Mabon in Tasmania 2024

The Wheel of the Year is a Pagan (and other faiths) calendar for the cycle of the seasons. It consists of eight festivals, known as sabbats, spaced at approximately even intervals throughout the year. Mabon is typically celebrated on or around the 21st of March every year. The length of daylight exactly equals the length of night. It is my favourite time of the year. It is a time when the trees begin to show us how beautiful it is to let go.

The Autumn Equinox represents the second harvest. Summer harvests are picked bare, preserves have been made with the glut of vegetables and fruits, providing their nutrients over the winter months. The earth is winding down to slumber over the winter, and this is a time of giving thanks and expressing gratitude for what you have in life, love, friendships and family.

 The days have already begun to close in and at this time of year I am in chasing daylight to get the garden prepped for the coming Winter. My raised beds are in place, and I have used a European form of gardening to fill them. One third is pieces of wood, the second layer is the trimmings from the hedge that has just been clipped and the last layer will be the magnificent mulch that I plant straight into – it has never let me down and I am always picking the abundance of vegetables it gives me.

 New season apples and grapes are sharing their abundance at this time and are seen on the Mabon feasting tables as home-made wine, spiced apple cider, apple cakes, strudels and pies. I remember one year with the spiritual development group, we crafted wrinkled apple faces! Many of my events have a harvest exchange altar. As you arrive you bring some produce. It might be fresh vegetables or fruit, jams or relish and when the night is over you take something from the altar home.

  The cycle of birth, life, decline and death, as experienced in human lives, is echoed in the progression of the seasons. This cycle is seen as echoing the life, death and rebirth of the God and the fertility of the Goddess. Mabon celebrates the aging Goddess as she passes from Mother to Crone, and her consort the God as he prepares for death and re-birth.

  The energies of Mabon and the Crone are ideal for self-reflection, self-healing and shadow work.  Letting go of what no longer serves you while expressing gratitude for what you have in life. An inner balancing, spiritually speaking. You gain wisdom, understanding and healing and then, in time, you pass your wisdom on to a younger initiate.

 Mabon symbolises the embodiment of generosity and you can practice this by clearing out your wardrobes and kitchen cupboards and donating to those who can use them. You might want to reach out to your social circle to do the same – you may be surprised what you can accomplish.

 Mabon is an opportunity to share your light, connect with the earth and others and express gratitude. You might wish to attend an event with likeminded Souls, or on your own. Own your light, embrace it for it will be a beacon of healing or wisdom for those who need it.

Mabon celebrations might look like:

Creating a cornucopia and fill it with breads, fruits or vegetables. It can stand alone or be the centrepiece for your altar.

Do all of your preserving over the Mabon weekend!

Have a shared meal amongst friends.

Use the last of your herbs to make smoking sticks,

Meditate, journal, share stories around a fire.

Go apple picking. Make fresh apple juice for breakfast. Make your own cider or fruit wine.

Have a clean out at home and donate what you can – then space clear.

Create a gratitude tree. Have pieces of ribbon or pieces of raffia. Hold one piece at a time in your hands and focus on what you are grateful for. Tie or hang them on the branches of a tree in your garden. A great practice to do with family and friends.

Join in on a community event.

Celebrating Mabon is however you want it to look like. A walk in nature, a gathering of friends or family, a quiet night in. What feels right is right for you :)