Mabon Ritual
By Willow Woods
23
Among the many paths of pagan spirituality, Mabon is known by different names and practices. Mabon, Alban Elfed, Moon Festival and Second Harvest are among a few of the names associated with the Autumn Equinox.
September 21st is the approximate day on which Mabon is celebrated. This may vary a few days depending on the year, and this year it is actually on the 23rd of September. This is when both night and day share equal times with each other, embracing each other for change. For myself, the Autumn Equinox is celebrated in honor of what I have planted and reaped in both my garden crops and my personal life.
With so many various ways to celebrate Mabon available, I will present here a simple ritual typical of what I usually do. Please remember that however you celebrate Mabon or the Autumn Equinox, it is the right way for you. We all have ways and rituals that connect and resonate within us differently.
To begin with, I usually have a homemade beeswax candle that I have made. The making of candles is something I do for multiple uses. When I get beeswax, I used pure unstrained wax. In my garden I have sage and lavender amongst other assortments of herbs, and flowers that can be used for different things such as teas, to dry and put in candles or baths. Really depends on what I need to use the herbs for. I use sage and lavender together in a small wrapped dried bundle to cleanse, calm, purify space, persons etc. You can combine different herbs, flowers and create your own. I harvest them and hang them to dry. Some people lay the herbs on a tray and turn every day till dried. The amount I use is about the length of my hand and about as wide as two fingers.
I always go out in the morning and harvest the remaining food from the garden. Some items are to use as my way of honoring the second harvest, because I do follow a very eclectic way. The first harvest I honour for the early vegetables and fruit, and grain that ripens early, is the August 1st Lammas or Lughnasadh. First harvest I give thanks and look to the gifts of the garden that are coming in the 2nd and last harvest.
I then reflect and write down on a piece of paper what changes have happened this year, as well what crops I planted and reaped. I usually go for a hike in the woods during the day or early evening to collect pieces of trees that have dropped to the ground. I ask permission before I gather the pieces. After I gather the pieces I also thank the tree spirits. This wood is used for the ritual fire.