Mabon/Autumn Equinox
September 21 - 23, 2009 is the season of Mabon. Pronounced “MAY-bon” this marks the Second Harvest of the Celtic/Pagan year.
Mabon is one of eight of the seasonal celebratory days-a sabbat or holy day-in which we celebrate on the wheel of the year. Mabon is seen as the second harvest of the year and it’s also when gardens are in full bloom and full of the bounty of nature. Mabon is our Thanksgiving, where we celebrate the passing of the year and in turn give thanks for everything we’ve been given.
This is the time when the sun God prepares to depart and develop once again in the Mother’s womb. The Goddess, both sad and joyful, will then anxiously wait for his rebirth in the Spring. This is the time when we decorate our altars with various items such as acorns, leaves, pine cones, Indian corn, apples, pomegranate, gourds, and berries. Some of us who are lucky enough to have gardens may also use this time of year to harvest them, bake breads, and gather seeds from vegetables to use for planting next season. Since the rays of the sun are beginning to die, this is also a time to begin honoring the dead by placing apples, acorns, or pine cones on burial sites as well as having joyous celebrations in memoriam to the departed.
It’s a time of joy, for why should we mourn the twilight beauty of the year or dwindling sunlight? We celebrate that which is passing, looking joyously at each and every experience the year has shared with us. And it’s a time to gaze into the bright future. We’re reminded once again of the cyclic universe; endings are merely new beginnings.
We might not harvest and till the fields anymore as our ancestors did, but Mabon and the harvest-our Thanksgiving-means so much more. It’s when the fruits of our labors are gathered and a year well-spent is a rich collection of Blessings, while a year in idle contemplation of nothing leaves you a bitter harvest of regrets.
Every year at this time we at Sacred Journey~Untamed Path rejoice in the second harvest, Mabon/Autumn Equinox. This year is no different. On Saturday, September 19, 2009, our Spirit Family will come together in celebration.
Our ritual theme this year is about forgiveness and release. During this blessed Mabon season, we’ll pause and seek balance as the Earth Mother takes Her short break to balance as well. Mabon is a pivotal season. Time is beginning to change, longer nights and shorter days, things may be left unfinished. There may be regrets for things left undone, for the trips we’ve not yet taken. It’s a time of reflection . . . have we said the words we needed to say to each and every person in our lives? Have we made the most of our year and fulfilled promises and contracts we’ve made?
We’ll take this time to appreciate each warm afternoon filled with the special autumn sunlight eking out through the clouds, and ask ourselves if we have honored Spirit and lived according to our own convictions?
If you would like to join the spirit family of SJUP, please come, share and experience the season of Mabon with us as we take a moment to pause and reflect. You never know what new things you may learn about yourself, your life, your world, and your friends.
For information on how and where to join us for our celebration and ritual, please contact:
Debbie Bailey at: ifthebroomfits@verizon.net