actualizetheself:

Mabon: Autumn Equinox

To begin, let me start by saying this is the 3rd time I have to write this because Tumblr decided to refresh on me when I didn’t ask it to and so everything I wrote DISAPPEARED (fix your bugs, tumblr!) Because of that, this version my original post is going to be so half-assed now! I hate tumblr sometimes!

An equinox is a day of the year when there is equal parts day and night – light and darkness. Many people have a tendency to view this as a “versus” thing, but it’s not! It’s a day to acknowledge balance and harmony.

The fall equinox is an important day of power for many Neo-Pagans and Witches. It’s a day that some even call, “Witches’ Thanksgiving” because it’s a day where witches “reap what they sow” – literally and figuratively. That means, giving thanks to Mother Earth for providing us with the sustenance we need to survive and also acknowledging the people in our lives by expressing our gratitude and asking for forgiveness for our past transgressions (and also for forgiving others).

There are many mundane ways someone who is a witch, or Pagan, can celebrate Mabon! Here are a few examples that I can think of:

– Throw a “barnyard” party with dancing, singing/karaoke, and chanting

– Have a bonfire! (please be responsible!)

– Host a potluck or a dinner party

– Apple picking

– Go camping or take a hike

– Crochet, quilt, or knit

– Make wines, ciders, beers or butters, jams, jellies, featuring the fruits of the season

– Bake pies!

– Give back to the community and maybe volunteer at an animal shelter or food bank or host a food drive

There are also many things a witch can do to celebrate this day of power:

~ This is a good time for divination (apparently there’s something called apple divination and it sound perfect for this time of year!)

~ Protection magic also gets a boost during this time (maybe try warding?)

~ Because this day is a day of thanks, avoid asking for things on this holiday

~ Have a “Gratitude Ritual”

~ Meditation and grounding are great on this day (it’s all about finding balance and harmony)

~ Set up an altar that showcases the fall of Summer, the start of Autumn, and the soon to be here Winter; be sure to include things that you’re grateful for!

~ Have a mock sacrifice

~ This is a great day to practice and hone your kitchen magic, so take this time to learn more about sigils in baking, herbs and their medicinal and magical properties, etc.

– If you’re Neo-Pagan, take this time to talk to some different deities (focus on harvest, wine, earth and sun deities)

Important symbols:

> The colors gold, yellow, red, and orange

> Oak, ivy, Hazel, Cedar, Hops and Vines are important trees/plants to acknowledge during this time

> Scarecrows, scales, ying-yang, scythes, & haystacks are common symbols

> Wolves, dogs, foxes, and birds of prey are important symbols of this time

> Amethys, yellow topaz, and citrine are stones/ctystas associated with this holiday

> Drinks and Foods include wine, grapes, most nuts, apples, all berries, and black pepper

As always, please feel free to share your knowledge and wisdom – and feel free to ask questions – so that we can all continue to grow and prosper!