Mabon, the second of three Celtic harvest festivals takes place on the Autumnal equinox. It’s a time of balance as light and dark are equal. But from this point light dwindles as the cold, dark days of winter approach. This is a time of great celebration and thanksgiving for all the good that has come from the year. A witch’s thanksgiving feast can consist of much the same fare as a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner, but also includes many fruits and games of the harvest as we celebrate the bounty that the land has given to us. This is a time to lie back and enjoy the fruits of your labors.

As apples are sacred to this time of the year, it is also known as The Feast of Avalon for Avalon is the only place where the apple tree is in perfect balance – always being in flower and always being in fruit. Also known as The Isle of Apples, this mysterious otherworldly place shrouded by a protective veiling of mist is where King Arthur is said to sleep, awaiting a time to rise when he is needed once again. Arthur, who sacrificed himself for the protection of Britain, is a fitting symbol as the pagan god for whom this festival is named sacrificed himself knowing that only through his death could he be reborn of the goddess at Yule.

As Arthur journeyed to Avalon to be healed of his wounds, so too can we take an inward journey through meditation. As we pass through the veil of mist and across the lake and are greeted by The Lady of the Lake, she may take us to the Crone stirring her cauldron who may have healing or words of wisdom to impart.

ASSOCIATIONS
· Animals: blackbird, owl, eagle
· Colors: orange, red, deep gold, russet, violet, indigo
· Element: water
· Food: grains products, berries, nuts, seeds, grapes, apples, root vegetable, wine, cider
· Plants: oak tree, hazel, mums, marigold, rose, sage, aster, ivy, cedar
· Power: balance, beauty, joy, thanksgiving

DECORATIONS
· Fall flowers such as mums and asters, fall leaves, grapevine
· Gourds and pumpkins
· Cornucopias and horns of plenty

ACTIVITIES
· Gather ripe seed pods and dried flower heads from the garden
· Put up applebutter made with freshly picked apples
· Eat a pork roast with roasted root vegetables and apple pie for dinner
· Give thanks and make offerings to the land for all of the blessings your received

MABON INCENSE
2 Parts Frankincense - protection, spirituality
1 Part Sandalwood - protection, healing, spirituality
1 Part cedar – money, purification
1 Part Juniper – health and beauty
1 Part Pine - purifying and cleansing, protection, healing, money
1/2 Part cinnamon - success, healing, psychic powers.
a few drops of Oakmoss - drawing of money
a few drops of apple blossom – to promote happiness

Posted in: The Wheel of the Year