Mabon -21st and 22nd March
Mabon signifies the arrival of Autumn and honours the change that occurs in the natural cycle around us during this time. We notice the cooler weather descending and the gentle balance between light and dark that occurs around the Autumn Equinox. The last of the summer fruits are eaten in gratitude. It’s a time of gently turning inwards, of introspection, reflection and meditation during the cooler, darker months ahead.
It is a time of gathering and of preparation. It is also a time to walk among the gum trees, smelling the resin and the eucalyptus oils in the air, and gathering oils, barks, plants and herbs to be dried. The colours of the season are brown and gold.
Mabon is a time for preserving and fermenting. Food is prepared for storage, jams and pickles are made, and fruits are candied or dried. Maple syrup is traditionally eaten Mabon, as are all long-keeping plant foods, and honey as a natural preservative. Special foods to celebrate with include traditional Greek baklava (honey cake).
Mabon is known as one of the eight spokes of the Wheel of the Year, that honors the transitions of the earth’s natural cycle, the other seven being SUMMER SOLSTICE, WINTER SOLSTICE, VERNAL EQUINOX, BELTANE, SAMHAIN, IMBOLC, and LUGHNASA.
The naming of “Mabon” is originally taken from the Welsh legend about a magical youth of the same name. The story tells of the theft of baby Mabon from his mother. He is taken away and hidden in the darkness of the earth (the cave) just as the nights appear to overpower the days around the time of the equinox. Mabon grows and flourishes in a bright and magical enclosure under the ground. He grows up in captivity but is known to be the finest hunter in the land. Finally, he is rescued by the great Welsh hero Culhwch, with the help of animal guidance and assistance of an owl, a stag, a blackbird, an otter, and a salmon in his long and arduous quest.
Some interpretations of the story have suggested that Mabon’s presence underground blesses the earth, just as the slumber seasons of autumn and winter restore the earth and allow the burst of new fertility in springtime. It symbolizes the search for the divine child in ourselves, our innate desire to discover our true nature and reminds us to follow the wisdom of nature in our search.
As we take time to step out and walk among the gum trees, smell the richness and vibrancy of the eucalyptus, we notice the gentle changes of the seasons settling in. Deep hues of oranges, browns and golds radiating around us and Mabon reminds us that rebirth is found in the seeds of harvest. It gives us hope for the future, and the continuing circle of life. Mabon is a time to acknowledge the joys of living, as well as the suffering that is a part of our human experience.
Join us to celebrate the Connecting to Mother Earth – The Autumn Equinox at our Monday evening Guided Meditation Circles through until the end of March – an incredibly powerful way of manifesting your heart’s desires. During the month of April, our Guided Meditation Circles will invite you to Awaken to Abundance – Calling in all that You Desire.