Mabon, Fall Equinox
Samhain | Yule | Imbolc | Ostara | Beltane | Litha | Lughnasadh | Mabon | Menu suggestions
The nature retreats, takes back its riches and prepares for winter and rest. The Goddess nods in the Sun which grows weaker, even if the fire burns within Her. She feels the Gods presence even as he declines.
Mabon is thought upon as a time for the mysteries. It’s a time to honor the aging idols and the World Spirit. This is a time for balance, and to relax and enjoy the fruits of our labor, whether it’s from our gardens, or from work, school, family or just to have coped with the strain and torment of everyday life.
Suitable magic for Mabon is magic for protection, luck, and security. This is also a good time to say thank you. Invoke the elements and thank them for their help with (North – earth) home and finances, (East – air) school and knowledge, (South – fire) career and achievements, (West – water) emotional balance and fertile relationships
Herbs
Acorns, benzoic acid (resin), ferns, grains, honeysuckle, marigold, myrrh, passion flower, rose, sage, solomon’s-seal, tobacco, thistle and vegetables
Incense
Pine, myrrh, sage
Colors
Dark red, orange, red-brown, brown and gold.
Food
Bread, nuts, apples, pomegranates, vegetables like potatoes, carrots and unions
Ritual
Decorate the altar with autumn leaves, pumpkins, berries, pine and cypress cones, acorns, oak shoots and other fruit of the season. You can use this day to dedicate new willow staffs and wands. You should also have a small basket with assorted autumn leaves.
The altar cloth should be brown and the candles red. Light the incense and candles and cast the circle. Invoke the God and the Goddess. Pick the basket up and hold it with both hands. Slowly pour the leaves on the ground with these words:
‘The days grow colder and the leaves fall. Our Sun Lord rides on the western wind, and the cold misty night falls. Fruits mature and seeds fall of. This is a time in balance, when day equals night, and despite that everything looks dead or dying, I know that life continues. Life is impossible without death, and winters arrival is just another spoke in the big wheel.’
Put the basket down and say:
‘O great Goddess of the waning Moon, guardian of the cauldron, of secret magic and forgotten knowledge, Teach me to be wise and peaceful in thought and deed. Give me your wisdom, and fear not for it to be unwisely used, or used for other purposes than those who encourage peace and prosperity.’
Any magic and seasonal activities can now be performed. After it’s finished you can hold a simple feast and then close the circle.