Celebrating the Wheel of the Year: Mabon, Reflecting on the Interplay of Light and Dark

What is Mabon?

Mabon, also known as the Autumn Equinox, is a significant pagan festival celebrated on or around September 21st each year. Derived from the Welsh word "Mabon ap Modron," meaning "son of the mother," Mabon represents a time of balance and gratitude as the sun begins its descent and darkness overtakes daylight.

During this harvest festival, pagans honor the changing seasons and give thanks for the abundance of nature. It marks a moment when day and night are equal in length, symbolizing harmony between light and dark forces. Mabon is deeply rooted in ancient traditions that celebrate fertility, growth, and the cycle of life.

The festival is often observed with rituals that involve gathering fruits, vegetables, and grains to express gratitude for Mother Earth's bountiful gifts. People come together to share feasts made from freshly harvested produce while reflecting on their connection to nature.

In addition to expressing gratitude for nature's blessings, Mabon also serves as a time for introspection. As summer fades away and winter approaches, it encourages individuals to reflect on personal growth achieved throughout the year and set intentions for self-improvement during the darker months ahead.

Mabon provides an opportunity to celebrate nature's abundance while acknowledging life's cyclical nature. It reminds us of our interconnectedness with the natural world and encourages us to find balance within ourselves as we navigate through life's ever-changing seasons.

Embracing Mabon: Finding Balance in Nature's Rhythms

An Evening Celebration in Nature for Women

Join us in delving into the rich history and profound significance of Mabon, as we honor this balanced and contemplative holiday amidst the natural world. In celebrating this point of perfect equilibrium, we also embrace the essential values of gratitude, release, and the deepening of our connections. Mabon invites us, whether through age-old traditions or the crafting of new rituals, to synchronize with the natural rhythms and the perpetual cycle of life.

What To Expect

• Sunset Forest Bathing Walk Honoring Mabon
  Walking slowly and mindfully, we will observe the subtle changes in nature, pausing along the way to meditate and perform simple rituals that honor the balance of light and dark, celebrating the autumnal equinox.
• Offerings to Nature
  To express our gratitude towards nature's elements like trees and water, we will present offerings such as songs, poems, or symbolic gifts such as seeds or grains as we walk the land. This act serves as a heartfelt gesture of appreciation for the Earth's abundant nourishment.
• Seasonal Living Discussions
  Join us to learn practical ways to live in harmony with the seasons, enhancing your well-being.
• Bonfire Ceremony
  Together, we will experience a ceremonial lighting of the fire. The fire-consuming wood symbolizes life's cycles of birth, death, and renewal. The bonfire's warmth and light mark the transition to shorter days and longer nights.
• Mabon Ritual of Release

  Gathered under the night sky, encircling a warming bonfire, we will engage in a meaningful Mabon ritual focused on the art of letting go. We'll delve into the significance of Mabon and explore the symbolism behind shedding old energies to make room for new growth. As the ritual unfolds, we will collectively reflect, admiring the fire's mesmerizing beauty and power, and express our gratitude for the lessons learned and the opportunities for renewal before us. Our ceremony will conclude with heartfelt thanks to the elements, the fire, and any spirits we have called upon, embracing the profound sense of unity and transformation this ritual brings.
  

• FAQS

  • Please remember to bring your own bug spray, although we will also have some available.
  • For your comfort and protection, wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes, and socks is advised.
  • Note that this offering includes periods of time sitting on the ground - we have mats available.
  • Please remember to bring your journals and a pen for writing.
  • You are welcome to bring water and any snacks you may require.
  • Please plan to arrive by 4:15 so we can start prompting at 4:30 pm.
  • This offering is open to eight women, creating an intimate and supportive space for us to connect with each other and the natural world.
  • $40 investment