Beginning the Journey into Autumn
Meet Me in September
September is a month of transition, as summer begins to fade and autumn approaches. For many, it’s a time of new beginnings as the school year starts and students head back to the classroom. The hustle and bustle of the first days of school can be both exciting and overwhelming, as children and teens adjust to new schedules, teachers, and classmates.
As the days grow shorter and the weather cools, farmers are busy in the fields, harvesting the bountiful crops of the summer. The air is filled with the sweet smell of freshly combined fields, as combines move through the fields, gathering in the harvest. Gardens are also at their peak, with ripe tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables ready to be picked.
Apple trees are also ripe for picking, as the fruit becomes plump and juicy. September is a great time to visit an apple orchard and pick a bushel of apples for pies, cider, and other treats. The days are still warm, but the sun is slowly dimming, signaling the end of summer and the start of fall.
September is also the month of Mabon, a pagan holiday celebrating the second harvest and the balance of light and dark. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the earth and to prepare for the coming winter. Mabon is a time for reflection and gratitude, as we honor the cycles of the natural world and the changing of the seasons and celebrate the the balance of light and dark.  Welcome September
This image brings so many memories of growing up in a rural farming community in Alberta. I did not appreciate the hard work, long hours, and passion my father put into farming until I was much older. We all pitched in whether it was driving a truck, driving people to the various fields, or cooking the meals, it was a family affair. September was busy with getting the crops off before the temperatures dipped making the hours available less and less. Sometimes he was lucky enough to experience the extended summer we once called an “Indian summer”. Click the image head over and read my blog about the harvest season and the tailgate suppers. Many suppers during harvest (dinners some might call it), were eaten out in the fields while my family took a few moments to enjoy some much-deserved food. My sons, who grew up in the city, were privileged to be a part of harvest and these memorable tailgate meals. They are some of their happiest memories. Many of my eldest son’s birthday dinners with his grandparents were spent in a feild enjoyong a hot meal with his family.
Family Gatherings enjoying an Alberta Harvest Tailgate Meal. Click here or the image above >>
Correspondences
Moon Phases: New Moon-Â September 3, First Quarter – September 11, Full Moon September 18 with Lunar Eclipse, Last Quarter – 24.
Zodiac: Virgo and Libra
Elements: Earth and Air
Colors: Brown, Green, Orange, Red, Yellow
Herbs: Acorns, Bay, Benzoin resin, Echinacea, Sage, Yarrow
Flowers: Carnation, Marigold, Sunflower
Stones: Amber, Golden Topaz, Hematite
Animals: Eagle, Goose, Horse, Owl, Salmon, Stag
Oils: Cinnamon, Cedar, Clove, Frankincense, Myrhh, Pine
Symbols: Cornucopias, scarecrow, apples
Symbolism: transformation, balance of light and dark, gratitude, harvest
Sabbat: Mabon September 22 and 23 (Northern Hemisphere)
Mabon
Mabon is a delightful pagan holiday that embraces the enchanting Autumn Equinox. In the Northern Hemisphere, it gracefully arrives on September 21st, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it blesses us with its presence on March 21st. This magical celebration marks the halfway point between the summer solstice and the winter solstice, inviting us to embrace a time of harmony and equilibrium.
With its roots deeply embedded in Celtic paganism, Mabon offers us an opportunity to pay tribute to the divine son, Mabon, who was the beloved child of the goddess Modron. It is also a moment to express gratitude for the bountiful earth and the diligent farmers and laborers who tirelessly cultivate our crops.
The ways in which we can celebrate Mabon are as diverse as the autumn colors themselves. It is a profoundly personal and meaningful experience for those who honor it. One common way to commemorate this occasion is by giving thanks for the abundant harvest. You can create a sacred space adorned with symbols of gratitude or express your appreciation through heartfelt rituals and ceremonies.
Another beautiful way to pay homage to the god Mabon is through the creation of crafts or the performance of rituals in his honor. Engage in the art of basket weaving, carve intricate wooden objects, or engage in any activity that allows you to connect with the spirit of Mabon in a meaningful and creative way.
Moreover, Mabon beckons us to celebrate the breathtaking season that is autumn. Embrace the perfect balance and harmony of this time by spending moments in nature’s embrace. Take a peaceful hike through vibrant forests, indulge in a delightful picnic amidst falling leaves, or simply relax and revel in the mesmerizing beauty of the changing foliage.
As Mabon was originally a time for community gatherings and feasts, continuing this tradition can bring joy and togetherness. Consider hosting a heartwarming potluck with your loved ones or join a public event or festival dedicated to honoring this sacred holiday.
Regardless of how you choose to embrace Mabon, remember that it is a time to express gratitude for the earth’s abundant blessings, pay tribute to the god Mabon, and revel in the awe-inspiring beauty and balance of the autumn season.
The Witches’ Thanksgiving Table
Mabon also called the Witches’ Thanksgiving, is the second harvest. I like to think of Mabon as the doorway to the Autumn and Winter holidays…and for that reason, it’s one of my favorite sabbats. If you don’t celebrate a traditional Canadian Thanksgiving, you can always celebrate the Witches’ Thanksgiving with a feast for your friends, family, or coven, or feast unto yourself.
Mabon Herb Roasted Chicken
Ingredients:
whole chicken, cleaned and innards removed
2 lemons, cut into chunks (unpeeled)
one onion, cut into chunks
handful of fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, and lemon balm are best!
half stick of salted butter
generous amount of salt and pepper
Slow Cooker Chicken with Potatoes & Carrots –
quickly season then brown a whole chicken in a frying pan and tossed it in the slow cooker with some baby potatoes and carrots. How easy is that?! Here’s the spices used on the chicken:
1 tbs garlic powder
1 tbs onion powder
1/2 tbs paprika
1/2 tbs oragino
sprinkle of rosemary
salt and pepper
Wash and pat dry your chicken. Heat a frying pan with 1tbs olive oil. Rub spices over your chicken. Place chicken in frying pan to brown the skin on all sides. Place chicken in your crock pot, surround with potatoes and carrots (I used the left over spices from the chicken to season them), add 1-2 cups of chicken broth. Set slow cooker on high for 4 hours (or low for 6-7). I used the juices in the bottom of my slow cooker to make gravy as well.
Mabon Anointing Oil
Use this oil to anoint your sabbat candles or to bless the small effigies you make with the powers of the day. You may anoint yourself as well.
What you will need:
1 Tsp sunflower oil
1 pinch of sage leaves
1 pinch rosemary leaves
A few apple seeds
Combine items in a glass jar or vial. Leave jar in the sun for 2 to 3 days.