Autumn Equinox, Mabon & the Second Harvest: All About the Fall Celebration
from Episode 36
In seed time, learn… In harvest time, teach… In winter, enjoy. – William Blake
This I quote that can be found in Gail Bussi’s Enchanted Kitchen: Connect to Spirit with Recipes & Rituals Through the Year – in the September section – and I think it captures of the spirit of the shift that is happening right now…
Because depending upon where you live, you may have noticed some humidity lifting, a slightly more golden glow settling in with the sunrise each morning, some late vegetation ripening, leaves beginning to turn from green to shades of yellow, burnt orange and even firey red, or even falling to the ground and getting caught up in the wind, making the all too familiar rustling sound along the ground, and temperatures beginning to drop, every so slightly. It’s the coming of autumn; the equinox taking place when the sun enters Libra.
Libra represented by the scales and having much to do with seeking balance is nothing less than the perfect zodiac sign to usher us into autumn - on the day when both night and day are equal again, perfectly balanced on the wheel of the year. And this, of course, is where the word equinox gets its name.
So, lets take a close look at this Autumnal Equinox - opposite the Spring Equinox, taking place in the southern hemisphere - the Second Harvest and the Wheel of the year celebration known as Mabon.
By definition, the Autumn Equinox, also known as the Fall Equinox, is an astronomical event that occurs twice a year - along with the vernal or spring equinox - when the plane of the Earth's equator passes through the center of the sun. During this time, day and night are approximately of equal length, marking the transition from summer to autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and the transition from winter to spring in the Southern Hemisphere. The specific date of the Autumn Equinox typically falls around September 21st - 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere.
In many Pagan, Witchcraft and Folk traditions, the Autumn Equinox is also referred to as the "Second Harvest." This name reflects the agricultural and seasonal significance of this time of year.
The concept of the Second Harvest is closely tied to the idea of giving thanks for the bounty of the land and preparing for the coming winter months. This is celebrated as a sacred time that celebrates both life and death, light and dark, reflecting the time of year when day and night are once again equal – but also emphasizing the truth of our existence… that we live but must die… and that is reflected in the cycle of the earth as we see it before us. Many of our food source has ripened for harvest at this time and, in the coming months, this growth and vegetation will die off as the earths grows dormant - only to go through a rebirth again in the spring.
It is this cycle that has inspired countless mythologies, folk tales and even religious practices. What a wonderful thing to be so connected to and inspired by the cycles of our beautiful earth and its seasonal changes!
Some common ways that we nature-loving, spiritual folks, witches or otherwise, reflect during this time is:
Harvest Celebration:
The Autumn Equinox is seen as a time to celebrate the fruits of the year's labor in the fields. It's a time when the second major harvest of the year takes place, with crops such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts being gathered from the land. This bountiful harvest is symbolic of the abundance of nature.
Thanksgiving (not the American holiday)
Just as Thanksgiving, in some cultures, is a time for expressing gratitude for the harvest and blessings of the year, the Second Harvest or Autumnal Equinox is a time for pagans and witches to give thanks to the Earth and the deities or forces they honor in their spiritual practice. It's a time to acknowledge the Earth's generosity and the interconnectedness of all living things. This also serves as a healing substitute for the American Thanksgiving, which is not without a dark and unsavory history.
Mabon is sometimes informally referred to as the "Witch's Thanksgiving" because it is a modern pagan festival that shares some similarities with the traditional Thanksgiving holidays celebrated in North America. And while the celebrations have very different cultural and historical origins, they both center around themes of gratitude, abundance, and giving thanks for the harvest.
Balance and Equilibrium:
The Autumn Equinox is characterized by nearly equal lengths of day and night. This balance between light and darkness is symbolic of the need for harmony and equilibrium in our lives. It's a time for introspection and finding balance in one's own life and spiritual journey. This is a significant and recurring lesson in life.
Preparation for Winter:
As the days grow shorter and colder after the equinox, this is a time to prepare for the challenges of winter. Where once it was a reminder to store food, gather firewood, and make practical preparations for the colder months ahead, it is now, symbolically, a time to reflect on one's own inner reserves and prepare for the challenges of the darker, introspective season.
Rituals and Traditions:
Many magickal practitioners hold rituals and ceremonies during the Autumn Equinox to mark the Second Harvest. These rituals often include offerings of fruits and vegetables, the lighting of candles or lanterns, and the giving of thanks. Some may also incorporate divination or meditation to gain insight into the coming season. Rituals can be as simple as sitting outside, grounding yourself and quietly practicing gratitude. It doesn’t have to be grand or formal and it doesn’t have to go by a set of rules. It need only feel right and appropriate to the practitioner. This is as much a time of reflection as it is a time of celebration. So, if you’re feeling more reflective and less celebratory, that’s perfectly OK.
Overall, the concept of the Second Harvest at the Autumn Equinox is a way for those who follow these spiritual traditions to connect with the cycles of nature, express gratitude for the Earth's abundance, and seek balance and harmony in their lives as the seasons change. It's a time of reflection, celebration, and preparation for the winter months ahead.
Mabon is the designated name for this one of the eight seasonal festivals that make up the Wheel of the Year in many Wiccan and neopagan traditions. These festivals, also referred to as the Sabbats, are celebrated by many modern practitioners to mark the changing of the seasons. Mabon specifically represents the Autumnal Equinox, which typically occurs around September 21st - 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere.
While honoring the Autumnal Equinox is a millennia-old tradition, the name "Mabon" (typically pronounced MAY’bn) is relatively new in the context of modern Paganism and Wicca. In fact, it was officially coined in the 1970s by Aidan Kelly, a prominent Wiccan writer and practitioner, as he sought to establish a more Western-European inspired set of holidays to suit his own preferences. Per his own account, Kelly chose this name in an attempt to emulate the myth of Persephone with a character from Welsh mythology.
Interestingly, the term “Wheel of the Year” itself was only just conceived of in 1835 by German writer, Jacob Grimm - a scholar who focused heavily on the gods and myths known to the Germanic tribes with heavy Celtic influences. The term was later popularized during the rise of Wicca, which was founded by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that Aidan Kelly reworked the concept of the Wheel of the Year, after combing through Germanic, Gaelic, and Brittonic mythologies to find stories that satisfied his own preferences. In doing so, he came up with the name for Mabon, as well as Ostara and Litha. The remaining wheel celebrations had already been given Gaelic-derived, Celtic-inspired names, except for Yule, which is Germanic in origin.
So, in taking inspiration from the story of Persephone and substituting a character from Welsh mythology, Aiden Kelly created what he perceived to be a cohesive set of Wheel of the Year celebrations - undeniably appropriative as this act may have been. This Welsh character is none other than Mabon ap Modron (ap meaning son of the mother), prominent figure with ties to King Arthur, who was stolen from his mother when he was only three nights old and imprisoned in an underwater dungeon. Following this story, he is not seen or heard of from again until he is freed in the tale of Culhwch ac Olwen in the Mabinogi – a collection of Welsh stories.
We can detect some similarity here to the story of Persephone - and the seasons for that matter - who was also taken from her mother, Demeter, and made to live in the underworld for half the year, bringing about the seasons of Autumn and Winter and then the Spring and Summer when she returned to earth.
Mabon ap Modron is often associated with the divine child and is sometimes likened to the concept of the "Divine Youth" in Celtic mythology, as his name literally translates to ‘the divine son of a divine mother.’ This is one of the supporting reasons why some scholars believe he may be related to a Gaulish Celtic deity called Maponos, as both of their names mean ‘divine son,’ ‘divine youth,’ or ‘great son.’
Looking even closer, we can gather that much of what we do know about Gaulish Celtic deities today comes from the accounts of Romans, like that of Julius Caesar. As a result, many deities have been conflated with Roman ones. For example, Caesar drew comparisons from this Gaulish Maponos to the Greco-Roman Apollo, a god of the son, medicine, music, and poetry, and the brother to Artemis, a moon deity.
When we consider these facts, the confusing conclusion is that the story of Mabon himself has no real connection with the spirit and energy of the autumn equinox and many would agree that Aiden Kelly’s choice was lacking in any true relationship with ancient tradition or mythology. In short, it really doesn’t make a whole lot of sense unless we agree that he simply made it up. However, the immense popularity of the Wheel of the Year and it’s 8 festivals have lead to the widespread use of this name, and others, for some time now.
If you do celebrate Mabon – as many do – you will find that the means of celebration and activities involved are almost identical to those of many Autumnal Equinox celebrations.
Technical differences aside, both celebrations tend to involve harvests feasts and gestures of gratitude, offerings to the earth, outdoor activities like apple picking, nature walks and responsible foraging, creating and decorating altars to honor the seasonal change or personal deities, rituals to acknowledge the shifting energies of the seasons and to promote balance in life and in all things and, of course, the enjoyment of spiced cider or mulled wine.
So, no, Mabon, by its name is not rooted in ancient tradition, like Samhain or Beltane, but the Autumn Equinox is as ancient as it gets and so are it’s celebrations, worldwide. The common thread between these observations is a celebration of the harvest and a recognition of the changing seasons and energies at this time of year.
The simplest difference between the two…
The Autumn Equinox, also known as the Fall Equinox, is an astronomical event in September that occurs when the plane of the Earth's equator passes through the center of the sun. During this time, day and night are approximately of equal length, marking the transition from summer to autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and winter to spring in the Southern Hemisphere. The specific date of this occurrence typically falls around September 21st - 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere and it is celebrated worldwide in agricultural communities, amongst indigenous peoples, in various spiritual and magickal traditions and beyond.
Mabon, on the other hand, is a modern Pagan and Wiccan festival that is celebrated on or around the time of the Autumn Equinox. It is one of the eight Sabbats that make up the Wheel of the Year in these spiritual traditions and is a cultural and religious celebration that draws inspiration from various mythologies and folklore, particularly Celtic and Welsh sources. It is widely celebrated in the magickal community, specifically among those having Wiccan or neopagan origins or influences - and it’s name is, having no culturally significant connection to the Equinox, is a topic of much discourse.
Looking at the Autumn Equinox, the Second Harvest and Mabon as a whole, we witches, pagans, folk and magickal practitioners typically celebrate this wonderful time of year in a handful of ways and, while it will be entirely on you to make your own traditions or respectfully adopt and adapt some as you see fit, here are some common activities:
Harvest Feasts:
Just as in many cultures, a common practice during the Autumn Equinox is to gather with friends and family for a feast. This feast often includes foods made from the fruits and vegetables of the season, such as apples, pumpkins, squashes, and grains.
I highly recommend getting a list or calendar of seasonal vegetation for your area because it can help you nurture a connection to the land and become handy for meal planning all year long, especially during seasonal celebrations. I have one in a poster mount that hangs permanently in mhy kitchen.
Offerings to Deities:
Many magickal folks make offerings to their deities or spirit allies as a way of giving thanks for the harvest and seeking their blessings for the coming season. These offerings might include fruits, grains, wine, or other symbolic items, such as eggs, newly turned leaves or a ripened fruit for your personal garden.
Altar Decorations:
Altars are often set up to reflect the themes of the season. Decorations may include items like cornucopias, gourds, acorns, leaves, and candles in autumnal colors like red, orange, and yellow, collected items, ancestral hand me downs - or anything that you associate with balance and harmony.
Nature Walks:
Taking a nature walk or hike during the Equinox is a way to connect with the changing landscape and the beauty of the season. It's also an opportune time for meditation, reflection, and grounding.
Balance Rituals:
Since the Equinox represents a time of balance with nearly equal hours of daylight and darkness, some practitioners perform rituals or spells focused on balance and harmony in their lives. This might involve using symbols like the sun and moon or performing acts that bring balance to one's energy or emotions.
I will sometimes perform a ritual that involves charging two identical crystal bead bracelets that I will then wear on both wrists as a reminder to strive for balance in the season to come.
Divination:
Some practitioners use divination tools, such as tarot cards, runes, or scrying, to gain insight into the energies of the season and what lies ahead. They may seek guidance on specific questions or issues in their lives or simply look for clarification during this time of reaping what’s been sown.
Fall or autumn equinox tarot spreads can be found in various tarot books or online and even oracle decks themed after the season like, the Seasons of the Witch Mabon Oracle by Lorriane Anderson, Juliet Diaz and Tijana Lukovic, may help get you in the spirit.
Candle Magic:
Candles are commonly used in all manner of ritual. Lighting candles in autumnal colors and scents can be a way to evoke the energies of the season and set intentions for the coming months. Alternately, a white candle paired with a black one in a spell or ritual regarding the balance of light and dark can also be very appropriate.
Shadow Work:
In keeping with the balance of light and dark, the equinoxes are excellent times for shadow work and working towards an inner balance with your shadow side. Introspection, journaling, meditation and guidance from qualified professionals can be helpful in this process. Just remember to be kind to your self and take a break for self-care if it’s needed.
Libations:
Pouring libations of wine or other beverages onto the Earth as an offering is an excellent way to offer respect and gratitude to the land and the spirits that inhabit it. You could also do some research into the land and possibly the native people of your area. In my area the Lenni Lenape tribe lived and thrived off the land - and are still here - and, with a little bit of research, I found that tobacco and sumac is an appropriate offering as a way of showing respect to and honoring the spirits of the land where I live, along with a libation to the earth itself.
Crafts and DIY:
Many people engage in craft activities during the Autumn Equinox, such as making wreaths, corn dollies, or other seasonal decorations. These crafts can be used to decorate the home or altar.
Folk Traditions:
Depending on regional customs, there may be specific folk traditions associated with the Autumn Equinox. These can vary widely, but they often involve local harvest celebrations, music, dance, and other communal activities.
It's very important to note that the specific practices and rituals associated with the Autumn Equinox can vary widely among different witchcraft and folk traditions, as well as various cultures and communities - and some of these practices may not be open to all. We can acknowledge and appreciate them while keeping a respectful distance. There are still countless other ways we can participate in and create traditions to suit our own individual beliefs and preferences.
Ok now lets talk about FOOD! Here is a list of foods that are considered traditional to the Autumn Equinox/Mabon celebration itself. These may differ in your region or culture - or they may be similar:
Apples: Apples are a quintessential autumn fruit and are often used in various dishes during the Second Harvest. They can be incorporated into pies, crisps, sauces, or simply enjoyed fresh.
Pumpkins and Squashes: Pumpkins and various types of winter squashes are abundant during the fall. They are used to make dishes like pumpkin pie, roasted squash, and soups.
Corn: Corn, both on the cob and in various forms like cornbread or corn pudding, is a symbol of the harvest and a common addition to autumn feasts.
Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and other root vegetables are in season during the fall and are often roasted, mashed, or included in hearty stews.
Grains: Grains like wheat, barley, and oats are harvested in the late summer and early fall. They can be used to make bread, rolls, or other baked goods.
Berries: Depending on the region and climate, some berries may still be available in the early autumn. These can be used in pies, crisps, or as toppings for desserts.
Nuts: Nuts like walnuts, almonds, and pecans are often associated with autumn. They can be used in baking, added to salads, or enjoyed as snacks.
Honey: Honey is frequently used as a sweetener in fall dishes and desserts. It symbolizes the sweetness and bounty of the season.
Cider and Apple-Related Drinks: Fresh apple cider, both spiced and unspiced, is a popular beverage at autumn feasts. Some may also make apple-based cocktails or hot mulled cider.
Herbs and Spices: Autumn feasts often incorporate a variety of herbs and spices to add flavor to dishes. Common spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
Game and Poultry: In some regions, the Second Harvest coincides with hunting season. Game meats like venison or wild turkey, as well as poultry such as roast chicken or duck, are sometimes included in feasts.
Baked Goods: Baking is a common activity during the autumn season. Traditional baked goods include pies (apple, pumpkin, pecan, etc.), bread, muffins, and cookies.
Cheese: Many types of cheese, especially those with earthy and nutty flavors, are enjoyed during autumn feasts. They pair well with bread, crackers, and fruit.
Fruit Preserves and Jams: Homemade fruit preserves or jams made from the summer's harvest can be spread on bread or served as accompaniments to various dishes.
These are just a few examples of the traditional foods you might find at feasts celebrating the Second Harvest or you might like to incorporate into your own feast at home with friends and/or family. Scroll to the end of this post for a link to Two Autumn Equinox/Mabon Recipes from Episode 36.
Intentions: thanksgiving and gratitude for prosperity, rest, enjoying the harvest, reaping what’s been sown, accomplishment, harmony and balance, a time of giving, celebrating kinship and friendships, a time of introspection, veneration of the land
Rituals & Activities: preparing for the literal and symbolic winter, making offerings to the land and spirits of the land, preserving and protecting wild places and nearby lands, making wine, mulled wine or spiced cider and sharing it with people and spirit allies, sharing personal abundance
Deities & Spiritual Entities: Bacchus, Bast Bona Dea, Ceres, Cernunnos, Cerridwen, Corn Man/Woman, Dagda, Dea Matrona, Demeter, Dionysus, Epona, Green Man, Hades, Hermes, Herne, Kore, Mabon ap Modron, Morning Star, Morrigan, St, Michael, Osiris, Persephone, Thor, Thoth, Venus
Colors: burgundy, burnt orange, cobalt blue, navy blue, red, maroon, gold, indigo, mustard yellow, brown, black & white
Stones: amber, amethyst, azurite, carnelian, garnet, iolite, jasper, lapis lazuli, peridot, pyrite, sugilite, sunstone, blue sunstone, tiger eye, topaz, smoky quartz, black moonstone
Botanicals: apple, aster, bittersweet, blackberry, bramble, cedar, chamomile, chrysanthemum, corn, fern, gourds, grains, grapes, honeysuckle, hops, ivy, jasmine, maple, marigold, milkweed, mistletoe, oak, oakmoss, oats, patchouli, pine, pomegranate, rose, rosemary, rue, saffron, sage, sassafras, solomon’s seal, sunflower, thistle, wheat, willow, witch hazel, yarrow
Animals Spirits: blackbird, crow, raven, boar, butterfly, dog, goat, goose, snake, swallow, swan
Zodiac: Libra
Tarot: Justice
The Autumn Equinox and the Justice Tarot Card
from the Llewelyn’s Witches’ Datebook, 2021
The God returns to the land of the dead as we celebrate the Second Harvest and main bounty of the year. Our minds turn to preparing for winter.
Without modern food preservation techniques, storing food for winter once had a different urgency, one that we probably cannot imagine - though it still serves as a meaningful metaphor.
As in the Justice tarot card, the consequences of our actions and their effects on the future are paramount in our minds. Will what we’ve done be enough to sustain us through the season of darkness?
At the Autumn Equinox, we also focus on forgiveness, a kind of divine justice that goes beyond human justice, one threaded through with mercy. Accept the Justice card’s invitation to consider the long-term effects of your thoughts, feelings and actions. You are, after all beginning to reap what you have sown. In the midst of expressions of gratitude for the abundance of the world, think about molding the future. We have some time left to honor our responsibility to the cycle of life and to prepare our lives, both mundane and spiritual, for the cold, dark days to come.
Two Autumn Equinox Recipes for Your Second Harvest Celebration
