Wicca is a modern pagan religion that celebrates different festivals throughout the year, following the cycles of nature and the seasons. One of the important festivals in Wicca is the Mabon, which is usually celebrated on September 21. Mabon, also known as the Autumn Equinox, marks the beginning of the fall season, when day and night are in balance. This festival is a time to honor and give thanks for the harvest, both in the fields and in our own lives. It is a time of gratitude and reflection on the abundance and blessings we have received throughout the year. During Mabon, Wiccans gather in circle ceremonies to honor the changing seasons and express their thanks to the earth and the harvest.
Honour this time of year by channelling your witchy vibes and adorn your best outfit and decorate yourself with beautiful things.
The apple is also particularly special to Pagans in general as it represents, amongst many other things, life, immortality and wholeness but it is especially important at the time of fruit harvest. The Wheel of the Year is turning and for many people, this means the descent into those dreary darker months cue colder weather more unpredictable than usual , darker nights and leaves falling fast.
During Mabon, Wiccans gather in circle ceremonies to honor the changing seasons and express their thanks to the earth and the harvest. The rituals often involve offerings of food, such as fruits and vegetables, which are shared among the participants as a representation of communal abundance. Mabon is also a time to prepare for the coming darkness of winter.
Wiccan festival on September 21
The Wheel of the Year is turning and for many people, this means the descent into those dreary darker months – cue colder weather (more unpredictable than usual), darker nights and leaves falling fast!
But it is also a wondrous time of year for those that follow the seasons as we approach our Autumn Equinox; Mabon. (September 21st-22nd)
The festival is named after the God Mabon found in Welsh mythology, and this festival is one of the eight Wiccan sabbats celebrated throughout the year and marks a very special time for those that follow Pagan traditions.
This time marks the moment when the year is in perfect balance, night and day are equal and equilibrium; the forces of male and female are in balance as are light and dark and it is a very special time to truly take a breath and see what you have achieved and gained throughout the year. Also to release the things that are no longer of use to us, just as the stubble from the corn harvest is left in the fields.
We are also teetering on the brink of transition. From this moment on the year is waning and darkness is being to defeat the light. The sun is fading just as the Green Man is dying and preparing to be reborn, and the Autumn Goddess is full and blooming with the fruits of our labours. It is the fruit harvest and a time for great thanks and, of course, for feasting!
How to celebrate
Firstly, the best way to celebrate any Pagan festival is to party! But there are also other ways to honour Mabon.
Reap what you sow is definitely an important mantra during this period and it is the ideal time to reflect on the hopes and aspirations of the previous seasons to see how they have manifested.
The natural world is showing signs of decline, slowing down and ready for the deep sleep of winter. And we should do the same! This is the best time to do your clearing out, collecting the best produce for the colder season and wholly enjoying what nature has to offer.
Baking and cooking of all kinds is definitely a way to honour this season especially with apples, pears, damsons and fruit and berries of autumn. Lavish and delicious meals are welcome and enjoyed at this time but always remember to leave an offering of each item as a blessing.
The iconic symbol of Mabon is the Cornucopia (horn of plenty) which represents the balance of both male and female and is shown in the image above of the wicker vessel spilling the plentiful harvest.
The apple is also particularly special to Pagans in general as it represents, amongst many other things, life, immortality and wholeness but it is especially important at the time of fruit harvest. Cut an apple in half lengthways to decorate your home or altar and you will see the five-pointed star in the centre of the core – this is symbolic of the elements earth, air, fire, water and spirit.
As well as your environment, it is also appropriate to dress up yourself!
Honour this time of year by channelling your witchy vibes and adorn your best outfit and decorate yourself with beautiful things.
The two pieces from Alchemy below are just perfect to add to your ritual dress or gothic attire – the symbolic Goddess (top) piece represents the triple moon and elemental forces, and the Sin Horned God (below) is her consort; very fitting for celebrating Mabon as a balanced pair!
I hope your harvest is bountiful and your celebrations joyous!
This article was originally posted at rosejekylle333.blogspot.com. It is republished here with permission from the original author.
This entry was posted on Monday, September 20th, 2021 in History and Folklore.
It is a time to gather and store resources, both physical and spiritual, that will sustain us through the colder months. It is a time to reconnect with our inner selves and find balance between light and dark, day and night. The festival of Mabon is a celebration of the natural cycles of life and a reminder to be grateful for the abundance in our lives. It is a time of reflection, harvest, and preparation as we transition from the warmth of summer to the coziness of fall..
Reviews for "Wiccan festival on September 21: Celebrating the wheel of the year"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I attended the Wiccan festival on September 21 and was quite disappointed. The event was poorly organized, with long wait times for activities and limited seating areas. The workshops were not as informative as I had hoped, and the presenters seemed unprepared. Additionally, the food options were limited and overpriced. Overall, I did not feel like I got my money's worth and would not recommend this festival to others.
2. Mike - 1 star - The Wiccan festival on September 21 was a complete letdown. The event was overcrowded, making it difficult to move around and enjoy the activities. The staff seemed overwhelmed and disorganized, resulting in long lines and confusion. Furthermore, there was a lack of variety in terms of vendors and workshops. I was hoping for a more immersive and educational experience, but instead, it felt like a chaotic and rushed affair. This festival definitely did not meet my expectations.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Wiccan festival on September 21, but unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. The event lacked a cohesive theme and felt disorganized. The workshops were not engaging, and some of the presenters seemed unenthusiastic. Additionally, the festival grounds were not well-maintained, with trash scattered around and limited seating areas. Although I appreciate the effort put into organizing the event, I left feeling underwhelmed and would not attend again.