Mabon!

[AthenaiiseSofia]

Well, well, here it is that the Fall Equinox is nearly upon us. (In my nook of the hemisphere, that is.) I didn't really start celebrating these traditional (may I use this word here? I can't think of anything else to describe it...) wiccan/pagan/insert word here holidays until like, Ostara this year, and therefore I don't have much of a clue what I want to do for Mabon. =/

So, I've decided to do some research. =) How do you celebrate this holiday, if you celebrate it at all? What themes come to mind? Do you celebrate it as much as you would Samhain or Imbolc, or do you keep it simple?

I thank you in advance for your replies and advice.=)

[Liadine (dragonflyeyes)]

So, I've decided to do some research. =) How do you celebrate this holiday, if you celebrate it at all? What themes come to mind? Do you celebrate it as much as you would Samhain or Imbolc, or do you keep it simple?

Whether I keep it simple or go all-out depends on my mood, and whether or not I'm working that day. I love autumn, though, so I usually do as much as I'm able to (time-wise and energy-wise).

I haven't made plans for this year yet, but some things I've done before:
- If it's a sunny-autumn day, I like to go for a walk through a good forested area and try to spot autumn on its way. Leaves don't start seriously changing here until the beginning of October, but there are all sorts of little things, and I find it really lovely.

- I almost always make a meal (preferably for others, sometimes just for myself). Last year I made bread, butternut squash soup, chicken with pomegranate molasses, and roasted apples for dessert. This is usually the main portion of my non-ritual celebrations.

- I have a small herb garden, so I usually spend some time picking and drying some of them.

- If there's time, I like to make a big batch of apple butter, enough to give to my friends and also last me through autumn.

My ritual is usually almost entirely based around my work with Persephone, so I don't have many tips for that.

The things I associate with Mabon are partially traditional (harvest & abundance), and partially related to all sorts of Autumn-y things that I have my own private associations for.

Depending on your own associations, what you do for Mabon might vary significantly from what I do or what others do Some useful questions that were asked of me when I was first figuring out what I wanted to do for the equinox: What does the concept of harvest mean to you - do you have a strong reaction to it, or is it sort of a foreign idea? What does it apply to in your life, both literally and metaphorically? Do you have any strong feelings about autumn in general - do you look forward to it, or do you like to hold onto summer for as long as you can?

[Jenett]

So, I've decided to do some research. =) How do you celebrate this holiday, if you celebrate it at all? What themes come to mind? Do you celebrate it as much as you would Samhain or Imbolc, or do you keep it simple?

In my trad, all 8 Sabbats are important, though exactly how they get celebrated varies. (Samhain has, in my parent group, involved a lot of decoration because the HPS who trained me likes that sort of thing a lot. Once I hived, I scaled back a lot, because while I appreciate the end effect, it's mostly not how I want to spend my time...)

For me, Fall Equinox is, in general terms, about celebrating the harvest of the year's work, and figuring out how make use of it to help get through the dark times of the year. There's a very practical aspect to that, but there's also a philosophical one: what things do I need to work on during the winter, so that I can have new ideas or approaches in the spring? What things have I learned this year that will help me do things differently next time around?

On a personal front, my birthday is generally the equinox (or at most, a day off: the 22nd) so it's a time when I build in a lot of reflection about what I liked about the previous year, what I want to do differently, and so on.

For ritual practice, I've generally aimed for "lots of good food, good company, thoughtful conversation, some self-reflection (often aided by some divination or meditation work)" - it's a more relaxed Sabbat than some, in terms of "must accomplish X", but that doesn't mean less important. (After all, if we don't have the reflection, how do we best know what we want to do next or what we care about in the process?)

(To put this in context: for me, Lammas is about the early harvest, but also about the role of sacrifice, commitment, and engagement in my life. Samhain is in some ways the final harvest, but most of my ritual work is about honoring the ancestors, and in the transition of the spiritual work of the year, as opposed ot the personal - obviously, there's lots of overlap on that one.)

[AthenaiiseSofia]

Whether I keep it simple or go all-out depends on my mood, and whether or not I'm working that day. I love autumn, though, so I usually do as much as I'm able to (time-wise and energy-wise).

 
That all sounds lovely. Things that I could probably do with my limited time and materials. =) I thank you for sharing!

[AthenaiiseSofia]

For me, Fall Equinox is, in general terms, about celebrating the harvest of the year's work, and figuring out how make use of it to help get through the dark times of the year. There's a very practical aspect to that, but there's also a philosophical one: what things do I need to work on during the winter, so that I can have new ideas or approaches in the spring? What things have I learned this year that will help me do things differently next time around?

 
You're quite right about the practical/philosophical parts of the holiday. I like to honor both sides of this day, by doing something practical like weeding my garden, and I make a list of my own personal "harvest" and things to look forward to. (Actually, I did both of those things on Lammas heehee. I think I'll have to change it up!) But once again, thank you so much for sharing. =)

[MarieInVa]

Well, well, here it is that the Fall Equinox is nearly upon us. (In my nook of the hemisphere, that is.) I didn't really start celebrating these traditional (may I use this word here? I can't think of anything else to describe it...) wiccan/pagan/insert word here holidays until like, Ostara this year, and therefore I don't have much of a clue what I want to do for Mabon. =/

So, I've decided to do some research. =) How do you celebrate this holiday, if you celebrate it at all? What themes come to mind? Do you celebrate it as much as you would Samhain or Imbolc, or do you keep it simple?

I thank you in advance for your replies and advice.=)

I'm very new to all of this, but based on what I've read, I will be celebrating this differently than Samhain (which I had been celebrating all my life, unknowingly!)  For Mabon, based on what I know (and please correct me if I'm wrong) it's the celebration of the second harvest.

I will keep this simple, since I alone will be celebrating, but after I decorate my mantel with autumn finery, which serves as a little alter of Thanksgiving, I will go outdoors that evening, light a small fire in the firepit.  A friend gave me a bottle of his homemade Mead, which I've been saving and will enjoy a glass or two, while nibbling on locally made whole grain bread and local goat cheese, and simply be grateful for the the abundance that surrounds me.

This is something I would enjoy sharing with others, but I only know of one other person who into earth-based religions/spirituality, and they live too far.

Whatever you plan, I hope it satisfies your soul!

[yewberry]

So, I've decided to do some research. =) How do you celebrate this holiday, if you celebrate it at all? What themes come to mind? Do you celebrate it as much as you would Samhain or Imbolc, or do you keep it simple?

The autumn equinox isn't a holiday for me...well, maybe a working holiday.    I've got so much going on right now harvesting and preserving food, building new garden beds, taking care of my animals, there's little time for typical celebration.  

I do contemplate this turn, though, during every meal of fresh produce I consume, and in every squash or green bean I pick.  My chickens are almost all grown up.  I'm thinking about the superfluous rooster that will likely be the centerpiece of our small family Thanksgiving (and how sad it will be to say goodbye--he's much sweeter than the sturdier boy I'm keeping for breeding), and whether or not the hens will start laying eggs in October, or wait until the spring as young chickens sometimes do.  I need to finish their portable pen before the rains start.  I'm pondering the meat rabbits I'll (finally!) acquire late this month.  I'm thinking about post-summer garden clean-up, plastic row covers, and autumn plantings of crucifers (kimchi, here I come) and garlic.  I'm starting my winter dreaming, which carries me through the dark, rainy season.

So a little death, new life, and an end to the hustle of summer work--a liminal state of mind.  That's my Mabon.

Brina

[AthenaiiseSofia]

Whatever you plan, I hope it satisfies your soul!

 
First off, you're quite right. Mabon is the second harvest. =)
And even though your celebration seems simple, its just as good as any elaborate festival. =) I will be alone in my celebrations as well. =( It's a shame, isn't it?
Ah, well. =) I hope you have a lovely holiday. =)

[AthenaiiseSofia]

The autumn equinox isn't a holiday for me...well, maybe a working holiday.    I've got so much going on right now harvesting and preserving food, building new garden beds, taking care of my animals, there's little time for typical celebration.  
So a little death, new life, and an end to the hustle of summer work--a liminal state of mind.  That's my Mabon.

Brina

All of your farming and such is my dream. =) Enjoy every blessed minute of it! And remember, even in the most mundane of things, there is a miracle. =) I pray you, too, have a wonderful holiday. =)

[Livia Indica]

Well, well, here it is that the Fall Equinox is nearly upon us. (In my nook of the hemisphere, that is.) I didn't really start celebrating these traditional (may I use this word here? I can't think of anything else to describe it...) wiccan/pagan/insert word here holidays until like, Ostara this year, and therefore I don't have much of a clue what I want to do for Mabon. =/

So, I've decided to do some research. =) How do you celebrate this holiday, if you celebrate it at all? What themes come to mind? Do you celebrate it as much as you would Samhain or Imbolc, or do you keep it simple?

I thank you in advance for your replies and advice.=)

 
This time of year I enjoy the fruits of our gardens, okra, tomatoes and cucumbers mostly. I don't usually do any kind of magic on my own for the day but there have been several years now that I've attended a Mabon Pagans in the Park or Pagan Pride Day event and it's kinda becoming a tradition. I'm not a naturally social person but these kinds of low key events are how I celebrate this time of year.

[SatSekhem]

So, I've decided to do some research. =) How do you celebrate this holiday, if you celebrate it at all? What themes come to mind? Do you celebrate it as much as you would Samhain or Imbolc, or do you keep it simple?

I thank you in advance for your replies and advice.=)

 
I don't celebrate these Wheel of the Year holidays, either, although I may start. (This Mabon, as a matter of fact.) When I think about the holiday, I see pumpkins and gourds and leaves changing color and everything that is just stereotypical of the change in the season. So, if you have an altar, keep those things in mind.

I'm all for keeping things simple.

If I actually do celebrate Mabon, I'm going to bake some Naan bread. This would be an offering to the seasonal spirits or whomsoever is paying attention to me at that moment in time. I think I'd add some water to that offering and keep it simple. A little prayer to any who are listening: THANKS FOR THE WORLD. That kind of a thing.

[AthenaiiseSofia]

I don't celebrate these Wheel of the Year holidays, either, although I may start. (This Mabon, as a matter of fact.) When I think about the holiday, I see pumpkins and gourds and leaves changing color and everything that is just stereotypical of the change in the season. So, if you have an altar, keep those things in mind.

I'm all for keeping things simple.

If I actually do celebrate Mabon, I'm going to bake some Naan bread. This would be an offering to the seasonal spirits or whomsoever is paying attention to me at that moment in time. I think I'd add some water to that offering and keep it simple. A little prayer to any who are listening: THANKS FOR THE WORLD. That kind of a thing.

 
Like you said, very simple. But still meaningful. =) I'll probably go about things the same way. I actually got the day off (so the seven days of work in a row should be worth it) and its only me, so I doubt I'll do anything huge. Are you celebrating by yourself? And would it be different if you had/have others to celebrate with? I'm only asking because I'm moving to El Paso in November, and I'll probably celebrate with my mother, mother-in-law and sisters for the rest of the year. Curiosity. =)

[AthenaiiseSofia]

This time of year I enjoy the fruits of our gardens, okra, tomatoes and cucumbers mostly. I don't usually do any kind of magic on my own for the day but there have been several years now that I've attended a Mabon Pagans in the Park or Pagan Pride Day event and it's kinda becoming a tradition. I'm not a naturally social person but these kinds of low key events are how I celebrate this time of year.

 
Sounds delightful. =) I can't wait to have my family to celebrate with. I don't mind working alone, but I am pretty social, and I like to share. =) I hope you have a good time.

[SatSekhem]

Like you said, very simple. But still meaningful. =) I'll probably go about things the same way. I actually got the day off (so the seven days of work in a row should be worth it) and its only me, so I doubt I'll do anything huge. Are you celebrating by yourself? And would it be different if you had/have others to celebrate with? I'm only asking because I'm moving to El Paso in November, and I'll probably celebrate with my mother, mother-in-law and sisters for the rest of the year. Curiosity. =)

To answer your first question: yes and no. If I do celebrate (and it feels like that's the right thing to do, so I probably will) the holiday, then I will ask if Arienwen would care to join me. It is entirely up to her if she wishes to assist/give/partake. I would also like to take my son with me so that I can start showing him the religion that I strive for. However, it isn't necessary for either of them to celebrate.

And your second question: No. I belonged to a coven some years back. It was small and celebrations of any sort tended to be simple and small. And not just because money was difficult to come by. :whis:

[Valdi]

I don't celebrate these Wheel of the Year holidays, either, although I may start. (This Mabon, as a matter of fact.)

I want to start celebrating the Wheel of the Year, as well.

I've been enjoying reading this thread, I'm getting an idea of how people observe it so I can copy and modify to suit my tastes.

I get the urge for a bonfire (no surprise there, I love bonfires) - but I may leave that until Guy Fawkes Night instead. Or should I keep the bonfire until Yule or Samahin?