Celebrate the autumn equinox by embracing Mabon, a meaningful tradition of reflection, gratitude, and deep connection to nature, writes RACHAEL ELIZABETH
Mabon: How to Embrace and Celebrate Autumn
As the weather starts to change and the nights grow longer, we prepare to say goodbye to summer. But this farewell is followed by a beautiful welcome – hello to autumn!
Autumn brings with it crisp, cool air and mesmerising colours as the leaves transform from green to stunning reds, oranges, and gold. Carved pumpkins adorn our doorsteps, and we find comfort in the warmth of hot chocolates.
For those who love this time of year, why not celebrate Mabon?
What is Mabon?
Mabon is a relatively modern celebration centred around the autumn equinox, which in 2024 falls on 22 September. A pagan holiday, Mabon is one of the eight ‘Wiccan sabbats’ observed throughout the year.
The name ‘Mabon’ is said to derive from the Welsh god ‘Mabon Ap Modron’ and was officially named by Aiden Kelly in the 1970s to give pagans their own term for the autumn equinox.
The celebration of Mabon focuses on welcoming autumn, taking time to reflect, and finding rest.
Traditionally, this came after the long summer days spent harvesting crops to ensure there was enough food for the winter months.
In ancient Britain, this period was essential for gathering food and giving thanks to the earth for its abundance.
While today we no longer rely on growing our own crops for survival, it doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the spirit of Mabon.
The autumn equinox marks a point when the Earth’s tilt causes day and night to be nearly equal in length. This is why Mabon is also a time to celebrate harmony and balance.
Spiritually, it’s an opportunity to look inward, find balance within yourself, and thank the Earth for its role in your life.
If you’d like to take part in Mabon celebrations this year, here are a few meaningful ways to embrace the season:
Surround Yourself with Nature
Connect with nature during this time by taking a walk in the woods, forest, or any natural space.
Observe the autumnal changes around you: the colours of the leaves, the types of flowers still blooming, the fresh smells in the air, and even the animals you encounter.
Spending time in nature is a well-known way to refresh your mind and body. By immersing yourself in the natural world, you can give thanks to the earth and feel rejuvenated by its beauty.
Feast with Family and Friends
For those fortunate enough to be surrounded by loved ones, preparing and sharing a feast is a wonderful way to celebrate Mabon.
Drawing inspiration from the season, you can create hearty meals like broths made from root vegetables and desserts featuring apples – especially if you enjoy foraging.
Sharing a seasonal meal with family and friends allows everyone to take part in the earth’s beauty and bounty.
Not only can you create a delicious feast, but you can also decorate your table to reflect autumn.
Use items like wooden candle holders, orange and red table mats, or scatter dried leaves for a subtle nod to the changing seasons.
What could be better than celebrating Mabon with plenty of warm, comforting food?
Meditation
Inspired by the balance of day and night during the equinox, meditation is a fantastic way to honour Mabon.
Whether you meditate alone, join a mindfulness class, or opt for yoga, this practice can help you centre yourself, listen to your body, and relax your mind.
It offers an opportunity to pause and simply ‘be’, especially in a world that’s always rushing ahead.
Although meditation can be difficult at first, once you learn to control your thoughts, it can become a deeply rewarding practice.
If the weather allows, try meditating outside to strengthen your connection to nature.
Taking in the sounds and smells of the natural world around you can enhance the experience. However, for those of us in the UK, the weather can be unpredictable!
In that case, set up a calming space indoors, light some candles or incense, play soft music, and begin your meditative process.
Create an Altar
Creating an altar is a rewarding way to honour Mabon. This can be as simple or elaborate as you like, depending on the space you have.
Decorate your altar with autumnal items such as dried leaves, flowers, candles, crystals, and even tarot cards. Setting up this space allows you to give thanks to the earth and celebrate the abundance it provides each year.
Release Your Creative Side
You don’t need to be an artist to get creative during Mabon. There are plenty of simple and fun activities that can help you embrace the season, especially if you have children.
For example, crafting an autumn wreath or garland using twigs, leaves, flowers, and dried fruits is a great way to add an autumnal touch to your home. You can hang your creation on your front door or display it inside.
Other creative projects might include painting mugs, making your own candles, or pressing flowers to frame. You could also decorate your home with autumnal colours and decorations like ceramic pumpkins, scented candles, and warm-toned cushions, throws, rugs, and table runners.
There are many ways to celebrate Mabon, and just as many reasons why you should! If not to send love and harmony back into the earth, then to bring that same love, harmony, and balance into your own life.
Happy Mabon!
How do you celebrate Mabon? Tell us in the comments section below!
Read more about the Wheel of Life on Spooky Isles.