Mabon is a Pagan festival celebrated around the time of the autumn equinox, which typically occurs between September 21st and 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere. It marks the moment when day and night are equal in length, symbolizing balance. Mabon is one of the eight Sabbats in the Wheel of the Year, a cycle of seasonal festivals observed by many modern Pagans and Wiccans.

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Meaning of Mabon:

• Harvest Festival: Mabon is the second of three harvest festivals (following Lammas/Lughnasadh and preceding Samhain). It is a time to give thanks for the earth’s bounty and the abundance of the harvest.

• Balance: As it occurs at the equinox, Mabon represents the balance between light and dark. After Mabon, the days grow shorter, marking the transition into the darker half of the year.

• Introspection and Preparation: It is also a time for introspection, as people prepare for the colder, darker months ahead. Mabon is seen as an opportunity to reflect on personal harvests—achievements, lessons, and spiritual growth over the past year.

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Why is it called Mabon?

The name "Mabon" comes from the Welsh mythological figure Mabon ap Modron, a god of youth, who was associated with renewal and light. However, the celebration itself is much older and has roots in pre-Christian harvest festivals across Europe.

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How is Mabon celebrated?

Mabon celebrations vary, but common practices include:

• Feasts with seasonal foods like apples, pumpkins, grains, and wine.

• Rituals that give thanks for the harvest, honor the balance of light and dark, and prepare for the winter months.

• Altar offerings of autumn fruits, leaves, acorns, and herbs to honor the earth.

• Bonfires, decorating homes with autumnal symbols, and spending time in nature to acknowledge the changing season.

In summary, Mabon is a celebration of harvest, balance, and reflection, marking the transition from the abundant, light-filled summer into the darker, introspective winter.

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​Preparation

Date: Mabon is celebrated on or around September 21st (the autumn equinox).

Location: Choose a place where you feel connected to nature (a garden, forest clearing, or indoor space decorated with autumnal symbols).

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Items needed:

Autumn fruits (apples, grapes, pears) and vegetables (pumpkins, squash)

A chalice or goblet of cider, wine, or juice

A candle (preferably orange, red, or gold) and matches or a lighter

A small basket or bowl for offerings

Seasonal flowers, leaves, and herbs (rosemary, sage, or marigolds)

A piece of paper and a pen for reflection

A bell, rattle, or drum (optional for calling the quarters)

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Mabon Ritual

1. Cleansing and Grounding

Cleansing: Begin by purifying your space. Light the candle and walk in a circle around your sacred area, imagining it filling with warmth and light.

Grounding: Sit quietly on the ground and take a few deep breaths. Visualize roots growing from your body into the earth, grounding you, as you feel connected to the energies of the earth.

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2. Calling the Quarters (optional)

East (Air): “Spirits of Air, I call you to this sacred space. Bring clarity and wisdom as we reflect on the year’s harvest.”

South (Fire): “Spirits of Fire, I call you to this sacred space. Ignite our passion and help us honor the balance of light and dark.”

West (Water): “Spirits of Water, I call you to this sacred space. Flow with us in our gratitude and guide us through the coming transitions.”

North (Earth): “Spirits of Earth, I call you to this sacred space. Help us stay grounded as we prepare for the darkness of winter.”

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3. Reflection and Balance

Meditation: Stand or sit in a comfortable position, holding the paper and pen. Reflect on what you have harvested in your life this year—whether it's personal growth, relationships, career, or health.

Write down three things you are grateful for and three things you wish to release or bring into balance as you move forward.

When you are ready, fold the paper and place it in the offering bowl.

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4. Offering of Gratitude

Harvest Offering: Arrange the fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs on your altar or in the center of your space. Take each item, hold it up to the sky, and say:

“I give thanks for the abundance of the harvest, for the blessings of the earth, the waters, and the sky.”

Place the items in the offering bowl or basket as a gesture of gratitude to the earth for its sustenance.

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5. Feast and Communion

Chalice: Take the chalice of cider, wine, or juice, and say:

“As the earth shares its bounty, so I drink in the gifts of life. May I be nourished and balanced in body, mind, and spirit.”

Drink from the chalice, sharing with any others present if in a group.

Sharing Food: If with others, share the harvest fruits and vegetables as part of the ritual. Take a moment to savor the taste, acknowledging the work and cycles that brought this food to you.

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6. Closing the Ritual

Release and Gratitude: Offer your thanks to the spirits of the elements or deities you’ve invoked:

“Spirits of the East, South, West, and North, I thank you for your presence. As the circle opens, I carry your blessings with me.”

Final Offering: If possible, leave your offering of fruits, vegetables, and flowers outside in nature as a gift to the earth.

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7. Extinguish the Candle and Closing

Before extinguishing the candle, take a moment to feel the balance within yourself and the environment. Say:

“As the light and dark find balance, so too shall I. The wheel turns, and the harvest is complete. Blessed be.”

Blow out the candle and conclude the ritual by ringing the bell or drum, if using one.

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After the Ritual

Spend time journaling or reflecting on the experience. Consider how you will bring more balance into your life as you move through the darker half of the year.

Consider incorporating a gratitude practice into your daily life as a way to continue the energy of Mabon.

This simple yet meaningful Mabon ritual honours the changing seasons, giving thanks for the bounty received, and preparing yourself for the introspective time of winter.

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