Green Child Magazine Fall 2014 | Page 12

Giving Thanks Together • balancing opposites, especially the scientific, aesthetic, and symbolic senses of light and darkness in balance • food, plenty, and gratitude • building and celebrating community through sharing food and labor • preparing for winter practically, emotionally, and spiritually For some faiths, the solstices and equinoxes are important holidays. In these traditions, the autumnal equinox takes on several names, including Mabon, Harvest Home, and Alban Elfed. People give thanks for the sunlight and the fruits of the earth, recognize that we must share those fruits as we enter the harsher months, and prepare to turn inward in the winter darkness, to which they pay their respects. Wiccans honor the cycle of life as they reflect on the Goddess transitioning from Mother to Crone. One Mabon myth tells of the Sun King