Other Names
Autumn Equinox, Harvest Home, Second Harvest, Witch’s Thanksgiving
Symbols
cornucopia (horn of plenty), pinecones, seeds
Colors
orange, red, yellow, brown, copper, dark yellow, dark green
Foods
corn, beans, squash, apples, pumpkins, cider, root vegetables, pomegranate, wine
Herbs
yarrow, rosemary, sage, mugwort, rosehips
Stones
amber, citrine, cat’s eye, aventurine, sapphire, jasper
Flowers
sunflowers, thistle, marigolds
Mabon, the modern reconstruction of ancient Pagan festivals surrounding the Autumn Equinox, marks a time when light and dark stand in balance, yet darkness begins to overtake the light. As the second harvest festival, also known as “Witches’ Thanksgiving,” it is a time of gratitude for the abundance of Mother Earth and reflection on the past year. Autumn leaves stir, sunlight wanes over emptying fields, and orchards and pumpkin patches buzz with activity. Hunters venture into forests, while root cellars fill with hardy fruits, vegetables, and preserved goods. Mabon calls for preserving the harvest, taking stock of supplies, and preparing for winter. It’s a time to mend, repair, and charm storage containers for freshness, while working money and safety magick. Attention to household tasks like dusting, shaking out rugs, and storing summer clothes with dried herbs brings a sense of closure and readiness as the season changes.
- host a bonfire for friends and family
- decorate your porch with autumn greenery
- write down your blessings from the past year
- go apple picking
- clean your house and get rid of stagnant energy
- host a potluck Mabon dinner with your favorite people