Happy Autumn #mabon #equinox

 

 (The word, Mabon, for the autumn equinox was realized in the 1970's by Wiccan Aidan Kelly.) 

On the 21st and 22nd, we experience the pagan celebration of Mabon, pronounced may·
bn.  Named after the God of Welsh mythology, Mabon is known as the son of the Earth Mother Goddess, Modron, and he the Child of Light.  According to legend, Mabon signifies the time when the God of Light lost his battle with the God of Darkness, resulting in longer nights and shorter days.  However, on this day, September 22nd, night and day are of equal length, similar to the Spring Equinox, Ostara (The Meaning Of Equinox #daffodils).  Opposite on the pagan calendar from Ostara, we find ourselves once again in a place of equality, dark and light, masculine and feminine, inner and outer, the universe as we know it in perfect balance for this moment in time, this day. 

In this time of balance, the cycle of the world begins its journey of completion.  As the nights grow darker and longer, so to, nature begins its descent towards release and farewell.  In this ending, we celebrate the Goddess in her vibrant self as Harvest Queen while the God begins his release unto darkness and death, leaving behind his sacrificial gift of love through the final crop cut.  He will return, once more, when the sun beams high, but for now, we look inward at the months and days previous, honoring from whence we came, what we learned, and preparing for finality.   With each turn of the wheel brings a time of inner gratitude, lessons, and insights.

Although the term "Mabon" was brought into reality by Aidan Kelly in the 1970's, the celebration of Harvest has long been a practice throughout the centuries. In the 1700's, the Bavarians celebrated Oktoberfest during the last week of September.  Furthermore, many farmers throughout the ages, have celebrated Lammas on August 1st as the day to honor the first of three harvests.  Continuing with that theme, Octber 3rd was the date of the original Thanksgiving, as by the end of November, all has dormant and there is nothing remaining.  

There are many different ways to honor and celebrate Mabon.  Many choose to do this by picking apples, a symbol of the second harvest, thanking the gods for the bountiful harvest.  Others choose to perform a ritual to enhance and restore balance and harmony.  Furthermore, an altar with the symbols of the season can be set up to honor Mabon.  

Mabon (Lyrics Video) Lisa Thiel 2005

Oh now is the time of the Harvest,

As we draw near to the years end

Now is the time of Mabon

Autumn is the time to descend

Websites used as research for this entry:

Mabon/Autumn Equinox September 21st-22nd

The Origins and Practices of Mabon