Mabon Altar 2019

Mabon, also known as the Pagan Thanksgiving, is a time to thank the Earth and Sun for a bountiful harvest and feast with friends and family. Being the second of the harvest festivals, most crops are being harvested at this time and pantries and stores are being stocked for the upcoming winter months. This is a time of celebration, abundance, and gratitude, and this sabbat's altar is meant to show that symbolism.

1. Harvest Candle Holder Centerpiece- Adorning the center of this altar is a harvest centerpiece and candle holder. Within the centerpiece are fruits and leaves, representative of this sabbat and the harvests taking place. In the center is a green candle to represent abundance as a form of sympathetic magic that the harvest will yield enough to get us though the winter. While many of us no longer harvest our own crops, the green candle is designed to attract overall wealth and abundance so that our pantries do not run dry in the cold winter months. Winter is always a tough time financially for most families, including my own, so attracting abundance is a must. Furthermore, the green represents Mother Earth, from which our crops are being harvested, and the flame the Sun, who provided the energy needed for the plants to grow strong and hearty. (Where did I get it: Goodwill; Cost: $3 for the centerpiece; Subscription Box; Cost $1 for green candle)

2. Apples- Apples are a key fruit of Mabon, symbolizing health, fertility, and wisdom. They are commonly harvested around this time, and easily stored away for months at a time. With winter, disease often followed. Apples contain natural healing and fever-reducing properties, making them a favorite for warding off winter illnesses. As such, the apples are placed on the altar as an offering, as well as to attract continued health, continued crop fertility, and the wisdom needed to survive through the winter. There are two apples on either side of the altar to ensure balance, as Mabon is an equinox after all.  (Where did I get it: Grocery Store; Cost: $1)

3. Corn Dolly- The corn dolly/maiden represents the harvest. While traditionally placed on a Lammas altar, I put her on my Mabon altar to represent Mother Earth and the spirit of the Harvest. Usually, the effigy is sacrificed the following Spring to ensure a bountiful harvest the following year, but I keep mine year to year to bring abundance into my life. (Where did I get it: House of Rituals Box 2018; Cost: ~$5)

4. Malachite, Pyrite, Lapis Lazuli, and Carnelian- Front and center are a set of crystals. If you haven't noticed yet, I always include crystals on my altar. I absolutely love them! Malachite, being green, is symbolic of abundance and fertility, both associated with Mabon. Furthermore, the malachite represents our Mother Earth, who, again, is providing us with a bountiful harvest. Pyrite also symbolizes abundance, as the gold symbolizes wealth and prosperity, thus encouraging abundance in the upcoming months. Lapis Lazuli represents balance and purpose. It encourages one to make a plan, such as how much food should be stored away to ensure there is enough to make it through the winter. Being a crystal of balance, it's also the perfect crystal to represent the balance of the equinox. And finally, the carnelian chips represent the Sun, who is now waning in strength, but still strong enough to help the plants produce the last of the crops. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Store and Subscription Boxes; Cost: ~$5)

5. Leaf Candle Holders and Tealights- Flanking each side of my altar, again to represent balance, are two leaf candle holders with tealights. The leaves represent the coming changing of the season, while the tealights represent the Sun. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $2.20, $1/candle holder; tealights $0.10)

TOTAL COST: ~$17.20

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. I hope you find this sort of break down helpful, especially those of you looking to create Instagram perfect altars on a budget!

How did you celebrate Mabon this year? I celebrated by resting. I am currently fighting off an ongoing infection, and being a time for balance, I spent Saturday eating nutrient-dense foods and resting to achieve inner balance.