As our days get slightly shorter than the nights we wave goodbye to Summer! There is a chill to the air in the morning and we are reminded of Fall and certain familiar scenes have the bright and warm colors of this Sabbat. When we see children going back to school and the big golden school buses and number 2 pencils, the multi-colored leaves, new brown shoes, we know we have come to Mabon, the Fall Equinox and the second of the Harvest Festivals.
People want to nest and stay close to the hearth. This is natural, the insufferable heat is gone, yardwork is easier, and chores are done to prepare for the coming of winter. In the old days, this was the "Wine Moon," the time of storing the new wine, the wheat and corn would be brought in, fruits and vegetables dried and stored, meats salted and hung, and extra hay placed strategically throughout the barn for the animals to live in comfort from the cold to come.
In the spirit of this season, go on a nature walk and enjoy the scenery. Harvest something from your garden, golden flowers for drying, squash, corn, raisens or a hardy fruit. Savor a glass of red wine with a meal. Dry some seeds to use for planting next year or to snack on now. Make some handi-crafts with corn and dried leaves. Use the rich golden, orange and russet colors to brighten your home with some decorations such as garlands in the windows, a wreath on the door or make a harvest basket for an elderly neighbor who doesn't get around much.
In these modern times, a spiritual way to look at this time of year is, what did you harvest and bring to your hearth this year? Give thanks to the God and the Goddess for what you have been able to accomplish. Cut away the chaff, the useless things and situations that are slowing your life down. Since we are coming to the end of our Pagan year, what can you hope and plan to accomplish next year? How can you spread some of your good fortune around to others who are needy? How can you work to balance any conflict that is around you? This day begins the sign of Libra and it is no mistake that Libra's symbol is a set of scales. It is also time to thank the God and the Goddess for the special people in your life. These things are your modern day "Harvest."
The Wheel continues to turn, the nights will get longer, the days shorter and the weather cooler. For the night of the Mabon ritual, we know that we accomplished much and the hard work is done. The light from the sun is as golden as it will ever be and the feasting is a sumptuous buffet with wine and good company to share it with. Give thanks!
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