This year the Autumn Equinox happens tomorrow, the 22nd. Mabon, as the Autumn Equinox is called, is a word from modern Pagan folklore, thought to be named after the Welsh god of mythology. It's a turning point in the wheel of the year and means Autumn is really here.
One old weather saying says.............
A quiet week before the autumn equinox and after, the temperature will continue higher than usual into winter.
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1. Create an Altar: Set up a Mabon altar with symbols of the season. This can include autumn leaves, acorns, pinecones, candles in fall colors, and representations of the harvest like fruits and vegetables.
2. Harvest Feast: Prepare a feast using seasonal ingredients like apples, pumpkins, squash, and root vegetables. Share the meal with friends or family, expressing gratitude for the abundance of the harvest.
3. Nature Walk: Take a walk in nature to observe the changing colors of the leaves and connect with the energy of the season. Collect fallen leaves, acorns, or other natural items to use in your rituals or altar.
4. Rituals and Ceremonies: Perform rituals to honor the changing season. This can involve meditation, candle lighting, and expressing gratitude for the abundance in your life. Consider incorporating elements like water, fire, earth, and air to represent balance.
5. Divination: Use divination tools such as tarot cards, runes, or scrying to gain insights into the coming season. Focus on themes of reflection, balance, and transitions
6. Crafts and DIY Projects: Engage in creative projects that connect with the season. Make autumn-themed crafts, create a wreath, or decorate your home with symbols of Mabon.
7. Bonfire or Fire Pit Gathering: If possible and safe, gather around a bonfire or fire pit. Fire is a symbol of transformation and can be used for rituals, storytelling, or just enjoying the warmth of the season.
8. Gratitude Journaling: Take time to reflect on the things you're grateful for. Start a gratitude journal and write down the positive aspects of your life and the blessings you've received.
9. Feeding Wildlife: Since Mabon is a harvest festival, consider sharing a bit of your harvest with local wildlife. Leave out birdseed or set up a bird feeder to attract birds to your yard.10. Visit an Orchard or Farm: Spend a day at an orchard or farm, picking apples or other seasonal fruits. Enjoy the experience of being close to the land and appreciate the hard work of those who cultivate it.
I hadn't thought about my seasonal display being an altar! but as soon as I put the room back together I'll be getting the Autumn bits out of the cupboard.
Then I could bring in the first Butternut squash and cook up something and I need to walk up the lane for the September following a tree photos ASAP. That's numbers 1, 2 and 3 taken care of.
Not sure about rituals and divination? but I looked up 'Autumn Wreath Making Workshops in Suffolk' and there are a couple happening at £65 for the experience - so I'll pass on that!
Not a good idea to have bonfires here in my village garden - so that won't be happening and the only journaling I'll be doing is here on the blog.
I've started bird feeding again and not had an invasion of starlings - so that's good and for number 10 my Falstaff apples are almost ready - there are about a dozen decent sized apples to enjoy and lots of smaller ones. I checked their proper ripening time and it's early October but we've had plenty of sunshine so I'll be trying them this weekend.
Mabon Sorted!
Back Soon
Sue
Maybe 'altar' is just another way of saying celebration/thanksgiving display - it's all about the spirit behind it really. I love some of those ideas, thank you. xx
ReplyDeleteI must get the Autumn things out of the box tomorrow.
DeleteWreath-making workshops are very popular. I expect it's nice to gather with like-minded people and learn together, but it's not for me.
ReplyDeleteIt is a big expense for something that in theory I ought to be able to do
DeleteI'm not a fan of wreaths, but I do like a autumnal display in my kitchen window, I must find our the bits to remake it.
ReplyDeleteI've got furniture sorted so will get the Autumn display out tomorrow
DeleteTick tick tick for you then Sue…I have a week off at last but we have both come down with something rather nasty to mark the occasion! X
ReplyDeleteOh no! That's just what you don't need. Did it come via work or the grandchildren?
DeleteThanks as always for the information about the new month and new season. I was out first thing this morning planting up perennials in the new front borders but I will need to budget for the same again as they look really sparse! Catriona
ReplyDeleteThe ground here is rock hard at the moment. We had one downpouring day but mostly warm and sunny
DeleteI'm really looking forward to cooler weather as it has been terribly hot here!
ReplyDeleteIt's been warm here for several days this week - set to turn cooler soon
DeleteWreath making dare I say it, is rather ' on trend ', £65 is hefty isn't it.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading all about the Autumn equinox, TQ
Alison in Wales x
£65 is rather a lot - I'd rather buy books! Plus I've spent a lot on the living room paint etc and flooring so better start spending less
DeleteI love the businesslike way you get to "Mabon sorted". Times like that I'd really like to chat with you!
ReplyDeleteI wish Christmas was so easily sorted! Have to start planning soon I guess , now I've finished painting
DeleteWreath making has kicked up a gear lately and £65 or thereabouts seems average. Wire forms can be picked up quite inexpensively, or make a natural base by cutting honeysuckle vines! Of course, if you live near some willow trees, even better! Alternatively, a cardboard box cut in circles works too, if you wrap in ribbon to hide, it or paint it. An autumn walk into the wilds can yield all the decorations you might need.
ReplyDeleteGreat info, as you always manage to find!
I used to make a Christmas wreath for the front door every year. It never looked very good!
DeleteI love Autumn. The air is cool and the leaves are starting to show color. The change in season is energizing and there is no shortage of things to do to prepare for Winter and the holidays.
ReplyDeleteWreath making is an expensive course. My wreath making is trial-and-error. Over the years my wreaths have improved. If I buy a basic green wreath and decorate it, I get a good wreath.
My Autumn altar is a large glass vase filled with bright yellow daisies from my garden.
We have been having a spell of warm and sunny in the East of England - other parts have had storms and rain. Forecast is for cooler very soon
DeleteI am a “friend” of my village church on the Essex/Suffolk border. Last year we put on a wreath making workshop, which included all materials and lunch for £45. The results were pretty impressive. I was amazed that people were prepared to pay £45.
ReplyDeleteNot so bad with lunch included I guess. Still more than mean me would be willing to spend!
DeleteI made pumpkin soup for supper tonight. Mabon sorted...and I didn't even know about Mabon til I came here!
ReplyDeleteIt was a word that didn't exist in the past. But now seems to be used in English speaking places .
DeleteHappy Mabon!
ReplyDeleteWell, blogging is like journaling. You're telling your story and your life in Suffolk.