Sometimes it’s hard to find out everything we want to know when it comes to old practices being brought into the modern day, which is why this article is a great starting place for someone who wants to delve into the world of Witchcraft.
The 21st of September is more than just a change of seasons. It marks the start of Mabon in the Pagan and Wiccan religions. This is a time of thanks, like Thanksgiving, but without the dark history that American Thanksgiving has. Those who practice Witchcraft, in both religious and non-religious settings, celebrate the second harvest along with the change of seasons and take this time for reflection.
The time when one celebrates can vary depending on one’s beliefs. Some observe Mabon for a week’s length, starting on the 21st. For others, celebrations happen on the nearest new moon, or during the full moon, though the former is more common amongst the two. One of the reasons people choose to celebrate Mabon on the new moon is because the new moon represents a time of healing and reflection, which is meant to lead to new beginnings. As well, Mabon is considered a lesser Sabbat, and typically Sabbats are observed on the new moon.
This will be my second time celebrating the Fall Equinox since I’ve started looking into Witchcraft and its counterparts. Last year, I wasn’t quite sure how I should celebrate. Seeing as I don’t practice Witchcraft in a religious sense, I wanted to be as respectful as possible. I spent most of my time researching instead of celebrating, which defeated the purpose. So this time, I’m celebrating. Research can teach you a lot, but nothing compares to learning by doing.
So, how can you celebrate?
- Meditate
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It’s first on the list for a reason. Meditation is a common practice when it comes to the Sabbats and Witchcraft in general. Mabon itself is meant to be a time of reflection as well as celebration. Taking a few minutes to let your mind wander is a great way to clear your mind of unease and allow yourself to look at things with a new point of view. One of my favourite ways to meditate is by lighting a candle and focusing on the flame. Having something to focus on helps to keep my attention from my worries and stress. Just don’t light anything in your dorms, because being the cause of a fire alarm is really stress inducing- not that I’d know anything about that.
- Go Apple Picking
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Apple picking was my favourite activity growing up. There’s something about wandering rows upon rows of trees and snatching their fruits that is incredibly appealing to a 5-year-old with grubby hands. Apple picking is a great way to celebrate the harvest and you get to spend a nostalgic day outside.
- Spend Time Outdoors
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Maybe picking apples isn’t your thing, or you can’t find an orchard nearby. An alternative would be to get outdoors and reconnect with nature. Take a wander around Waterloo Park or set up a picnic on one of the grassy patches across Laurier. Spending time surrounded by nature is grounding and can be revitalizing.
- Make a “God’s Eye”
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This is one of those crafts you probably did once or twice growing up and there are plenty of tutorials on how to create one online. Craft them with reds, oranges, and yellows, seeing as those colours are the colours of autumn and Mabon.
- Get a Tarot Reading
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Out of all my suggestions, this one is my favourite. Tarot readings are always insightful and a common practice during Sabbats. Ask questions which will help you reflect on the past and recognize what in your life you are grateful for. A good question to enter a reading with can be as simple as “what in my life has helped me get where I am today?” If you can’t find someone else to do a reading for you, there are plenty of apps designed to teach tarot reading. I started out using them before I got my own deck and it’s a great starting point.
Best of luck with your witchy celebrations, and hopefully you discover something about yourself during this time of reflection!