As the wheel of the year turns once more, Mabon arrives to greet us with crisp air, golden light, and the earthy scent of fallen leaves. And pumpkin spice. Oooh, and pumpkin beer! Truly, the autumn season is the best.

Celebrated at the autumn equinox—around September 21 in the Northern Hemisphere—Mabon falls at a moment of perfect balance between day and night, light and shadow. The autumnal equinox is the astronomical event marking the transition from summer to fall, when day and night are of equal length. The festival is deeply rooted in ancient harvest traditions and is one of the eight sabbats celebrated in the Wheel of the Year, falling between the harvest festivals of Lammas and Samhain, and marks the tipping point as we begin the descent into the darker half of the year.

The Mabon season is a time to pause and reflect, to honor both the abundance we’ve gathered and the necessity of letting go. It invites us to express gratitude for the abundant harvest we’ve received and to begin the inner work of preparing for winter’s stillness. The themes of balance, release, transformation, and gratitude are woven through Mabon celebrations, making it a powerful opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. Just as the trees shed their leaves, we too are called to consider what we are ready to release in order to make space for new insights and deeper roots.

Let's explore some ways to celebrate Mabon—both traditional and modern—that can help you connect more deeply with the rhythms of nature and your own inner landscape. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones for a harvest meal, walking quietly in the woods, or building a gratitude altar in your home, the practices of Mabon can bring a sense of harmony and grounding as the season turns.

Mabon offers a poignant opportunity to practice the art of letting go. Just as the trees release their leaves in a final blaze of color, we are invited to examine what we are ready to release from our own lives—old habits, lingering regrets, outdated beliefs, toxic exes, or emotional burdens that no longer serve our growth. This act of release is not about loss, but about clearing space for renewal. Journaling, meditation, or simple ritual practices—such as writing down what you wish to release and burning the paper safely—can symbolically and energetically help you let go with intention and grace.

Letting go during Mabon aligns us with the seasonal rhythm of retreat and introspection. As daylight wanes and the natural world prepares for rest, we too can begin to draw inward, conserving our energy for what truly matters.

The introspective nature of Mabon encourages personal reflection and inner growth, making this an ideal time to honor the wisdom of endings and transitions. Rather than resisting change, we can embrace it as a sacred part of the cycle of life.

Practicing gratitude alongside release allows us to acknowledge the role these experiences or emotions have played in our journey, and to bless them as we move forward with greater clarity and balance.

Mabon is a time of gratitude, balance, and sharing the abundance we’ve gathered throughout the year. Donating to others—whether through food, clothing, money, or time—becomes a powerful way to express thankfulness and contribute to our communities. In this way, donating serves as a meaningful act of expressing gratitude for the abundance received during the harvest.

Just as the Earth shares its final bounty before winter’s rest, we are called to reflect on what we have in excess and how we might use it to support those in need. Giving during this season not only helps others but also creates a sense of connection and reciprocity that honors the spirit of the harvest.

Donating during Mabon can be both a spiritual and practical act. It’s a way of acknowledging the cycle of giving and receiving, recognizing that abundance grows when it is shared. You might choose to clean out your pantry and deliver goods to a local food bank, donate warm clothing ahead of the colder months, or support causes that align with your values. Find a way that is meaningful to you!

However you choose to give, doing so with intention and heart deepens your connection to the season’s themes of generosity, reflection, and preparation. In this way, Mabon becomes not just a celebration, but a moment to actively live out the values it teaches.

Creating an altar is a beautiful and meaningful way to honor the changing of the seasons. This sacred space serves as a physical representation of the season’s themes—balance, gratitude, and bountiful harvest. Start by choosing a surface in your home where you can arrange your items with care and intention. Decorate with harvest symbols such as the cornucopia, grains, autumn leaves, as well as apples, pears, acorns, gourds, colorful leaves, dried herbs, and grains.

Candles in warm autumnal tones like gold, burgundy, and deep orange can represent the waning sunlight and help set a reflective, reverent tone. Include items that symbolize what you are grateful for, as well as anything that represents balance in your life.

As you build your altar, let it become a meditative practice—each item placed can be an offering of thanks or a reminder of your intentions for the season ahead. Honoring the earth's bounty is central to the altar's purpose, as it celebrates the abundance and nourishment provided by nature. You may wish to include written reflections, a gratitude list, or items that represent personal growth and transformation over the past year.

Once your altar is complete, take a moment to dedicate it with a simple blessing, prayer, or moment of silence. Return to it throughout the season to reflect, light a candle, or make offerings as part of your Mabon rituals. This space can be a grounding anchor, reminding you to slow down, give thanks, and prepare spiritually for the darker half of the year.

Preserving the harvest is a time-honored tradition that aligns beautifully with the spirit of Mabon. After all, we may have a lot of harvest coming in! (Lookin' at you, fellow overzealous home gardeners.) Mabon encourages us to take stock of the abundance we’ve gathered—both physically and metaphorically—and prepare for the leaner months ahead. Canning fruits, seasonal fruits, and vegetables, drying herbs, and making jams or pickles are all traditional ways to honor the season and extend the life of summer’s bounty. These practices not only provide nourishment through the winter but also serve as tangible reminders of the Earth’s generosity and our ability to sustain ourselves with intention and care.

Beyond the practical aspects, preserving the harvest can become a deeply spiritual and meditative act. Each jar sealed or herb tied to dry can be infused with gratitude and reflection, transforming the process into a ritual of mindfulness and seasonal connection. As you work, consider what lessons, achievements, or moments you want to preserve from the past year.

Just as we store food for the coming cold, we can store memories, insights, and strengths to carry us through times of inner stillness and introspection. In this way, preservation becomes more than a task—it becomes a sacred honoring of both the Earth’s gifts and our personal growth.

If you aren’t a literal gardener, it’s time to preserve the harvest of your work in other ways. Maybe it’s time to select and print a few photos of the past few months to add to your album or refresh the ones on the mantle. Or maybe it's time to back up your hard drive; even though they may not be as romantic as carefully preparing your applesauce for the freezers, they are still great ways to celebrate Mabon.

Taking a nature walk during Mabon is a beautiful way to attune yourself to the rhythms of the season and honor the balance of the equinox. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the world around you offers a rich display of transition—fall leaves shift into vibrant shades of amber and crimson, animals prepare for winter, and the sun casts a gentler golden light. Walking mindfully through this changing landscape invites a sense of grounding and presence, allowing you to reflect on the cycles of your own life. It’s an ideal moment to pause, listen, and connect with the Earth’s wisdom as she teaches lessons of release, preparation, and gratitude.

During your walk, you might collect small natural treasures from your own backyard or local surroundings—fallen leaves, acorns, stones, feathers, or fruit from local fruit trees—that speak to you or symbolize aspects of your personal harvest. These items can later be used in a seasonal altar or as touchstones in your spiritual practice.

You can also treat the walk as a moving meditation, focusing on your breath and the sensations of your body as you walk, letting go of mental clutter and tuning in to the stillness within. By engaging with nature in this way, you create space for insight, healing, and a deeper sense of balance as the wheel of the year turns.

A ritual during Mabon is a meaningful way to honor the abundance in your life and align with the season’s themes of balance and reflection. As the autumn equinox marks a moment of equal light and darkness, it invites us to pause and take stock of all that has nourished us—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Begin your ritual by setting a calm, intentional space: light a candle, perhaps incorporate autumnal elements like leaves, apples, or grains, and center yourself with a few deep breaths. As you perform rituals to offer Mabon blessings, you might write a list of what you’re grateful for over the year, or speak your blessings aloud, acknowledging the growth, love, lessons, and support that have carried you to this point.

This practice can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. Some people choose to offer symbolic gifts of thanks to the Earth—pouring out a libation of cider, placing food offerings outdoors for wildlife, or creating a small altar adorned with seasonal items and handwritten notes of appreciation. You might also close the ritual with a moment of silence or meditation, focusing on the warmth that gratitude brings to your heart. By performing rituals and expressing sincere thanks during Mabon, you deepen your connection to the rhythms of nature and cultivate a sense of fulfillment and peace as the darker half of the year begins.

Striving for balance during Mabon aligns beautifully with the spirit of the autumn equinox, a time when day and night are in perfect harmony. This rare moment of cosmic equilibrium serves as a gentle reminder that balance is not only possible but essential to our well-being.

As the Earth transitions, we too are called to reflect on the areas of our lives that may have tipped too far in one direction—be it overworking, overextending emotionally, or neglecting self-care. The start of the school year often brings new routines and opportunities to find balance, even after we are long out of school, making this season an ideal time to recalibrate and embrace fresh beginnings. Mabon invites us to take inventory and consider what habits, relationships, or responsibilities need recalibration to foster greater stability and peace.

Embracing balance doesn’t necessarily mean achieving a flawless, static state—it’s about cultivating awareness and making mindful adjustments as our needs and circumstances shift. During Mabon, you might create space to journal about where you feel grounded and where you feel overwhelmed, or engage in rituals that honor both your inner and outer worlds.

Whether it’s setting boundaries, nurturing your body with rest, or reconnecting with creative passions, seeking balance is a powerful act of self-respect and resilience. Just as nature gracefully moves through her cycles, we too can learn to honor the ebb and flow within ourselves.

Hosting a feast during Mabon is a joyful way to celebrate the abundance of the harvest season and share gratitude with loved ones. As the second of the three harvest festivals, Mabon is part of traditional harvest celebrations that honor seasonal abundance and community.

Gather around the table and enjoy the fruits of the Earth—especially seasonal produce like apples, root vegetables, and pumpkin beer. Preparing and sharing a meal with intention turns the act of eating into a sacred ritual, reminding us of the hard work and natural cycles that brought this nourishment to our plates. Whether shared with family, friends, or community, a Mabon feast becomes a celebration of sustenance, connection, and the turning of the wheel.

Early autumn activities such as visiting a pumpkin patch can also be a festive way to celebrate and connect with the spirit of the harvest.

Beyond the physical nourishment, a Mabon feast offers space for meaningful reflection and conversation. As the light and dark stand in balance, we too can pause and consider what we are grateful for. Incorporating ritual elements—such as lighting candles for blessings or offering thanks for each dish—adds depth to the celebration. It’s not just a meal, but a way to mark the shift in seasons, honor the abundance in your life, and fortify your spirit for the winter months to come.

Celebrating Mabon in community is a powerful way to deepen your connection to the autumn equinox and the ever-turning wheel of the year. Gathering with others—whether in Wiccan communities, modern pagan circles, or simply among friends and family—brings a sense of shared purpose and belonging to the harvest season.

Many groups host Mabon celebrations that include feasting, group rituals, and activities designed to express gratitude for the earth’s abundance. These gatherings may feature the creation of a communal altar, adorned with seasonal produce, pine cones, and other natural items that represent balance and the bounty of the harvest. Look for one near you, or start your own!

Participating in community Mabon celebrations offers opportunities to learn from others and share experiences. Potluck dinners, volunteering, and group gratitude rituals are just a few ways to celebrate Mabon together, strengthening bonds and honoring nature. By coming together, you not only celebrate Mabon but also cultivate a sense of unity and support, reminding each other of the importance of gratitude, balance, and the cycles that guide us all.

The arrival of the autumn season is a magical time, marked by the vibrant transformation of the landscape and the gathering of a bountiful harvest. Embracing this season means fully immersing yourself in its beauty and abundance—taking a nature walk to admire the tapestry of autumn leaves, savoring the flavors of seasonal foods, and decorating your home with natural items that reflect the richness of the harvest. Incorporating root vegetables, apples, and other seasonal ingredients into your Mabon meals is a delicious way to honor the earth’s gifts and celebrate the changing seasons.

Autumn is also a time for reflection and gratitude. As you look back on the year so far, take a moment to express gratitude for the blessings and lessons you’ve received. The autumn season encourages us to release stagnant or negative energy, making space for new growth as we prepare for the darker half of the year. Performing rituals or gratitude practices—such as writing down what you’re thankful for or creating a display of autumn leaves and natural treasures—can help you find balance in your daily existence and connect more deeply with the rhythms of nature. By embracing the autumn season, you honor the earth’s bounty and invite harmony and positive energy into your life.

How to Prepare for Mabon

Preparing for Mabon is a thoughtful process that allows you to align with the energy of the autumn equinox and the harvest season. Begin by decorating a Mabon altar with symbols of abundance—think vibrant fruit, colorful vegetables, grains, and other natural items gathered on a nature walk, such as pine cones and acorns. These elements not only beautify your space but also serve as reminders of the earth’s generosity and the importance of balance.

Planning a Mabon feast is another meaningful way to prepare, using seasonal ingredients and recipes that celebrate the flavors of the harvest. As you cook and set your table, infuse your preparations with gratitude and intention. Take time to reflect on your year, considering what you’ve accomplished and where you might release negative energy or make positive changes. Setting intentions for the coming months, perhaps through journaling or quiet meditation, can help you enter the Mabon season with clarity and purpose.

By preparing for Mabon in these ways, you create space for gratitude, renewal, and a deeper connection to the cycles of nature and your own spiritual journey.

More on Mabon

Now that you know how to celebrate the second harvest, do you want to explore more about Mabon?

Take this opportunity to celebrate Mabon, create your own personalized rituals, and craft unique traditions that honor the autumn equinox and the harvest season.

About Mabon: An introduction to the Wheel of the Year holiday

About Mabon: Mabon, the autumn equinox, is a sacred turning point on the Wheel of the Year that honors balance, gratitude, and the changing seasons. Occurring around September 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the moment when day and night are equal in length before the light begins to wane.

In Greek mythology, the autumn equinox is associated with the story of Persephone’s return to the underworld and the harvest, symbolizing the balance between light and dark and the cycle of abundance and loss. Mabon invites us to celebrate the second harvest, reflect on the fruits of our labor, and prepare for the inward journey of the darker half of the year. It’s a time to give thanks for abundance, release what no longer serves us, and seek harmony within ourselves and with nature.

**Mabon Associations**

Mabon Associations: Herbs, crystals, and more

Mabon is rich with meaningful associations that reflect the themes of balance, gratitude, and transition. Symbolically tied to the harvest, this sabbat is connected with seasonal foods like apples, grapes, squash, and grains, as well as the warm, earthy colors of autumn—deep reds, golds, oranges, and browns. Common symbols include cornucopias, acorns, and falling leaves, all representing abundance, change, and the natural cycle of life.

For modern pagans, Mabon is associated with reflection, letting go, and preparing for the introspective months ahead. Crystals like citrine, carnelian, and smoky quartz, and herbs such as sage, rosemary, and cinnamon, are often used in rituals to honor this time of year and connect more deeply with its energy.

Mabon ap Modron

Mabon's Welsh mythology journey from darkness to light reflects the cyclical nature of life, making him a fitting namesake for the Mabon festival.

As we mark the equal length day and night, Mabon ap Modron reminds us that periods of darkness and waiting can lead to profound renewal and growth.

Mabon Journal Prompts

Mabon journal prompts: What to write about this harvest season

Journaling around Mabon is one of the most powerful ways to celebrate Mabon and reflect on the balance in your own life. As the autumn equinox brings equal parts light and dark, it invites introspection—offering a natural moment to pause, take stock of the year so far, and consider what has come to fruition and what needs to be released. Writing can help you explore themes of gratitude, change, and preparation for the quieter months ahead. By putting your thoughts to paper, you create a sacred space for self-awareness, aligning your inner landscape with the turning of the outer world.

**Mabon Meditation**

Mabon meditation: A guided meditation for the second harvest festival.

The Mabon Companion

Get your copy of our new book, a guide to the Mabon celebration!

Welcoming Balance and Abundance

As Mabon arrives with the autumn equinox, it invites us to welcome balance and abundance into our lives. Celebrating Mabon—whether alone or in community—offers a chance to express gratitude for the harvest season, honor the earth’s bounty, and reflect on our year so far. This is a powerful time for spiritual growth and transformation, as we mark the shift toward the darker half of the year and seek harmony within ourselves and our communities.

By embracing the autumn season, preparing for Mabon, and participating in meaningful Mabon celebrations, we connect more deeply with the natural world and the ancient traditions that guide us. The wheel of the year reminds us that balance is ever-changing, and that each season brings its own gifts and lessons.

As you celebrate Mabon, may you find inspiration in the abundance around you, release what no longer serves, and move forward with hope, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Blessed Mabon!

How to Celebrate Mabon, the Autumn Equinox

Make a Donation

Create a Mabon Altar

Preserve Your Harvest

Take a Nature Walk

Do a Gratitude Ritual

Promote Balance in Your Life

Have a Feast

Celebrate Mabon in Community

Embrace the Autumn Season

How to Prepare for Mabon

More on Mabon

About Mabon: An introduction to the Wheel of the Year holiday