Mabon

The Pagan Autumn Equinox

As the wheel of the year turns once again, we find ourselves approaching the Autumn Equinox, a sacred point of balance between light and dark. In modern Pagan traditions, this festival is often called Mabon, though this name is a relatively recent addition. The word “Mabon” comes from Mabon ap Modron, a figure in Welsh mythology whose story speaks of cycles, rebirth, and the mysteries of light and shadow.

While not an ancient name for the Equinox itself, the title has been widely adopted by Wiccans, Druids, and eclectic Pagans since the 1970s as part of the eight-fold Wheel of the Year, though many Druids still use the revival-era Welsh name Alban Elfed (“Light of Autumn”). 

The Autumn Equinox falls around September 21–23 in the Northern Hemisphere (in the Southern Hemisphere between March 19–21), when day and night are of equal length before darkness begins to overtake the light.

Harvest and Gratitude

Mabon is traditionally a second harvest festival, following Lammas/Lughnasadh in August. At this time, fruits, grains, and vegetables are gathered in, and communities historically gave thanks for abundance while preparing for the leaner winter months. In spiritual practice, it is a season of:

Balance: day and night, light and dark, growth and decay
Harvest: gratitude for what has grown in our lives
Release: letting go of what no longer serves us as we turn inward

Ritual Practice: Honoring Balance

Here is a simple ritual you can try at home to attune yourself to the Equinox energies.

Supplies:

• One white candle (light)
• One black candle (dark)
• Seasonal offerings (apple slices, corn, nuts, bread, or cider)
• A small dish of water and a dish of soil

Steps:

1. Prepare your space. Place the candles side by side on your altar. Set the water to the left and the soil to the right.
2. Center yourself: Take at least three deep breaths, imagine your inhale as daytime, your exhale as night, and the transition between is twilight.
3. Light the white candle, saying: “I honor the light, the warmth, and the blessings of growth.”
4. Pause and sit in silence to honor that moment of transition.
5. Light the black candle, saying: “I honor the dark, the stillness, and the blessings of rest.”
6. Place your offerings between the candles, saying: “I give thanks for the harvest of Earth and Spirit, and I carry balance into the months ahead.”
7. Spend a few minutes in meditation, gazing at the two flames side by side. Reflect on what is in balance in your life — and what is not.
8. Close by pouring the water into the soil, symbolizing union of opposites, you may allow the candles to safely burn down or extinguish both candles together.

Magical Correspondences for Mabon

To help you with your festive celebration and workings, here are some common correspondences.

Colors: gold, orange, red, brown, deep green
Stones: carnelian, amber, citrine, smoky quartz
Herbs: sage, rosemary, apple leaves, cinnamon
Foods: apples, pears, bread, cider, squash, nuts
Symbols: scales, cornucopia, acorns, grapes

Reflection Prompt

If you are the journaling type, here are some Mabon inspired prompts for you:

• Where in your life do you feel balance right now?
• What is growing? What is ready to be harvested?
• What is fading away, asking to be released before winter comes?

Mabon is a season of both gratitude and humility. As you honor the turning of the wheel, remember that balance is never permanent — it is a living dance of shifting energies.

I invite you to share with us how you celebrate this time of year or tell us about a special experience that you had while honoring the harvest season.