Seasonal Rhythms: Mabon

Here are some warm and nourishing activities to celebrate Mabon with your family.

Welcome, dear readers, to the gentle embrace of Mabon, the Autumn Equinox, which graces us this Saturday, September 23rd, when day and night harmoniously share the sky.

In the tapestry of nature's cycles, Mabon is the second harvest of the year, a time to open our hearts in gratitude for all that has graced our lives so far. It beckons us to pause, to reflect, and to find our equilibrium as we bid farewell to the warmth of summer and extend a warm welcome to the introspective, dark half of the year.

As we approach the enchanting Harvest moon on the 29th, let this week be a canvas for gentle self-care and seasonal activities. Join me on this journey of balance and appreciation, as I share with you some of the ways my family and I like to celebrate the seasonal shift we call Mabon.

Photo by Andrea Roberts on Unsplash

Here are some warm and nourishing activities to celebrate Mabon with your family:

• Apple Picking: Head to an orchard or maybe you or a friend have your own apple tree, embrace the autumn air and pick crisp apples, savoring the joy of harvest. If you can't find somewhere to pick the apples, get some at the shop and cook with them at home or enjoy them as a snack. Maybe share The Story Of The Apple Star as you prepare the apples.

• Create an Autumn Wreath: Get creative and craft beautiful autumn wreaths with colorful leaves and pinecones to adorn your home. Collect some foliage and autumn treasures out on a family walk.

• Share a Feast: Gather around the table for a heartwarming feast, sharing stories and laughter while relishing the flavors of the season.

• Journal, Meditate, and Set Goals: Autumn is the time for letting go. Encourage reflection and growth by journaling your thoughts, meditating, and setting intentions for the season ahead. Ask yourself what no longer serves and let it go. I share some journal prompts at the bottom of the page to get you started.

• Bake Crumbles, Pies, and Breads: Embrace the cosy aromas of autumn by baking delicious crumbles, pies, and breads as a family.

• Gratitude Walk in Nature: Take a family stroll in the tranquil embrace of nature, expressing gratitude for the beauty that surrounds you.

• Declutter and Restore Balance in Your Home: Work together to declutter and restore balance to your living space, creating a harmonious environment for the season ahead.

• Cook on a Campfire: Experience the warmth and camaraderie of cooking stews, soups, or breads over a campfire.

• Decorate Your Nature Table: Bring the outdoors in by decorating a nature table with conkers, gourds, and pinecones, celebrating the earth's bounty. You could decorate your kitchen table or even a windowsill somewhere little eyes can see and hands can touch. This is my favourite way to connect with the seasonal rhythms as a family. It's become a tradition with each seasonal shift.

• Enjoy a Hot Cup of Tea: Sip on hot, comforting tea outside as you greet the crispness of autumn mornings, wrapping yourselves in the season's embrace. If the kids join you, grab a blanket and snuggled up.

• Autumn Crafting: Spend quality time as a family or by yourself crafting beautiful autumn-inspired creations. I'm currently working on a pretty watercolour autumn leaves garland to adorn my shelves and nature table. Let your creativity flow, and enjoy the process of making unique, seasonal decorations.

If you're looking for a way to add a little more rhythm to your year, start here, with the seasonal shifts. Just take a moment to notice the changes. Observe the natural world around you, tune into the changes.

I trust that these simple and heartwarming activities will pay homage to the spirit of Mabon. May they fill you with inspiration as you joyfully embrace the magic of the changing seasons with love and togetherness.

I invite you to share your Mabon traditions and experiences with our growing community here on Substack, spreading the warmth and joy of this season far and wide!

Warmest wishes,

P.S

Here are a few journal prompts for Mabon:

1. What is your favorite autumn activity or tradition, and how can you make time for it during the Mabon season?

2. List three things in your life that you'd like to harvest and celebrate right now. How can you express gratitude for these blessings?

3. In the spirit of balance and harmony, how can you bring more balance into your daily routine during the Mabon season? What small changes can you make to align with the energies of this time?