a few thougts on Mabon

In the Northern hemisphere the Autumnal equinox occurs at 10:49 Am EDT on September 22, the length of night time is roughly equivalent to the length of daylight hours. and officially Fall begins, unless you are one of the people who uses the Meteorological determination , where fall begins on September 1st.

~~unknown

 

 

The Vernal and Autumnal Equinoxes and the Summer and winter Solstices were major points in the year, a sort of Everyman's Calender, one would think.  We don't have that much information about how these days were celebrated in those distant times before writing was common, and possibly information about how the day was marked was considered a sacred secret and would not have never been written down. 

Mabon is a relatively modern celebration of the Equinox, based as much as possible on what is known and what is believed to have been a part of those ancient celebrations.   In those times before efficient lighting people relied on the moon, preferably a full moon to light their work in the fields, and it was this same harvest moon they would dance under, celebrating the hopefully good harvest and preparing for the long winter indoors.  Showing their gratitude for the abundance of the harvest and of their animals, and making offerings to the earth, Gods and Goddesses, perhaps the spirits of the field and woods and weather, in thanks and asking to be spared the dangers of a harsh winter and other dangers of the time.  Mabon marks the second harvest and focuses on the times ahead, as well as the passing of Summer.  it looks forward into the new year which begins on November 1st, and the new beginnings offered by a new year.

 

 

Mabon Abundance and blessings 

 

 

Thank you to Lady Abigail of Ravengrove, who provides the following correspondences

Mabon
(Pronounced ma-bawn)
September 21 - 22

Symbolism of Mabon:
Second Harvest, the Mysteries, Equality and Balance

Symbols of Mabon:
wine, gourds, pine cones, acorns, grains, corn, apples, pomegranates, vines such as ivy, dried seeds, and horns of plenty

Herbs of Mabon:
Acorn, benzoin, ferns, grains, honeysuckle, marigold, milkweed, myrrh, passion flower, rose, sage, solomon's seal, tobacco, thistle, and vegetables

Foods of Mabon:
Breads, nuts, apples, pomegranates, and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions

Incense of Mabon:
Autumn Blend-benzoin, myrrh, and sage

Colors of Mabon:
Red, orange, russet, maroon, brown, and gold

Stones of Mabon:
Sapphire, lapis lazuli, and yellow agates

Activities of Mabon:
Making wine, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods, walking in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields, offering libations to trees, adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns, and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.

Spellworkings of Mabon:
Protection, prosperity, security, and self-confidence. Also those of harmony and balance.