The Sabbat of Mabon/Autumn Equinox (September 22 or 23)

© Copyright 2005-2023 Karen Charboneau-Harrison, All Rights Reserved.

Also known as Harvest Home, this Sabbat is named for Mabon , the Divine Youth of antiquity who was hidden yet ever remains as the Sun. His name literally means 'son'. Mabon (Harvest Home, Autumn Equinox) is a celebration of Thanksgiving for the blessings and abundance of the year, for the food, clothing and shelter which sustains us now and will continue to sustain us through the quiet, dark months of Winter. We celebrate the manifestation of the fruits of our labors and look forward to rest and repose after the harvesting. It is the time of the last preparations before the coming of darkness in Winter. As such, it is also the time to prepare the spirit for an interval of introspection and inner growth.

Mabon is the time of equilibrium, when light and dark, day and night are equal. On this day, we have 12 hours of sunlight, 12 hours of moonlight. The forces of light and dark meet this day, however, after this day, the night gains in strength and meditations and inner workings become more and more intense. For a moment, Time pauses and then begins his journey from the powers of light and activity into the powers of darkness and introspection. We bid farewell to the Sun who has fully matured, passed his prime and is turning old. We begin to welcome the coming of winter.

The celebrations of this Sabbat are serious yet joyous. They traditionally include hayrides, canning parties, winemaking, fairs which show off our harvests, meditations and preparation for study and inner work. One tradition is the making and burying of the corn dolly. Create your corn dolly from the husks of ears of corn, then charge it with the qualities and goals you are working on, finally bury it as a seed. When spring comes, if you have truly made your preparations, those qualities and goals will become a part of you and your life. Mabon falls during the astrological sign of Libra, the sign of the Scales of Balance. Thus the energies of this time are those of balance, consideration and fruitful partnerships. Mabon is particularly sacred to Cerridwen, water oriented Goddess of Autumn, to whom was entrusted the guardianship of the Seeds of the future and the arts of Prophesy. She is able to look into the mysteries of the dark of winter and of the Otherworld. Her symbol is the Cauldron and her sacred fruit is the Apple. All nuts and seeds are sacred to her. Cernunnos in His role as Lord of Darkness and protector of all things wild and free was given to him the gifts of life by Cailleache, the crone aspect of Cerridwen, at this time of year.

HARVEST HOME CAKE
Mix 1 cup dark brown sugar, 1 cup raisins, 1 cup water and 1 cup lard. Bring to a simmering boil for 3 minutes. Set aside to cool. After cooling completely, beat in 1 egg. Add 3 cups flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and one teaspoon each of powdered cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Beat into mixture for 2 minutes and pour into greased cake pan. Top with 1 cup of chopped nuts of your choice and bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes, Serve with butter or cream. Happy Harvest!

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