Harvesting Magic during Mabon: Delving into Autumn's Mystical Deities and Celebratory Traditions

As the leaves start to turn and a crispness fills the air, March ushers in a season of change and transition. For many, it's a time of preparation, both physically and spiritually, for the approaching winter. In this blog post, we'll delve into the essence of Mabon, the Wiccan/Pagan term for the Autumn Equinox, which typically falls between March 21st and 23rd. Often referred to as the Witches' Thanksgiving in the Northern hemisphere, Mabon marks the official beginning of Fall and serves as a celebration of the harvest and a farewell to the long days of summer.

So, what exactly is Mabon?

Mabon is the second of three harvest festivals for many Wiccans, witches, and neo-pagans, with Lughnasadh and Samhain being the other two. It's a time to welcome the bounty of the harvest and express gratitude for the abundance of the earth. Traditionally, Mabon was a period of communal feasting and celebration, where families would come together to honor the fruits of their labor.

The name "Mabon" originates from Welsh Celtic mythology, where it refers to a mythological figure known as "the Great Son." Mabon is associated with light, death, resurrection, and the harvest. In a poignant tale, Mabon was stolen from his mother, Modron, at just three days old, only to be discovered safe in an otherworldly realm within Modron's womb. This myth underscores themes of eternal youth and the cyclical nature of life and death.

Interestingly, while Mabon is named after a male god, it is often linked with the goddess Modron, who symbolizes the earth and the harvest. Some interpretations even suggest that Modron is synonymous with the Welsh horse goddess Rhiannon.

Simple yet meaningful Mabon traditions that you can incorporate into your celebrations;

Decorate Your Space: Transform your home and altar with autumnal decorations, incorporating elements like pinecones, acorns, leaves, and gourds. Embrace the warm hues of orange, red, brown, and yellow to evoke the spirit of the season.

Celebrate with Food: Prepare a special autumnal feast, featuring seasonal ingredients like roasted vegetables, hearty stews, and pumpkin desserts. Take time to express gratitude for the nourishment provided by the earth.

Express Gratitude: Reflect on the blessings in your life and express gratitude to the earth, the gods, and your ancestors. Consider leaving offerings on your altar as tokens of appreciation.

Craft Corn Dollies (if you have an abundance of corn husks): Get creative and make corn dollies as symbols of the harvest goddesses. Follow simple instructions using straw to weave intricate designs that honor the bounty of the season.

Gather Around the Bonfire: Light a bonfire and gather with loved ones to share stories, laughter, and gratitude. Write down your blessings on paper and offer them to the flames as a symbolic gesture of thanks.

Perform Prosperity Rituals: Harness the energy of the harvest to attract prosperity into your life. Whether through candle spells or ceremonial rituals, focus your intentions on abundance and abundance will follow.

Make Your Own Wine: Embrace tradition by crafting your own wine, infused with the essence of Mabon. Start the process on Mabon and enjoy the fruits of your labor during future celebrations.

Autumn, with its changing hues and crisp air, serves as a transitional period bridging the gap between the warmth of summer and the chill of winter. It's a time of transition, marked by the presence of gods and goddesses with liminal qualities. Personally, Autumn holds a sacred significance for me, largely due to the thinning of the veil between realms, allowing for easier communion with ancestors and deities. If you're curious about the gods and goddesses most active during this mystical season, here's a compilation of our favorite Autumnal deities from various pantheons.

What distinguishes a deity as an "Autumn God or Goddess"?

When considering Autumn gods and goddesses, my mind gravitates towards those associated with the "dark" aspects of existence—the ones who preside over crossroads and straddle the boundary between life and death. Autumn itself embodies this duality, as the remnants of summer gradually give way to the impending chill of winter. As we witness the vibrant foliage and late-blooming sunflowers, we're reminded that summer's vitality is waning, paving the way for the season of death. Hence, any deity with myths, festivals, or sacred days falling within the Autumn months earns the title of an Autumn deity. 

Additionally, those gods and goddesses with a liminal nature, guardianship over spirits, or association with the Underworld are also considered Autumnal beings. Let's not forget, Autumn isn't just a time of activity for the gods; it's also a season teeming with the presence of ancestors, ghosts, and faery folk.

Here are 8 Autumnal Deities of Harvest, Death, and the Underworld

Mabon: Celtic God of Light, Death, and Resurrection

Mabon, a prominent figure in Welsh Celtic mythology, represents the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Pronounced May-bahn, his name translates to "the Great Son." According to myth, Mabon was stolen from his mother, Modron, as an infant, only to be rediscovered safe within an otherworldly realm—a narrative mirroring the changing seasons and the journey of life.

Hades: Greek God of the Underworld

Hades, the enigmatic ruler of the Greek Underworld, embodies the unseen forces of death and transformation. As a deity associated with the darker aspects of existence, he plays a pivotal role in the myth of Persephone's descent—a tale intertwined with the cycle of seasons, particularly Autumn.

Dionysus: Autumnal God of Wine and Ecstatic Trance

Dionysus, celebrated for his association with wine and revelry, embodies the intoxicating essence of Autumn. His festival, Dionysia, held at the end of November, aligns with the season's abundance and merriment.

Lugh: Celtic God of the Harvest

Lugh, known as the "Bright, Shining One," presides over the sun and the bountiful harvest. His multifaceted nature encompasses aspects of craftsmanship and warfare, reflecting the diverse expressions of Autumn's energy.

The Dagda: Father of the Tuatha and Samhain Deity

The Dagda, revered as the "All-Father" of the Tuatha de Danann, plays a crucial role in the mythos surrounding Samhain—the Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter's reign.

Osiris: Egyptian Autumn God of Death and the Harvest

Osiris, an ancient Egyptian deity associated with agriculture and rebirth, symbolizes the cyclical nature of existence. His story of death and resurrection mirrors the transformative power of Autumn.

Vertumnus: Personification of Fall

Vertumnus, an Ancient Roman god of the seasons, embodies the changing landscape of Autumn. His cultic practices, including the adornment of his statue with seasonal foliage, reflect humanity's reverence for the shifting tides of nature.

Green Man

The Green Man, a symbol of primal masculinity and nature's vitality, represents the spirit of the wilderness. As Autumn unfolds, his presence wanes, signifying the seasonal transition towards rest and renewal.

May you find joy in the changing seasons and embrace the spirit of gratitude and abundance that this sacred time represents. 

Happy Mabon!