![]() Saturday, September 21st, is the fall equinox, which marks the day when the earth is at equilibrium. Other names for this day include Harvest Tide, Harvest Home, Second Harvest and Wine Harvest. At this point, the world begins its descent into slumber for the winter. Traditionally, this is seen as the time at which the crops are all harvested: perfect for witchcraft, as we approach the latter half of the year and closer to Mabon and Samhain. The name “Mabon” is a rather recent name for the Sabbat, coming into usage in the late 20th century. Mabon was a Welsh mythological figure whose origins are connected to a divine “mother and son” pair, echoing the dual nature of the relationship between the Goddess and the God. Symbols of Mabon are reflective of the season: it's associated with rich, vibrant jewel tone hues and objects that possess grounding, comforting qualities. Vegetables such as squash and gourds, apples and anything made from their fruit, seeds, nuts, and corn are all appropriate for the holiday. Witchcraft in autumn is the height of witch season as we approach Samhain and the harvest provides an assortment of ways to create autumnal magick. Vegetables such as squash and gourds, apples and anything made from their fruit, seeds, nuts, and corn are all appropriate for the holiday. If you have an altar, honor the new season by decorating it with any of the aforementioned, as well as with baskets to symbolize the gathering of the crops. Mabon is a useful time for practicing protection magic as well as prosperity magic. Any form of divination you partake in will be particularly revealing now, and meditating on the balance between light and dark and this space of equilibrium is also customary. Whether you're celebrating with a ritual, a feast, or simply by spending time outside, this is a perfect excuse to enjoy the season. As any practicing witch can tell you, the equinox is a powerful time energetically; the start of autumn, specifically, marks the point at which the light begins to wane. For pagans, equinoxes are particularly significant events, and the autumnal equinox is somewhat equivalent to Thanksgiving. This is an important time to give thanks to Mother Goddess and the earth for her gifts. As you celebrate the harvest you've reaped, you simultaneously recognize that the soil is dying, that the nights will start to become longer, and that the earth is slowly going into hibernation. Pagans often also take this time to find connection to Gaia, the goddess of the earth and nature incarnate. But how should you celebrate Mabon? For starters, Mabon rituals can include decorating your altar with acorns, pine cones, seasonal fruits and nuts, and/or a few of the first colored leaves that drop from the trees. Candles and altar cloths in autumn colors like rusty red, orange, brown, and gold are appropriate. If you have a feast, whether solo or with others, include seasonal vegetables like onions, potatoes, carrots and other root vegetables. Here are a few suggestions:
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AuthorYour hood botanica, Kenita! Archives
November 2019
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