Celebrating Mabon: The Autumn Equinox, Rituals, Symbols & a TCM Perspective
The Autumn Equinox, known as Mabon in the Northern Hemisphere and Ostara in the Southern Hemisphere, is on September 22nd this year. At this moment, day and night are perfectly balanced, as Mother Earth reaches a point of equilibrium on her journey around the Sun.
Mabon, part of the Wheel of the Year, is a sacred time celebrated with many different pronunciations (May-bun, May-boon, May-bawn). It's a festival of the Great Mysteries, a moment to honor the Sun Gods and Goddesses, the harvest, and the connection to the spirit world. This is a time to pause, reflect, and embrace balance—taking stock of the harvests in our lives, whether from gardens, relationships, work, or personal achievements, while preparing for the journey into the darker months ahead. It’s an opportunity to shed what no longer serves us, be it physical, emotional, or mental, and to embrace the gifts of the darkness. It’s a moment to honor our inner feminine power, the abundance of the Earth, and the mysteries of life’s cycles.
Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspectives
In TCM, autumn is the season where we transition from the yang energy of summer to the yin of winter, representing the “yang within yin.” This period reflects that final burst of vibrant energy before nature and our own bodies draw inward for the colder months. The vibrant autumn colors—reds, yellows, and oranges—are nature’s way of showcasing this last burst of yang energy before everything retreats and conserves for winter. Similarly, we are called to embrace this inward journey, reserving our energy and reflecting on our inner selves.
Autumn corresponds to the Metal element in TCM, which represents clarity, reflection, and letting go. Just as Mabon asks us to celebrate the harvest, TCM encourages us to distill our life experiences, refining and retaining only what is valuable. The Metal element governs the Lungs and Large Intestine, which help us process and let go of what is unnecessary—both physically and emotionally.
Mabon’s Energy: Light and Shadow
Mabon offers a profound chance to honor both the light and shadow aspects within us. It invites us to acknowledge and celebrate the dualities of existence—the human and the spiritual, the masculine and the feminine. This balance is the alchemy of creation, and by embracing both polarities, we open ourselves to wholeness and integration.
In this season, harvesting can be both joyful and sorrowful, full of bounty yet marked by loss. Allow yourself to experience all emotions as you honor this time. Acknowledge the wisdom and insights that come from being present with your feelings. Celebrate how far you’ve come this year, honor your challenges and triumphs, and give thanks for the journey.
We honor the Goddess as she transitions from Mother to Crone and the Green Man, the Sun King, for the strength he has provided. This is a time to welcome the gifts of abundance and to share our bounty with the world. As we gather to celebrate, may we embody the virtues of love, respect, kindness, and peace.
The Womb & The Goddess Energy Mabon invites us to reconnect with the energies of the womb—the divine source of life, creativity, and nurturing power. As the Earth prepares for her journey into the darker months, we’re reminded to turn inward, to honor the inner goddess within us, and to embrace the gifts of our womb space. This sacred energy, often associated with Venus, the Goddess of Love, beauty, and fertility, is a reminder of our connection to the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Through this, we find our strength, our creativity, and our deepest intuition.
The Apple: A Symbol of Mabon & The Womb’s Sacred Connection Apples are one of the most powerful symbols of Mabon and have long been revered for their connection to the Goddess, the womb, and the cycle of life, death and rebirth. At Mabon, the apple harvest is at its peak, and this fruit is celebrated as a symbol of abundance, fertility, and the turning of the seasons. When you cut an apple in half horizontally, it reveals a hidden five-pointed star, representing the pentacle—a sacred symbol of the goddess, womb and feminine energy, and the elements.
As the Goddess transitions from the Mother to the Wise Crone, she encourages us to celebrate our sensuality, our connection to the Earth, and the fruits of our labor. It’s a time to love ourselves fully, to embrace our creative power, and to honor the balance between light and dark, life and death.
Mythology and Magic of Mabon
Mabon is steeped in mythology, with tales of life, death, and rebirth. Stories like that of Demeter and Persephone and Inanna’s descent into the underworld remind us of the earth’s cycles and the balance between light and dark. The equinox invites us to connect with both our light and shadow sides, allowing us to embrace the balance within ourselves.
Embracing the Energies of Autumn with Herbs
The energies of autumn help us cultivate balance and harmony in our lives. Several herbs and plants resonate deeply with this season:
Cinnamon: Associated with the elements of Air and Fire, cinnamon brings warmth, abundance, and spiritual attunement. It’s a classic ingredient in autumn dishes and supports healthy digestion, and blood sugar balance.
Apple: Representing wisdom, love, and the cycle of life, apples are linked to the elements Water and Earth. Apples have long been featured in Mabon altars as a symbol of harvest and rebirth, and they also offer health benefits, such as supporting digestion.
Lavender: Aligned with the element of Air, lavender encourages calm, communication, and peacefulness. Its calming properties support relaxation, sleep, and emotional balance, making it an excellent addition to your Mabon rituals.
Rose: Roses uplift the mood and soothe the heart, and they bring a sense of beauty and warmth to any Mabon celebration.
Symbolism and Attributes of Mabon:
Mabon is known as the Second Harvest, a time of mysteries, equality, and balance. Here are some of the traditional elements associated with this sacred day:
Symbols: Wine, cornucopia, pine cones, acorns, grains, apples, pomegranates, and dried seeds. Incorporate them into your altar or home decor as a way of honoring the harvest.
Herbs: Acorn, ferns, honeysuckle, marigold, milkweed, passionflower, rose, sage, Solomon's seal, tobacco, and thistle.
Foods: Bread, nuts, apples, pomegranates, squash, potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Scents: Benzoin, myrrh, sage.
Colours: The colors of Mabon are inspired by autumn’s rich hues: deep oranges, reds, yellows, browns, and coppers. Use these colors in your decorations, candles, and altar cloths to connect with the season.
Crystals and Stones for Mabon
The energy of certain crystals can enhance your Mabon experience:
Citrine: Symbolising abundance and prosperity, citrine attracts positive energy and enhances gratitude.
Smoky Quartz: A grounding and protective stone, smoky quartz helps release negativity and promotes stability.
Carnelian: Known for boosting motivation and creativity, carnelian ignites passion and enthusiasm.
Lapis Lazuli: Enhancing wisdom and intuition, lapis lazuli supports deep reflection during Mabon rituals.
TCM Self-Care Rituals for Fall
1. Learning to Let Go: As nature begins to let go of the things it doesn’t need for the hibernation of winter, reflect on what you can release in your life. Declutter your environment and only keep things that make you truly happy.
2. Eating for the Season: In TCM, autumn is a time to nourish your lungs and digestive system with warm, cooked foods. Enjoy seasonal foods like soups, stews, and root vegetables. Incorporate warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, garlic, and cloves, which align with Mabon traditions and support the body's immune system.
3. Practice Deeper Breathing: As we breathe in the crisp autumn air, take time to practice deep breathing exercises. This strengthens the lungs and supports the immune system, aligning with the energy of the Metal element.
Ritual Suggestions for Mabon:
Earth Connection: Ground yourself by placing your hands and bare feet on the Earth. Feel the energy of Gaia's and set intentions for the next season.
Create an Altar of Gratitude: Gather items from nature and arrange them on an altar, adding crystals, photographs, or notes of gratitude.
Seasonal Activities: Engage in autumnal activities like making wine, gathering dried herbs and seeds, or walking in forests.
Rituals: Perform rituals focused on protection, prosperity, harmony, balance, and gratitude.
Commune with Others: Gather with loved ones to celebrate Mabon together. Share gratitude and rituals during this time of togetherness.
Gentle Mabon Meditation: Light two candles—one white and one black—and sit quietly in front of your altar. Breathe deeply and reflect on the balance within your life. Consider where you can invite more harmony and ease, and allow yourself to journal or free-write your thoughts and feelings.
Gratitude Practice: Light a candle and take a moment to express your thankfulness. Reflect on your blessings, write them down, or speak them aloud.
Apple Picking: Celebrate the harvest by picking apples, a fruit deeply connected to Mabon’s themes.
Nature Walks: Spend time in nature, collecting leaves, pine cones, or acorns to decorate your space.
Journaling: Start a gratitude journal to document your reflections and blessings throughout the season. And what you are letting go of.
Decluttering: Clear out physical and emotional clutter, creating a cozy, balanced space for the months ahead.
May Your Mabon Be Bountiful
Mabon is a time to pause, give thanks, and honor the natural world’s cycles. As you celebrate this autumn equinox, may you find balance, abundance, and a deep sense of connection with the rhythms of nature. Whether you’re crafting a delicious harvest meal, lighting a candle in reflection, or sharing gratitude with loved ones, let this season be one of harmony, introspection, and celebration. By integrating both the traditional aspects of Mabon and the wisdom of TCM, you can navigate this season with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the balance and beauty of autumn.