As golden leaves spiral down the hills and dusk arrives a little earlier each evening, we approach Mabon—the Autumn Equinox, often called the “Witches’ Thanksgiving.”
For folklore lovers, pagans, and dreamers, Mabon is a time of gratitude, balance, and a little bit of magic woven into every harvest.
What is Mabon?
Mabon (pronounced MAY-bon or MAH-bon) falls on the autumn equinox—September 22nd in 2025—when day and night stand in perfect balance. It marks the second harvest festival on the pagan wheel of the year, a time to gather in what we’ve sown, both in the fields and in our hearts. As the light wanes, we honour the gifts of summer and prepare for the introspective months ahead.
Did You Know?
The festival takes its name from the British/Celtic god Mabon ap Modron, a mysterious youth of Arthurian legend. Stolen from his mother just three nights after birth, Mabon was rescued from the Otherworld by King Arthur’s men (with help from a wise old owl and a talking salmon!). His story echoes the cycle of the sun—disappearing into darkness, only to be reborn.
How to Celebrate Mabon
You don’t need a stone circle to honour the equinox—just a sense of wonder and a dash
of creativity:
- Feast with Loved Ones: Celebrate with a meal of apples, blackberries, squash, and root vegetables. Sharing food is at the heart of Mabon, echoing ancient harvest gatherings.
- Nature Walks: Collect colourful leaves, acorns, or conkers. In Celtic folklore, acorns bring longevity and protection.
- Create an Altar: Decorate with mini pumpkins, pinecones, candles, and—of course—blackbird feathers if you find one, for a touch of Mabon magic.
- Give Thanks: Write down what you’re grateful for and release it to the wind or earth.
- Crafting: Make corn dollies or wheat weavings for abundance and luck.
Symbols & Mythology
Mabon is rich in symbolism, each with its own folklore:
- Blackbird: In British and Celtic myth, the blackbird is a guide between worlds, a symbol of mystery and transformation. It's song at dusk is said to be the music of the Otherworld, calling us to listen to the magic hidden in the ordinary.
- Apples: Linked to Avalon, the Isle of Apples, and the promise of renewal.
- Cornucopia: The horn of plenty, brimming with autumn’s bounty.
- - Stag & Rowan: The stag heralds the changing seasons; rowan berries protect against wandering spirits.
Balance: The equinox itself—equal day and night—reminds us to seek harmony.
Folklore Tidbits
- In some regions, cider or bread was left at the edge of the fields for the “spirit of the grain” after the last sheaf was cut, to ensure next year’s crop and keep fae folk happy.
- Rowan berries, ripening now, were woven into charms to protect homes as the veil
thins.
Pagan Traditions Around Mabon
Mabon is the second of three harvests (after Lammas, before Samhain). Traditions include:
- “Crying the Neck”: In parts of Britain, the last bundle of grain is shaped and honoured with ale.
- Equinox Fires: Bonfires on hilltops to salute the sun’s waning strength.
- Community Fairs: Rooted in equinox gatherings, these fairs were a time for bartering, storytelling, and celebration.
Bringing Mabon Home
Mabon is a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and find magic in everyday things—whether it’s the blackbird’s dusk song, a shared meal, or the crunch of leaves underfoot.
If you want to carry a piece of this folklore into your wardrobe, explore Pipin Willow’s collection of mythology-inspired apparel and jewelry—each piece a little celebration of the turning year.
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