In many pagan traditions, the autumn equinox is viewed as a time of balance between light and darkness, as the days become shorter and the nights longer. This celestial event marks the transition from summer to fall, and it holds great significance in various pagan practices around the world. One common ritual during the autumn equinox is the celebration of the harvest. Pagans often gather to give thanks for the abundance of the season and to honor the natural cycle of growth and harvest. This may involve feasting on the bountiful crops of the year and sharing food with others in the community. Another tradition during this time is the creation of a gratitude altar or a Pagan Thanksgiving.
While ‘Mabon’ and ‘Autumn Equinox’ have been conflated to create an event without any solid provenance, both elements are authentic in their own right. Mabon derives from the Mabinogion (pronounced Mabin-OGion), a collection of 14th-century stories written in Middle Welsh. The Mabinogion was compiled from texts found in two late-medieval manuscripts. The Red Book of Hergest and The White Book of Rhydderch, that date from the eleventh and the fourteenth centuries. These texts were edited and translated by antiquarians, William Pughe and Lady Charlotte Guest in the early 19th century. However, if the contents may be subject to the fashionable whims of the day, the gist of the narrative prose that defines the publication is genuine.
Raise Energy with a Drum Circle Drum circles are a lot of fun, and if you ve ever attended a public Pagan or Wiccan event, chances are good that somewhere, someone is drumming. But there are those such as Arwen, Welsh God of stags, dogs, and hunting or Cernunnos, the horned Celtic God of hunting, fertility and wild things, wwhoseimportance increased at this time, particularly before people had livestock to sustain them through winter.
Another tradition during this time is the creation of a gratitude altar or a Pagan Thanksgiving. Individuals may decorate an altar with seasonal items such as fallen leaves, fruits, vegetables, and symbols of the harvest. This altar serves as a focal point for expressing gratitude for the blessings of the past year and setting intentions for the coming months.
Mabon: The Autumn Equinox
Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal.
Updated on June 25, 2019It 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 (or March 21, if you're in the Southern Hemisphere), 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. It's a time of plenty, of gratitude, and of sharing our abundance with those less fortunate.
Some pagans also engage in rituals or ceremonies to honor specific deities associated with the autumn equinox. For example, the Celtic tradition of Mabon, named after the Welsh god Mabon ap Modron, involves storytelling, singing, and dancing to honor the god and celebrate the changing seasons. In addition, pagans may participate in activities that connect them to nature and the changing environment. This can include gathering and drying herbs, making wreaths or garlands, or going on nature walks to witness the shifting colors of the leaves. Many pagans view this time as an opportunity to reconnect with the Earth and celebrate its beauty and abundance. Overall, the autumn equinox holds a special place in pagan traditions. It represents a time of balance and transition, and it is often celebrated through rituals and ceremonies that honor the harvest and the changing seasons. Pagans take this time to express gratitude, connect with nature, and embrace the cyclical nature of life..
Reviews for "Creating Sacred Spaces for Autumn Equinox Pagam Rituals"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to attending the Autumn Equinox Pagan Traditions event, but I was ultimately disappointed. The event felt disorganized and lacked structure. There were supposed to be workshops and activities, but they were poorly planned and there were long periods of downtime with nothing to do. The location also didn't have proper facilities for the number of attendees, and the lines for the few port-a-potties were ridiculously long. Overall, I don't think this event lived up to its hype and I wouldn't attend again.
2. Mark - 1 star - I attended the Autumn Equinox Pagan Traditions event and it was a complete disaster. The event organizers failed to communicate important information such as the schedule of activities and workshops. The vendors were scarce and didn't offer a wide variety of items. The main ritual was poorly executed and lacked energy. I felt like I wasted my money and didn't get any value out of the event. I would not recommend attending this event if you're looking for a well-organized and enjoyable experience.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I was excited to explore Pagan traditions at the Autumn Equinox event, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The workshops were poorly presented and lacked depth. The event felt more like a gathering of individuals with different interpretations rather than a cohesive celebration. The lack of organization made it difficult to navigate the event and find the activities and workshops I was interested in. Overall, I left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with the experience. I wouldn't recommend this event to someone looking for an immersive and educational experience in Pagan traditions.