Mabon is a Pagan holiday to give thanks to the great harvest of Autumn. It's celebrated every year during the Autumn equinox. On the equinox there is as much light during the day, as there is darkness during the night, making day and night equal. This creates an energy of balance, equity, and harmony.
You'll often hear that autumn, specifically the equinox, is the time of year that "the veil is it's thinnest". But what does that mean?! It is often believed that the "veil" is thinnest at dusk and dawn, when our eyes are able to pick up on subtle energies due to the positioning of the sun. During the equinox the sun appears to stay in the place in the sky longer that helps us to sense more sensitive energies. People who practice pagan beliefs (and even some monotheistic religions unknowingly) celebrate this time of year. We celebrate the harvest by giving thanks. We celebrate the changing of the seasons. We celebrate the thinning of the veil and the opportunity to communicate with, and sense the other energies. We celebrate letting go of the old energies, to welcome in the new.
Mabon has been celebrated for generations, having known to began in Bavaria, Germany in the 1700s. In Germany this celebration became known as Oktoberfest. A great feast is to be had this time of year, as farmers are pulling in their first harvest to see how well their summer crop did. It has since been known by many more names around the world and through out different cultures. Every culture seems to have a way of their own to identify with the celebration of this time of year!
Ways To Celebrate Mabon
There are so many various ways you can celebrate Mabon, each way with it's own special element toward bringing you closer and more grounded with the earth. Be mindful that now is the time to honor both the light, and the darkness. Be aware of what's in season where you are. Some of the things on this list may not work for you due to your location or items being available. It's always best to work with what nature provides to you. If you are in the city you can go to a local nature walk and forage only a small handful of items. In Texas we don't have some wild fruits like apples, but we do have persimmons! I've found those to be lovely for autumn decoration!
Decorate! Decorate your home and your workspace! Use what you have! Some great symbols of fall are apples, oranges, pinecones, pumpkins, cinnamon, star of anise, ect. get creative! You can make a wreath out of local plants that are blooming this time of year!
Set an intention to let go of something that no longer serves you like toxic relationships, destructive self beliefs, or an unhealthy habit.
Bake something and leave an offering on your altar table. I love baking pumpkin bread this time of year. Apple pie, candy apples, mulled cider, turkey meatballs and cranberry sauce, ect. There are so many wonderful flavors of fall!
Have a bonfire either by yourself or with your friends. I like to write down something I wish to let go of (i.e. STRESS) and then throw the piece of paper I've written on into the fire! While taking slow deep breaths.
Go on a hike and collect Autumn gifts dropped by nature! While out there find a place to sit even if just for 30 seconds. Close your eyes, breathe in slowly and think of all you are thankful for.
Clean up your home to get rid of stagnant energy and get ready for the coming of the holidays!
Give thanks for another day and season.
Carve a pumpkin!
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