The Oracle

Mabon - September 21st

This is known to most people as the autumn equinox, which is normally occurs on September 21st, though since it follows our solar year, the date changes from year to year, falling somewhere between Sept 20th and Sept 23rd. Mabon is named after the Welsh God Mabon. This is quite symbolic as this is a God that dies, travels to the underworld and is reborn maintaining the idea of life, death and rebirth. But the festival of Mabon has many other associations.

It is know as the second harvest, often referred to as the bread harvest, or the fruit harvest. The reason for the names is that the grain has been reaped, and is now ready to be turned into flour or stored for winter. Also nuts, fruits and berries are in plentiful supply so there is plenty to be done. Since food is in such plentiful supply, this is seen as a time of giving, being generous to those that are less fortunate but also of important lessons.

This is a time of balance, a time of inner reflections. It is time to cast away the negative aspects, the bad memories and the unfulfilled wishes, and to look toward a time of upcoming hardship, even in this time of plenty. It is also a time that reflects the true symbolism of the harvest season. As mentioned earlier, we get what we put into things. If we have worked hard with our ventures then now is the time to reflect and enjoy the benefits. A tale that always springs to mind is that of the Ant and the Grasshopper, a story that echoes the theme of this wonderful festival.

Copyright Richard J Blackburn 2008