Celebrating Mabon: Honoring the Autumn Equinox

As the wheel of the year turns, we arrive at Mabon, the Autumn Equinox, a time of balance, reflection, and gratitude. Occurring this year on Sunday, September 22nd at 08:44 am ET, when the sun enters Libra, Mabon marks a moment of equilibrium, where day and night are equal, a perfect balance of light and dark. This festival invites us to honor the harvest, embrace the shifting energies, and prepare for the inward journey of the colder months ahead.

The History and Significance of Mabon

Mabon, named after the Welsh god of youth and light, Mabon ap Modron, is the second harvest festival in the Wheel of the Year, following Lammas (Lughnasadh) and preceding Samhain. Traditionally, Mabon is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the harvest, to share with others, and to prepare for the coming winter. The festival is deeply connected to the Earth’s cycles, representing a moment of balance as we transition from the active, outward energy of summer to the more introspective, inward energy of autumn and winter.

In Celtic tradition, Mabon is a time to honor the Earth Mother, to celebrate the fruits of the land, and to acknowledge the importance of balance in all aspects of life. It’s a time to reflect on the past year, to release what no longer serves us, and to set intentions for the future. The balance of light and dark at the Equinox serves as a powerful reminder of the need for harmony within ourselves and with the natural world.

Sun in Libra, Gemini Moon, and Venus in Scorpio

This year’s Mabon is astrologically potent, with the sun entering Libra, the sign of balance and harmony, at the exact moment of the Equinox. Libra’s energy encourages us to seek equilibrium in our relationships, our environment, and within ourselves. It’s a time to assess where we are out of balance and to make adjustments that bring us into alignment with our highest good.

At 6:24 am ET, just before the Equinox, the moon enters Gemini, infusing the day with a communicative and curious energy. Gemini’s influence encourages us to connect with others, to share our thoughts and ideas, and to explore new perspectives. This lunar energy is ideal for rituals that involve communication, whether it’s with others, with the divine, or with our own inner selves.

Later in the day, at 10:36 pm ET, Venus enters Scorpio, bringing a deep, transformative energy to our relationships and our values. Venus in Scorpio invites us to explore the depths of our desires, to confront our fears around intimacy and connection, and to embrace the power of transformation. This is a potent time for rituals that focus on deepening connections, whether they are with others, with the divine, or with our own shadow selves.

Rituals and Practices to Celebrate Mabon

To fully embrace the energy of Mabon, consider incorporating the following rituals and practices into your celebration. Each of these is designed to honor the themes of balance, harvest, and transformation, drawing on the rich traditions of Celtic, pagan, and witchcraft practices.

Harvest Feast and Gratitude Ritual

One of the most traditional ways to celebrate Mabon is with a harvest feast, sharing the abundance of the season with loved ones. Begin by preparing a meal that incorporates seasonal fruits, vegetables, and grains—symbolic of the harvest. Consider dishes such as roasted root vegetables, apple pie, and fresh-baked bread.

Before the meal, create a simple gratitude ritual. Gather around the table, and as you light a candle in the center, invite each person to share something they are grateful for from the past year. This act of sharing helps to cultivate a sense of community and connection, honoring the spirit of the harvest.

Recipe for Mabon Apple Bread:

• 2 cups of flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon allspice

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar, then add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, then fold in the apples and walnuts. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

This apple bread, warm and fragrant, is a perfect offering to the Earth and a delicious way to celebrate the abundance of the season.

Balance and Reflection Ritual

In the spirit of Libra’s energy, create a ritual to bring balance into your life. Begin by finding a quiet space where you can sit comfortably. Light a white candle to represent the light, and a black candle to represent the dark, placing them on either side of you.

Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, grounding yourself in the present moment. Reflect on the past year, considering where you have experienced balance and where you have felt out of alignment. As you hold these reflections in your mind, imagine the two candles representing the light and dark aspects of your life coming together, merging into a single, harmonious energy.

When you feel ready, write down one area of your life where you would like to create more balance. This could be in your relationships, your work-life balance, your self-care practices, or your spiritual journey. As you write, set an intention to bring more harmony to this aspect of your life in the coming months.

Close the ritual by extinguishing both candles, symbolizing the integration of light and dark within you.

Gemini Moon Journaling and Venus in Scorpio Shadow Work

With the moon in Gemini, this Mabon is an excellent time for journaling and communication rituals. Gemini’s energy supports clarity of thought and the exploration of new ideas, making it a powerful time to engage in self-reflection.

Set aside some time during the day to write in your journal. Focus on the theme of duality, exploring the different aspects of your personality, your desires, and your relationships. How do these dualities show up in your life? Where do you feel divided, and where do you feel integrated?

In the evening, as Venus enters Scorpio, turn your attention to shadow work. Scorpio’s energy invites us to explore the hidden aspects of ourselves, the parts of our psyche that we may avoid or repress. This is a powerful time to confront fears, desires, and unresolved emotions.

To begin, light a black candle and create a safe, sacred space. Take a few deep breaths, centering yourself, and then begin to write about the parts of yourself that you keep hidden. What fears or desires are you afraid to confront? How do these shadow aspects influence your relationships and your life choices?

As you write, allow yourself to be honest and open, knowing that this is a safe space for exploration. When you’re finished, take a moment to honor the insights you’ve gained, and consider how you can begin to integrate these shadow aspects into your life in a healthy and balanced way.

Embracing the Energy of Mabon

Mabon is a time of deep gratitude, reflection, and transformation. As we celebrate the balance of light and dark, the harvest of the Earth, and the shifting energies of the cosmos, we are reminded of the importance of harmony in our lives. Whether you choose to celebrate with a feast, a quiet ritual, or deep inner work, allow the energy of Mabon to guide you toward a more balanced and connected existence.

May your Mabon be blessed with abundance, peace, and the wisdom of the turning seasons.

I acknowledge the assistance of ChatGPT to provide insights and help enhance the writing of this blog.