Shipping to Mainland Britain Only 
Mabon: The Autumn Equinox and the Second Harvest
Article Contents
Mabon, celebrated around 21st–24rd September, marks the Autumn Equinox, a time of balance between light and dark. It’s the second harvest festival in the Wheel of the Year (following Lughnasadh and preceding Samhain) and a time to give thanks for the bounty of the earth. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Mabon reminds us that change is inevitable and that we must prepare for the darker months ahead.
Named after Mabon ap Modron, a figure from Welsh mythology, this festival is associated with gratitude, reflection and the changing of the seasons. It is a time to honour both abundance and the need to let go, just as trees shed their leaves in preparation for winter.
Origins of Mabon
While the term Mabon is a relatively modern sabbat (not added to the Wheel of the Year till 1970), the Autumn Equinox has been celebrated for millennia. Neolithic sites like Stonehenge and Newgrange align with the equinox, showing that our ancestors deeply understood and revered this cosmic balance. Modern Druids honour this time as Alban Elfed (“Light of the Water”), recognising the balance of light and dark and preparing for the colder months.
Creating a Mabon altar
A Mabon altar should reflect the rich colours and energy of the season, incorporating symbols of harvest, balance, and preparation. Autumn leaves, acorns and pinecones should be added to represent the changing season and nature’s cycles. Fruits connected to wisdom and abundance, such as apples and berries also work well. Include candles in red, orange and gold to honour the warmth of the season before the cold sets in. Crystals, such as amethyst for balance, citrine for abundance, and carnelian for grounding energy should also be included in a Mabon altar.
Themes and Symbols of Mabon
⚖️ Balance and Equilibrium – The day and night are equal, reminding us of the importance of harmony in our lives.
🌾 The Second Harvest – The fields are full and fruits, grains and vegetables are gathered before the final harvest at Samhain.
🍎 The Apple and the Cycle of Life – Apples are sacred at Mabon, symbolising wisdom, the harvest and the turning of the year.
🕯️ Preparing for the Darker Months – As the nights draw in, we begin to slow down, reflect and prepare for winter’s rest.
🍷 Gratitude and Sharing – Mabon is a time of thanksgiving, when we appreciate what we have and share with others.
How to Celebrate Mabon
🍎 Feast on Seasonal Foods – Celebrate the harvest with apples, pears, blackberries, squash, grains, nuts, wine and cider. Consider making apple pie, spiced mead or roasted root vegetables.
🕯️ Honour the Balance of Light and Dark – Light a black candle and a white candle to symbolise the equal length of day and night.
🍂 Reflect and Give Thanks – Write a gratitude list or take a moment to appreciate the blessings of the year.
🌾 Harvest and Preserve Food – If you have a garden or allotment, gather what’s ready and begin preserving fruits and vegetables for winter.
🔮 Perform Divination – The shifting energy of Mabon makes it an ideal time for tarot readings, scrying or rune casting to gain insight into the coming months.
🏡 Declutter and Prepare Your Home – Just as nature sheds what is no longer needed, this is a great time to tidy your home, donate items and create a cosy space for the colder months.
Final thoughts
Mabon is a time to slow down, reflect, and honour the balance of life. It teaches us to embrace change, give thanks for what we have and prepare for what’s ahead. Whether you feast, light candles or simply take a walk in nature, Mabon offers a moment to pause and connect with the turning of the Wheel.
