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The Wiccan Calendar: Mabon (Autumn Equinox)

by Lisa Chamberlain

When is Mabon: September 21-24
Mabon pronunciation: MAY-bun, MAH-bun, MAY-vhon, or MAH-bawn
Themes: harvest, gratitude, abundance, balance, preparation, welcoming the dark
Also known as: Autumnal Equinox, Fall Equinox, September Equinox, Harvest Tide, Harvest Home, Harvest Festival, Wine Harvest, Feast of Avalon, Alben Elfed, Meán Fómhair, Gwyl canol Hydref

Mabon falls on the Autumn Equinox and is the second of the three harvest festivals (Lammas, Mabon, and Samhain). Just like Ostara on the opposite side of the Wheel of the Year, at Mabon the days and nights are of equal length. Though it’s typically celebrated on Sept 22 , the exact moment of the Equinox varies from year to year. This is due to a slight misalignment between the Gregorian calendar and the actual rate of the Earth’s rotation around the Sun. The Equinox also occurs at differing local times, so that depending on where you live, it may fall the day before or after the date listed on any given calendar. For this reason, a date range of September 21-24 is often cited in sources on the Wheel of the Year.

Though temperatures may still be warm during the day, summer has truly come to an end. The leaves on deciduous trees have begun to turn colors and fall to the ground, and there is a chill in the evening air. The days were longer than the nights until this moment, and after this the nights will begin their reign. The God is making his exit from the stage of the seasons, heading toward his symbolic death at Samhain in just a few short weeks. As with Ostara, the theme of balance is highlighted here, reminding us that everything is temporary, that no season lasts forever, and that neither dark nor light ever overpowers the other for long.

Wicca Sabbats

All Sabbats are occasions to express gratitude to the God and Goddess for the blessings in our lives, but Mabon is particularly so, coming at the height of the harvest season. Traditionally, this was a very busy and physically exhausting time. This holiday provided a brief rest from toiling in the fields—a day to sit back and enjoy the fruits of the labor thus far. In these modern times, most of us are not involved in agriculture, but we can still take a moment to rest from our labor and relax, appreciating all that we have. It is a time to recognize the need for balance between work and play.

But how should you celebrate Mabon? For starters, Mabon rituals can include decorating your altar with acorns, pine cones, seasonal fruits and nuts, and/or a few of the first colored leaves that drop from the trees. As with Lamas, harvest imagery like scythes and baskets can be used. Candles and altar cloths in autumn colors like rusty red, orange, brown, and gold are appropriate. If you have a feast, whether solo or with others, include seasonal vegetables like onions, potatoes, carrots and other root vegetables. Spellwork related to protection and security is appropriate now, as are workings for self-confidence, prosperity, harmony and balance. If you are one who struggles with seasonal depression during the fall and winter months, use this time to set an intention for inner peace and strength. You might make and charge a talisman for this purpose, to accompany you through the next two seasons.

Other names for this day include Harvest Tide, Harvest Home, Second Harvest and Wine Harvest. Some Pagans simply refer to it as the Autumn (or Fall) Equinox. The name “Mabon” is a rather recent name for the Sabbat, coming into usage in the late 20th century. Mabon was a Welsh mythological figure whose origins are connected to a divine “mother and son” pair, echoing the dual nature of the relationship between the Goddess and the God. Whichever name you choose, enjoy your celebration and give thanks for the bounty of the Earth.

Learn More About the Wheel of the Year:

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Wicca Living
Menu
  • Home
  • Getting Started
    • Frequently Asked Questions About Wicca, Witchcraft, and Magic
    • What is Wicca?
    • What is Witchcraft?
    • Are Wiccans Really Witches?
    • What is Paganism?
    • What is Magic? (And Magick?)
    • What’s the Difference Between Black Magic and White Magic?
    • Is Wicca Connected to Satanism?
    • What is Known of the History of Wicca?
    • Close
  • Wiccan Magic
    • A Beginners Guide to Wiccan Magic
    • Candle Magic
      • A Beginners Guide to Candle Magic: A Wiccan Overview
      • Candle Magic Spell for Beginners
      • Magical Properties of Colors
      • Close
    • Crystal Magic
      • A Beginners Guide to Crystal Magic: A Wiccan Overview
      • Crystal Magic Spell for Beginners
      • Magical Properties of Crystals and Other Minerals
      • Close
    • Herbal Magic
      • A Beginners Guide to Herbal Magic: A Wiccan Overview
      • A Herbal Magic Spell for Beginners
      • Magical Properties of Herbs
      • Close
    • Oil Magic
      • A Beginners Guide to Magical Oils: Essential Oils Magic
      • How to Make Your Own Magical Oil Blends
      • Close
    • Moon Magic
    • The Book of Shadows: A Modern Grimoire
    • Magic and the Law of Attraction
    • Wiccan Guide to Tarot
    • The Ancient Runes
    • Close
  • Core Wiccan Beliefs
    • Introduction to the Core Wiccan Beliefs
    • Deities of Wicca
      • The Wiccan Goddess and God
      • Triple Goddess: Maiden, Mother, and Crone
      • The Oak King and the Holly King: Aspects of the God
      • Working with Ancient Deities
      • Close
    • The Classical Elements in Wicca
      • The Earth Element
      • The Water Element
      • The Fire Element
      • The Air Element
      • The Spirit Element (Akasha)
      • Close
    • The Wiccan Rede
    • The Threefold Law
    • Close
  • Wiccan Ritual
    • An Introduction to Wiccan Rituals
    • Tools of Magic: Ritual Tools and the Wiccan Altar
      • Wiccan Altar
      • Athame
      • Bell
      • Boline
      • Broom (Besom)
      • Cauldron
      • Chalice
      • Incense
      • Pentacle
      • Wand
      • Close
    • Setting Up the Altar and Casting the Circle
    • The Book of Shadows: A Modern Grimoire
    • Clearing and Charging Your Ritual Tools
    • Clothing and Ritual Attire
    • Close
  • Wheel of the Year
    • The Wiccan Sabbats
      • Yule (Winter Solstice)
      • Imbolc
      • Ostara (Spring Equinox)
      • Beltane
      • Litha (Summer Solstice)
      • Lammas / Lughnasadh
      • Mabon (Autumn Equinox)
      • Samhain
      • Close
    • Wiccan Esbats
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    • Covens, Circles, and Solitary Practitioners
    • Wiccan Initiation and Self-Dedication
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  • Learn More
    • About
    • Recommended Reading List
    • Free Wicca Audiobooks
    • Books by Lisa Chamberlain
    • Contact
    • Close