Post by Graveyardbride on Sept 21, 2014 9:51:11 GMT -5
Mabon: The Autumnal Equinox
Mabon, (pronounced MAY-bun, MAY-bone, MAH-boon, or MAH-bawn) is the Autumnal Equinox, a time when day and night are equally divided and we pause to pay our respects to the impending darkness. We also give thanks to the waning sunlight, as we store the fruits of this year's crops. The Druids called this celebration Mea'n Fo'mhair and honored the The Green Man, the God of the Forest, by offering libations to trees. Offerings of ciders, wines, herbs and fertilizer are appropriate at this time. Wiccans celebrate the aging Goddess as she passes from Mother to Crone, and her consort the God as he prepares for death and re-birth.
Various other names for this Lesser Sabbat are The Second Harvest, Wine Harvest, Feast of Avalon, Equinozio di Autunno (Strega), Alben Elfed (Caledonii), or Cornucopia. The Teutonic name, Winter Finding, spans a period of time from the Sabbat to October 15, Winter's Night, which is the Norse New Year.
At this festival it is appropriate to wear finery and dine and celebrate in a lavish setting. It is the drawing to, and of, family as we prepare for the winding down of the year at Samhain. It is a time to finish old business as we make ready for a period of rest, relaxation and reflection.
Symbolism of Mabon: Second Harvest, the Mysteries, Equality and Balance.
Symbols of Mabon: wine, grapes, gourds, pine cones, acorns, grains, dried corn, apples, pomegranates, vines such as ivy, dried seeds, horns of plenty, sunflowers and flowers in colors of gold, red, copper and orange.
Candles of Mabon: Gold, red, orange and rust-colored candles and harvest-scented candles.
Herbs of Maybon: Acorn, benzoin, ferns, grains, honeysuckle, marigold, milkweed, myrrh, passionflower, rose, sage, Solomon's seal, tobacco, thistle and vegetables.
Foods of Mabon: Breads, corn, nuts, apples, pears, pomegranates, grapes and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and onions.
Incense of Mabon: Autumn Blend – benzoin, myrrh and sage.
Colors of Mabon: Red, orange, russet, maroon, brown and gold.
Stones of Mabon: Sapphire, lapis lazuli and yellow agates.
Activities of Mabon: Wine-making, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods, walking in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields, offering libations to trees, adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns, fall flowers and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.
Magic of Mabon: Because of the rare balance of light and dark, this is a special day of magic, particularly spells associated with harmony, balance, protection, prosperity, security and self-confidence.
Deities of Mabon: Goddesses - Modron, Morgan, Epona, Persephone, Pamona and the Muses. Gods - Mabon, Thoth, Thor, Hermes and The Green Man.
Mabon is considered a time of the Mysteries. It is a time to honor aging deities and the spirit world. Considered a time of balance, it is when we pause, relax and enjoy the fruits of our personal harvests, whether they be from toiling in our gardens, working at our jobs, raising our families, or just coping with the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Sources: Akasha, The Celtic Connection and Celtic Holidays and Festivals.
See also “The Autumnal Equinox or Mabon”: whatliesbeyond.boards.net/thread/5934/autumnal-equinox-mabon
“If a Druid Rings the Doorbell”: whatliesbeyond.boards.net/thread/442/druid-rings-doorbell
“Welcoming and Celebrating the Autumnal Equinox”: whatliesbeyond.boards.net/thread/4346/welcoming-celebrating-autumnal-equinox