Mabon: The Autumn Equinox

Mabon is celebrated at the Autumn Equinox, usually around September 21–23 in the Northern Hemisphere, or around March 19 to 22 in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks the second harvest festival on the Wheel of the Year, following Lughnasadh and preceding Samhain. At Mabon, day and night stand in perfect balance before darkness gradually overtakes the light. It is a time to give thanks for the year’s blessings, reflect on accomplishments, and prepare for the quieter months ahead.

The name “Mabon” became popular in modern Paganism during the 1970s, inspired by the Welsh figure Mabon ap Modron. Historically, ancient Celts likely celebrated the autumn harvest, though not necessarily under this name.

The Meaning of Mabon

Mabon represents:

Gratitude for abundance and the harvest
Balance between light and dark
Reflection on the year’s journey
Letting go of what no longer serves you
Preparing for winter and inner growth
Sharing blessings with family and community

This is a wonderful time to pause and appreciate both your successes and your lessons.

Candle Colors

Candles used on a Mabon altar often reflect the rich colors of autumn.

Dark Green – abundance, nature, gratitude
Brown – stability, earth, grounding
Gold – prosperity, the final warmth of the Sun
Orange – harvest, joy, creativity
Deep Red – strength, life force, transformation
Purple – wisdom and spiritual reflection
White – balance and harmony

Crystals

Crystals commonly associated with Mabon include:

Citrine – abundance and gratitude
Tiger’s Eye – balance and confidence
Smoky Quartz – grounding and releasing negativity
Carnelian – vitality and motivation
Amber – warmth and ancient wisdom
Green Aventurine – prosperity and good fortune
Moss Agate – connection to nature
Red Jasper – endurance and grounding

Sacred Colors

Nature provides Mabon with a beautiful palette:

Rust
Burgundy
Deep Red
Gold
Orange
Brown
Olive Green
Mustard Yellow
Plum
Copper

These colors symbolize the changing leaves and the Earth’s transition into autumn.

Traditional Meals

Mabon celebrates the abundance of orchards, vineyards, and gardens.

Popular foods include:

Apple pies and crisps
Pear desserts
Pumpkin soup
Squash dishes
Roasted root vegetables
Wild mushroom recipes
Fresh baked bread
Cornbread
Harvest stew
Beef or venison
Turkey
Grapes and cheese
Blackberry desserts
Plum preserves
Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans)
Oatcakes
Honey
Cider
Herbal teas
Red wine (where appropriate)

Sharing a meal is one of the most meaningful Mabon traditions.

Herbs and Plants

Plants traditionally connected with Mabon include:

Sage
Rosemary
Thyme
Oak leaves
Acorns
Wheat
Barley
Corn
Grapevines
Apple branches
Blackberry vines
Sunflowers
Marigolds
Chrysanthemums
Maple leaves
Ivy
Hawthorn berries
Rose hips

Decorating the altar with baskets of fruit, colorful leaves, acorns, and pinecones brings the season indoors.

Goddesses of Mabon

Several goddesses are honored during this season because of their connection to harvest, abundance, wisdom, and the changing seasons.

Demeter – Goddess of grain, harvest, and motherhood.
Persephone – Her descent into the Underworld mirrors the Earth’s movement toward winter.
Modron – A mother goddess associated with abundance and the Otherworld.
Cerridwen – Keeper of wisdom, inspiration, and transformation.
Danu – Great Mother and source of abundance.
Pomona – Goddess of orchards and fruit trees.

Many Wiccans also honor the Horned God, who begins his symbolic journey toward death and rebirth as the wheel turns toward Samhain and Yule.

Symbols of Mabon

Common Mabon symbols include:

Apples
Grapes
Cornucopias
Pumpkins
Squash
Acorns
Pinecones
Autumn leaves
Wheat sheaves
Sunflowers
Scales (representing balance)
Baskets of harvest foods
Wine
Bread

Simple Mabon Ritual

A peaceful solitary ritual might include:

Decorate your altar with autumn leaves, apples, candles, and crystals.
Light a gold or orange candle.
Write down everything you’re grateful for from the past year.
Thank the Earth for its abundance.
Spend a few quiet moments reflecting on what you wish to release before winter.
Bury your written intentions or safely burn them as a symbol of letting go.
Share a harvest meal with loved ones—or enjoy one mindfully in gratitude if you’re alone.

Mabon Blessing

As day and night stand in equal measure, may my heart find balance. May I gather the blessings of the seasons with gratitude, release what no longer serves me, and walk peacefully into the quieter months with wisdom, abundance, and hope. Blessed Mabon. 🌾🍂