Sept 2024 – Mabon

Mabon, celebrated around the autumn equinox (September 23 in 2024), is a festival that marks the balance of day and night before the descent into winter. It is named after Mabon ap Modron, a figure from Welsh mythology, symbolizing the “Great Son” and the harvest cycle. Historically, this day was a time to give thanks for the harvest and the abundance provided by the earth.

Spiritual Meaning of Mabon
Mabon represents a moment of balance and reflection. It invites us to honour both the light and the dark within ourselves and the natural world. As we move towards the darker half of the year, it’s an opportunity to pause and express gratitude for all that has come to fruition in our lives. It is also a time to prepare for introspection, allowing us to nurture the seeds for future growth during the winter months.

Insights for 2024
In 2024, Mabon holds particular significance as many are seeking equilibrium in a world of rapid change and uncertainty. With global shifts in consciousness, this equinox serves as a powerful moment to reflect on collective growth and transformation. As more people lean into mindfulness, self-awareness, and spiritual practice, Mabon encourages both personal and communal reflection on balance—within ourselves, our communities, and the earth. There is a strong call in 2024 to reconnect with nature and to re-establish sustainable practices, aligning our modern lifestyles with the ancient rhythms of the natural world.

Ways to Honour Mabon

1. Gratitude Ritual: Take time to reflect on what has “harvested” in your life. Write down the things you are grateful for, including both personal growth and external abundance. Meditate on balance and how you can maintain harmony as the days shorten.
2. Create an Altar: Decorate a space with symbols of the harvest—autumn fruits, leaves, seeds, and candles in shades of orange, red, and brown. You can also include objects that represent balance, such as a sun and moon image or balancing stones.
3. Celebrate with Food: Prepare a meal using seasonal ingredients like apples, pumpkins, squash, and root vegetables. Share it with friends or family, expressing gratitude for the nourishment of both food and relationships.
4. Mindful Reflection: Engage in journaling or meditation that explores your inner balance. What light and shadow aspects of yourself are emerging? How can you embrace both as you move into a more introspective season?
5. Give Back to the Earth: Honour the natural world by planting bulbs or preparing your garden for the next season. Alternatively, take a nature walk, collect fallen leaves, and create a mandala as an offering to the earth.

Mabon is a reminder of the cyclical nature of life. As we step into the darker months, this sacred pause helps us maintain balance, acknowledge what we’ve reaped, and prepare for the inward journey ahead.