Ahh Mabon! The season when bright orange pumpkins begin to pop up in stores. Sweet apple pies become a downright necessity. Cinnamon-laced coffee feels like a caffeinated hug. The weather dips to a crisp 90*.
Err....if you're stuck in the desert. One thing this New England native will never understand is women who wear Uggs in 90*, which is a common autumn staple in this not-so-autumn-like land. Listen, I get that fuzzy boots are cute and the calendar says September, but it's flipping 90*. Take your hipster scarf back into Starbucks and make that pumpkin latte iced, mmmkay?
Whew, got a little heated there. A thousand apologies. That's what happens when you drop Celtic blood into BFE, New Mexico. Fortunately, this is my LAST Mabon in the Southwest. Oh, that's right! Your days are numbered, hot September! *she yelled, shaking her fist at a befuddled cresote bush*
Meanwhile, back on planet Earth...
Considered the first day of autumn, Mabon is the fall equinox, meaning daylight and darkness are in balance. And while the equinox can fall anywhere between the 20th-23rd, this year Mabon lands on the 22nd. Mark your calendars and get the pumpkins ready, my friend!
If you're looking for more information on Mabon, such as appropriate foods and colors, click here to check out last year's five ways to celebrate. They're still relevant and still free, so definitely worth the visit. But if you're looking for five MORE ways to celebrate, I've got you covered!
Welcome in the darkness
As the sun sets on Mabon, we welcome in the darkness of the coming season. Grab a blanket, some lawn chairs, and allow yourself to be fully in the moment as the sun sets this equinox. Once the orange globe has dipped below the horizon, breathe in the darkness of fall and honor the tranquil introspection this season inspires. With tea, of course! ;)
Bring on the cozy!
Having spent the last 15 years in the desert due to my husband's job requirements, what I miss most about autumn is the coziness. Soft sweaters. Knitted throws. Hot drinks. Crisp morning air. Chilly noses on rainy days.
Envelop yourself in the coziness of autumn. Whether that means decorating your home in autumnal flare, pulling out those sweaters from the cedar chest, lighting a pumpkin-spice candle, or baking a cinnamon-scented apple pie, do something special that puts you in that autumn state of mind.
Take it in
The best part of autumn is undoubtedly the simplicity. Life seems to slow down just a little, following the graceful dance of nature herself. Take the time to slowdown alongside her. Treat yourself to a pumpkin latte, head over to your favorite park or even your own backyard, and just exist. Watch the passersby as you sip your drink. Observe the colors of autumn, the slight crisp that's beginning to blossom in the air, the chatter of birds as they prepare for winter. Breathe deep. Slow your mind. Just exist. It's something we don't do often enough, but fall is most definitely the time for it!
Find balance
Whether autumnal or vernal, equinoxes are the perfect opportunity to find balance, just like nature! If you've been doing a little too much of anything—eating, working, worrying, whatever!—now is the time to take a step back and evaluate how to change your behavior in favor of a more healthy approach. Remember, anything in excess is damaging. Hell, even drinking too much water will kill you.
I know! Crazy, right?!
If you find it difficult to disconnect from work. If your vice is copious amounts of sugar. If exercise has become obsessive. If spending has exceeded income, take the time to make positive changes. NOT to belittle and berate yourself. NOT to feel guilty and swim among the self-loathing waters. Objectively look at the situation, find a reasonable solution, and make changes. Shame doesn't fix the problem. It's a warning bell that alerts us to the need for change. Nothing more. Take a deep breath of that fresh autumn air and start again. You've got this!
Cinnamon flames
Like tailgating and football, autumn seems to bring out the craving for bonfires and campfires. If you're lighting one up this Mabon, toss in a couple of cinnamon sticks for good luck in the coming season. Plus your backyard will smell heavenly!
Whether you use this time to reflect or to indulge, I hope you have a spectacular Mabon filled with love, coziness, and an extra dash of magick!
Happy Mabon, everyone! 🍁🍂🍏
What's your favorite way to celebrate Mabon?
Looking for more ways to celebrate Mabon? Check out Mabon: Spells and Rituals for the Autumn Equinox (click here). Just $2.99 and it helps support the site, so thank you! =D
NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.
