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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Mabon Altar 2018

Mabon, or the Autumn Equinox, is the second of the harvest festivals, and while it doesn't feel like fall yet here in Georgia, I have noticed the days getting shorter and the Earth shifting towards winter. For this year's Mabon altar I decided to go with reds, browns, and greens to represent the bountiful harvest, the Sun, and our great Mother Earth.

1. Leaf Candle Holder & Green Candle - The leaf candle holders with the green candles represent fertility (green) and the changing seasons. At Mabon, Mother Earth is providing us with bountiful crops, but there are marked shifts in the weather as fall begins, especially for those up north. Furthermore, the candles represent the Sun who helps to ripen the fruits of the second harvest. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $3 ($1 for a set of 3 candles, and $1 each for the holders)

2. Ivy and Red Berries- The ivy draped around the entire altar represent abundance and fertility during the harvest while the red berries represent fruits of the harvest. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost $2 ($1 each))

3. Green Candles- The green candles flanking the altar represent fertility, prosperity, and abundance, but more importantly they represent our great Mother Earth who provides us with the fruits of the season. Without the Earth, our food would not be able to grow and ripen so they may be stored away during the winter months. (Where did I get it: September House of Rituals Box 2018; Cost: Estimated $4)

4. Grapes- The grapes found flanking the altar represent fertility and abundance. In some places, grapes are still being harvested at this time along with apples and pears. Furthermore, with Mabon being a harvest festival, it is important to have as many representations of fertility and abundance as possible to continue to provoke a bountiful harvest season so there is food to survive the winter. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $1)

5. Silk Sunflowers, berries, and wheat- The flower arrangement found in the center arrangement represent the fruits of the harvest, fertility, abundance, and prosperity in hopes that the growing season will be successful. The red colors represent the masculine Sun who is waning during the time, but still strong enough to ripen the fruits growing in the fields and orchards. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $3 ($1 each))

6. Corn Dolly- The corn dolly represents the spirit of grain, who will be later reborn in the spring grains at Yule. While I will not be sacrificing my corn dolly, the significance of this effigy is an important idol that should be on any harvest altar during this time. Corn is still being harvested in some places at this time, but the crops are beginning to wane, especially here in Georgia.  (Where did I get it: August House of Rituals Box 2018; Cost: Estimated $5)

7. Pumpkin- The pumpkin is a prominent figure this time of year, especially during Mabon and Samhain. For this altar, the pumpkin represents abundance, as fall squash is being harvested in great abundance at this time. It also represents fertility and protection in hopes that the winter months will not be too harsh. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2018; Cost $1)

8. Crystals Spiral- On this altar, there is moss agate for growth and fertility, especially for crops, as well as to represent the Mother Earth, and carnelian for strength and to represent the Sun who is beginning to wane but still remains strong enough to ripen the remaining crops. The spiral pattern represents the wheel of the year and the changing of seasons. (Where did I get it: Purchased from metaphysical stores or received in subscription boxes; Cost: Unknown)

TOTAL COST: ~$20-22

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found or purchased for around $1, although this altar is slightly more expensive due to items being received in subscription boxes this year. The crystals are the only items that I have acquired from various sources and cannot give an exact value for. 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?

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.

Mabon Altar 2020

Happy Mabon, witches! Mabon, also known as Pagan Thanksgiving, is the second harvest festival and is a celebration of the bountiful harvest coming in. The Autumn Equinox marks the first day of Fall and from this point on, the days will grow ever shorter and cooler and the crops in the field was steadily decrease until there is nothing left. But for now, there is more than enough to go around and save for the coming Winter months. In honor of the abundance of fruits and vegetables and the turning of the Wheel toward Fall, I incorporated earth tones, fruits and vegetables, and antlers to thank the masculine side of nature for fertilizing the crops and ask for its continued strength for the remainder of the year.

1. Harvest Candleholder with Red Candle- This beautiful harvest candleholder represents the bounty of the season, full of grapes, pears, squash, and the remainder of the berries. The earthen tones and colorful leaves represent the beginning of Fall and the changing of the seasons as the Wheel turns. The red candle represents the masculine energies of the Sun and the passion that created the crops we are now harvesting. It also works to sympathetically encourage the continued growth of the crops lest harvests not last through the Winter months. (Where did I get it: Goodwill & Dollar Tree; Cost: $3)

2. Deer Antler-  The deer antler represents the masculine energy and the power required to finish plowing the fields and bringing in the crops. It also represents the promise of regrowth and new beginnings; just as the deer sheds it antlers the Earth sheds her green and sleeps for the Winter, only to be reborn in the Spring. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: Free)

3. Leaf Candle Holder with White Candles- The leaf candle holders are an ode to the season and the changing leaves the mark so many areas of the world at this time. Furthermore, having two of them represents balance as during the equinox both day and night are balanced. The candles represent the Sun who is slowly waning in the sky.  (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $3, $1 each)

4. Green Aventurine and Rutilated Quartz- In the center of the altar are three crystals, two green aventurine and a rutilated quartz. Green aventurine is a crystal of balance and prosperity, both characteristic of Mabon. The rutilated quartz, on the other hand, is a protector as well as a stone to facilitate change. While the seasons are changing, so to are our lives. This crystal is designed to ease this transition and protect us through the changes while easing anxiety. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~$8)

5. Drinking Horn- On the right of the altar is a drinking horn, a symbol of feasting, joy, and merriment. Mabon is a time of celebration, the wine flowing and spirits high. (Where did I get it: Goodwill; Cost: $1)

TOTAL COST: ~$15

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 break down helpful, especially those of you looking to create Instagram perfect altars on a budget!

How did you celebrate Mabon this year? Unfortunately for me, I lost my grandmother yesterday afternoon and will be celebrating quietly at home with my family. I am thankful for the time I was given with her and for the continued love and support from my family and friends during this trying time. I hope that the rest of you are able to celebrate in whatever way you see fit, or at least eat a hearty meal!

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Mabon/Fall Equinox Altar 2022

The Fall Equinox, also known as Mabon, is the second harvest festival celebrated sometime between September 20-23. This year, the Fall Equinox falls on September 21nd. Sometimes referred to as Pagan Thanksgiving, this is a time of abundance and celebration. Fruit and vegetables are rapidly ripening in the fields, leaving us with more food than most of us can eat. Grapes, squash, peppers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, figs, carrots, and a host of other fruits and vegetables are ready to be picked and canned for the long winter ahead. This overabundance was something to be celebrated, with the land and Sun being thanked for the bounty our ancestors received. Offerings were often left to the spirits of the fields and agricultural deities in thanks as a bountiful crop now meant our ancestors would be able to eat through the winter months. If the crop failed, so too would the family come winter. Much like Thanksgiving celebrated in the United States and other countries, this is a time to be thankful, count blessings, and give back to those in need. If you are looking for some pagan-friendly charities to support, check out my list here. 

This year's altar sticks to the general theme of the sabbat, from abundant harvests to general prosperity to the beginning signs of fall. This altar is simple yet effective and is designed to honor the Earth and Sun and ensure the abundance continues for a few more weeks.

1. Harvest Candleholder with Green Candle- This harvest candleholder has graced my Mabon altar for several years now and for a good reason. It represents the bounty of the season with its pears, apples, grapes, and berries aplenty. The earthen tones and colorful leaves represent the beginning of Fall and the changing of the seasons as the Wheel turns. This year I put a green candle in it to represent abundance, specifically agricultural abundance. It also works to sympathetically encourage the continued growth of the crops lest harvests do 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. 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 Fall. 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. 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)

3. Wooden Acorns- These lovely wooden acorns were gifted to me a couple years ago by my mother, who found them while out thrifting. It's not often I pull them out, but I am always excited when I do. Acorns symbolize success, good luck, and prosperity, themes associated with Mabon. They also represent the Oak King, who is slowly dying this time of year. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

4. Citrine, Hematite, and Carnelian- Citrine and Carnelian 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. Hematite represents balance and is naturally grounding. Mabon, like Ostara, is an equinox, meaning day and night are equal. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~$6)

5. Deer Antler- The deer antler represents the masculine energy and the power required to finish plowing the fields and bringing in the crops. It also represents the promise of regrowth and new beginnings; just as the deer sheds its antlers the Earth sheds her green and sleeps for the Winter, only to be reborn in the Spring. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: Free)

6. 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: ~$16

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! The most expensive items are crystals, which can be found cheaply with imperfections at many online retailers.

Did you do anything special for Mabon this year? I plan on enjoying lunch with friends and watching a movie with my partner. 

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Mabon/Fall Equinox Altar 2021

The Fall Equinox, also known as Mabon, is the second harvest festival celebrated sometime between September 20-23. This year, the Fall Equinox falls on September 22nd. Sometimes referred to as Pagan Thanksgiving, this is a time of abundance and celebration. Fruit and vegetables are rapidly ripening in the fields, leaving us with more food than most of us can eat. Grapes, squash, peppers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, figs, carrots, and a host of other fruits and vegetables are ready to be picked and canned for the long winter ahead. This overabundance was something to be celebrated, with the land and Sun being thanked for the bounty our ancestors received. Offerings were often left to the spirits of the fields and agricultural deities in thanks as a bountiful crop now meant our ancestors would be able to eat through the winter months. If the crop failed, so too would the family come winter. Much like Thanksgiving celebrated in the United States and other countries, this is a time to be thankful, count blessings, and give back to those in need. If you are looking for some pagan-friendly charities to support, check out my list here. 

This year's altar sticks to the general theme of the sabbat, from abundant harvests to general prosperity to the beginning signs of fall. This altar is simple yet effective and is designed to honor the Earth and Sun and ensure the abundance continues for a few more weeks.

1. Harvest Candleholder with Green Candle- This harvest candleholder has graced my Mabon altar for several years now and for a good reason. It represents the bounty of the season with its pears, apples, grapes, and berries aplenty. The earthen tones and colorful leaves represent the beginning of Fall and the changing of the seasons as the Wheel turns. This year I put a green candle in it to represent abundance, specifically agricultural abundance. It also works to sympathetically encourage the continued growth of the crops lest harvests do 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. Leaf Candle Holder with White Candles- The leaf candle holders are an ode to the season and the changing leaves that herald in Fall. 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. 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: $3, $1 each)

3. 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. (Where did I get it: House of Rituals Box 2018; Cost: ~$5)

4. Adventurine and Amber- In the center of the altar are three crystals, two green aventurine and an amber. Green aventurine is a crystal of balance and prosperity, both characteristic of Mabon. By having two, they also represent balance as the equinox is a time of equal day and night. The amber crystal, however, represents the Sun, fire, fertility, and abundance. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~$4)

TOTAL COST: ~$15

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! This particular altar is mostly constructed with items I found in my garden, which brought the cost down this time significantly. The most expensive items are the crystals, which can be found cheaply with imperfections at many online retailers.

Did you do anything special for Mabon this year? I plan on making one of my favorite pasta dishes tonight for dinner, picking some more peppers from my garden, and enjoying the last of the warm weather, and being thankful I am healthy during these trying times. If anyone is looking for some Thai peppers or habanero peppers I have more than I will ever eat! May your harvests continue to be fruitful, both literally and figuratively. 

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

A Mabon Spell for Balance

Mabon, sometimes referred to as the Witch's Thanksgiving, is a celebration of the harvest and a time to express gratitude and thanks for the boundless blessings in our lives. For our ancestors, this was not only the time to celebrate the fruits of their hard labor but also a time to put away excessive stores in preparation for winter. While there is yet another harvest on the horizon, many of the most bountiful crops have slowed production, many of which will be turned into sauces, soups, and other canned goods. While it doesn't feel particularly autumn-ish here in Georgia, there is a noticeable change in the air. My flowers have begun to die back, the Sun spends a little less time on the horizon, and the nightly temperatures are ever so slowly dropping.

Not only is Mabon a time to give thanks, but it's also a time of balance as it is the Autumn Equinox. Night and day are equal during this time, after which our days will quickly shorten until the Winter Solstice. As such, this is a great time to find balance in your own life and realign, which is where this simple spell comes in.

What You'll Need

• Two candles, one to represent the light and harvest, the other to represent the dark and winter, such as white and black or yellow and blue.
• Matches or lighter
• Small piece of paper or bay leaf
• Writing utensil
• Tongs or tweezers
• Fire-safe dish
  
  

What to Do

During Mabon, or the days surrounding the Autumn Equinox, begin by cleansing and consecrating your space using your preferred method. If you wish, cast a circle and invite any spirits or deities associated with balance.

After your space has been cleansed and consecrated, place the candle representing light/harvest to your left and the candle representing dark/winter to your right, but close enough together that your piece of paper can reach both flames. Light the harvest candle and say, "I light this candle to represent the abundance and light in my life." Stare into the candle flame, contemplating on the areas in your life where you have abundance and blessings abounding. Feel your heart rate slow as your body relaxes.

Next, light the winter candle and say, "I light this candle to represent the darkness and introspection in my life." Again, star into the candle flame, contemplating on the areas in your life where you seek balance, the areas for growth. It could be work-life balance, emotional balance, or any other aspect that resonates with you. Visualize these areas of growth and how you would like to change them for better balance in your life.

With this visualization firmly in your mind, write down your intentions for achieving balance in the areas you've identified. Be specific and positive in your wording. For example, "I achieve a healthy work-life balance with ease and grace." Hold the piece of paper between your hands and visualize the energy of balance infusing your intentions. See yourself in a state of perfect equilibrium. You may wish to recite your intention over and over until you feel the energy shift around you.

Using your tongs or tweezers, hold the paper over the light/harvest candle, being careful not to burn it. Allow the energy of the flame to infuse your intentions with the light and abundance of the season. Finally, light both ends of the paper on fire, using the harvest candle to burn the left end and the winter candle to burn the right end. Drop the paper into the fire-safe dish while saying, "As day and night find balance, so too shall my life be in perfect equilibrium." As the paper burns, imagine your intentions being released into the universe, ready to manifest.

Allow the candles to burn for a while as you continue to visualize your intentions. When you are ready, or the candles have completely burned down, draw Gebo rune on your forehead or over your heart depending on your desired outcome using the ashes of your intention as you say, "I am balanced in all that I do." Release any lingering energies from the spell into the Universe and store the ashes in a safe, yet prominent place to remind you of your intention.

Whenever you feel you need an extra push to achieve your goal, use the ashes to draw another Gebo rune on your forehead or across your heart as needed. When your goal has been achieved, or you feel the spell is complete, dispose of the ashes in running water or bury them close to your home.

Why You Did It

Understanding the whys of a spell is just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs and helps guide you to write your own. It's my intention that by providing these explanations, you can build a better understanding of how spells are written and executed so you can modify and build your own spells (the goal of my Spellcrafting Series). 

First, this spell is conducted during the Autumn Equinox, which is a time of balance between night and day. This makes it the perfect time to cast spells related to balance, equilibrium, or past versus future. The spell is best performed the night of the Autumn Equinox, but it can be performed around the holiday as the balancing energies peak a few days before and a few days after the equinox. Like many spells, this one requires maintenance, hence the use of the ashes for multiple days after the initial casting of the spell.

Next, a candle was chosen to represent light and one for dark, which is perfectly balanced during this time. The colors you chose are completely dependent on your personal correspondences, I went with a golden candle to represent the harvest and light and a dark blue candle to represent darkness and winter because those are the colors I associate with those particular energies. The harvest candle is placed on your left and the winter candle on your right to show the flow of time from present to future, as well as the progression of your intention over the course of the coming seasons.

After lighting each candle and visualizing your intention, it was written on a piece of paper to allow you to infuse and then release the energy into the Universe. Holding the paper in your hand and then over the harvest candle helped infuse it with the positive energy required for long-lasting change. Burning, and the smoke produced from the act are associated with releasing and sending messages to the Universe, so by burning the message you release the energy you put into the visualization and send your message out to any forces that can help you with your spell.

The Gebo rune written using the ashes of your intention represents balance and allows part of the spell's energy to remain with you to encourage you to put in the work required. The rune was drawn over your forehead for matters associated with the mind, work, or communication, while a rune was drawn over your heart for matters associated with relationships, love, and emotions. This is repeated as needed to further inspire you.

Finally, the ashes were buried close to home to bring things to you or placed in a running river to let things go depending on your particular needs.

Wish to break this spell? If you no longer seek balance, dispose of the remains down the toilet or in the trash can and promptly remove them from your property while stating, "The spell is done. I no longer need assistance in achieving balance in my life. I release you."

Remember to record this ritual on your ritual/spell worksheet or in your Book of Shadows for reference later.

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I hope you each have a blessed Mabon full of good food, good friends, and good fortune.

Interested in learning more about Mabon? Below are some resources to get you started.

Mabon History and Lore

Mabon Correspondences

5 Things to Do This Mabon

Spirit Work for Mabon

Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Spiced Pumpkin Muffins

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