Mabon 2025: How to Celebrate the Autumn Equinox with Meaning

Greetings, friends. Let’s continue our curious look into the Autumn Equinox, sometimes called Mabon. Like my previous article, I’m addressing the day from the perspective of someone in the northern hemisphere. For the curious, if you’re on the southern half of the planet, you’re looking at the Spring Equinox, Ostara!

What is Mabon? A Review

Mabon is a day of thanksgiving, balance, and preparation. As daylight wanes with each passing day, winter approaches, and our ancestors once spent this time completing their final harvests and preparing for the cold months. Modern conveniences have taken away that preparation for most of us. But we can still pause and take time to give thanks for the gifts the land provides us.

The Symbols of Mabon

The themes that are present for the Autumn Equinox are varied and may seem counter to one another. Gratitude and preparation are obvious because it’s harvest time, with getting ready for winter carrying a lot of weight. But other themes to consider are grief, love, and family. After all, the Goddess (Lady) is preparing to mourn the God (Lord) as he will die at Samhain when the cycle begins again.

When decorating for Mabon, commonly used symbols include cornucopias and baskets as symbols of an abundant harvest. Scarecrows and effigies can symbolize the god as he is dying, as well as being protectors of the fields and crops. Wreaths and garlands can also serve as symbols of the Lord and Lady.

For rituals, decoration, and spell work, you may consider the following lists of correspondences. Note that these are not comprehensive, and some resources will differ. What’s important is choosing what makes sense to you. What (or who) do you feel drawn to at this time? Intention is what is most important.

Deities

If you choose to honor a specific deity at this time, there are a number of Gods and Goddesses who fit the time.

Goddesses: Demeter (Greek), Persephone (Greek), Epona (Celtic), Modron (Celtic), Inanna (Sumerian).

Gods: Dionysus (Greek), Hermes (Greek), Mabon (Celtic), Thor (Norse).

Correspondences

Colors: brown, green, orange, red, yellow

Herbs: acorns, bay, echinacea, hyssop, ivy, myrrh, sage, yarrow

Trees: ash, elder, maple, oak

Flowers: carnation, chrysanthemum, marigold, sunflower

Crystals & Stones: amber, golden topaz, hematite

Animals: blackbird, eagle, goose, horse, owl, salmon, squirrel, stag

Scents (oils, incense, etc.): aloe, benzoin, burning leaves, cinnamon, cedar, clove, frankincense, myrrh, pine

The Feasting!

It wouldn’t be a harvest celebration without sharing the very food you’re giving thanks for. The Autumn Equinox is no different. The foods of the feast should be chosen from those things that are in season and, if possible, consider foods that are native to your home area.

Common choices for Mabon are apples, grapes, bread, carrots, corn, onions, potatoes, pumpkins and other gourds, nuts, oats, rye, barley, and wheat. And don’t forget the drinks! Beer, cider, mead, wine, and water are all excellent choices. Of course, apple and grape juice would serve just as well!

Autumn Equinox Gatherings

Now it’s time to plan a party! Of course, your party could be any size, including just you alone. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating by yourself. Sometimes I prefer it. However, if you are gathering people, ensure the location can accommodate everyone and that your planned activities are permitted.

That you should have a feast goes without saying. But you could also plan for dancing, a ritual, burning an effigy, having a bonfire, or even fun things like a dunk tank, shooting with a bow and arrow at targets, or a parade!

And, if it’s just you, journal about gratitude, take a walk in nature, light a candle, and have a solitary feast. There’s no rule that you have to celebrate with a crowd!

Rituals at Mabon

As with other Sabbats, you may want to perform a ritual. There are many sources on the internet and in books (affiliate link) where you can find ideas for rituals to perform. Since ritual is very personal, it may take some time to find what fits you best. Also, remember that you can modify any ritual to suit your situation and beliefs.

In some places, you cannot light a flame, not even a candle. Use battery tea lights to stand in for the flames. Can’t use incense? No problem. Use scented oils or even just fresh flowers for their scent. Have an allergy to a certain herb? Leave it out! Health and safety first.

It’s About Intention

However you choose to recognize the Autumn Equinox, the real meaning is in your intentions. Do what feels right to you. The only rule? “An it harm none, do as ye will.”

Give thanks for what you have. Give thanks for those who bring joy to your life. Celebrate! You’re here! And that’s enough.