Mabon or the autumnal equinox is the official start of fall and the traditional end of the wheel of the year, it will be celebrated on September 23, 2023. This holiday is named after the Welsh god of the harvest who is often depicted as a young man with a harp or lyre. Being the second of the harvest festivals, Mabon is often symbolized by the cornucopia, corn, cider, spiced nuts, and wine. Since Mabon marks the waning of the year it is the perfect time for ending or reducing bad habits, unhealthy relationships, and finding balance within yourself. Being a harvest festival much of Mabon is about gratitude and appreciating the abundance in our lives, while still recognizing the areas of ourselves that need to changed. This holiday is the perfect time to have a potluck of foods associated with fall and abundance.
A simple ritual for Mabon involves a ritual fire, ranging from a small fire in a cauldron to a roaring bonfire. This ritual is about letting go of whatever needs to be released and finding new beginnings and growth. First write down your intention on a piece of paper and focus on releasing the old and embracing the new. Set your sacred space and build the ritual fire all the time focusing on transformation. Make an offering to nature of corn, apple, seeds, and herbs focusing on gratitude to our earth mother’s blessing. Speak your intention and throw the paper into your fire and focus on the flames releasing the negativity and transforming it into a positivity. Give thanks to the fire and the elements of nature and close the circle.
Mabon Symbols
Cornucopia, sunflowers, seeds, corn, beans, squash, pumpkin, wine, yarrow, rosemary, sage, mugwort, amber, aventurine, ruby, sapphire, tiger’s eye, and citrine.