WW – Mabon aka Fall Equinox 2016

Next Thursday marks the official start of Autumn. I had no idea there was a bit of controversy in Pagan circles about the “proper” name for this particular occasion until last year, when a Facebook post by Christopher Penczak got me Googling. However, when all is said and done, I have no problem using Mabon and Fall Equinox interchangeably, as I have since I first started down this path a bazillion years ago.

Here’s a blurb about this spoke on the Wheel of the Year that gives a good overview of the occasion. From Witchipedia –

Traditionally, the Autumnal Equinox marks the beginning of the fall season and many cultures have harvest festivals at this time. In the Pagan and magical communities, the Autumnal Equinox represents the height of the harvest season which began with Lughnassadh and ends with Samhain. As a Sabbat, the Autumnal Equinox is sometimes referred to as “Pagan Thanksgiving”. Although the equinox is often celebrated for its own sake, many different Pagan and Heathen traditions have specific festivals tied to the date. Some of these are Second Harvest, Alban Elfed Winter Nights, Harvest Home, Feast of the Ingathering, Meán Fómhair and Mabon. In addition, many Pagan Pride Day festivals are held near the Autumn Equinox.

Autumn Equinox feasts are generally food-focused, featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables and fresh baked bread shared with friends, family and the less fortunate. For many Circles, this is their last chance to celebrate outdoors before the cold weather sets in, so a bonfire and BBQ are in order. The theme of the day is usually gratitude and the sharing of blessings. The Gods & Goddesses celebrated at this time tend to be Gods of the Harvest.

Some Pagans commemorate Persephone’s descent into the Underworld at this time, or this observation may be saved for Samhain. Either way, Her mother Demeter or Ceres is often a major focus of worship at this time.

The descent of Inanna into the underworld may be remembered at this time.

Some Pagans use this time to honor the Dark God/dess or Crone.

Some Pagans believe that the Sun God is defeated and dies at this time (Many observe this at the Summer Solstice instead) and he will be reborn at the Winter Solstice. Others honor The Green Man or The Horned God at this time.

Here’s the graphic I created, using a picture I took last year in our backyard (I named it, “light and shadow“). Bright Mabon/Fall Equionx blessings to all!

Mabon aka Fall Equinox 2016. Mabon/Fall Equinox September 22, 2016 10:21am EDT. Mabon, the Witch’s Thanksgiving, is the second harvest festival. Day and night are equally long, but from now until Ostara (in March), there will be more darkness than light. Colors – Red, yellow, orange, and brown. Symbols – Apples, scarecrows, acorns, grapevines. Ritual work – reflecting on the past and planning for the future, giving thanks, home protection, balance. First, this is not a passive voice. Next, I am writing in an active voice. Therefore, my SEO will stop telling me how to write. Furthermore, these sentences are also shorter than twenty words. Rather, stop being so controlling. Especially since most of the sentences in this post are not mine. I will keep going while until you turn green. I can’t believe this is still orange. Finally, it has turned. Success! First, this is not a passive voice. Next, I am writing in an active voice. Therefore, my SEO will stop telling me how to write. Furthermore, these sentences are also shorter than twenty words. Rather, stop being so controlling. Especially since most of the sentences in this post are not mine. I will keep going while until you turn green. I can’t believe this is still orange. Finally, it has turned. Success!