The leaves are beginning to change color, the air is getting cooler, and the days are noticeably shorter – autumn is arriving. For modern witches and spiritual practitioners, this time of year means something very special: Mabon, the festival of the autumn equinox, is approaching. In this post, you’ll learn everything important about this magical wheel of the year festival, which will be celebrated around the September 20, and how you can integrate it into your everyday life.
What is Mabon? Understanding the Autumn Equinox
Mabon marks the astronomical point when day and night are exactly equal in length – a perfect balance between light and darkness. As the second harvest festival in the Wheel of the Year, Mabon stands for abundance, gratitude, and the conscious awareness of balance in our lives. It’s the moment when we pause to appreciate the fruits of our labor before preparing for the darker half of the year.
The name “Mabon” was coined in the 1970s by Aidan Kelly and refers to the Welsh deity Mabon ap Modron, which means “Son of the Mother.” Although the name is relatively new, the traditions associated with the festival are deeply rooted in various cultures that have celebrated the autumn equinox as an important turning point in the annual cycle since ancient times.
Mabon Blessing to the Dark Mother
"Dark Mother, Guardian of the Night, Wisdom of Shadows, guide me with care. In the womb of darkness I find rest, Your embrace gives me strength and courage."
The Mythological Significance: Persephone and the Dark Mother
At Mabon, many practitioners honor the story of Persephone, daughter of the harvest goddess Demeter, who was abducted to the underworld. Her annual cycle – six months in the underworld, six months on earth – explains the changing of the seasons and perfectly reflects the energy of Mabon: the transition from bright summer to the darker season.
The Dark Mother, an archetype of transformative feminine energy, is also venerated at Mabon. She represents aspects of life that are often hidden or feared: darkness, letting go, death, and rebirth. Her wisdom teaches us that darkness is not an enemy, but a place of rest, healing, and transformation.
Creating a Mabon Altar: Symbols of Harvest and Balance
A Mabon altar is a wonderful way to bring the energy of this witch festival into your home. Here are some traditional elements you can include:
Brown, orange, yellow, red, and gold represent the autumn colors
Apples, pumpkins, grapes, pomegranates, nuts, and grains
A scale, black and white candles, Yin-Yang symbol
Citrine, amber, jasper, hematite, or lapis lazuli
Sunflowers, asters, marigolds, or autumn leaves
Place your altar items thoughtfully and set a clear intention. The altar should reflect both the abundance of the harvest and the balance between light and darkness.
Mabon Incense: Scent of the Autumn Equinox
A homemade incense can bring the energy of Mabon into your home. Here is a simple recipe:
- Sage (for cleansing and protection)
- Rosemary (for clarity and strength)
- Cinnamon sticks (for abundance and warmth)
- Dried apple peels (for harvest and abundance)
- Frankincense (for connection with the spiritual world)
- Myrrh (for transformation and letting go)
Mix the crushed ingredients and set a clear intention for balance and gratitude. The incense can be used during a ritual or for energetic cleansing of your space.
The Meaning of Mabon in Modern Life
Mabon reminds us that life consists of cycles and that we are part of these natural rhythms. In a time when we are often alienated from nature, this witch festival offers the opportunity to reconnect with the seasons and live more consciously.
Whether you perform a complex ritual, create an altar, or simply take a walk in the autumn forest – the important thing is that you take time to feel the balance and be grateful for everything life has given you.
How do you celebrate Mabon? Do you have special traditions or rituals that you practice at this time of year? Share your experiences in the comments and let’s celebrate the magic of the autumn equinox together.
Creative light and love, Ramona
This post contains information from traditional and modern sources about the witch festival Mabon. The described practices can be freely adapted to complement your personal spiritual path.
Check out my digital product “Grimoire Pages Mabon”
Learn more about traditions, rituals, altar arrangement, and a guided meditation for more balance in your life in our Printable: Mabon PDF, a comprehensive guide for modern witches who want to celebrate this powerful wheel of the year festival according to their own intuition.