Mabon: The Witch’s Thanksgiving & the Balance of Light
As the wheel turns, we arrive at Mabon, the Autumn Equinox, a time of perfect balance between light and dark. The days and nights are equal, marking the official shift into fall. This is a time to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the abundance in our lives.
For me, Mabon feels like a witch’s Thanksgiving—a time to gather, honor the harvest, and prepare for the inward journey of the darker half of the year.
The History & Significance of Mabon
Named after the Welsh god Mabon ap Modron, this festival is a modern addition to the Wheel of the Year, but the equinox itself has been honored for millennia. Ancient Celts, Druids, and Norse pagans celebrated the second harvest, while the Greeks honored Demeter and Persephone, mourning the descent into the underworld.
Many of our modern autumn traditions—apple picking, feasting, and giving thanks—come from ancient Mabon celebrations. This Sabbat is a powerful reminder that balance is fleeting, and we must embrace both light and shadow in our own lives.
How I Celebrate Mabon
🍂 Bonfires Under the Changing Leaves – We gather around our backyard bonfire, sipping mulled cider, telling stories, and embracing the crisp autumn air under our garden lights.
🕯️ Altar Offerings & Candle Magic – I refresh my altar with acorns, apples, corn husks, and golden leaves, lighting a candle for gratitude and inner balance.
🥧 Seasonal Feasting – I love making roasted root veggies, pumpkin bread, and apple crisps—foods that honor the second harvest.
🛁 Mabon Bath Ritual – A warm, spiced bath with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel helps me release the past season and set intentions for the darker months ahead. (You can find my handcrafted Mabon bath ritual in the shop!)
🌾 Sabbat Simmer Pots & Spell Jars – The scent of apples, cinnamon, and rosemary fills my home as I prepare Mabon simmer pots and spell jars for protection and abundance.
Bringing Mabon Into Everyday Life
Even if you don’t follow the Wheel of the Year, Mabon’s themes are universal. Many of us already celebrate similar traditions through Thanksgiving—gathering with loved ones, expressing gratitude, and enjoying the harvest. The difference is that Mabon is more intentional, encouraging us to recognize not just abundance, but also the necessity of change.
✨ This is the perfect time to:
✅ Declutter & prepare for fall
✅ Reflect on your personal “harvest” of the year
✅ Spend time in nature & witness the changing leaves
Shop the Mabon Magic!
🛒 🍁 Mabon Bath Ritual Blend – A warming blend to embrace autumn’s energy.
🌿 Mabon Simmer Pot Mix – Infuse your home with cozy fall scents.
🔮 Mabon Spell Jars – For gratitude, protection, and balance.
💌 Sabbat Greeting Cards – Send a little seasonal magic to friends & family.
How do you honor the Autumn Equinox? Do you celebrate Mabon or have your own traditions? Let’s chat in the comments! 🍎✨
