General description of the Mabon sabbat
- Sabbat date: September 21 (autumn equinox)
- Status: Minor sabbat
Mabon is one of the eight sabbats celebrated by followers of Wicca and other modern pagan traditions. This sabbat marks the autumn equinox, a time of balance between day and night, where light and darkness are equal. Mabon celebrates the second harvest of the year and invites giving thanks for the abundance received while preparing for the coming winter.
History of the Mabon sabbat
Mabon is named after the Celtic god Mabon, son of the Earth goddess Modron. He is often associated with youth and the harvest. Ancient peoples celebrated this time with festivals and rituals to thank the deities for the harvests and to ask for protection during the winter months. Celebrations included feasts, offerings, and bonfires to mark the transition to the dark season of the year.
Traditions and activities of the Mabon sabbat
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Harvest and gratitude: gathering seasonal fruits and vegetables, and giving thanks for the abundance received.
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Decoration: decorating the home with autumn leaves, apples, squash, and corn cobs.
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Feasts: shared meals with seasonal foods, including apples, grapes, nuts, and squash-based dishes.
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Gratitude rituals: rituals to thank the deities and the earth for the harvests.
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Apple picking: traditional activity of picking apples, often followed by making cider or applesauce.
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Offerings: offerings of fruit, wine, and bread to deities and nature spirits.
Correspondence chart for the Mabon sabbat
| Stones | Amethyst, Sapphire, Lapis lazuli, Carnelian |
| Planets | Mercury, Venus |
| Day | Friday |
| Deities | Mabon, Demeter, Persephone, Thor, Inanna |
| Colors | Orange, red, yellow, brown |
| Creatures | Deer, owls, foxes |
| Signs | Balance |
| Direction | West |
| Element | Air |
| Plant | Apples, grapes, nuts, corn |
| Offerings | Apples, bread, wine, honey |
