All About Mabon, the Autumn Equinox
Mabon is the time of the autumn equinox, and the harvest is
winding down. The fields are nearly empty, because the crops have been
plucked and stored for the coming winter. Mabon is the mid-harvest
festival, and it is when we take a few moments to honor the changing
seasons, and celebrate the second harvest. On or around September 21,
for many Pagan and Wiccan traditions it is a time of giving thanks for
the things we have, whether it is abundant crops or other blessings.
How To Hold a Mabon Apple Harvest Rite
Mabon, the Autumn Equinox,
is celebrated in many ways around the world. It is a day of balance,
with equal amounts of darkness and light, but soon, winter will arrive.
In some Wiccan traditions, it marks the time when the Sun King descends
into the underworld, from which he will be reborn at Yule.
In
many pantheons, the apple is a symbol of the Divine. Apple trees are
representative of wisdom and guidance. This apple ritual will allow you
time to thank the gods for their bounty and blessings, and to enjoy the
magic of the earth before the winds of winter blow through.
Here's How:
Decorate your altar with symbols of the
season -- a basket of gourds or small pumpkins, colorful fall leaves,
acorns, vines, grapes or blackberries. You'll also need a pair of
orange candles to symbolize the harvest, a cup of cider or wine, and an
apple.
If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.
Light
your harvest candles. Face the altar and hold the apple in both hands.
If you can do this rite outside, raise the apple up to the sky, and
feel the wisdom and energy of the gods coming to you. Say:
The apple is sacred, a symbol of the gods,
and holds the knowledge of the ancients inside.
Tonight I ask the gods to bless me with their wisdom.
Slice the apple in half across the middle. Where the seeds are, you
will see a five-pointed star. Place the two halves in the center of
your altar.
Say:
Five points in a star, hidden inside.
One for earth, one for air, one for fire,
one for water, and the last for spirit.
Turn to the north, arms raised to the heavens, and say:
The world passes from light into darkness,
and the golden fields of the earth bring the promise
of food and nourishment through the winter.
Face east, and say:
I stand on the threshold of the darkness,
and know that the summer breezes give way to autumn chill,
which bring forth the blazes of color in the trees.
Next, turn to the south and say:
I call upon the wise ones, the ancient gods,
as the sun moves away and fire fades,
to be replaced with the chill of the night.
Finally, face west, and say:
I will reflect on the guidance of the gods,
and let the cool autumn rains wash over me,
cleansing my heart and soul.
Raise the cup of wine or cider to the sky, and toast the gods. Say:
The wild god returns this night to the belly of the Mother.
The mother goddess tonight becomes the Crone.
As the Wheel of the Year turns, the earth dies a bit each day.
I willingly follow the old gods into the darkness,
where they will watch over me, protect me, and keep me safe.
Sip from the cup, and as you drink your wine or cider, think about the
power and energy of the Divine, in whatever aspect you choose to honor.
Extinguish one of the candles, and say:
The wild god has gone to rest in the Underworld.
I look to the darkness for renewal and rebirth.
Extinguish the other candle, and say:
The mother goddess has entered her most powerful stage.
She is the Crone, the wise one, and I ask for her blessing.
Stand in the darkness for a moment. Reflect upon all the changes that
are to come, and those things that will stay constant. Feel the energy
of the gods as you connect to them, and understand that even though
winter is coming, the light will return again.
When you are ready, end the ritual.
