First published in 2019...
The Blessings of Mabon
The second harvest Sabbat is here! Mabon is the time when the harvest has hit high gear, tables are covered with an abundance of produce, herbs, grains...the bounty that is the harvest is never so apparent as it is at Mabon.
Mabon is technically a week long. This year Mabon began on the 21st, and it continues until the 29th. This gives us plenty of time for planning a ritual to celebrate this very sacred time.Mabon, (and the Autumnal Equinox) is the time when the day and the night are equal - the world and its universe are in balance. Soon we will notice the light waning earlier as the days grow shorter and the night grows longer.
Mabon is a perfect time for giving thanks, of course - it is sort of the Witches "Thanksgiving". Any ritual designed to offer thanks and praise for the abundance in life is wonderful for Mabon. Mabon is also a perfect time for rituals focused on RELEASE. Each year, I try to incorporate elements into my Mabon ritual to release things in my life that no longer serve me. I light my Sabbat candle and visualize something that I want to let go. To help keep the ritual carrying into the next day, I often make or use an anointing oil that I then use on my wrists each morning. And as I put the oil on, and breathe in the scent, I once again repeat in my mind a phrase to bring my Mabon ritual alive.
There are many things we could stand to release. If you have been angry with someone for a prolonged period...perhaps this is a good time to release that anger. If you have been putting off doing something you want to do because you are afraid, perhaps now is the time to release that fear. We can release almost anything - pain, sadness, loneliness, fear, frustration...
Items Sacred to Mabon
Many things are sacred to the Mabon celebration, but here are a few:
Herbs:
Oak, Honeysuckle, Marigold, Myrrh, Sage, ThistleColors: Red, Orange, Rust, Golden Yellow, Brown
Food:
Apples, Pears, Pumpkins, Fall Vegetables and Fruits, Grains, Wheat, Barley, Corn
A Mabon Ritual for Release
This year, Mabon falls during the waning moon, which makes it really perfect for release magic!You will need:
- A gray candle for Release
- A small piece of paper
- A pen
- Something sharp to carve/inscribe the candle
- Anointing oil if you wish to use it
- Any herbs, fruit or flowers you wish to place on the altar as an offering
- Incense or sage or clearing spray to cleanse your candle and altar space
Once you have gathered the items above:
- Clear your space using incense, sage or a clearing spray.
- Cast your circle.
- Using the pen, write your intention on the paper, then sign it. Some people like to sign it multiple times, whatever feels right to you will work.
- Place the paper on your altar.
- Now carve your intent in your candle. Use a sharp object (carefully), to carve the candle. You can use words, symbols or any combination that feels right. Visualize what you want to release! SEE it clearly in your mind. Picture how you will feel once you have let go of the thing you wish to release.
- Once your candle is carved, anoint if you wish, then place in a holder and place the holder over your paper.
- Light the candle.
- Sit in your space, and focus on your desire. See the outcome. Invest yourself in the result.
- If possible, stay with your candle and allow it to burn completely down until it goes out.
NOTE:
Please NEVER leave a candle unattended! If you must leave the candle, use a snuffer or a spoon to extinguish the flame. Once the candle has burned completely, take the paper outside and burn it in a small bowl or pot. Or, if you prefer, fold it and bury it in the ground in an area you feel is right. This is every bit as good.
I hope you have a safe, blessed and joyous Mabon!
Bright Blessings!
Alison