are used for their symbolic meanings and medicinal properties.
As we bid farewell to the light half of the year and prepare for the dark, Mabon is an ideal time to set intentions that involve decrease and reduction, such as ending unhealthy habits or self-destructive beliefs. It’s a moment to balance our inner light and shadow as we embrace the coming darkness.
Celebratory activities you can incorporate are:
Decorating: Adorn your home with autumnal decorations like dried flowers, acorns, and pinecones.
Feasting: Prepare a meal with friends and family using the bounty of the season.
Charity: Extend the spirit of gratitude by giving back to the community through acts of charity or volunteering.
Mabon is a reminder to find balance within ourselves. It’s a time for personal reflection, introspection, and preparation for the quieter, introspective months ahead. Engage in meditation, journaling, or a ritual bath to aid in this process of self-renewal.
Mabon is a call to embrace the season’s themes of balance and gratitude. It’s a time to celebrate the Earth’s generosity, to share our blessings, and to prepare for the balance of light and darkness. Let us gather to honor this ancient festival and remember the timeless cycle of growth, harvest, and renewal that connects us all.
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