Mabon – The Autumnal Equinox approaches along with the Eleusinian Mysteries. The Day is already shorter and the length of the Night increases. Nature seems to have slowed down her Forces, she appears tired yet fulfilled and satisfied with her crops and achievements. It is time to start her regenerating process and as the Equinox approaches the balance is restored, the balance between Light and Darkness. The Sun will enter Libra, signifying the Autumn Equinox!
Autumnal Equinox and Nature
The heat, the Summer Sun and the Sea has eventually depleted our energy deposits and now we feel that we want just to have a little rest to go on with our endeavours. But it’s not yet the time to rest. We still have few things to do. Our intuition grows stronger and unpredictability knocks our door every day. This is the Autumn Equinox. A Day of Magical Balance between the Forces of Light and Dark, the Day when the glorious element of Water Reigns the World and reminds us to examine our newly acquired experiences, listen to our emotions and follow our intuition.
Mabon and Pagans
From a Pagan perspective, the Autumnal Equinox (or Mabon) is the celebration of the second harvest (or mid harvest). It usually falls between the 21st- 24th of September when the Sun enters Libra which usually is the 22nd of September. It is the time of the celebration of bounty and the realization of the abundance that surrounds us, hence we express our gratitude to the Cosmos and the Celestial and Divine Forces that nurture us.
We reap what we have sown. Therefore introspection and understanding of our subconscious influences along with our emotions and the impact they have in our lives is of the essence. It is a time to remind ourselves, that every beginning has an end and every end is a new beginning. Our sacred cups are raised once more in joyful celebration. It is time to nurture the vessel of the soul, the body, and express our feelings freely and purely, without hesitation without fear.
Altars of Mabon
Altars were traditionally decorated with grains, fruits and all harvests during this season to thank the Gods for their provisions and Divine providence. The Cornucopia ( the horn of abundance) is a perfect symbol to use to remind us and recognize the wealth and abundance that we have as souls traveling in a human body. We nurture our bodies, we nurture our souls and balance is restored. Also, a white feather and a black feather can act as nice reminders of the balance in our lives. Like the things we know and the things we don’t know. Or the Conscious and the Unconscious, Reality and Dreams, the joyful Day and the sacred Night, activity and recuperation, productivity and standstill.
Mysteries and Stories behind the Autumnal Equinox:
the Eleusinian mysteries
The most important ancient Greek religious festival took place around Autumnal Equinox and were the famous Eleusinian Mysteries (aka ancient mysteries or great mysteries), was t It held its roots in the city of Eleusis, near Athens. The origins of these enigmatic rituals date back to thousands of years, where they played a central role in the spiritual and cultural life of the ancient Greeks. The Eleusinian Mysteries lasted for nine days, inviting initiates to partake in a journey of spiritual enlightenment, profound revelation, and communion with the divine.
1. What were the Eleusinian Mysteries?
The Eleusinian Mysteries were the epitome of ancient Greek religious rituals and ceremonies. They were also known as the Great Mysteries (or now the Ancient Mysteries) which were held in Eleusis to honor the goddesses Demeter and Persephone. Hence, it was a series of rituals devoted to life, death and rebirth. Little are known as all who participated were sworn secrecy and there are impressively few sources who even mention the basics. But according to these, few sources, the great mysteries offered initiates a transformative experience through a multi-day journey of spiritual enlightenment and divine communion.
2. How long did the Eleusinian Mysteries last?
The Eleusinian Mysteries spanned over several days, according to most sources nine to ten days, close to the Autumnal Equinox. Although the date was not fixed probably as it was instructed by the new Moon.
3. What happened during the initiation ceremony?
During the initiation ceremony, the initiates would enter the Telesterion, a sacred hall, where they would experience revelations, secret teachings, and profound communion with the deities. The exact nature of these experiences remains undisclosed.
4. Why were the Eleusinian Mysteries so significant?
The Eleusinian Mysteries held immense cultural, religious, and spiritual significance. They offered initiates a sense of connection with the divine, the promise of an afterlife, and the opportunity for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Goddess Persephone
The essence of the Autumnal Equinox and our human understanding of it is represented in the mythos and stories that our ancestors have weaved. One of these stories is the myth of Persephone. The beloved daughter of the Greek Earth Goddess Demeter and her descend into Hades, the world of the dead. The Autumnal Equinox is the Day when Persephone kisses goodbye to her Divine Mother. Demeter, the Greek representation of Mother Nature, and departs towards her husband, Hades, the King of the Underworld. Demeter, devastated once again by the absence of her wonderful daughter, directs Nature to the cold and lifeless Winter. Why? She is waiting for the Return of Persephone to Revive the Nature’s forces. Till then rest and nurture is obligatory. To understand deeper the Nature of the Equinox we have first to explain the Solar’s Circle Quarter Festivals (the Solstices and the Equinoxes). All are linked with the four Elements, the four major directions of the Compass and the 4 major Times of the Day. The Sunrise, the Noon, the Sunset and the Night.
Balance of Day and Light
The Autumn Equinox is linked with West and the Sunset, the time that the Darkness is rising, the time when the Sun sets ending (temporarily) his Dominion over the World. At the same time we all get moody, we take our boyfriend/girlfriend to watch the Sunset, it’s the time we feel Love all over, we sense nostalgic and romantic emotions filling our souls. That’s exactly the time when the Element of Water connects us all. Circulating the energy of global Love and divine Regeneration. The Water – and so the Autumnal Equinox (the West and the Sunset) – is powerfully linked with the Circles of the Moon. No other Element has such a strong connection with the Great Lady of the Night. Moon’s circles affect to a greater extent all those with horoscopes and natal charts filled with Planets in Watery signs. For example (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) and houses (the 4th, 8th and 12th houses in Astrology assigned to the water signs). Create your for free by clicking here!
Watch out for the Phases of the Moon!
The Autumn Equinox is the Sabbath which we always look at the Phase of the Moon because our magical practice depends on it! Although, magically speaking, the Solar Circle is more powerful and magical practice is encouraged during the Sabbaths, during the Autumn Equinox, we look at the Moon and Stars as well. It is important to highlight one thing about the Equinox. Balance is restored! But in fact this balance is never steady and solid, instead it fluctuates and makes all necessary adaptations in order to be restored! This signifies a time of Change!
The energy of the Moon blends with the Sabbath’s one creating a unique opportunity for Spellcasting! Are you Ready to Tap into the Magic of these Days?
Before Starting the Autumnal Equinox Spellcasting,I advise you to rejuvenate and recharge your Magical energy by doing the Following…
The Autumnal Equinox Blessing and Preparation Ritual.
- Sit Comfortably, Close your Eyes and do the Hatha Yoga Breathing Exercise.
- Think of all you Trust. Who and What do you trust? Fill your Heart with Trust.
- Think of all you Love. Who and What do you Love? Fill your Heart with Love.
- Think of all you are Thankful of…
- Bring this essence of Gratitude in your life.
- For Who and What in your Life are you Thankful of? Fill your Heart with Satisfaction.
- Let your Feelings grow, let your Feelings flow over the watery magic. With your Feelings you set changes in Motion!
- Consciously circulate Loving and Trusting feelings.
Do that daily from 10-12 September till the Autumn Equinox. You will probably work Miracles!
Tip! If negative or other feelings try to interfere, observe them for a while and then gently turn your attention back to what you want to do. Do not try to chat or engage in conversation with these thoughts, instead let them be, accept them and move on. This applies to any of your Spells and Visualizations! Never fight your thoughts and feelings. Remember always that you are the Source of everything! So you have the power to forgive Yourself and Move on! Teach yourself, your mind and your Soul. Change Yourself, Change the World!
