In Celebration of Mabon
August 31, 2023
The September Sabbat box is dedicated to Mabon. Celebrated on or about the Autumn Equinox, September 23, it is a time of balance of the light and dark, and turning to the dark. Many pagans see Mabon, the second harvest celebration (after the first harvest Lammas) and the Fall Equinox as a time to express gratitude and honor a moment of balance.
Colors of the Season Traditional colors of the season are gold, orange, red, bronze, and rust. The colors of changing leaves and harvested fruits.
Plants of the SeasonGrapes, rose hips, elderberries, blackberries, hawthorn berries, leaves, pinecones, corn, pomegranate, squash, root vegetables, rosemary, sage, mugwort, and yarrow, sunflowers, thistles, marigolds.
The apple is the symbol of the second harvest, representing life, immortality, healing, renewal, and wholeness. It is associated with beauty, long life, and restored youth. Cut an apple width way and it reveals a pentagram containing seeds.
Traditions and SymbolsThe Cornucopia, or Horn of Plenty, is a traditional symbol for Mabon, representing the wealth of harvest and the balance of both male (phallic) and female (hollow and receptive).
Harvest tools (scythe, baskets), acorns, pinecones, seeds, fall leaves.
You may decide to add items that represent your own personal harvest both figuratively and literally.
Deities associated with Mabon are Green Man, Demeter, Persephone, Morrigan, Pomona, Inanna.
Animals associated are owl, stag, blackbird, salmon.
Suggestions of ways to celebrate.Celebrate with a feast for friends and family using your own and locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Go for a walk to collect leaves, seeds, cones and fall blooming wildflowers
Complete unfinished projects and clear your home of unwanted items to prepare for the indoor winter months.
Fall is a wonderful time to plant trees, seeds, and shrubs. Plant bulbs with an aspiration or idea for Spring that you will remember when they begin to sprout after their winter underground.
Mabon Ritual of GratitudeStart by creating an altar. As you are setting up your altar anoint the items and yourself with the Mabon oil. Think about the ways you create balance within yourself and in the physical world.
When you are ready anoint and light your candles giving thanks to the Earth, Goddesses, Gods, and Ancestors who stand behind you in all that you do and all that you are. Thank them sincerely like you would a friend that has given you help. Ask for nothing in return. You can leave an offering on your altar to show that you are aware of the assistance that you are receiving.
Light your incense, breathe deeply and focus on the burning candles. What are you grateful for? You might want to have paper and pen to write down what comes to mind. During challenging times gratitude magic can bring powerful change. Health, partner, family members, the friend that checks in on you every week, signing up for an online class, making it through the day, gratitude comes in many forms. The practice is centering, calming and a reminder of what is important. Spend as much time as it takes and speak aloud what you appreciate about each. You can place your writing on your altar or burn and release. You may decide to write a note of thanks to the people in your life who make your life better. When you are ready to end set the intention to hold these feelings of gratefulness and that you will be able to feel them again whenever you need.
Do not forget to blow out your candle and incense.
Have a Blessed Mabon!
