Celebrating Mabon:The Autumnal Equinox

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, we find ourselves approaching Mabon, the autumn equinox. Falling on September 22nd this year, Mabon marks a moment of balance between light and darkness, day and night. It is a time to honor the changing seasons, reflect on the harvest's bounty, and prepare for the coming winter months. This festival, rooted in ancient traditions, encourages us to express gratitude for the earth's abundance and to reconnect with nature as it begins its cycle of rest and rejuvenation.

Mabon is often associated with themes of thanksgiving and reflection. Historically, it was a time when communities gathered to celebrate the harvest, sharing the fruits of their labor and giving thanks for the plentiful crops. Today, many people celebrate Mabon by holding feasts with seasonal foods such as apples, squash, and grains, and by creating altars adorned with autumnal symbols like cornucopias, leaves, and acorns. It's a perfect occasion to pause and appreciate the blessings in our lives, whether through personal meditation, family gatherings, or community events.

The balance of light and dark during Mabon also invites us to reflect on the balance within ourselves. As we transition into autumn, we are encouraged to embrace our own inner darkness and introspection. This period of the year is ideal for turning inward, exploring our shadow sides, and acknowledging the parts of ourselves that we often keep hidden. By doing so, we can achieve greater self-awareness and prepare for the quiet, restorative period of winter ahead.

Embracing Our Darker Aspects: 

Embracing our darker aspects is a vital part of achieving a balanced and authentic sense of self. Often referred to as our "shadow side," these parts of our personality consist of the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that we tend to suppress or ignore. They might include feelings of anger, jealousy, fear, or sadness—emotions that society often encourages us to hide. However, by acknowledging and accepting these aspects we can better understand our true nature and integrate all parts of ourselves. This process requires courage and honesty, as it involves confronting the parts of ourselves that we may find uncomfortable or difficult to accept.

Exploring our shadow sides allows us to uncover the roots of our actions and reactions. When we delve into these hidden parts of ourselves, we can begin to identify the sources of our emotional triggers and behavioral patterns. For example, feelings of jealousy might stem from past experiences of insecurity or abandonment. By recognizing these underlying causes, we can work through them and develop healthier ways of responding to similar situations in the future. This exploration is not about judging ourselves harshly, but about fostering compassion and understanding towards our own experiences and emotions. 

The journey into our shadow side can be facilitated through various practices such as journaling, meditation, therapy, and creative expression. Journaling allows us to put our thoughts and feelings into words, helping us to process and make sense of them. Meditation can help us to observe our thoughts and emotions without attachment, creating space for self-reflection. Therapy provides a supportive environment to explore our deeper issues with professional guidance. Creative expression, whether through art, music, or writing, can also be a powerful way to bring our shadow aspects to light. By engaging in these practices, we can transform our darker aspects into sources of strength and insight, ultimately leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Embracing our shadow side not only aligns us with the natural rhythms of the earth but also enriches our journey of self-discovery and transformation. This autumn, let us honor both the light and the dark within us, using the wisdom of Mabon to guide us toward

greater self-awareness and inner harmony.

Wishing you all a happy Mabon! May we hold space for one another as we begin our venture into the darkness, and accept each other in all our darkness and light. 

Blessed be!