Mabon/Autumn Equinox

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.

Ways to celebrate Mabon according to a website (you can tell by the missing letter 'U' in some words that it was a website from the US!)

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