What is the Autumnal Equinox/Mabon?
The Autumnal Equinox is an astronomical event that occurs every year when the Earth's equator is directly in line with the centre of the sun. This happens twice a year, once in spring (Vernal Equinox) and once in autumn (Autumnal Equinox). In the Southern Hemisphere, we experience the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. Meaning they have Autumn in September and we have Autumn in March. In Australia, this occurs between the 20th and 23rd of March. At the Autumn Equinox, day and night are approximately equal in length. After the Autumnal Equinox, the nights begin to get longer and the days shorter, leading up to the Winter Solstice in June.
Pagans, witches or those that follow an earth based spiritually path may mark this time as Mabon, the last Sabbat.
What does Mabon represent and celebrate?
In older times (and colder climates especially), Mabon was the second harvest. It was a time to gather the last of the fruit, vegetables and grain and preserve and prepare them for the colder winter months when food would become scarce.
In modern times, we can take inspiration from that historical reality and assign keywords that reflect the feel of Mabon.
- Crossroads
- Turning inwards
- Giving thanks and farewells
- Gathering and preserving
- Mysteries
How to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox/Mabon in Australia
- Burn sandalwood, juniper berries, cypress and frankincense as incense
- Vaporise the essential oils of clove, lavender or rosewood
- Meditate and journal on what is happening in your local area during this season
- Hike, bush walk or enjoy the outdoors however you can
- Collect seasonal items and decorate an altar or other dedicated space in your home
- Do a tarot reading around what you should let go of as we go into the winter
