“The Wheel rolls more, and Autumn returns.
Cooler the rain; the Sun lower burns.
The coloring leaves presage the Year:
All things move into harvest’s sphere.
I vow to savor fruits first picked;
nor into grief shall I be tricked.
I vow to offer what once I spurned,
and face the Turning reassured.
– Celebrating the Seasons of Life: Beltane to Mabon
Asleen O’Gaea
Spend some part of the day in meditation on the meaning of the seasons and the ritual. Before the ritual have a bath in salt water to purify the body and as the water drains out of the bath, imagine all your negativity leaving with it. Dress in clean clothes or your robes.
You should have a candle placed in your cauldron.
Cast your circle.
Call the God and Goddess.
Call the Quarters.
Light the candle in the cauldron and then meditate on the season.
Next say:
The season turns and light and darkness stand once more in balance, but now the dark is gaining.
The time of light and growth is over. The leaves whither on the trees and the birds prepare to fly away for the winter. The grass stands brown in the meadows and the flowers are faded. The bountiful Harvest Mother becomes the Crone who cuts down the Corn King in his prime. He is laid in his tomb, but will return to us when the wheel of the year spins around. His dark tomb shall become the womb from which he is reborn; an eternal riddle. So it is with us all. We are and grow with the light, but there comes a time when the Goddess calls us home.
Hold up your glass of wine and say;
Let the wine be blessed which is the blood of the Earth pressed smooth (drink).
Take up the cakes and say;
Let the cakes be blessed in the name of the God, our Lord. Without his sacrifice we would not eat (eat).
Thank and release the God and Goddess.
Thank and release the Quarters.
Release the circle.
RavenandCrone
An Online Shop for Pagan Supplies and Crystals
Concept of DeityI think it is always interesting to hear people’s thoughts on deity. Depending on your point of view, your thoughts on deity can be quite varies. I once read a quote that said “If you ask 10 Wiccans about their religion you will get 15 different answers”, I have found this to be very true. Just as we all are individuals and very different, so are our views. There are monotheistic Wiccans, who believe in a supreme being; and consider the Goddess and God the feminine and masculine aspect of a single deity. And there are duo theistic Wiccans, who worship the God and Goddess as separate beings. Then there are polytheistic Wiccans, who recognize the existence of many Gods and Goddess.
There are some that take the stance that all gods are one god. The One is the all encompassing unity of all things which exist; the divine creator of all life and existence. The One is infinite to a point that the human mind simply cannot comprehend its vastness. The One goes by many names and many faces, but is essentially the same Supreme Being; called by whatever name.
Along those same lines, some believe that there is one Supreme Being, but because there is much difficulty in relating to it, they link with that force through their deities. And in accordance with the principles of nature, the Supreme Being is personified into two beings; the Goddess and the God. There is a balance in nature, so it is natural that their also be the same balance in deity. They believe that every deity that receives worship exists within the God and Goddess; and that the different pantheons of deities are simply aspects of the two.
When envisioning the Goddess and God, may Wiccans see them as well-known deities from ancient religions. Many of these deities, with their corresponding histories, rites and mythic information, furnish the concept of deity for Wiccans. Some feel comfortable associating such names and forms with the Goddess and God, feeling that they can’t possibly revere nameless divine beings. Others find a lack of names and costume a comforting lack of limitations. They have been given so many names they have been called the Nameless Ones. In appearance they look exactly as we wish them to, for they’re all the deities that ever were.
Sometimes a particular deity or even a small group of deities will make themselves known to an individual or even a group. Sometimes they will make themselves known through dreams, divinatory tools or in other ways in our daily life. Other times they find themselves pulled towards a particular deity, and give them preference over the other deities.
To know your deity you must make contact with them. Talk to them and be sure to listen to their answers. Talk to others about them, and look for the deity’s signature in everything around you. If you watch carefully you will see them in all things around you. As you begin to tune into their voices, you will realize that they were speaking to you all along; you just didn’t stop and notice.
The Magical Circle Newsletter: Mabon
Collen Criswell
“The Wheel turns on – ’tis Mabon-tide.
Dawn and dusk abreast now ride
darkness, brightness, calm and storms.
The hand that holds the scythe transforms.
I vow this wisdom shall be my own:
poise will let my power be known.
From balance the Wheel now turns toward the deep.
Through Winter, by vow and faith, I’ll keep.”
Ashleen O’Gaea,Celebrating the Seasons of Life: Beltane to Mabon
This is the Autumn Equinox (also known as Mabon, Foghar, Alban Elfed, Harvest Home, 2nd Harvest, Fruit Harvest, Wine Harvest), when day and night, light and day are equal. It is the feast at the height of the harvest, when nearly all has been gathered in. This would have been a time of markets, festivals, processions and general gaiety. It is also known as a feast of the healer and the feast of the release of prisoners, for this is the time of year for setting aside old disputes, grudges and quarrels. Like the Spring Equinox it is a time of balance, a time to discard unwanted habits and traits and to take on new.
The Fall Equinox is our harvest celebration. Twin to the Spring Equinox, it’s a time, again, of balance between dark and light. But now we are moving from light into darkness, from warmth into cold. We gather in the harvest of summer and prepare for the winter ahead.
Everything in nature is constant giving to and receiving from everything else. The oxygen we breathe in is exhaled by the trees, and they take in the carbon dioxide we breathe out. Bees sip nectar from the flowers and in return carry their pollen to other blossoms so that the plants can make seeds. Nothing exists separately from the whole.
When we receive a gift, we give thanks. Sooner or later, we tr to give something back to the person who gave it to us – or perhaps pass the gift onto someone else. That’s part of keeping the balance. At this time of year when we are gathering in the gifts of the Goddess, the fruit, nuts, grain, and vegetables that are ripe, we also try to give something back, to make offerings and express our thanks. The Fall Equinox is our Thanksgiving. In fact, the Thanksgiving that we celebrate in the United States came from the old European Harvest Home, the special customs and rituals done when the last sheaf of grain was gathered in.
In ancient Greece, the Fall Equinox was the time when the mysteries of Demeter and Persephone were celebrated.
Mabon was not an actual ancient Pagan festival in date or name. In fact, there is actually very little evidence it was ever celebrated. In fact, Mabon came into practice in the 1970′ s. Adian Kelly is said to have created this holiday as part of a religious study project. The term Litha is also attributed to Kelly. The use of the term Mabon is more prevalent in American than in Britain.
The Magical Circle Newsletter: Mabon
Collen Criswell
“Mea’n Fo’mhair honors The Green Man, God of the Forest, by offerings of wines, ciders and herbs. The Goddess is commemorated as she passes from Mother to Crone. Mabon is an occasion of the Mysteries and to honor deities and the spirit world. Finery is worn in shades of red, maroon, violet, orange, gold, brown, yellow, russet and indigo. Jewelry is made with yellow topaz and agate, carnelian, sapphire, amethyst and sapphire, crystals. The feast includes breads, nuts, acorns, grains, corn, beans, squash, root vegetables, some seasoned with sage, dried fruits, pomegranates, grapes and apples spiced with cinnamon and cloves, ale, wine and cider. It’s a gathering of family as people ready for Samhain and a time to finish old business for a phase of reflection, rest and relaxation. Activities include scattering offerings in harvested fields, making wine, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and pods, walking in the woods and adorning graves with leaves, acorns, and pine cones to honor those who have gone on. Spellwork is for protection, harmony, prosperity, balance, security, and self-confidence. The animals of Mabon are dogs, wolves, stags, salmon, goats and raptors, especially eagles and owls, and black birds.”
– Mabon, Pagan Fire Festival by Jill Stefko
Tuesday is a Mars day, and just like the god of war, this is the time to tap into magicks to call for strength and courage. This day of the week is for rebels and warriors. If you are facing a challenge of any kind, need a boost to your courage, or want to enhance your passions, Tuesday is the day of the week for you. Some suggestions for Tuesday enchantments would include:
*Wearing the fiery colors associated with this day: scarlet, red, black, and orange. Don some of the more daring and bewitching colors of your wardrobe on Tuesdays and turn a few heads
*Carrying a bloodstone in your pocket or wearing garnet-studded jewelry to reinforce your convictions
*Working with protective and fire-associated plants such as the snapdragon, thistle, and holly to boost your shields and bravery
*Burning spicy-scented energy-enhancing candles to add a little magical aromatherapy to your home
*Cooking up a hearty meal featuring carrots, peppers, and garlic (all Mars foods and spices) to empower yourself for victory and success
“To the Celts, Avalon is the mysterious place for the land of the dead and literally means the “land of apples”. Thus this is a holiday for celebrating the bounty of the harvest and the desire for the living to be reunited with their deceased loved ones. The holiday is also named for the Welsh God Mabon. Mabon means the “great son”. He was the son of Mordred, kidnapped at the age of 3 and later rescued by King Arthur. His life represents the innocence of youth, the strength of survival and the growing wisdom of the elderly. Perhaps it is this view of the cycle of life that brings Mabon to his most popular role, the King of the Other world and the God of Darkness. His myths overlap with other Gods such as the Welsh God Gwyn Ap Nuad, which means “white son of darkness”. He is seen as the God of war and death, the patron God of fallen warriors. Once again this is a representation or connection to the Land of Avalon. The Purpose of Mabon as a holiday- Mabon represents the time of honoring the dead, visiting burial sites, giving thankfulness for the end of the harvest season and the bounty it provides. These are the themes of closing, letting go and remembering. For the year, the harvest and for those who were lost to land of Avalon during the year. Although many view the Harvest season as a celebration of life, it is also a celebration of death. The bounty you gather from your garden provides nourishment for you, family and friends. But it is also the death of those plants and vegetables which have been harvested from that garden. Thus Mabon is a celebration of the cycle of life.”
– Mabon Feast by Junebug
The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, September 21Tuesday (Tiw’s-day)
Planet: Mars
Colors: Red and Autumn Shades
Crystals: Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet, Flint, Rhodonite, Iron and Steel
Aroma: Basil, Ginger, Black Pepper, Mars Oil, Dragon’s blood and patchouli
Herb: Basil
The day of Mars. This day could only ever symbolize the sheer power of the god of war! The ideal spells to be cast on this day are that of force, power war and protection.
Dedicated to the powers of the planet Mars, personified as Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw, and Tyr.
Magical aspects: controlled power, energy, and endurance, passion, sex, courage, aggression, and protection.
This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving courage, physical strength, revenge, military honors, surgery, the breaking of negative spells, dynamic energy, matrimony, war, enemies, prison, hunting, politics, contests, protection, victory, and athletics.
“At Harvest Home, the sun enters Libra, the astrological sign traditionally represented by balanced scales, and this is appropriate given the fragile balance in which the whole cosmos is poised on this day. Occurring at a point in the year when day and night are again equal in length, Harvest Home represents a time of balance and equilibrium in the natural cycle (as does the vernal equinox), but the thoughts which move us now are not the thoughts which captivated us in Spring. At the time of the vernal equinox, our thoughts turned from winter toward the lengthening hours of sunlight, the greening fields and gardens, and the new life bursting forth everywhere. Now with the harvest completed, the crops gathered in, and the nights becoming longer, we pause to enjoy the warm slanted sunlight of these golden autumn days, to give thanks for summer’s bounty and to prepare ourselves mentally for the coming winter. The gods associated with Harvest Home are harvest (particularly the grape harvest) or vegetation gods such as Dionysus and Bacchus, gods in their maturity like Thor, Mabon, Thoth and Hermes, and nature spirits like John Barleycorn. The goddesses of this time are also mature deities associated with abundance, harvest, home and hearth, and they include Demeter, Ceres, Hestia, Modron, Morgan, the Muses and Persephone.”
– Mabon – Harvest Home, Catherine Kerr
The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, September 22ndTuesday (Mars): Passion, sex, courage, aggression, and protection.
Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon (from the New Moon to the Full) is the ideal time for magic to draw things toward you.
Moon phase: Second Quarter
Moon Sign: Capricorn
Capricorn: Develops strong structure. Focus on traditions, responsibilities, and obligations. A good time to set boundaries and rules.
Incense: Cedar
Color: Maroon
Demeter and Persephone“Perhaps the best known of all the harvest mythologies is the story of Demeter and Persephone. Demeter was a goddess of grain and of the harvest in ancient Greece. Her daughter, Persephone, caught the eye of Hades, god of the underworld. When Hades abducted Persephone and took her back to the underworld, Demeter’s grief caused the crops on earth to die and go dormant. By the time she finally recovered her daughter, Persephone had eaten six pomegranate seeds, and so was doomed to spend six months of the year in the underworld. These six months are the time when the earth dies, beginning at the time of the autumn equinox. The Sumerian goddess Inanna is the incarnation of fertility and abundance. Inanna descended into the underworld where her sister, Ereshkigal, ruled. Erishkigal decreed that Inanna could only enter her world in the traditional ways — stripping herself of her clothing and earthly posessions. By the time Inanna got there, Erishkigal had unleashed a series of plagues upon her sister, killing Inanna. While Inanna was visiting the underworld, the earth ceased to grow and produce. A vizier restored Inanna to life, and sent her back to earth. As she journeyed home, the earth was restored to its former glory.”
– Mabon History
“In late September, the sun crosses the celestial equator and there is a day where the length of the day and night are approximately equal. These days are called equinoxes, from the Latin meaning “equal night.” The autumnal equinox marks one of the lesser Sabbats, called Mabon, occurring around September twenty-second or twenty-third. Astrologically, this is when the sun moves into Libra. This holiday is the second harvest festival, falling during or at the end of the European grain harvest. It also known as the wine harvest, and often marks the beginning of hunting season. In one old Craft tradition, the fall equinox was named “the Night of the Hunter” and farmers would slaughter livestock too weak to survive the winter on this night. Druids know this celebration as “Mea’n Fo’mhair” and honor the Green Man, God of the Forest, and his trees with poured offerings of ciders and wine. Norse pagans celebrate this time as Winter Finding, a time period that runs from the Sabbat until October 15th. This night is known as Winter’s Night and is the Norse New Year. The Wiccan New Year is also approaching at October’s end. It is known the ancient Mayans observed this date as well. At the pyramid at Cihickén Itzá, seven triangles of light fall on the pyramid’s staircase on this date only. In Japan, there is a six-day celebration around the equinox. This holiday is to honor Higan-e, the “other shore” and is based on six “perfections”: giving, observance of the precepts, perseverance, effort, meditation and wisdom. By this time of the year, the days are visibly waning, the temperatures begin to cool and it is time to start preparing for winter. Many people like to refresh their altar(s) for this time, adding elements in autumn colors (orange, brown, gold, dark reds, rust) like acorns, pine cones, leaves, dried plants and herbs, apples, pomegranates, ivy and horns of plenty.”
– Rae Schwarz, Fall Equinox
Tuesday’s WitcheryTuesday is the day to work any magick that falls in the category of increasing strength, courage, bravery, and passion. All of these intense emotions are linked to this day’s energies, and spells designed around these themes will have extra punch when performed on this magickal day.
So, let’s add a little passion and conviction into your life! Break out the daring red pieces of your wardrobe, and put a little pizzazz into your day. Work with Lilith, and see what she has to teach you about personal power and sexuality. Meditate on Tiw/Tyr and Mars, and see what those ancient warrior gods will show you about new tactics, strategies, and claiming personal victories in your life. Practice conjuring up that astral weapon from the meditation and use it wisely for protection and for courage.
Create a philter for courage and protection or handcraft your own Witch’s jar to remove negativity from your home. See what other Witch crafts you can conjure up with Tuesday’s magick. Create some kitchen magick on this Tuesday by whipping up a spicy stew-add in a few Mars-associated ingredients such as carrots, peppers, and garlic. Empower the stew for success, and then treat yourself and your family to a good, hearty meal. Try working with a little aromatherapy and burn some spicy or coffee-scented candles to increase your energy level.
Check the sky at night, and see if you can find the reddish planet Mars up in the heavens. Not sure where to look? Check an astronomy magazine or search the Web for more information. Become a magickal warrior and move forward in your life with strength, courage, and compassion. Embrace the side of yourself that loves a good challenge and that is passionate and daring!
Banish fear, and face your future with strength and conviction. Believe in yourself and in your dreams, work hard, and you will win every time.
—-Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan
The Fall Equinox or Mabon“The Fall Equinox, or Mabon, is celebrated as the final harvest of the season. This holiday was pivotal in ancient times, since a good final harvest was crucial to surviving the winter months ahead. This is the time of year where we truly reap what we have sown and we prepare for the long winter that lays before us. The day and night are again equal in time and the God has traveled at last to His place of rest. Now, He has sacrificed the last of Himself to provide us with a final harvest of food before the winter begins. Celebrants gather to mark the turning of the wheel and to give thanks for the ultimate sacrifice of The God, recognizing that He will be reborn at Yule. This holiday has been called “The Witches’ Thanksgiving” and is a time for feasting together with family and friends. This is also the time to welcome the season of the Crone. Kore’ goes to the Underworld to learn the secrets of the Crone (or in some stories she is kidnapped by Hades), and the earth is bare as Her mother, Demeter, mourns Her loss. But although the winter is before us, we know that the wheel will turn again, life will be reborn, and our blessings are bountiful.”
– Fall Equinox
TuesdayA god, goddess, or planet governs each day of the week. It is usually easy to spot the ruler of the day by its name. The word Tuesday, however, is not so easy, but if we look at the word in Spanish, Martes, we clearly see its connections to Mars.
Because Tuesday revolves around the energy of Mars, Tuesdays are good for business, mechanical things, buying and selling animals, hunting, beginning studies, gardening, sexual activities, and confrontation. This is a day for sex magick, energy, stamina, and health. As in the old saying, Tuesdays child is full of grace, is also good for success magick and defense against enemies.
Angels of Tuesday are Camael, Samael, Satael, Amabiel, Friagne, and Hyniel. When invoked, Camael takes the form of a leopard. In Druid mythology he is a god of war, which is why we see him associated with Mars. Camael is said to be a member of the “Magnificent Seven” in some circles. Camael is another “terminator” angel.
Samael walks both worlds as a magician and sorcerer. some see him as the angel of death, others as “the bright and poisonous one.” Many consider him more of a demon, and accuse him of being Satan. However, there is reference to the satans (plural) as enforcers of the law, a sort of angelic police, if you will. Supposedly, when Samael is around, dogs howl in the night. On one hand, he is the ruler of the fifth heaven and in charge of two million angels; on the other, he is the one who changed into a serpent and convinced Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit of knowledge.
Satael is an angel of air invoked in magic rites and is the presiding spirit of the planet Mars. Amabiel is another spirit of the planet Mars; however he spends his energy on issues of human sexuality. Friagne, also an angel of this day, is invoked from the east. He is a member of the fifth heaven. Hyniel also belongs to this day and is subject to the east wind.
On Tuesdays the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Mars, and that makes these times of the day doubly blessed. These four hours are the strongest ones to do ritual in. Check your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine your local sunrise.
Source:
Gypsy Magic
“The Druids call this celebration, Mea’n Fo’mhair, and honor the Green Man, the God of the Forest, by offering libations to trees. Offerings of ciders, wines, herbs and fertilizer are appropriate at this time…. Mabon is considered a time of the Mysteries. It is a time to honor Aging Deities and the Spirit World….”
– Akasha, Mabon
Our Goddess has changed from
mother to crone.
She holds all our knowledge and wisdom
Her insight radiates from her to us
Her consort, our God is present
He prepares for death then
re-birth
This cycle will continue
As the fields empty
Our homes are filled with the
harvest.
As we wait for the second harvest.
We watch the beauty of the land
change
Red, orange, maroon, brown and
gold fill the forest
Day and night are equal
balance between the two
Light and dark maintained
We feel the cold as it creeps into
our homes.
Our altars are prepared, covered
with pine cones, acorns.
We wear stones of sapphire
Their brilliance dances around the
room
Vines of ivy flow
Horns of plenty overflow
We give thanks for our bounty
We share our Blessings with the
Goddess
We share our Blessings with the
God
We share our bounty with our
family
We have cleansed our home
We have prepared ourselves
The hearth is cleaned and prepped
Logs of alder and ash are afire.
The cauldron boils with potatoes,
carrots and onions
Aroma from honeysuckle, myrrh,
rose and sage fill our homes
A call to gather has been heard
We gather to celebrate
Sisters stand hand in hand
Candles light our space
We bow before she who is present
We accept her love and protection
Whispers of prayers can be heard
Each of us ask for her Blessings
We know that she will bless us
For we follow her path
We follow her grace
The yearly cycle is ending
We look forward to the renewal of
life
We share wine and the bounty of
the earth
We close our night with prayer
We close our night in harmony
with all
As Witches we belong to all that is
We belong to all that will be
Blessed Be
A Witch’s Prayerbook
JoAnne Spiese
We were talking about our basic beliefs in our different traditions. When we got right down to it, we all believed in the Ways of Old. There is that basic teaching in all of us. We were all taught Mabon/Fall Equinox was celebrated on September 21st.
It seems like now days our celebration of Mabon has changed. Who changed it and why? I know every time a Sabbat comes up, you hear the same thing from me. I am also defending why we celebrate our Sabbats on a certain day. We celebrate them on the dates our ancestors celebrated them. This is our core belief.
Why someone who didn’t know a thing about our practices or religion would go and change our holiest of days, is beyond me. These individuals have us celebrating Mabon anywhere from September 21 to September 23. It seems someone has tampered with our celebrations. I have my own opinion on the matter but we won’t get into that. Our point is simple, these people knew nothing about our religious belief or practices. Since they knew nothing, they should have left all our Sabbats alone. I don’t see any practitioners trying to tell other dominations when to celebrate Easter or Christmas. Do you?
All we want is for our celebrations of the Sabbats to be left alone. For us to return to the Ways of Old. The ancient ones founded our religion and we have to maintain their practices. It is passed down from generation to generation. Our beliefs are our own. No one has the right to meddle in our affairs, let alone our religious practices.
I know it has to be confusing to those new to the Craft. Just think how we feel when we are celebrating our Sabbats on their appropriate date and every where you turn, you are getting a different date to celebrate.
It is a known fact, that certain groups have tried to destroy our religion and beliefs. They have meddled in our practices for centuries. They have lied on us, twisted our practices, and even went so far to kill those who would not back down from their faith and their Goddess.
We must and we shall rewrite our history. That is why it is so very important that we continue to spread our word and our beliefs. We have to bring the Craft back to its rightful place in mainstream religion. Only then, will the truth about us be known. Most importantly, we will write our own history. Who better to do it than those who know it.
I am sorry I had to get off on this subject but I don’t appreciate people meddling in our affairs. We are very tolerant of other religions. We respect other religions. We would never consider doing some of the things that have been done to our beliefs. All we want is to be able to tell the truth about witches & witchcraft and correct the mistakes that have been taught about us.
We hope you have a very blessed Mabon,
Till tomorrow,
Love & Hugs,
Lady of the Abyss & The WOTC Staff
“Smoke hangs like haze over harvested fields
The gold of stubble, the brown of turned earth
And you walk under the red light of fall
The scent of fallen apples, the dust of threshed grain
The sharp, gentle chill of fall.
Here as we move into the shadows of autumn
The night that brings the morning of spring
Come to us, Lord of Harvest
Teach us to be thankful for the gifts you bring us
The bounty of your sacrifice
The warmth and the light of friends gathered around the bounty of the earth.
Dionysus, Osiris, Cernunnos, Dumuzi, Frey,
Lord of the grain,
Welcome!”
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