The wheel of the year is integral to pagan traditions, helping us to recognize and pay respect to the ever-changing cycles that make up natural life. It also speaks of times when the veil between this world and others is thinnest, providing opportunities for ritual work, connection with spiritual entities, and amplifying magickal energy.
Mabon is the last sabbat in the Wheel of the Year, marking the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Celebrated during the autumnal equinox, Mabon occurs around September 21st in the northern hemisphere and March 21st in the southern hemisphere.
This time during the Wheel of the Year is perfect for setting intentions that align with the energy of releasing what is no longer serving you, ending old thought patterns, and removing negative or stagnant energy from your life. The second of the three harvests, Mabon is often equated with Thanksgiving and seen as a time to reflect and thank the earth for its bounty. While the modern Thanksgiving holiday in the United States focuses on food and preparing for Black Friday sales, Mabon is rooted in celebrating the efforts of one’s labor and the connection between people and the earth.
Mabon is a time when day and night are in perfect balance before darkness begins to prevail. Pronounced as "MAY-bon," this sacred occasion derives its name from Mabon ap Modron (which translates as Son of Mother), a figure rooted in the Welsh pantheon. Mabon symbolizes youthful energy, growth, and transformation — reminding us of our connection to nature's cycles.
Traditional Mabon colors are orange, red, gold, and brown painting the landscape as nature prepares for its slumber. These colors symbolize warmth, transformation, and gratitude - reminding us to embrace change and find beauty in every season. Herbs such as sage, rosemary, and thyme are commonly associated with Mabon. They carry powerful energies that cleanse and purify our surroundings while connecting us to the earth's bountiful energy. These sacred plants serve as reminders to honor our connection with nature during this time of harvest. Goddesses like Demeter and Persephone (of the Greek pantheon) take center stage during Mabon due to the similarities between their story and the tale of baby Mabon in the underworld. They also embody themes of abundance, growth, and rebirth. By invoking their presence through rituals or meditations, we can tap into their wisdom to nurture our own personal growth.
- Colors: Orange, Red, Gold, Brown
- Energies: Abundance, Growth, Rebirth, Gratitude, Transformation, Change
- Oils/Incenses: Cinnamon, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Myrrh
- Crystals: Amber, Citrine, Smokey Quartz, Aventurine, Jasper,
- Symbols: Harvest Moon, Cornucopia, Pinecones, Seeds
- Foods: Apples, Pumpkins, Grains, Root Vegetables, Pomegranates, Squash, Wine, Cider
If you're interested in embracing Mabon through ritual, consider what aligns with your practice, such as connecting with the energy of abundance and gratitude through cooking or baking using ingredients that represent these themes to you, performing a powerful gratitude ritual, creating art using colors associated with the holiday, or (my personal favorite) devoting time harvesting fresh herbs and vegetables to honor your deity or spirit guide(s) of choice. I love dedicating my energy to harvesting because it's symbolic of the abundance of crops that are to be stored up in preparation for the Winter.
No matter how we choose to honor Mabon, its abundant energy encourages us to appreciate the beauty of nature and all it brings into our lives. Take a moment to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Mabon - use colorful decorations, burn herbs, or simply spend time outdoors to truly feel connected with all that this powerful season has to give. May you experience abundance, joy, and peace through your celebration of Mabon!
