Magic of Mabon - Autumn Equinox

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, we have officially made it to that yearly crossroads: the Autumn Equinox, also known as Mabon. Today marks the day where the long days of summer are no longer – day and night are even today. This transition of season invites us to reflect, give thanks, ditch all the things that no longer serve us and prepare for the darker months ahead. There’s a rich history of this celebration and I thought I’d make a list of a few ways that I choose to honor this season.

A Harvest Feast

Gather friends and family for a potluck feast featuring seasonal dishes. I have done a social circle cleanse this year and we will be celebrating in our very close- knit group. For this feast - think apples, squash, pumpkins, and root vegetables, things that reflect fall – colors of a sunset just before nightfall. Gathering and sharing gratitude is such an intimate way to connect with loved ones. This is a great time to express how grateful we are to the people in our life who are still with us while we move into the next season – where we will honor ancestors. I always celebrate this day with a fall harvest soup – whatever is freshly harvested makes it’s way into my cauldron, tonight we celebrate with butternut squash stew!

Mabon Altar

My other very favorite way to celebrate is with my seasonal altar cleansing and setup. I break down the previous season altar items and offerings and CLEAN my space. As I cast a sacred circle, I reflect on the past year. This year my father became an Ancestor – it’s been difficult, and I have been feeling unsure of my purpose and my footing has been unsteady. I’m ready to GROUND myself and my space and move forward with an openness for what is in store! I invite the blessings of the Harvest Goddess, and I set up my altar for this coming season. When setting up my Mabon altar I try to use the colors of Autumn as this years’ sun sets and readies itself for the night. I use autumnal colors like reds, oranges, and golds. Remember that this is the day light and dark are equal, I like to make sure I represent that on my altar with contrasting crystals - citrine and obsidian are my go-to. You can Include the things that represent this season specifically for you. There are no rules around what you can use – I normally think of things such as acorns, pinecones and harvested herbs. I also place offerings for the Goddess and my Ancestors to help guide me through the rest of the year. This space can be a focal point through the season – a reminder to be grateful - even on the hard days - for the blessings that surround us.

Nature Walks

Take a moment to connect with nature. I want to be very inclusive here – not everyone can take a walk in nature so this may look different for some of you. Adaptation is key, do what you have access to and are capable of – even a meditation with fresh air will do! I'm blessed to live a few steps from a National Forest – I love to go for an intentional walk and observe the changing leaves, gather fallen pinecones, and collect mushrooms and foliage. I was initiated in Autumn, many moons ago and this season reminds me of the night I spent in the forest before my initiation ceremony. It’s a very special memory for me, one I visit yearly with gratitude. This is one of the best times to harvest from nature to add to your apothecary for use in the coming year, so don’t forget to bring something to hold what you harvest. As you walk, reflect on the abundance around you that perhaps you've been taking for granted and the changes you want to embrace moving forward. I always return from these walks feeling deeply connected with the earth.

Mindful Gratitude

Set aside time for a personal ritual or meditation of gratitude. I like to write down all of the things I am thankful for on separate pieces of paper and reflect on them for a significant amount of time to truly sit a spell with gratitude. I work very specifically on finding the blessings within the trying times of the previous season. When you’re ready, you can burn the papers safely (in a smudge pot or fire pit) to release your appreciation into the sky. This is a power-full group activity!

Candle Magic

Candles in colors that resonate with Mabon—deep reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows can be a powerful way of helping us transition into a cozy Autumn. Sometimes I like to dress my candles with seasonal herbs and set my intention on gratefulness. I create a quick spell by focusing on my intentions for the coming months. As you light each candle, visualize what you wish to attract or release.

Preparing for the Future Harvest

This is an excellent time to plant bulbs for spring flowers. This act of planting symbolizes hope and new beginnings. Being mindful of preparing yourself, both for the harvest and for the souls' journey is essential. In both cases - if you do not prepare the soil and plant – you've left the most valuable space barren. While the leaves may be falling, the flowers have wilted, and fruit has started dropping from the tree, magic is afoot and thriving beneath the surface just waiting for the perfect time to emerge.

I hope sharing how I celebrate Mabon is helpful for you during this season of balance, gratitude, and the cycle of life. As the wheel of the year turns, remember that this is a time of reflection, renewal, preparation, and steadying yourself for the darker days ahead. My hope for you is that the Magic of Mabon fills you with gratitude and an awareness of the abundance already present in your life. Happy Equinox!