Mabon - The Autumn Equinox

Mabon, (may-bon), also known an the Autumn Equinox, Harvest Home, or the Witchs' Thanksgiving, marks a time of balance, when night and day are of equal lengths as we continue our journey through the dark half of the year. Now marks the second of the three main harvests, the harvest of fruits and wine.

We celebrate this as a time of thanks-giving and offer gratitude for all of the blessings we have received throughout the year. As offerings we place on our altars the fruits of the season: apples, grapes, and dried grain. In some traditions, a "corn" dolly is made, blessed, and ritually burned to symbolize the passing of the light, and the beginning of the dark half of the year. Look back on that which you have harvested this year, on the seeds planted so long ago that you can now enjoy their bounty. Offer thanks for all you have been given and all you have achieved.

The God in his aspect as the Wise Sage, begins preparations for Samhain and his journey into Death. For the Goddess, this is a bittersweet time. Though she rejoices in the earth's bounty, She knows that she will soon bid fairwell to the God until he is reborn at Imbolc.