The autumn equinox, which occurs around September 22nd, is a significant event in many cultures and spiritual practices. In Pagan and Wiccan traditions, this time of year is often celebrated with rituals and ceremonies that honor the changing season and the balance between light and dark. In Paganism, there is no specific name for the autumn equinox itself, as it is often referred to simply as "autumn equinox" or "Mabon." Mabon is a modern-day term coined by the influential pagan writer Aidan Kelly in the 1970s. He named it after the Welsh deity, Mabon ap Modron, who is associated with the harvest and the autumn season. This name has been widely adopted by contemporary Pagan communities, and Mabon is now commonly used to refer to the autumn equinox celebration.
For me personally, I like to use this time to create action plans on one aspect of my life I would like to have more balanced. In past years, I created a meal plan, or I have reorganized my work space for the type of work I was doing at that time. I've also reorganized my schedule, if need be, I would schedule fun time or time with a loved one. This is highly meditative for me, though it may not work for everyone!
year-at-a-glance calendars with full and new moons for both the current and following years, so you can schedule your full and new moon circles well in advance. Feasting is an old tradition for Fall Equinox, let the season s bounty fill your home with wonderful smells and your home filled with good food and even better friends.
This name has been widely adopted by contemporary Pagan communities, and Mabon is now commonly used to refer to the autumn equinox celebration. During this time, Pagans and Wiccans may engage in various rituals and practices to honor the season and connect with nature. They may give offerings of food and drink to the Earth, thanking it for the harvest and abundance of the season.
Fall Equinox: Rituals and Traditions
This marks the start of the fall season and a point in the sky where the day and night are equal in length.
Also known as Mabon, Fall Equinox is a special time in the year where we meet balance once again. Mabon marks the official time where summer ends and fall begins.
Sometimes known as the witches thanksgiving, it is celebrated with bounty from the harvests planted near Lammas or before.
This time marks a great shift in our seasonal cycle. A shift towards the shutting down of the Earth. Blossoms once colorful and rich in Summer, wilt away and trees prepare to shed their leaves for the coming cold.
We start preparing for winter, animals collect food and warmth in anticipation of darkness. We start to turn inward, and practice gratitude for what the harvest has brought us.
The seasonal cycle of the year is created by Earth’s annual orbit around the sun.
Solstices are the extreme points as Earth’s axis tilts toward or away from the sun—when days and nights are longest or shortest. On equinoxes, days and nights are equal in all parts of the world. Four cross-quarter days roughly mark the midpoints in between solstices and equinoxes.
We commemorate these natural turning points in the Earth’s cycle. Seasonal celebrations of most cultures cluster around these same natural turning points.
September 22: Equinox/Fall: gather and store, ripeness—Mabon (Euro-American), Goddess Festivals: Tari Pennu (Bengali), Old Woman Who Never Dies (Mandan), Chicomcoatl (Aztec), Black Bean Mother (Taino), Epona (Roman), Demeter (Greek).
The Gatherer © Chantel Camille 2018
Some may also create altars adorned with symbols of the season, such as fall leaves, acorns, and pumpkins. The autumn equinox is also seen as a time of balance between light and dark, as the day and night are of equal length. This balance is often reflected in rituals and ceremonies, where participants may focus on bringing harmony and balance into their own lives. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and letting go of things that no longer serve us. In conclusion, while there is no specific Pagan name for the autumn equinox, it is often referred to as Mabon in modern Pagan and Wiccan traditions. This is a time to celebrate the harvest, connect with nature, and seek balance and harmony in one's own life..
Reviews for "The Magic of Mabon: Pagan Names for the Autumn Equinox Celebration"
1. Jennifer - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Pagan name for autumn equinox". The book promised to delve into the rich history and traditions of paganism during the autumn equinox, but instead, it barely scratched the surface. It felt more like a shallow overview, with no depth or detailed exploration of the topic. I was hoping to learn more about the significance of this time for pagans, the rituals, and the symbolism associated with the autumn equinox, but this book failed to deliver. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a comprehensive study of paganism during this time of year.
2. John - 2 stars
"Pagan name for autumn equinox" was a bit of a letdown for me. While the book did provide some interesting background information on the topic, it lacked coherence and structure. I found the writing style to be disjointed, with the author jumping from one topic to another without proper transitions. Additionally, the book seemed to focus more on personal anecdotes and reflections of the author, rather than providing objective information. Overall, I felt that it could have been better organized and more informative. I would only recommend this book to those who are already familiar with the subject and are looking for a lighter read.
3. Sarah - 1 star
I found "Pagan name for autumn equinox" to be extremely poorly researched and lacking in credibility. There were several inaccuracies and misconceptions presented as fact throughout the book. It was clear that the author did not put in the necessary effort to thoroughly understand the topic before writing about it. Furthermore, the book did not provide any references or sources to support its claims, which made it hard for me to trust the information presented. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone serious about learning about paganism or the autumn equinox.