Mabon
21 March
Mabon, the autumn equinox, is a pivotal moment of balance in the waxing and waning of light and dark in the year. On this day, the hours of daylight and night-time are equal as the sun shines for equal amounts above and below the horizon. Mabon also marks the second harvest, a time of gathering the fruits of labour and preparing for the coming winter.
Pagans celebrate Mabon as a ritual of gratitude, honouring the abundance of the harvest, cherishing home and family, and valuing the warmth and comfort of community. This Sabbat is an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and purpose of one's spiritual path as a Witch and reaffirm a commitment to the Craft.
According to Pagan lore, the Goddess mourns the God at this time even while She carries Him within Her, as He is destined to be reborn again at Yule. The foods of Mabon are those of late harvest - fruits, nuts, grains, and vegetables. Traditional activities include food preservation through canning, drying, and pickling to ensure sustenance through the winter.
Mabon invites us to express gratitude for the abundance in our lives and for those who enrich our lives. It is a time for reflection, balance, and preparing for the coming season of rest.