Table of contents
The significance of Mabon in the annual cycle
The abduction of Persephone and her whereabouts in the Underworld
The significance of Mabon for spiritual connection
Mabon, the autumn harvest festival
Pausing for a moment with a grateful heart on Mabon
Mabon ritual – Autumnal equinox: Feeling gratitude
Questions for self-reflection on Mabon
Autumnal equinox (Sun Festival)
At this time of year, the harvest is brought in and the busy summer draws to a close. We have grown, reaped the fruits of our labour and can now enjoy them. It is a time of gratitude and joy, of vitality and sharing. It also marks the beginning of our winter retreat. Late summer and the early days of autumn, with their gentle sunshine, invite us to rest, turn inwards and slowly slip into a phase of regeneration.
The significance of Mabon in the annual cycle
Mabon is an important festival in the annual cycle, marking the transition from summer to autumn. It is a time for reflection and contemplation on the year that has passed, and an opportunity to prepare for the coming season. During this time, we are encouraged to find an individual and authentic form of self-expression and to courageously live out our creative processes.
The origins of Mabon
Mabon has its roots in Welsh mythology and is named after Mabon ap Modron, a Welsh god. His name “Mabon” literally means “son” in Welsh. In Welsh mythology, Mabon is a mythological hero who was born to his mother Modron and abducted as a child. He was eventually rescued and, as a young adult, became a hero who overcame various adventures. Mabon is often associated with autumn and the harvest, which may have contributed to his veneration during the festival of Mabon, celebrated at the time of the autumn equinox.
The story of Persephone
The story of Mabon and Persephone is closely linked to the festival of the autumn equinox. Persephone, the goddess of fertility and spring, leaves the world of the living in autumn to join her lover Hades in the underworld. Mabon, the “Great Son”, is Persephone’s counterpart and recalls the cycle of life and the importance of family. The myth of Persephone and the birth of the seasons:
The myth of Persephone, which gives rise to the seasons, is a powerful narrative that has been passed down through the centuries. It tells of the cyclical nature of life and the changing of the seasons, and how deeply these are interwoven with the divine.
The abduction of Persephone and her whereabouts in the Underworld
Hades fell madly in love with the beautiful young girl Persephone and could not resist the temptation to make her his wife. Meanwhile, Demeter, Persephone’s mother, was distraught and searched everywhere for her daughter.
Unfortunately for Persephone, she was unable to return to the earth. She had already eaten several pomegranate seeds from the underworld, and it was a divine law that whoever partook of the fruits of the underworld was never to leave it.
This story is closely linked to the Eleusinian Mysteries, the most important religious rituals of ancient Greece. These rituals were shrouded in mystery and were intended to evoke the essence of life and death, the underworld and eternity.
The traditions of Mabon
The Mabon celebrations include a variety of traditions, such as dancing, playing games and lighting fires. These activities symbolise the transition from summer to autumn and the days growing shorter. The autumn equinox festival is a time to seek protection and security and to foster self-confidence. The swan is the symbol of the autumn equinox and represents a soul that is immortal and can serve as a guide in the afterlife. On a personal level, the swan encourages us to look within and find a balance between the conflicting forces of light and darkness.
The significance of Mabon for spiritual connection
Mabon is a time to take a step back, reflect on the year and honour the cycle of life. It is an opportunity to strengthen our connection to the spirit world and to connect with our spiritual guides and ancestors. Through the power of this festival, we can foster a sense of inner peace, harmony and connection to our higher self.
Mabon, the autumn harvest festival
On 22 September, the equinox is celebrated, marking the beginning of astronomical autumn. In the Celtic and neo-pagan calendars, this is known as Mabon. It is a festival of initiation and symbolises the attainment of a new level of consciousness.
This festival was also known as Michaelmas, in honour of the Archangel Michael, the Archangel of Fire, and in ancient times the Great Mysteries of Eleusis were also held in September. Mabon is the second festival dedicated to the autumn harvest. It is celebrated when the production cycle comes to an end, the leaves slowly turn yellow and the animals begin to build up reserves in preparation for the arrival of the cold months. Many migratory birds now head south.
According to legend, Mabon, a god of Welsh origin, is abducted by his mother, Modron (The Great Mother), and then freed by King Arthur, although Mabon was a happy captive the whole time. This symbolic abduction represents the period of “incubation”, during which the god “enters” his mother, sacrificing himself in this sense and thus entering the world of shadows, the underworld or the afterlife, where he remains until his rebirth in spring. The god now stands on the threshold of this realm and thus represents the transition from life to death; yet he carries within him the seed of the promise of life, renewal and rebirth.
Indeed, at this time of year the sun grows ever weaker, the days grow shorter and we prepare for winter, which is the longest and most challenging season.
Following the Great Eleusinian Mysteries, Demeter sends her daughter Persephone down into the underworld, and whilst she prepares for her descent into Hades, the time of the spirit is also drawing near for us.
Let us live through this time of year without pointless regrets, but rather in contentment, abundance, well-being and with a sense of a job well done, with the promise of continuity, just as the ancients did, who performed rituals at this time of year to thank the earth for the harvest and to pray for as mild a winter as possible.
Pausing for a moment with a grateful heart on Mabon
Harvest time is also an opportunity to take stock: we can truly assess the fruits we have reaped through our work. At this time of year, as we celebrate the second major harvest – the richest and juiciest, namely the grape harvest and the picking of the fleshier fruits – we are also invited to connect with a sense of gratitude towards Mother Earth.
In this context, “taking stock” also means bringing a balance between the masculine and feminine energies within us into our own lives. Let us honour the balance that prevails in nature, its harmony and beauty, and in this way prepare ourselves for the transition into the sign of Libra, whose energy envelops the Earth from 22 September, the autumnal equinox.
It is time for us to begin a journey within ourselves, accompanied by the darkness that is advancing and prompting us to reflect on the mysteries of transformation through death. This quality of time invites us to let the old within us die, in order to make room for the inner harvest and allow a new balance to emerge.
Mabon ritual – Autumnal equinox: Feeling gratitude
Objective
This ritual invites you to take a grateful look at your life and consciously recognise the healing effect and power of this feeling. It also creates a field of gratitude and clarity in your home.
Duration
approx. 20 minutes
Incense blend
1/3 dammar, 1/3 rose petals and 1/3 St John’s wort
This incense blend has a heart-opening and clarifying effect and helps you to achieve a deep state of relaxation during the ritual.
Preparation
Prepare your incense burner mindfully. Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your heart, and feel your inner clarity. Consciously recognise your strength and relax completely. Pay attention to the rhythm of your heart. Carry out the exercise as soon as you are at one with your heartbeat.
Procedure
Note: You can commit the scenes described to memory and then visualise them, or record the text and use the recording as a guide whilst undertaking the journey.
Stay relaxed.
Now slowly look back on your past and think of everything in your life – people, situations, places – for which you can feel gratitude.
Consciously feel this gratitude and experience a deep sense of relaxation.
Imagine yourself in a meadow.
You are sitting under a tree laden with fruit, which symbolises all the positive events in your life as well as your talents.
The tree’s crown is still full of buds, just waiting to blossom.
The flowers symbolise the countless opportunities for growth and the gifts that life still has in store for you.
Feel the loving and powerful support of the tree, which strengthens your back.
Think back from the start of the year to the present day.
What gifts has this year brought you?
In what ways has your wisdom deepened and evolved?
Relax completely and feel empowered, mindful and free.
Focus your attention on your heart chakra once more.
Then open your eyes.
At the end of the ritual, consciously take the time to write a list of things you are grateful for. Take your time when carrying out this part of the ritual. Then burn the list and, as a sign of your gratitude, scatter the ashes to the wind in a meadow. This gesture is also an invitation to a blessed future.
Rituals for Mabon
Mabon is a festival named after Mabon ap Modron, a Welsh god. It is often celebrated around the autumn equinox and marks the beginning of the darker half of the year. The festival is often regarded as a time of harvest and preparation for winter, and offers an opportunity for reflection and letting go of the old.
Here are some suggestions for rituals and other ways to celebrate Mabon:
Harvest thanksgiving meal
Mabon is a time to celebrate the harvest, and a harvest thanksgiving meal is a wonderful way to do so. Gather friends and family and prepare a feast using seasonal produce, such as pumpkins, apples, pears and grapes.
Gratitude
Mabon is also a time to be grateful for what you have achieved over the past year. Sit down and make a list of everything you are grateful for, then burn it in a ritual.
Herbs and spices
Use herbs and spices associated with autumn to add flavour to your rituals and dishes. For example, use cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger.
Nature walk
Go for a walk in nature and collect leaves, chestnuts, acorns and other symbols of autumn. Then use them in your rituals or decorations.
Letting go of the old
Use Mabon to let go of the old and make room for the new. Write down on paper what you want to let go of, and then burn it in a ritual.
Ancestor veneration
Mabon is a time to honour our ancestors and remember their wisdom and experiences. Use images or symbols of your ancestors in your ritual and make space for them on your altar.
Incense
Use incense associated with autumn, such as cedar, frankincense or sage, to give your ritual a special atmosphere.
These ideas can help you celebrate Mabon in a personal and meaningful way.
Questions for self-reflection on Mabon
What have I harvested over the past year, and what am I grateful for?
What do I need to let go of in order to prepare myself for new experiences in the coming year?
How can I strengthen my connection to nature and its rhythms?
What can I do to honour my ancestors and their wisdom, and to connect with them?
How can I express my gratitude for the abundance of life?
What goals do I want to achieve in the coming year, and how can I achieve them?
How can I use my creativity and my skills to create something new?
What can I do to strengthen my relationships with my loved ones?
How can I keep my mind and body healthy in the coming year?
How can I strengthen my spirituality and deepen my connection with the divine?
In summary, Mabon is an important occasion to celebrate the harvest, prepare for winter and attune ourselves to the new. It also offers an opportunity for self-reflection and for giving thanks for everything we have achieved over the past year. We can perform rituals, prepare a harvest thanksgiving meal, go for walks in nature and honour our ancestors to strengthen our connection to nature and the divine.
I hope this article has given you some ideas and inspiration for celebrating Mabon in a personal and meaningful way. If you enjoyed the article, I’d be delighted if you shared it on social media. And if you have any further ideas or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment. Thank you very much and have a blessed Mabon!
Bibliography
De las Heras, Brigitta (2020): Die Reise durch den Jahreskreis: Rituale, Fantasiereisen und Tänze zu den acht keltischen Jahreskreisfesten. Darmstadt: Schirner Verlag, 1st edition.
Hutton, Ronald. (1996): The Stations of the Sun: A History of the Ritual Year in Britain. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Kaiser, Martina (2018): Der Jahreskreis: Den Rhythmus der Natur als unsere Kraftquelle nutzen. Bielefeld: Aurum, 9th ed.
Kondratiev, Alexei (1998): The Apple Branch: A Path to Celtic Ritual. San Francisco: Collins.
McColman, Carl (2014): The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Paganism. New York: Alpha Books.
Walker, Barbara (1996): The Women’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets. New York City: Castle Books.
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