The turning of the seasons has always been a moment of wonder and reflection. The autumn equinox, when day and night stand in perfect balance, is one of those rare times in the year that reminds us of the cycles that shape our lives. In modern pagan and witchcraft traditions, this day is often celebrated as Mabon, though many simply call it the autumn equinox.
Whatever the name, it is a festival of gratitude, harvest, and preparation for the darker half of the year.
Ancient roots of equinox celebrations
Long before the modern Wheel of the Year was created, communities across the world honoured this moment of balance. The equinox was a marker in the agricultural cycle and a time to both celebrate abundance and prepare for the challenges of winter.
- Ancient Greece: The equinox was associated with the story of Persephone, whose descent into the underworld symbolised the death of summer and the coming of winter.
- China: The Mid-Autumn Festival is still celebrated today with lanterns, gatherings, and mooncakes, honouring the harvest moon and family unity.
- Celtic and Northern European traditions: Though records are sparse, many harvest feasts were held around this time, offering thanks to the land and gods for crops.
Even in places without written traditions, archaeological evidence suggests that monuments like Stonehenge and Newgrange were aligned with celestial events such as the solstices and equinoxes, showing how deeply these turning points were felt.
The name “Mabon”, and why it divides opinion
The term Mabon is actually quite new. It was popularised in the 1970s by Aidan Kelly, who wanted to give each festival on the Wheel of the Year a mythological name. He chose Mabon ap Modron, a character from Welsh legend whose name means “Great Son of the Great Mother.”
Because this link is modern rather than ancient, some witches embrace the name Mabon while others avoid it altogether. Instead, they simply mark the equinox or call it the Harvest Home. Neither is more “right” than the other, it’s about what feels authentic to your path.
The symbolism of balance
At its heart, the equinox is a day of equilibrium. Light and dark are equal before the nights begin to lengthen and we tip towards winter. This balance invites reflection:
- What in your life feels in harmony?
- Where is there imbalance?
- What can you release before the colder months draw in?
This theme of balance is why Mabon is sometimes compared to the opposite point of the year, the spring equinox, when light returns. Together, they mirror each other across the Wheel.
Ways to celebrate Mabon
Mabon is often called the second harvest with the first being Lughnasadh or Lammas on August 2nd and the third on Samhain or Halloween, on October 31st. It is the time of gathering fruits, seeds, and grains. You might celebrate in simple or elaborate ways, depending on your life and tradition. Here are a few gentle ideas:
- Create an altar with seasonal items such as apples, leaves, corn, acorns, or small pumpkins.
- Take a gratitude walk in nature, collecting leaves or seeds as reminders of what you are thankful for.
- Light two candles, one white, one black, to symbolise the balance of light and dark.
- Share a meal with loved ones using seasonal foods such as apples, squashes, bread, and root vegetables.
- Journal on what you’re ready to release and what you want to carry forward into the darker months.
🍎 A simple apple recipe for Mabon
Apples are one of the most magical fruits of autumn, symbolising abundance, wisdom, and the cycle of life. They are also plentiful at this time of year, making them the perfect food to honour the season.
Baked Apples with Honey and Cinnamon
You’ll need:
- 2–4 apples (any variety you love)
- 1–2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- A sprinkle of oats or chopped nuts (optional)
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Core the apples and place them upright in a baking dish.
- Fill the centres with honey, sugar, cinnamon, and oats or nuts.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Enjoy warm, giving thanks for the harvest.
This is a simple, nourishing way to connect with the season and a reminder that even the most ordinary ingredients can be magical when prepared with intention.
Gratitude and release
However you celebrate, Mabon is a pause in the year to take stock. It is a time to gather not only the physical fruits of the season but also the lessons, joys, and challenges of the past months. As the nights grow longer, we are invited to slow down, reflect, and prepare.
You might choose to call it Mabon, Harvest Home, or simply the autumn equinox. What matters is that you find meaning in it for yourself.