Mabon sabbat is once again upon us. It is the second harvest of the year and the autumnal equinox. It is the completion of the harvest that began at Lughnasadh. At this time of the year grapes are harvested. The Greek God Dionysus who is the Lord of the Drink is honored at this time. The autumn equinox marks the first day of the Fall season. It occurs when the sun enters 0 degrees into the zodiac sign of Libra. At this time day and night are of equal length. So this is a time to celebrate balance in our lives. During this time we notice the day light begins to decline and nature slows down her bounty. We start to sense the impending dark that is to come with the dark part of the year approaching.
Many cultures around the world celebrate this second harvest just under different names. In Celtic countries, the main crops harvested are grapes and apples. This was the original American Thanksgiving until it was moved by Franklin Roosevelt to the second to last Thursday in November. In Africa the crop of the time is yams. The South Americans harvest corn around this time. Whatever the crop, it is a time of celebration and thanksgiving for the bounty that he earth has given.
Mabon Activities
There are many ways to celebrate this harvest festival. Some of them are:
- Making wine
- Offering libations to the trees
- Leaf rubbings
- Decorate the altar with leaves, apples, seeds
- Make apple cider
- Apple picking
- Bonfires
- Nature walk