We are entering the season of cooler, crisp air, falling leaves, hoodies, apple cider, and pumpkin patches as the sun enters Libra on September 22nd (in the Northern Hemisphere, it is the vernal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere).

In addition, it is also the time of Mabon celebrations, one of the eight pagan Sabbats, which has a fascinating history.

The article will conclude with a collective tarot reading of Mabon and a brief discussion of the customs. 

The Origin of Mabon: What Is It?

In paganism, Mabon is a harvest festival celebrated at the autumn equinox, named after the Welsh God, the son of the Earth Mother Goddess. In addition to being the god of light, Mabon was also the god of darkness.

The festival of Mabon also symbolizes the beginning of deer hunting in British folklore, a season known as Herne the Hunter. It was in the 1970s that the festival's name was adopted.

From summer to fall, the ancient Celts observed the seasons. As a result, many cultures, especially the Bavarians, celebrated the harvest around the autumn equinox. 

Festivals began during the last week of September and were known as Oktoberfest, which included feasting and celebrations.

There are still Oktoberfest celebrations worldwide, as it originated from pagan festivals celebrating the autumn equinox but is now a German tradition. 

As Lammas falls on August 1st, Mabon is the second harvest. Many cultures thank their crops and animals for food during the second harvest.

Thanksgiving in the U.S. coincided with Mabon on October 3rd, while Canadian Thanksgiving is always the first Monday in November.  

During this sabbath, many pagan groups celebrate Mabon in honor of the Crone, or "the Dark Mother."

The shadow side refers to that part of yourself that society shuns, the dark side.

You don't want others to see and acknowledge the side of you that makes you angry, jealous, resentful, and even dark.

You should embrace it, however, since it is part of what makes you unique. Here are some ways to celebrate Mabon, regardless of whether you are a pagan. 

The Best Ways to Celebrate Mabon

During Mabon, apples are picked, symbolizing the second harvest. In paganism, apple harvest rituals are performed to thank the gods for a plentiful crop.

In addition to grapes, corn, oats, pomegranate, squash, pumpkin, potatoes, and other root vegetables, they may set up an altar with other fruits and apples.

Friends and family always attend the Mabon feast, as pagans also perform a ritual to help create balance in their lives, as this is the season of Libra when day and night are equal. 

Whether you are pagan or not, you can celebrate Mabon by using apples in juice, cider, pies, pastries, and even candles that contain an apple scent.

Mabon is also a great time to declutter and give up things that don't serve you anymore. 

You can go to bed earlier now that it is getting darker earlier than during the summer.

Due to the sabbat’s association with giving thanks, it's also an excellent time to begin a gratitude journal if you haven't already.

The time is also perfect for acknowledging and working on your shadow side.

A tarot reading is one way to gain clarity for the sabbat. 

Now that you know about Mabon and its festivities, let's do a collective tarot reading for the sabbat.

2023 Mabon Tarot Reading

Here is a collective five-card Mabon tarot reading for you from Almanac Supply Co., and this represents the energies you may be facing during the fall season.

The first card indicates what you have planted this season.

The second card indicates what you can do to ensure your most bountiful harvest.

The third card asks what changes you must prepare for, and the fourth asks what you should remove to preserve your energy.

Finally, the fifth card asks you how to connect more with the season.

Here is the reading for you, and the cards that come up are Star, Death, Judgment, Six of Cups, and Lovers. Let's break it down.

Card One - The Star

The Star represents hope, inspiration, and healing. It signifies a period of renewal and optimism.

This card suggests that you may experience a sense of inner peace and clarity during this Mabon season. It encourages you to believe in yourself and your abilities and trust the universe's guidance.

Therefore, if you have planned something you hope will materialize this season, the potential is there, and the universe has your back.

But you need to take appropriate action to make it materialize.

Card Two - Death

The Death card symbolizes transformation, letting go, and rebirth. It indicates that you are going through a significant change or transition in your life.

Therefore, the thing to do to ensure your most bountiful harvest is to release old patterns, beliefs, or situations that no longer serve you. Embrace this transformation and allow yourself to grow and evolve.

Card Three - Judgment

The Judgment card represents self-reflection, awakening, and a spiritual awakening. It suggests you are being called to evaluate your past actions and choices.

This Mabon, take the time to reflect on your life and make any necessary adjustments. It's an opportunity for personal growth and to align yourself with your higher purpose.

And those are the changes you need to prepare for this fall.

Card Four- Six of Cups

The Six of Cups signifies nostalgia, childhood memories, and emotional connections.

During this Mabon season, you may find comfort and joy in reconnecting with loved ones or revisiting happy memories from the past.

It encourages you to embrace the innocence and simplicity of life, allowing yourself to experience joy and happiness.

However, you also want to ensure you remove things from the past that no longer serve you so you can preserve your energy, the energy you will need to nurture the seeds you planted.

Card Five - The Lovers

The Lovers card represents love, harmony, and choices.

It signifies a deep connection with someone or a significant decision to be made.

This Mabon, you may experience a strong bond with a partner or a deepening of an existing relationship.

It also reminds you to make choices that align with your values and bring you closer to your true self.

To connect with the season, why not prepare your garden for winter with your partner or good friend, grow some fall-blooming flowers, or harvest vegetables?

While you connect with nature during this season, bonding with the one important to you will create special memories.

Overall, this Mabon tarot reading suggests that you are entering a period of transformation and growth.

Embrace the changes in your life, reflect on your past choices, and make decisions that align with your values and bring you closer to your true self.

Trust in the universe's guidance and have faith in the journey ahead.