The autumn equinox is a time of balance and gratitude, as day and night are of equal length. In pagan traditions, this special time is celebrated with rituals and ceremonies that honor the changing seasons and the abundance of nature. As with many pagan practices, different cultures and belief systems have their own unique names for this autumn equinox celebration. One common pagan name for the autumn equinox is Mabon. Mabon is named after a Welsh deity and is derived from the name of the Welsh hero Mabon ap Modron. In pagan mythology, Mabon is associated with the harvest and the preparation for the winter months.
At home, observers will set up an altar with symbols of the season, as an offering to express gratitude.
At two points in the year, the Sun illuminates the northern and southern hemispheres equally these are known as the equinoxes the autumnal equinox and vernal or spring equinox. Mea n Fo mhair is the name that the Druids give to this festival, during which they pay homage to the Green Man, who is considered to be the God of the Forest, by pouring libations for the trees.
In pagan mythology, Mabon is associated with the harvest and the preparation for the winter months. The name Mabon reflects the importance of gratitude for the bountiful crops and the need to store provisions for the darker months ahead. Another pagan name for the autumn equinox is Alban Elfed.
Mabon for the Family
Mabon is a harvest celebration that happens during the autumn equinox. The origins of Mabon are Celtic. It comes from areas of Scotland, Cornwall and Wales. There is no evidence of Mabon in pre-Christian Scandinavia or surrounding areas until the Asatru movement of the 1970s.
One theory is that Mabon takes its name from the Celtic god of fertility, Mabon ap Modron. He is a popular god in Welsh literature and mythology whose name is related to Maponos, meaning Great Son. He may have been the son of the Welsh goddess Dea Mātronā, meaning Great Mother. Some people associate the god with the Greek Apollo or a chief Druid. Although the autum equinox was given this name in the 1970s, the god Mabon doesn't seem to have anything to do with this celebration.
Today Mabon is most commonly known as the seventh celebration on the Wheel of the Year and the second of three harvest festivals (the first was Lammas, the second is Mabon, third is Samhain).
If the Old Norse knew about Mabon, they were probably too busy tending their crops and animals to celebrate. In modern times we have comforts that allow us to enjoy more conveniences.
Norse deities worshipped during Mabon include:
- Frey, for good harvest, sunshine and fair weather
- Nerthus for peace and prosperity
- Iduna for hard work ethic, health and rejuvenation
- Njord for wealth in fishing and hunt
- Jord, goddess of land and earth
- Huldra, keeper of flocks
The Autumn Equinox and Mabon is a time of celebration as well as leisure after the toil and labor of the harvest. In terms of one’s life path, it is the season of reaping what one has sown; it is the time to look back at the goals and ambitions of Imbolc and Ostara and reflect on how those hopes and aspirations have come to fruition. As we get ready to start our descent, now is the time to wrap up any unfinished business, clean house, and let go of everything that is no longer desired or required so that we may make the most of the quiet and reflective season that winter brings. And now is the moment to sow the seeds of fresh thoughts and dreams, which will remain dormant but be nurtured in the darkness until the coming of spring.
This name comes from the Druidic tradition and is associated with the turning point of the year. Alban Elfed translates to "Light of the Water" in Welsh, symbolizing the transition from the warm, sunny days of summer to the cooler, darker days of autumn. It is a time to honor the changing seasons and the natural cycles of life. Overall, pagan traditions have different names for the autumn equinox, each reflecting their unique beliefs and cultural backgrounds. Whether it is called Mabon or Alban Elfed, the focus remains on celebrating the balance between light and dark, expressing gratitude for the harvest, and preparing for the winter months. This sacred time reminds us to be mindful of the abundance of nature and to embrace the changing seasons with reverence and joy..
Reviews for "Mabon: Embracing the Pagan Name for Autumn Equinox"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - While I appreciate the effort to explore pagan traditions, "Pagan name for autumn equinox" left me disappointed. The writing lacked depth and insight into the significance of this event, focusing more on the superficial aspects. The author failed to evoke the essence of the season, leaving the reader disconnected from the content. Overall, I found the article lacking substance and would not recommend it to those seeking a meaningful exploration of the autumn equinox.
2. Michael - 1 star - I had high hopes for "Pagan name for autumn equinox," but unfortunately, it fell short. The article seemed rushed and poorly researched. The author's attempt to dive into pagan traditions came across as superficial and lacking authenticity. Furthermore, the writing style was dull and failed to engage the reader. I would not recommend this article to anyone looking for a meaningful exploration of the topic.
3. Amanda - 2 stars - "Pagan name for autumn equinox" was a disappointing read. The content felt shallow, lacking any deep understanding of pagan traditions. The author failed to make the information accessible to readers who may not be familiar with the subject, leaving them confused and disconnected. Additionally, the writing style was monotonous, failing to grab and hold my attention. Overall, I would not recommend this article to anyone looking for an engaging and insightful exploration of the autumn equinox from a pagan perspective.
4. John - 1 star - "Pagan name for autumn equinox" was an unimpressive attempt at discussing a pagan tradition. The author failed to provide any meaningful insights or engage with the topic in a thoughtful manner. The writing felt rushed and lacked coherence, making it difficult to follow the train of thought. I was left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed after reading this article. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a well-constructed and informative piece on the autumn equinox.