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~Magickal Graphics~
Mabon is the time of the autumnal equinox and marks the end of Summer. It occurs on or around September 21 – this year on the 22nd.

Themes for Mabon include harvesting and prosperity, thanksgiving and reflection, and balance – since this is a time of equal day and light – and, thus, harmony. This is a lesser festival, being astronomically significant rather than agriculturally relevant, but quarter days have become a recognised part of Wiccan practice. It is a sabbat I enjoy mostly because of the wonderful symbols of autumn with acorns, golden leaves, and blackberries, and the sense of new beginnings/study that can accompany September.

It is time for harvesting fruit such as apples, blackberries, and grapes – and thereby honouring Dionysus and other gods associated with wine, as well as Persephone, whose descent into the Underworld brings winter to the world. Placing apples at graves as a symbol of rebirth is something Yasmine Galenorn recommends.

Correspondences: apples, wine, vines, blackberries and other autumn fruits; acorns from oaks and conkers from horse chestnut trees; fallen leaves; brown, gold, orange and red; you could use symbols of balance and harmony such as scales – the zodiac month of Libra begins at the equinox - and the Yin Yang.

This post gives further details and correspondences.

This post suggests ten ways to celebrate Mabon, or the season itself, including gratitude, getting out in nature, and story telling.

In the southern hemisphere it is Ostara, where the light and dark are in balance, but where the emphasis is on the forthcoming summer, planting, and planning.