And the time of the Fall Equinox…During September we can feel a shift. No longer are the days of summer stretching ahead endlessly. Instead, we look ahead toward the underworld, toward the welcoming shadows that carry a different set of gifts. The leaves are beginning to change, the air, though still warm won’t be for long.
Harvest times have much to teach us. Now is a good time to remember the magick of gratitude, and to say thank you as much as we possibly can. “Thank you” is a spell in itself.
Reflect as you gather. What intentions did you set back at the Spring Equinox? How did you tend to these intentions (like small seeds) through the Sabbats of Beltane, Litha, Lughnasadh, and now, Mabon?
As we descend into the Underworld, what initiations do we set in motion?
Festivals and Gatherings…
Traditions of Mabon
Mabon, also known as the fall or Autumn Equinox, is called the Witch’s Thanksgiving. On and around the days of September 21st, traditionally there have been rituals filled with rites of abundance, the harvest, and gratitude.
During this festival, we gather to give thanks.
Though there is little evidence of the name “Mabon” being used by the ancients, this holiday is reflected through history by its relevance to standing stones and other historical clues.
The rituals of Mabon were created and intend to honor the goddess as she goes into the underworld each autumn before her return in the spring. This story comes to us through the Ancient Greeks and their tale of Persephone and Demeter.
In Celtic tradition, the stories play out a bit differently. Legend has it that the god of fertility, Cernnunos goes into the underworld at Mabon and then returns during Ostara or Beltane as The Green Man.
To honor Mabon you can connect with the Persephone and Demeter myth, honor the harvest, practice rituals of gratitude, gather people together around a dinner table, craft a ritual fire, work with the symbol of the cornucopia, craft a harvest altar, or make a corn husk doll.
Monthly Associations
A Stone to Connect with During September is Black Tourmaline
Black Tourmaline is especially good for spell work and protection. It can be especially potent for staying grounded during rituals and in times of transition.
On the Celtic Tree Calendar the month of August aligns with Hazel and Vine
The Celtic tree calendar is divided by the thirteen moon cycles of the year. The modern tree calendar is based conceptually on the letters of the Celtic Ogham alphabet as they correspond to trees. There is very little evidence of the Celtic tree calendar being created by the early Celts; however, it is a point of contention among Celtic scholars. These symbols and themes tie in with Celtic culture and mythology and are therefore symbolically beautiful ways to honor the different Sabbats.
From August 4-September 1 we honor the Hazel Moon. Hazel is a symbol of both wisdom and protection. During this time, Hazelnuts appear on the trees. Traditionally, Hazel was associated in rituals of wisdom with the ancient Celts. During this moon, it is a good time to connect to your own inner knowing and wisdom. When you create, what well of wisdom do you tap into? Try listening to that space before taking action during this time. What do you hear?
From September 2-September 29 we honor the Vine Moon. Work with Vine during this time of bountiful harvest. The vine brings to us imagery of winding vineyards and bounties of wine. The Celts believed that the Vine was symbolic of the duality of happiness and wrath. Explore wrath and rage and also great joy when you work with Vine. How can you find a balance between these moments of passion? What happens when you dive into the depths of each?
The signs of Virgo and Libra rule September
Virgo is a sign of divine timing and moving through the to-do list. Virgo is sharp, present, and precise. Libra is a sign of balance. Symbolized by the scales, Libra strives for partnership, beauty, and harmony in all things. During the month of September, connect with the energy of Virgo and Libra to celebrate celestial divinity.
Goddesses to Work With During September are Demeter and Persephone
During this time, Demeter would be a powerful goddess to work with. Demeter is the goddess of the harvest and presides over grains and the fertility of the earth. Although she was most often referred to as the goddess of the harvest, she is also the goddess of sacred law and the cycle of life and death.
Her daughter Persephone descends to the underworld during the fall, where she becomes The Queen of the Underworld. Persephone is associated with abundance, fertility, and life. Read the story of Hades and Persephone here. And connect more deeply with the Goddess Persephone here.
Monthly Intentions
Honor the harvest, say thank you, practice acts of gratitude, come together, explore duality, experience passion, build an altar for the bounty, incorporate vines, invoke Demeter, connect with the archetype of Persephone, prepare for the descent into the underworld, toast to prosperity, build a cornucopia, walk through a cornfield at night and listen, look up to the stars and listen to their stories.
We celebrate September
Blessed be.
Connect with the September Ritual from the Tamed Wild Box here.
