In the Northern Hemisphere, the second harvest of the season falls on September 21st which also rings in Libra Season. This time marks the beginning of the Spring Equinox (Ostara) in the Southern Hemisphere. Also known as the Autumn Equinox, this is when night and day is (relatively) equal, and marks the beginning of darker days ahead.
Mabon is a time to be thankful for all the things we have. This mid-harvest festival marks the time when we can wind down to take stock of the changing seasons and celebrate what has been harvested. We look back at the “seeds” we planted in spring, how those dreams and goals grew and flourished, and how we are able to reap the benefits now. What were some things you felt like you completed this year? Sit back to acknowledge your achievements: those that have come to fruition and those that still require nurturing.
This is a time to show gratitude for what we have, no matter how big or small. It’s also a time for sharing what we hold in abundance with others who could use some help. Mabon celebrations center around the second harvest as well as the balance between day and night. Mabon is the first of the two sabbats that are of equal parts light and dark: the second being Yule on December 21st.
While we celebrate the bounties of this harvest season, we also recognize this as a time when the soil is growing dormant, the warm summer months are fading and the return of the cold, darker days of winter are upon us. Now, we focus on seeking balance and reflection.
Goddess-worshipping witches welcome the archetype of the Crone and The Dark Mother aspect of the Goddess. This archetype can be found in Lilith, Hekate and Persephone (to name but a few). Set up an altar decorated with seasonal symbolism typical of Mabon such as apples, squash, and acorns. Warm colors in rich reds, burnt umber, and sparkling orange hues are evocative of this second harvest celebration. Celebratory styles range from anything to a coven shindig to a short, solitary ritual of gratitude. Just taking some time to burn a candle and reflect on the seasonal shift is good enough. There are no rules in how to witch your craft.
In case you’re in need of some inspiration, here is a simple Mabon ritual that can be done by one or more.
Simple Mabon Abundance Ritual
Celebrate the abundance of the harvest season by inviting prosperity into your life.
Ingredients:
- Orange candle
- A pen or nail
- Essential oil (any of the following will do): vetiver, orange, pine, cinnamon, clove, cypress, frankincense, rosemary, apple, patchouli, bergamot, tea tree, fir, eucalyptus, sandalwood
- Any incense fragrances from the above-mentioned work. If you want to create unique incense blends, these are all good ingredients to consider.
Create a sacred space where you know you won’t be disturbed.
Prepare your candle by carving signs you associate with prosperity on them with a pen or nail. Money signs work well, images that represent abundance of the specific thing in which you seek are also great.
Place a bit of oil on your index finger and thumb. Beginning in the middle of the candle, rub the oil three times towards yourself. When finished, flip the candle around and repeat. Your candle is now “dressed.”
Light your incense, then light the candle. Meditate on the flame. Focus on your intent, imagining it building first as a small spark, then growing into a large ball of light.
Hold this image as long as you are able to, then release it into the candle flame. Let the candle and incense burn out on their own. Make sure the candle and incense are in a safe place, and never leave a candle or incense burning unattended.
A merry Mabon to you and yours!