Autumn Equinox (Mabon) (Mah-bon or May-bon)
While Mabon is not one of the four major sabbats in Wicca, it is one of the eight and is thus significant. It represents the height of nature’s abundance and usually falls between September 21 and 24. It is seen as the height of the harvest season and is a time to celebrate nature’s bounty. Many also celebrate the balance in nature during Mabon. Wiccans see the sabbats as changing relationships between the God and Goddess, with the Goddess entering her crone stage and the God preparing for his death and rebirth.
Common Practices
Bread and baked goods are typically found during the Autumn Equinox, with believers stopping work to relax and enjoy their blessings. Often believers will dress and eat lavishly to celebrate the bounty of life. Believers will also perform a ritual. Believers create a sacred space outdoors, with leaders walking around an area and chanting while sprinkling the area with water and salt, which are believed to be spiritually cleansing. Representatives of earth, air, fire, and water are carried around the circle while participants imagine a sphere of light and invite spirits associated with the cardinal directions into it. A poem will also be recited.
Community Considerations
Do not schedule important events or activities, especially at night. Expect that observers will not attend meetings or communicate.