The Violet Witch 

Mabon, also known as the Autumn Equinox, is a modern pagan holiday that celebrates the second harvest and the balance between light and dark. While it is not rooted in ancient historical records like some other holidays, its origins can be traced to the revival of pagan and nature-based spiritual practices in the 20th century.

1. Ancient Roots: The name "Mabon" is derived from the Welsh figure Mabon ap Modron, a youthful god associated with the harvest and rebirth. In Welsh mythology, Mabon is imprisoned and eventually rescued, symbolizing the changing seasons and the cycle of life.

2. Modern Revival: The modern celebration of Mabon emerged as part of the Wiccan and pagan revival in the mid-20th century. It was popularized by figures such as Gerald Gardner, Doreen Valiente, and Raymond Buckland, who sought to reconstruct and adapt ancient pagan traditions.

3. Wheel of the Year: Mabon is one of the eight Sabbats on the Wheel of the Year, a cycle of seasonal festivals celebrated in many pagan and Wiccan traditions. The Wheel of the Year includes solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days, marking the changing seasons and agricultural cycles.

4. Harvest Festival: Mabon is often considered a harvest festival, representing the time when the second major harvest of the year takes place. It is a time to celebrate the gathering of crops, show gratitude for nature's abundance, and prepare for the colder months ahead.

5. Themes of Balance: Mabon is associated with the concept of balance, as it occurs when day and night are roughly equal in length. It reflects the equilibrium between light and dark, and many rituals and celebrations focus on this theme.

6. Nature's Transition: Mabon is a time to observe the transition of nature as leaves change color and plants prepare for winter. It is a moment of reflection on the impermanence of life and the cyclical nature of existence.

7. Rituals and Celebrations: Pagans and practitioners of nature-based spirituality celebrate Mabon through rituals, feasting, and various activities. Altars are decorated with symbols of the season, such as colorful leaves, gourds, and grains. Rituals may include offerings to deities, meditation, and expressions of gratitude.

8. Community and Connection: Mabon provides an opportunity for communities to come together in celebration of the harvest. Gatherings, potlucks, and outdoor rituals foster a sense of unity and connection with the Earth.

9. Modern Practices: While Mabon's historical roots are relatively recent, its significance and themes have resonated with many individuals seeking to reconnect with nature and honor the changing seasons. Modern practices often blend traditional elements with personal interpretations and creativity.

​

The Autumn Equinox, also known as the fall equinox, is a natural astronomical event that occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in nearly equal lengths of day and night. While it is not a holiday in the same sense as cultural or religious celebrations, it has been observed and marked by various cultures throughout history. Here's a detailed overview of the history and significance of the Autumn Equinox:

1. Astronomical Phenomenon: The equinoxes occur twice a year, around March 20th (Spring Equinox) and September 21st-24th (Autumn Equinox). They mark the moments when the sun is directly above the Earth's equator, resulting in nearly equal lengths of daylight and darkness.

2. Ancient Agricultural Calendars: Many ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Mayans, and Greeks, had agricultural calendars closely tied to celestial events. The Autumn Equinox signaled the transition from the growing season to the harvesting season.

3. Harvest Festivals: In agrarian societies, the Autumn Equinox marked a critical time for the harvest of crops. Many cultures held harvest festivals and celebrations around this time to give thanks for the bounty of the land.

4. Ancient Cultural Observances: In ancient Rome, the Autumn Equinox was celebrated as part of the multi-day festival of Ludi Romani. Similarly, the ancient Chinese celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, which falls around the Autumn Equinox and celebrates the harvest and family reunions.

5. Mythological and Spiritual Significance: In various cultures, the equinoxes held mythological and spiritual significance. In Greek mythology, the story of Persephone's descent into the Underworld is associated with the changing seasons, with her return signifying the arrival of spring. Similarly, the concept of balance between light and dark often had spiritual symbolism.

6. Modern Observance: While the Autumn Equinox may not have specific historical traditions associated with it like some holidays, it continues to be celebrated in various ways. In modern times, it is often acknowledged through gatherings, feasts, outdoor activities, and rituals that honor the changing seasons and the Earth's cycles.

7. Pagan and Nature-Based Celebrations: The Autumn Equinox is a key marker in the Wheel of the Year, a series of eight seasonal celebrations observed by many modern pagan and nature-based spiritual traditions. Mabon, one of the names for this equinox, is celebrated by Wiccans and other pagan practitioners as a time of balance, gratitude, and harvest.

8. Scientific Understanding: In addition to cultural and spiritual observances, the Autumn Equinox has scientific significance. It is a reminder of Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the sun, which determines the changing lengths of daylight and night.

9. Global Diversity: Different cultures and societies have their own unique ways of acknowledging and celebrating the Autumn Equinox. These observances often reflect the local climate, agricultural practices, and cultural traditions.

In summary, the Autumn Equinox has historical, agricultural, mythological, and spiritual significance in various cultures. While it may not be a mainstream holiday, it continues to be observed and celebrated in different ways by people who appreciate its connection to the changing seasons and the rhythms of the Earth.

​

Correspondences:​

• Symbols & Decorations: Cornucopia, Acorns, Apples, Crystals, Leaves, Grapes, Wheat, Grain, Sunflowers, Scarecrows

• Colors: Orange, Brown, Deep red, Red, Gold

• Plants & Flowers: Marigolds, Chrysanthemums, Asters, Sunflowers,Dahlias, Mums, Echinacea, Sedum, Rose hips, Goldenrod

• Crystals/Stones/Minerals: Citrine, Clear quartz, Amber, Serpentine,  Sardonyx, Autumn Jasper

• Trees: Hawthorn, Oak, Maple, Apple Tree, Birch, Rowan, Hawthorn, Pine

• Herbs: hawthorn, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Marjoram, Mugwort, Basil, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Patchouli,Blackberry

• Oils & Scents: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Frankincense, Orange, Patchouli, Ginger, Pomegranate

• Animals: Owl, Squirrel, Hawk, Crow/Raven, Deer, Fox

• Nature Spirits: Nature Devas, Autumn Nymphs, Sylphs, Gnomes

• Element: Water

• Direction: West

• Foods & Beverages: milk, cheese, butter, asparagus, strawberries, cherries, rhubarb, Mead

• Altar decorations: Autumn Leaves, Candles, Dried Herbs and Flowers, Cornucopia, Miniature Bales of Hay or Straw:, Scarecrow. Harvest Tools, Symbols of Balance, Autumn Scents

• Activities: Harvest and Food Justice, lighting bonfires, feasting, Environmental Stewardship, Equinox Celebrations:, preparing for cold weather, cutting willow wands, stalk bundling

• Deities: Bel, Brigid, Flora, Maia.

• Other names: Alban Elfed (Welsh): This name translates to "Light of the Water" and is the Welsh name for the autumnal equinox, which corresponds with Mabon, Meán Fómhair (Irish): This is the Irish name for the autumnal equinox and is sometimes used as a name for Mabon, Modra Noc (Slavic): This name means "Night of the Mothers" and is sometimes used by Slavic pagans to refer to the autumnal equinox or Mabon, Shūbun-sai (Japanese): This is the Japanese name for the autumnal equinox and is sometimes celebrated by Japanese pagans as a harvest festival, Chuseok (Korean): This is a Korean harvest festival that takes place around the autumnal equinox and has some similarities to Mabon.

​