The sabbat of Mabon is the Autumn Equinox and is the second harvest festival of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is September 21st, 22nd or 23rd.
Pronounced MAY-bon, MAY-bone, MAH-boon, or MAH-bawn, it is when The Autumn Equinox divides the day and night equally, while we all take a moment to pay our respects to the impending dark. Thanks is given to the waning sunlight, as we store our harvest of this year’s crops. To the Druids, this is called Mea’n Fo’mhair. They honor The Green Man, or the God of the Forest, by making offerings to trees. Other offerings at this time include ciders, wines, herbs and fertilizer. Wiccans celebrate the aging Goddess as she passes from Mother to Crone, and her consort, the God, as he prepares for death and re-birth.
Mabon is a time of sharing what you have with others. Whether this is extra food, or simply giving your time for a good cause, it is the perfect time to undertake this.
If you are attending a festival, it is appropriate to wear all of your fineries to dine and celebrate in a lavish setting. This is the drawing to and of the family as we prepare for the winding down of the year at Samhain. Mabon is the time to finish old business and get ready for a period of rest, relaxation and reflection.
The symbols for Mabon festival
When decorating for Mabon, keep in mind some of the symbols for this festival include gourds, wine, pine cones, acorns, grains, corn, apples, pomegranates, dried seeds and horns of plenty. You may also use vines such as ivy. Use colors of red, orange, russet, maroon, brown and gold in your decorations.
If you are preparing a meal for Mabon, you should include bread, nuts, apples, pomegranates, and such vegetables as potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Mabon Activities
Activities surrounding Mabon are winemaking, walking in the woods to gather dried herbs, plants, seeds, and seed pods. You may also scatter offerings in the harvested fields and decorate burial sites with leaves, acorns and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.
Mabon is the perfect time to do spell workings involving protection, prosperity, security, and self-confidence.
Time for Honoring Aging Deities and the Spirit World
Considered a time of the Mysteries, Mabon is a time to honor Aging Deities and the Spirit World. It is considered a time of balance. We need to stop and relax so that we may enjoy the fruits of our personal harvests. These can be from working in our gardens, at our jobs, raising our families, or just coping with everyday life.
May your Mabon be memorable and your hearts and spirits filled to overflowing.
