What is the Festival Mabon? AKA Autumn Equinox.

A Guide to Celebration of Abundance and Gratitude

As the golden light of September softens into autumn’s embrace, we arrive at Mabon, also known as the Autumn Equinox. This is a festival of balance, abundance, and gratitude—a moment when day and night are equal, and nature’s cycle gently turns us from harvest towards winter’s rest.

But why is Mabon so special, and how can it support your spiritual journey? Let’s dive in.

The Science and Spirit of the Equinox

On a scientific level, the Autumn Equinox occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, creating nearly equal hours of daylight and night across the globe. It’s a moment of natural symmetry, where the earth’s tilt is perfectly balanced.

Spiritually, this balance mirrors our inner lives. Mabon invites us to pause, reflect, and find harmony between giving and receiving, light and shadow, activity and rest. It’s no wonder so many traditions—from ancient Celts to modern Pagans—mark this date with gratitude rituals, feasting, and reflection.

Why Mabon Matters: Abundance, Gratitude & Letting Go

Mabon is often called the “Witches’ Thanksgiving.” The harvest has been gathered, the fields are resting, and we are reminded to give thanks for abundance while preparing for the darker half of the year.

This dual energy—celebrating what has been gained while gently letting go of what no longer serves—makes Mabon deeply personal. Just as leaves fall, we too are encouraged to release old habits, fears, or patterns that weigh us down.

Writing down what you’re grateful for and what you’re ready to release in a journal can be a powerful practice. Explore our collection of journals and notebooks to begin your Mabon reflections.

Mabon and the Zodiac Connection

Astrologically, Mabon occurs while the sun is in Libra, the sign of balance, harmony, and justice. This amplifies the equinox’s themes of equilibrium and fairness. For those with strong Libra placements, this can be a particularly potent time of clarity and decision-making.

But the equinox resonates with everyone:

• Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): A time to slow down and conserve energy.

• Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): A moment to enjoy tangible abundance and grounding rituals.

• Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Perfect for reflection, journaling, and gratitude practices.

• Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Deep emotional release and intuitive practices are especially powerful now.

  
  

How to Celebrate Mabon

You don’t need to follow a specific tradition to embrace Mabon. Here are simple, heartfelt practices you can try:

✨ Create an Autumn Altar: Decorate with leaves, apples, corn, pinecones, and crystals like Citrine (abundance), Smoky Quartz (letting go), and Carnelian (strength for the coming months). Find these in our Crystal Collection

.✨ Light Candles: Choose warm, earthy scents and colours to symbolise the harvest. Our candle range can help set a sacred atmosphere.

✨ Foraging & Feasting: Following the Farmer’s Almanac, many people gather apples, blackberries, and nuts at this time. Try baking an apple pie, blackberry crumble, or creating herbal teas from local foraged plants like nettle or rosehip. Read our foraging blogs for information about what you can find each month.

✨ Meditation & Balance Rituals: Spend time outdoors, notice the equal length of day and night, and breathe into balance.

Common Concerns About Celebrating Pagan Holidays

Many readers ask: “Can I celebrate Mabon if I’m not Pagan?” Absolutely. Mabon is about gratitude, mindfulness, and connection with nature—universal practices that anyone can embrace.

Another common worry: “What if I don’t know the rituals or get it wrong?” The truth is, there is no wrong way. Your intention matters most. Light a candle, say thank you, and open your heart to the season—that’s Mabon at its core.

For those beginning their spiritual journey, consider keeping a gratitude crystal set or a seasonal journal nearby. Explore our Zodiac Crystal Sets for personalised tools to support your practice.

Mabon as a Gateway to Winter

Mabon doesn’t just close summer—it’s the gateway into the reflective months ahead. The harvest we gather now isn’t just food, but wisdom, growth, and self-knowledge. What lessons have you reaped this year? How can you nurture yourself as the days grow shorter?

This is the time to plant seeds of intention—both spiritually and practically. In the garden, plant some overwintering crops like garlic and broad beans. Spiritually, plant intentions of peace, rest, or personal healing to “germinate” during the dark half of the year.

Bringing It All Together

Mabon is special because it invites us to balance gratitude with release, abundance with preparation, and action with stillness. Whether you mark the day with ritual, feasting, or simply pausing to watch the sunset, you are honouring a tradition as old as the earth itself.

Want to bring Mabon energy into your home? Browse our crystal collection, candles, and journals to support your seasonal rituals.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @moonstoneromsey for daily inspiration, tips, and product highlights.

May this Mabon bring you balance, abundance, and a heart full of gratitude.