Mabon is the celebration of the Autumn Equinox and the second harvest. It happens between September 21st-24th in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time for giving thanks for the abundance you have been provided through out the year. Traditionally, it was to show appreciation for a good harvest season as farmers would now be able to tell if it was going to last through winter and how well their animals fared. It is a chance to rest and enjoy yourself after all of the hard work and to look back on what you have accomplished.
There are many different harvest festivals that happen all around the globe, so it is a pretty easy holiday to get the concept of. With that said, Mabon is also a good time to celebrate balance and harmony in your life, since it is the second time of the year when day and night are equal lengths of time. The darkness is starting to take over and it is time to complete unfinished projects and clear out anything that is no longer needed to make room for peace through the winter, while you plan for what to accomplish in the new year.
So, how should you celebrate?
A Feast
The obvious starting point to a harvest celebration. Invite over some friends and/or family and feast on Autumn fruits, veggies and meats. Lots of apples, bread (home-made of course!) and whatever else you can find locally grown.
Apple Picking
Or other types of fruit, depending on what you like!
Cornucopia
Build your own and put together an autumn arrangement for your home.
Make a Bessom (Broom)
I really enjoyed doing this with my family last year! Go for a walk in the woods and collect branches, pine needles, acorns and whatever else you can find that would make a great addition to your new décor piece! I say pine needles, because my family and I made mini besoms and they worked amazingly!
Declutter and Redecorate
Clean out your home and decorate in Autumn colours and symbols. Get rid of anything you are no longer needing in order to restore the peace in your home. Along with decluttering your physical space, remember to mentally declutter as well. Set some intentions to release bad habits or anything that is mentally dragging on you.
Donate
Since you are clearing out your home anyway... This would be a good time to donate some of your items to someone else. You could also donate to organizations or do a food drive. Anything that could help someone in more need than yourself.
Practice Gratitude
There are many ways that you can do this, whether solitary or with others. Maybe, before you feast, go around the table and list out things you are thankful for in your life. Or if you are celebrating or your own, maybe a walk in the woods while you think about the things you have to appreciate.
Hope this helps get you started.
Until next time!
The Bat Witch
