As of today it’s officially Mabon meaning we’ve entered the beautiful season of Autumn, and with it, the start of Libra Season! The energy of balance, harmony, and fresh beginnings is in the air, making it the perfect time to set intentions for the coming weeks.

To help you make the most of this season, I’ve put together some quick guidance to support you through the shifting energies, along with key astrological dates to keep in mind as you navigate the month ahead. So let's dive in!

Mabon & the Autumn Equinox

Mabon is a festival celebrated on the Autumn Equinox, the time when day and night are of equal length, marking the transition into autumn.

Origins of the Name "Mabon"

The name "Mabon" is derived from the Celtic god Maponos, meaning "Great Son." In Welsh mythology, a similar figure named Mabon ap Modron, which translates to "Son of Modron," appears in The Mabinogion. This medieval collection of Welsh tales is as significant to Welsh literature as Homer's Iliad is to Greek literature. Mabon ap Modron is believed to be a reflection of Maponos and is often associated with Dea Matrona, the "Divine Mother."

The Myth of Mabon's Abduction

In the mythological stories, Mabon is kidnapped as a baby and taken to the Otherworld (also known as the Underworld). He is eventually rescued, a narrative that mirrors the Greek myth of Persephone's abduction and return. This story symbolizes themes of loss and recovery, aligning with the seasonal shift into autumn.

Modern Use of "Mabon" Not As Ancient As You Think

Despite these ancient tales, the use of "Mabon" as a term for the Autumn Equinox doesn't have deep historical roots like other festivals such as Yule or Samhain. The modern adoption of the name "Mabon" and the popularization of the eight Shabbats—which mark significant seasonal and agricultural changes in the British Isles—were influenced by the 20th-century writings of poet and scholar Robert Graves.

Aidan Kelly's Contribution to Modern Wicca

In the 1960s, Aidan Kelly played a significant role in shaping modern Wicca, a contemporary Pagan religious movement. He is credited with first coining "Mabon" as the name for this final shabbat on the Wheel of the Year, a modern calendar that maps out the eight festivals celebrated by many Pagan traditions.

Mabon Themes

To move in flow with the changing of Seasons feel free to contemplate these themes surrounding our Celebration of Mabon:

꩜ Embracing the Liminal Space: From Summer to Fall

Mabon marks the liminal space where summer’s warmth fades and autumn’s chill begins to set in. This transition invites us to pause and reflect on the shifting energies within and around us. The veil between seasons is thin, making it an ideal time to explore your inner world and embrace change as the Earth prepares for its descent into the dark seasons.

꩜ Honoring the Abundance of the Harvest

As Mabon falls during the Autumn Equinox, it’s a celebration of abundance and gratitude for the bounty the Earth has provided. It’s a time to give thanks for what you’ve cultivated, not only in the physical sense but also in your personal and spiritual life. Take this opportunity to share your harvest—whether it be knowledge, love, or material blessings—with others, as we all prepare for the quieter, inward season ahead.

꩜ Finding Balance as Night Overtakes Day

The Autumn Equinox is a moment of perfect balance, where day and night stand equal. As the scales tip and darkness overtakes light, we are reminded to seek balance in our own lives. Mabon encourages reflection on where we need to readjust—whether that’s in our work, relationships, or personal goals—before the introspective energy of the colder months settles in.

꩜ The Shift from Virgo to Libra: Mabon’s Astrological Significance

Mabon’s transition from Virgo to Libra Season is more than just a seasonal shift; it’s a reminder from the Celestial Sphere to move from the analytical, detail-oriented energy of Virgo to Libra’s harmonious quest for balance. As we exit the Summer Harvest that was heralded by Virgo’s focus on organization and productivity, Libra encourages us to seek equilibrium in our relationships and environment, perfectly aligning with the themes of the Autumn Equinox regarding balance.

Tarot Guidance for the Autumn Season

Engage with the following Tarot Card to align and seek clarity for the Autumn Season.

*Please note: I've personally shuffled this card, tuning into the collective energy for insights during this Season.

Death (Reversed) Has a Message for You:

In its reversed position, Death speaks to our resistance to change and the fear of letting go of what has already decayed—both within ourselves and from our past. Just as autumn brings nature’s metaphorical death and slumber, this season urges you not to resist the shifting tides that mirror your own internal changes.

Death, change, and surrender need not be filled with regret for what is no longer. When we resist these inevitable transitions, much like resisting the turning of the seasons, we begin to fight against our own cyclical nature. Embrace the flow, and allow yourself to evolve without clinging to what must be released.

꩜ Embracing Impermanence

Just as nature cycles through death and rebirth, we too must accept the impermanence of things in our lives. Holding on too tightly to the past prevents growth, while surrendering to change allows us to align with the natural ebb and flow of life.

꩜ The Power of Release

Letting go is an act of empowerment. When we release what no longer serves us, we create space for new opportunities and experiences. Resistance only prolongs discomfort, but acceptance brings peace and transformation.

October Astro Calendar Key Dates

Here are the key October transits, along with brief explanations of their energetic significance, to help you navigate and plan your journey as we move in harmony with the planets and stars:

✦ Oct 2, New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Libra: The beginning of a powerful new cycle surrounding the creation of more harmony in our relationships and environment.

✦ Oct 9, Jupiter in Gemini goes Retrograde: The outward communicative, bubbly, and inquisitive energy of Jupiter in Gemini turns inward, encouraging us to seek answers within ourselves.

✦ Oct 10, First Quarter Moon in Capricorn: As the Moon's light grows, this halfway point calls for action, decision-making, and commitment. Capricorn's energy supports a time to recommit to your goals with determination.

✦ Oct 12, Pluto in Capricorn goes Direct from Retrograde: As Pluto ends its retrograde, the ongoing process of revealing truths and shifting structures continues. Unfinished business around power and institutions may come to light as Pluto moves forward.

✦ Oct 13, Mercury enters Scorpio: Communication intensifies as Mercury in Scorpio drives us to probe deeper into the mysteries and complexities of certain subjects.

✦ Oct 17, Hunter’s Moon in Aries: The year's closest Supermoon brings a fiery, bold energy with the Aries Moon, sparking passion, self-assertion, and courage.

✦ Oct 17, Venus enters Sagittarius: Venus moves into adventurous Sagittarius, bringing an air of optimism, freedom, and curiosity to our relationships, finances, and creative pursuits.

✦ Oct 22, Scorpio Season Begins: Mysterious and transformative, Scorpio season arrives, inviting us to explore the depths of our spirit—just in time for Samhain.

✦ Oct 25, Last Quarter Moon in Leo: A time for reflection and reassessment, the Last Quarter Moon in Leo stirs our creative energy and prompts contemplation on self-expression as October winds down.

Happy Mabon & Till Next Time

Thank you so much for sharing your time with me by reading this quick little Mabon Guide. I’m wishing you a warm, productive, and cozy start to your Autumn season and I will see you in our next blog, Happy Mabon Magical One!