Pagan Sabbats: Mabon

Mabon is one of the four lesser Sabbats within the Wheel of the Year. It marks the beginning of Autumn and the end of the second harvest festival. The majority of crops have been harvested, it is time to sit back and take stock and give thanks for what you have gathered.

Even if you haven't been toiling in the fields, this is a good time to do your own stock taking. What have you gathered to you? What can be gotten rid of, what can be kept. Look at what you have "harvested" through the work you do and give thanks.

The Autumnal Equinox was given the Pagan name of Mabon in the 1970s by Aidan Kelly. Mabon was the son of Modron who was stolen from Her at 3 days of age.

Other Gods associated with the Autumnal Equinox are Demeter and Persephone. Persephone was abducted by Hades and taken to the Underworld to be His bride. Demeter mourned the loss of Her daughter and refused to let the plants grow, thus bringing Winter upon the world.

She appealed for the release of Her daughter and it was agreed that Persephone could leave if She could bite a pomegranate without eating any seeds. She was unable to do so and swallowed 6 of the seeds. After this, it was agreed that Persephone could live upon Earth with Her mother for 6 months of the year, but must return to live in the Underworld with Hades the other 6 months.

When Persephone goes to the Underworld each year Her mother mourns again, bringing Winter to the Earth.