Embrace the spirit of Mabon
What is Mabon?
Mabon, often referred to as the Autumn Equinox, is a celebration of the second harvest and a time of balance as day and night are equal. Typically celebrated around September 21st to 24th, Mabon is a moment to give thanks for the bounty of the land and to embrace the transition into the darker months ahead. It honors the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, making space for reflection and gratitude.
How to Celebrate Mabon
Harvest Feast: Gather friends and family for a potluck featuring seasonal foods like apples, squash, and grains. Craft dishes that reflect the autumn harvest.
Nature Walk: Take a stroll through a local park or forest to collect fallen leaves, acorns, and other natural treasures that symbolize the change of seasons.
Create an Altar: Design a seasonal altar with mushrooms, leaves, acorns, and any tokens from your nature walk. Add candles in autumn colors and meaningful crystals to amplify the energy of gratitude.
Ritual of Gratitude: Spend some quiet time reflecting on the blessings of the past year. Write down what you're thankful for, and then either burn the list in a fire ceremony or bury it in the earth as an act of giving back.
Share the Harvest: Donate food or goods to local shelters or community organizations, sharing the abundance with those in need.
Essential Oils and Herbs Associated with Mabon
Cedarwood: With its grounding properties, cedarwood helps to connect you to nature, perfect for rituals focused on gratitude and reflection.
Frankincense: Ideal for meditation, frankincense promotes inner peace and is traditionally associated with protection and purification.
Clary Sage: This herb promotes clarity and release, making it great for your Mabon rituals focused on introspection.
Nutmeg: With its warming properties, nutmeg symbolizes abundance and prosperity, ideal for seasonally-inspired dishes.
Thyme: Known for its protective qualities, thyme is often used to encourage courage and strength as we transition into the darker half of the year.
Mabon Recipes for a Magical Feast
Herb-Infused Apple Cider
Ingredients:
6 cups apple cider
4 cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
Slices of orange and apple for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and rosemary.
Heat over medium until steaming, then reduce to low and let simmer for 30 minutes.
Add brown sugar if desired, stirring until dissolved.
Strain the spices and serve warm, garnished with fresh apple and orange slices.
Harvest Vegetable Stew
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent.
Add carrots and celery, cooking until softened.
Stir in zucchini and bell pepper, cooking for another 5 minutes.
Add broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper before serving. Perfect for a cozy Mabon gathering!
Spiced Pear & Walnut Salad
Ingredients:
4 ripe pears, sliced
1 cup walnuts, toasted
4 cups mixed greens
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or vegan feta)
¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced pears, walnuts, and feta.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Toss gently and serve immediately for a fresh, autumn-inspired dish.
Pumpkin Spice Palate Cleanser
Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 cups coconut milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend
Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a blender, combine pumpkin puree, coconut milk, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice.
Add ice cubes and blend until smooth.
Serve chilled in small cups as a refreshing palate cleanser between dishes.
Maple Pecan Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
½ cup maple syrup
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, cream together butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar.
Mix in flour, pecans, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until combined.
Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
Let cool on a rack before devouring.
Embrace the spirit of Mabon with these practices, recipes and powerful essences. Let the magic of this season fill your heart with gratitude and prepare you for the path ahead!
