Autumn Equinox

September 21st

The Second Harvest, Balance, and Gratitude

The Basics

Mabon, celebrated around September 21st in the Northern Hemisphere (or March 21st in the Southern Hemisphere), marks the Autumn Equinox. At this moment, day and night are perfectly balanced, after which darkness begins to take precedence as the wheel turns toward winter.

This Sabbat is known as the Second Harvest, following Lughnasadh and preceding Samhain. It is a festival of thanksgiving, reflection, and preparation. Just as farmers gather apples, grapes, and late grains, we too gather the fruits of our efforts, both physical and spiritual. Mabon reminds us to give thanks for abundance, to honor the balance of light and dark, and to prepare for the inward journey of the colder months ahead.

History & Origins

Celtic Roots: Though “Mabon” as a name for the Sabbat is a modern Wiccan term (coined in the 20th century), the equinox was honored by many ancient cultures. Celts and Druids recognized it as a liminal time of balance and gratitude.

Myth of Mabon: In Welsh mythology, Mabon ap Modron (“Son of the Mother”) was a divine child stolen from his mother and later rescued, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.

Agricultural Traditions: Across Europe, equinox festivals celebrated the grape harvest, apple picking, and the making of wines and ciders. Offerings of grain and fruit were made to ensure winter survival.

Global Recognition: From the Greek Eleusinian Mysteries of Demeter and Persephone to Native harvest festivals, cultures worldwide marked this time as sacred to harvest and balance.

Themes & Symbolism

Balance of Light & Dark

Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Harvest, Abundance, and Sharing

Preparation for Winter

Reflection, Rest, and Letting Go

Symbols

Apples, pomegranates, and grapes

Cornucopia (horn of plenty)

Vines, seeds, and acorns

Balance scales (light and dark in harmony)

Wine, cider, and mead vessels

Autumn leaves, pinecones, gourds, and pumpkins

Colors

Red – harvest, vitality, blood of the earth

Orange – transformation, autumn fire, abundance

Brown – grounding, stability, the soil

Gold – wealth, gratitude, ripening crops

Green – nature’s cycle, fertility

Foods

Apples, pears, grapes, berries, and pomegranates

Nuts, seeds, and root vegetables

Cornbread, hearty breads, and pies

Wine, cider, and grape juice

Roasted meats, squash, pumpkins, and stews

Herbal teas (apple, cinnamon, chamomile)

Celebration Practices

Harvest Gratitude

Create an altar with seasonal fruits, nuts, grains, and autumn leaves.

Offer thanks for the harvest — both literal food and the blessings in your life.

Balance Rituals

Meditate on areas of your life that need balance — giving and receiving, work and rest, light and shadow.

Use a simple ritual with stones, candles, or scales to symbolize restoring harmony.

Apple Magic

Cut an apple crosswise to reveal the star within, symbol of the Goddess and the five elements.

Use apples in spells for love, wisdom, and abundance.

Sharing & Generosity

Donate food or resources to those in need, echoing the communal spirit of the harvest.

Host a harvest feast with family or friends, honoring both community and Earth’s gifts.

Divination for the Dark Half of the Year

Use tarot, runes, or scrying to gain insight into the months of darkness ahead.

Ask: What must I release? What wisdom will I carry into winter?

Modern Ideas for Celebrating Mabon

Go apple-picking, grape harvesting, or make cider and wine.

Decorate your home with autumn leaves, pinecones, and gourds.

Bake pies, breads, or nut loaves to share with loved ones.

Create a gratitude journal entry, writing down blessings received this year.

Take a mindful autumn walk, reflecting on the beauty of change.

Closing Thought

Mabon is the festival of balance, gratitude, and harvest. It calls us to pause, reflect, and honor both the light and dark within and without. By celebrating Mabon, we give thanks for the richness of life, embrace the lessons of balance, and prepare our spirits for the quiet transformation of the winter months.