Mabon/Fall Equinox Altar 2023

So, I managed to completely miss Lammas this year as the beginning of the school year was absolutely crazy. Between teaching a new subject and a significant schedule change, I've been struggling to keep my head above the water. Thankfully, I am beginning to tread more easily and able to catch up on some witchy work that I have let fall by the wayside. That means celebrating Mabon with a beautiful altar and some much-needed spell and ritual work.

Mabon, which is sometimes referred to as Pagan Thanksgiving, is a time to celebrate the harvest and the fruits of our labors since the beginning of the year and give thanks for the bounty we have received. While this is not the last harvest, many agricultural crops are slowing down with excess being stored away for the upcoming winter months. The Sun is slowly losing his strength and there is a slight chill in the air as the leaves begin to change. This is also a time of balance, with day and night being equal in length. After Mabon, night will continue to grow in length until Yule. With these themes in mind, I created this year's Mabon altar featuring greens, purples, yellows, and oranges.

1. Harvest Candleholder with Green Candle- This harvest candleholder has graced my Mabon altar for many, many years at this point, and for a good reason. It represents the bounty of the season with its pears, apples, grapes, and berries. The earthen tones and colorful leaves represent the beginning of autumn and the changing of the seasons as the Wheel turns another quarter. Like many years, I placed a green candle in it to represent abundance, specifically agricultural abundance as green is associated with plants, abundance, luck, and wealth. It also works to sympathetically encourage the continued growth of the crops lest the harvest's bounties not last through the Winter months. Green also represents the Earth and the gracious gifts She bestows upon us during the harvest, for without Her nurturing soils, we would not have nutrient-rich foods. (Where did I get it: Goodwill & Dollar Tree; Cost: $3)

2. Wooden Acorns- These lovely wooden acorns were gifted to me a couple years ago by my mother, who found them while out thrifting. She honestly knows me all too well as these have made a perfect altar decoration for several years, especially this time of year. Acorns symbolize success, good luck, and prosperity, themes associated with Mabon. Acorns are also the fruit of the mighty Oak, which is associated with strength and vitality, energies needed to finish bringing in the harvest and to encourage the Sun to hold out a little longer so we may finish tending the fields. Acorns also represent the Oak King, who is slowly dying this time of year, and are a tribute to his aid during the spring and summer months. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

3. Leaf Candle Holders and Golden Candle Holders with White Candles- The leaf candle holders are an ode to the season and the changing leaves that herald autumn. While we don't get much color-changing here in Georgia, a girl can certainly dream! Their orange color represents attraction. In this case, it is used to attract the Sun and keep Him burning bright within the sky for a little while longer so the rest of the crops may ripen. In conjunction with the candles, which represent the Sun who is slowly waning in the sky, they work together as a sympathetic form of magic to give the Sun continued strength. Furthermore, having two of them represents balance as during the equinox both day and night are balanced. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $5, $1 each)

4. Smokey Quartz, Hematite, Pyrite, Red Calcite, and Citrine- There is an abundance of crystals adorning my altar this year, each symbolic of Mabon. Citrine and red calcite represent the Sun, strength, and vitality, working to lend their strength to keep the Sun full in the sky so we can reap the last of the crops before winter. Red calcite is also associated with change, which is heralded in during Mabon. Pyrite, on the other hand, represents wealth and the Sun and His golden rays. Hematite and smokey quartz represent balance and are naturally grounding. Furthermore, there are 6 hematite pieces and 6 smokey quartz pieces. Six is associated with balance and equality, which further symbolizes the balance between light and dark during the equinox. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~$8)

5. Enoch Tarot Card- If you know, you know. If you don't know, I can't help you. You must venture into the Unknown yourself and see what lessons it has in store for you. I purchased these tarot cards earlier this year, along with an oracle set, signed by the artist. These beautiful cards are collector editions, and therefore I don't use them, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to pay tribute to the season by featuring Enoch, the father of the harvest, on my altar as Mabon is a harvest festival. Don't be surprised if someone else makes an appearance at Samhain. (Where did I get it: Etsy; Cost: ~$30)

6. Corn Dolly- The corn dolly/maiden represents the harvest and the spirits of the fields. While traditionally placed on a Lammas altar, I put her on my Mabon altar to represent Mother Earth and the spirit of the harvest and fields. 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. Corn, from which the dolly is made, is also associated with growth, vitality, strength, and fertility, which are needed for at least another month while the fruits finish ripening in the fields. (Where did I get it: House of Rituals Box 2018; Cost: ~$5)

7. Sunflowers and Grapes- The sunflowers represent the Sun. Most sunflowers are blooming at this time, and when done, will produce hundreds of oily black seeds which provide valuable food for animals and humans alike, especially in the coming winter months. These unique flowers follow the Sun throughout the day and are thought to lend Him strength through their movements. Grapes are beginning to be harvested during this time and represent abundance and fertility. While grapes are more deeply associated with Mabon, their inclusion here is to ensure a continued fruitful harvest later in the season. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $2)

TOTAL COST: ~$25

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, 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 breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget! You will also notice that I brought back my labeled altars. I strongly feel this type of breakdown is helpful to beginner witches who are learning correspondences and to seasoned witches looking for inspiration.

I hope each and every one of you has a fantastic, blessing-filled Mabon. I am celebrating this year with an at-home date featuring a seasonal 4-course meal and spooky movies. I can't wait to go to the local farmers market to pick up some in-season produce and spend the day cooking good food. May your Mabon be filled with good food, friends, and family.

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