Mabon -- Autumn Equinox

Mabon/Autumn Equinox (around September 22nd)

also known as: Alban Elfed, Winter Finding

Once again we find ourselves in the time of balance, for day and night are once again equal. The sun crosses the equator and heads south, signaling the end of summer's impassioned days and the beginning of the quiet winter months. For the sun has begun His yearly descent and His journey commences towards the final days of His reign. This again reminds us of the Universal Truth of life, death and reincarnation.

Autumn Equinox is the second in the trilogy of harvest festivals. Mabon marks the completion of the grain harvest begun during Lughnasadh.

Thanksgiving for the abundant rewards of life are characteristic during this harvest time. It is a time of great joy and great sorrow; it is the time of great change. A time when we are between the worlds; where we mourn that which is passing, and are also joyful for bountiful harvest and the awareness that the Mother will hold the seed of Light in Her womb.

Realization that the Wheel of Year has turned once more, and will continue to turn. For time in circular, not linear; there is no end but only new beginnings, the continuance of life eternal.

We celebrate the story of Mabon ap Modron, "the son of the mother", the Divine Youth, the Son of Light. Mabon is taken when he is three nights' old. His whereabouts are shrouded in mystery; it is through the wisdom and memory of the most ancient animals (Blackbird, Stag, Owl, Eagle, and Salmon) that we understand where he is and why.

Mabon dwells in His Mother's womb, the Otherworld. It is a place of challenge and a place of nurture, a place where one is renewed and regenerated, a place of new life. So that He may be reborn, the source of Light and Joy, the champion of His Mother. Just as the Light is being drawn into the earth accumulating strength and wisdom, to become a new seed, Mabon has returned to his Mother's womb. For as the winter begins, the earth incubates the tender seeds. Throughout the winter, the seeds are kept within Her womb so they may be reborn and bring forth new life.

The Autumn Equinox is the time when we prepare our personal harvests, gathering those experiences transpired over the past year (s), bringing them within, making them a part of who we are. Allowing them to die, regenerate into wisdom,and then to be reborn within. Preparing us for new life from that we have experienced and brought to the table thus far.

It is during Mabon that we are reminded of the necessity for fallow periods. For these periods allow us to assimilate, regenerate, and incorporate that which we have progressed through. For in life events happen, choices are made, and actions generated. We cannot go back and change that which has passed, but we can reap the harvest of wisdom these have brought to us. We do not know that which we have not experienced, and it is this time we give thanks for: that which has been our lives, for what we perceive as wonderful and what we perceive not to be, for they all are part of the sum of who we are.

In Conclusion...

Through the turning of the Wheel of the Year, we see the earth always changing, moving from season to season, around the Wheel. As we celebrate the turning of the Wheel, our own lives begin to change, following the seasons, winter to summer, summer to winter, around we turn. As we experience the Earth and Her journey, we become attuned to the great enigma of Existence.

It is through the passage of this lifetime that we gain wisdom through experience. This wisdom then guides us into our tomorrows. Fueling our desire learn, to live, and learn once more. As we comprehend the magnificence of Existence, we joyfully anticipate the turning of the Wheel both personally and globally relishing the gifts of each season, seeing the beauty within and without... Understanding the depth of the Love that exists...

We journey from Death into Life, from Life into Death, knowing that once again the Wheel of Life will turn and we shall begin yet again. From each life we reap the harvest of experience that becomes etched into our Souls, like the roads on a map. Guiding us closer and closer to understanding that which cannot be understood... unless we truly seek to understand..

May the Gift of the Wheel be Yours, each turn conveying the and Wisdom that It holds

***
Mabon, (pronounced MAY-bun, MAY-bone, MAH-boon, or MAH-bawn) is the
Autumn Equinox. The Autumn Equinox divides the day and night equally,
and we all take a moment to pay our respects to the impending dark.
We also give thanks to the waning sunlight, as we store our harvest
of this year's crops. The Druids call this celebration, Mea'n
Fo'mhair, and honor the Green Man, the God of the Forest, by offering
libations to trees. Offerings of ciders, wines, herbs and fertilizer
are appropriate at this time.

Mabon is considered a time of the Mysteries. It is a time to honour
Aging Deities and the Spirit World. Considered a time of balance, it
is when we stop and relax and enjoy the fruits of our personal
harvests, whether they be from toiling in our gardens, working at our
jobs, raising our families, or just coping with the hustle-bustle of
everyday life. May your Mabon be memorable, and your hearts and
spirits be filled to overflowing!

Mabon is the last of the great festival days and the second of the
harvest festivals. The sun's strength is weakening. It is a resting
time after the labours of the summer and a time to give thanks for
the bountiful harvest. Preparations for the dark half of the year
need to be made at this time.

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, passionflower, 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 honour those who have passed over.


Spellworkings of Mabon:

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


Deities of Mabon:

Goddesses-Modron, Morgan, Epona, Persephone, Pamona and the Muses.
Gods-Mabon, Thoth, Thor, Hermes, and The Green Man.


Other Names:
Alban Elfed, Wine Harvest, Feast of Avalon, Feast of Ungathering,
Autumnal Equinox, Harvest Home, Thanksgiving

***
Welcoming Autumn
By Ananaia O'Leary

Crisp air awakens the nostrils... Faint smell of smoke on the wind.
Above birds wheel to the South. At night a sweater warms against the
Chill. Autumn is here once more... A bitter-sweet season of rich harvest
& fading summer.

On the Autumnal Equinox Nature hangs in perfect balance. Night & day are
Equal in length. The Wheel turns and golden Summer yields to Autumn's
Tawny hues. Nature exhales ... Turning inward from creation to
Introspection, celebrating its bounty while preparing to shelter from
The cold nights of Winter.

As in every season, we are invited to take our cues from rhythms of the
Earth.

This is a time of harvest -- for giving thanks for the bounty in our lives.

If I hear myself respond "My life doesn't feel bountiful," it's time for
Me to pause and go deeper... Deeper into awareness, into gratitude, into
Celebration of the abundant gifts of Earth & Spirit. So I pause... Turn
Inward echoing the example of Nature. Introspection yields a fierce
Awareness of the fullness of living that I so often take for granted,
Minimize, deny. I am alive! At peace! Snug in the shelter of my home.

Outside a single bird serenades me. My children smile at me from their
Pictures above my computer. Tokens from my friends cluster on my friends
& family altar, reminding me that I am loved and supported. I breathe
Into the gratitude, letting that breath expand into my heart which opens
In bitter-sweet joy... The sweetness of fullness, the bitter memory of
All the moments I've forgotten my blessings. Today I remember.

This is a time of balance -- between day & light, action & stillness,
Internal & external -- a time to examine the balance of our lives. Do
Spend I spend more time working than playing? Do I spend more time
Delaying than achieving? Do I talk more than I listen? Do I listen well
But deny my natural expression?  Are my friends more important than my
Family? Or does my home life consume me until there is no time for
Outside connections or commitments? Can I still my mind and open to the
Subtle whispers of soul & nature? Do I meditate often, but act seldom?
Can I express my anger as well as my joy? Am I willing to be out of
Balance in the moment, trusting that balance is a dynamic which unfolds
Over time, not a static state of mediocre experience? Do I worship the
Sun? Can I greet the moon with joy and let the inky folds of night
Cradle me without fear? What are the extremes of my life, how can I
Balance them.

On this Autumn Equinox go outside at the moment of sunset when night &
Day stand at the balance, and declare your intention to invite & honor
More balance in your life, for it is the endless dance of opposites
Which yields all creation!

This is a time of preparation.

The stark Winter lies ahead of us. Life is always prepared to render up
Its next challenge, but we need not fear the natural cycle of things. If
We take stock, prepare & remember, we can weather any winter.

Take stock of your skills, strengths & resources, and prepare. Often
Challenges overwhelm us because we overlook our own abilities and fail
To utilize the resources available to us. Our skills & effort have
Yielded a larder-full of sustaining energies. No matter how depleted we
Feel, we have survived to this moment. Our very survival reminds us of
The strength within that has upheld us through so many winters. We can
Draw on this strength & the wisdom gained through years of living to
Help us meet any challenge. Prepare for future challenges by growing
Your strengths in the warm and gentle seasons, so you can draw on them
When the snow begins to fall.

And remember we are not alone. Winter can be a lonely world if we don't
Reach out for support & community. In the deep cold of winter survival
Sometimes depends on extending yourself beyond your self-sufficient
Boundaries. Take stock of your external resources, friends, family,
Ministers, counselors & other helping professionals or volunteers. Who
Can you call on in times of need? Who can call on you? Nurture & honor
Mutually supportive relationships. At all times remember that we are
Surrounded by spirit helpers who stand ready to support, guide & sustain
Us if we will only ask. We are never truly alone even in the depths of
Winter. If we take time to inventory & prepare, we will discover that
Our pantry is well stocked for the coming season.

This Equinox claim time to take stock, honor the harvest & give thanks!
Pull on a sweater and take a walk in the chill of the evening, tuning
Your body to the subtle shifting of green to gold. Come home to a warm
cup of apple cider, and an hour or so of quiet contemplation with the
stillness to honor deep gratitude. Surround yourself with the energies
of the loves & blessings of your life. Celebrate!