Autumn Equinox--Blessed Mabon

Everywhere you look here in my part of the world the signs of Autumn are a sight for sore eyes. Our trees are beginning their colorful changes, the gardens are dying down, chrysanthemums are blooming, pumpkins and gourds are overflowing bins at the stores. It's a glorious time of year in many ways. Every Wiccan sabbat is my favorite of course. Autumn, though has a special place in my heart.

Sedum, Autumn Joy

Twice a year we recognize the equal length of light and dark. In the Spring it is joyous to celebrate as the days begin to grow longer and brighter. In September, after the long, dry hot summer it is a relief to welcome the cooler, darker time. Though my preference is to have light in the evening, I know the earth and all upon it need the darkening days--to rest, replenish and for us to spend the darker months in contemplation and quiet, thoughtful pursuits.

Rowan berries

I am a Wiccan who practices a solitary path. I call the Autumn Equinox the name Mabon and celebrate this event in quiet ritual. Candles, music, incense. Thanking the Gods for the beauty and richness of Summer, and thinking about how the Summer was spent, what I learned, what I did....in other words, a  review of how life was led on the Wiccan path during the wonderful days of warmth and light.

Chrysanthemums

Now it is time to put the gardens to bed and let Nature begin its long sleep. I am fortunate to live in a region that has four distinct seasons, so tracking the Wheel of the Year's turning is as easy as looking out the window. As a Wiccan, though, the Turning of the Wheel has a more spiritual meaning for me and I embrace these next few months as a time to be introspective....writing, meditating, nesting, drawing the things to me that represent warmth, love, hearth and home.

image source

Here is a wonderful post by one of our favorite Wiccan internet writers, Patti Wigington from About.com's Wicca/Paganism site.. The post is called Ten Ways to Celebrate Mabon, and has such simple, wonderful and "autumny" ways to observe the Wiccan sabbat that occurs at the Autumn Equinox. Click on this link to read: Mabon celebration ideas

Baking apple desserts is on the agenda this weekend.  I shall save you a piece of Apple Cake.

Blessed Mabon to you and yours.