A History of Mabon and The Wheel of the Year
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Mabon is the last sabbat in the Wheel of the Year, marking the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Celebrated during the autumnal equinox, Mabon occurs around September 21st in the northern hemisphere and March 21st in the southern hemisphere.
The history of Mabon stretches back to ancient Celtic times, though Mabon as a sabbat holiday really took root in the 1970s. One of the lesser known sabbats, Mabon is gaining popularity as more people turn toward nature as a guide for their spiritual path.
The Early History of Mabon
The name Mabon comes from a medieval Welsh myth, the Mabinogion. This oral narrative, which is along the lines of Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey, tells four different stories featuring a cast of recurring characters. Mabon, who is often portrayed as a young man or warrior, is the cultural hero of one of these myths. He is born a Divine Child and his birth is associated with some kind of miracle, like immaculate conception, similar to the stories of Jesus, Buddha and the Aztec man-god Quetzalcoatl.
As a baby Mabon is kidnapped and taken to the otherworld (AKA underworld) and is eventually rescued, echoing the story of Demeter and Persephone, who are two figures from Greek mythology closely associated with the autumn and spring equinoxes.
Mabon as the name of a specific holiday did not take hold until the 1970s (more on that below). But the celebration of the autumn equinox is as old as humanity. So while ancient Celts may not have celebrated Mabon, per se, they most certainly celebrated the autumn equinox, rejoicing in the near end of the busy harvest season.
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Mabon and The Wheel of The Year
So, if Mabon wasn’t an ancient holiday like Yule or Samhain, when did it start? Good question!
Despite hundreds of years of Christianity in Europe, there remained a keen interest in ancient pagan rituals and celebrations. The fear that surrounded paganism in the 17th and 18th centuries (think Salem Witch Trials) gave way to a more academic interest during the Age of Enlightenment. Ancient paganism was further mythologized by writers of the Romantic period of the late 18th century (think classic fairy tales). Throughout the 19th and 20th century a neopagan movement gained traction with many different sects popping up throughout Europe and North America.
The White Goddess by Robert Graves was one of many 20th century writings that helped popularize the concept of eight holidays based on the agrarian and seasonal cycles of the British Isles, blending the ancient Celtic fire festivals and the solstices and equinoxes.
By the mid-20th century, the Wiccan religion had been established in North America. In the late 1960s, Aiden Kelly, a neopagan writer who helped establish Wicca, is credited with shaping the eight pagan festivals into what would become known as the Wheel of the Year. He is also credited with coining the name Mabon for the autumn equinox celebration, marking the last sabbat holiday in the Wheel of the Year.
Mabon and Witchcraft
For modern witches, since Mabon marks the end of the Witch’s Year, it is a good time to let go of things that no longer serve you. Cast spells for decreasing or ending old habits, meditate on what you would like to let go, and give thanks for the good things you have in life.
Mabon and Astrology
In her book The Modern Witchcraft Guide to the Wheel of the Year, author Judy Ann Nock likens the season of Mabon with the transition from Virgo to Libra. She explains that this is a time from moving outward during the season of Virgo and the fullness of summer to a time of introspection. The Libra, with its focus on balance and harmony, is a turning point in the Wheel of the Year.
Modern Mabon Celebrations
The second of the three harvests, Mabon is often equated with Thanksgiving and seen as a time by Wiccan and Witches (as well as those who don’t identify with any spiritual label) to reflect and thank the earth for its bounty. While our modern Thanksgiving holiday in the United States often focuses on excessive amounts of food, football and getting a jump on the holiday shopping, historical thanksgiving celebrations were rooted in celebrating the efforts of one’s labor and the connection between people and the earth.
In his book Wicca Demystified, author Bryan Lankford explains “To understand this sabbat, picture Thanksgiving and add to it the fact all food was grown yourself…you would not starve over the winter. Then you will understand how important this celebration was.”
How will you be celebrating Mabon this year? Share in the comments!
References & Recommended Reading
https://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/history/sites/themes/society/myths_mabinogion.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aidan_A._Kelly
https://www.learnreligions.com/intro-to-paganism-step-by-step-study-guide-4006913 (Step 7)
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Tree Magick and The Wheel of the Year
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Trees have long been a sacred symbol in many cultures. Ancient people all over the world celebrated the kinship of nature with humans, with trees representing creation tales and specific deities, as well as growth and knowledge. Trees symbolize many different things in religion and folklore, from the Tree of Life to the ancient Celtic calendar. Incorporating tree magick into your own spiritual practice is an easy way to connect with nature on a personal level.
Wheel of the Year and Tree Magick
If you follow the Wheel of the Year, you may opt to pay homage to certain trees during certain sabbats. Oak is associated with the bonfires of Litha during midsummer, while evergreen trees are popular at Yule. Rowan trees are associated with the Goddess Brigid who is celebrated at Imbolc, while Hawthorn trees are celebrated during Beltane. Apple trees bear fruit during the season of Mabon and Samhain. Both Ostara and Birch trees symbolize renewal. And as Lughnasdh represents the start of the abundant harvest season, it seems fitting to associate that sabbat with Pine and Maple, both of which are associated with abundance and prosperity.
In her book The Modern Witchcraft Spell Book, author Skye Alexander notes that as part of practicing tree magick, it’s important to ask the tree’s permission before cutting off a branch or twig. And afterwards you should thank the tree and leave an offering, such as composted fertilizer to help it renew.
The Meanings & Associations of Different Trees
Every tree is tethered to different beliefs and associations. Oaks are associated with strength and longevity, often used in ceremonial fires for the Wheel of the Year. While Elder trees are believed by some to be sacred and should never be burned. According to Judy Ann Nock in her book The Modern Witchcraft Book of Natural Magick Rowan trees are thought to hold all the secrets of the world, except the name of God.
Here are some common tree names and their associations:
Ash - associated with sacrifice, protection, strength and harmony
Apple - associated with immortality, beauty, happiness and security
Birch - associated with renewal, celasing, purification and protection
Cedar - associated with healing, protection and creativity
Elder - associated with birth, death and fairy folk
Fir - associated with birth, resurrection and honesty
Hazel - associated with divination, wisdom, luck, fertility and protection
Maple - associated with balance, practicality, love and abundance
Oak - associated with strength, power and longevity
Pine - associated with creativity, longevity, cleaning and prosperity
Rowan - associated with spirituality, protection and fairy folk
Willow - associated with healing, dreams and the underworld
Yew - associated with immortality, protection and death
Tree magick is still practiced today as part of spell work, sacred circles, religious rituals and individual spiritual paths. Trees can be used as an anchor for meditation, community celebrations, as ingredients in spell work, and as part of herbal remedies. Always remember to ask permission before cutting any part of tree and give thanks afterwards.
Do you have a favorite type of tree? Do you practice tree magic as part of your spiritual path? Share in the comments!
References & Recommended Reading
The Modern Witchcraft Book of Natural Magick by Judy Ann Nock
The Modern Guide to Witchcraft by Skye Alexander
The Modern Witchcraft Spell Book by Skye Alexander
Celtic Tree Months Article: https://www.learnreligions.com/celtic-tree-months-2562403
Trees & Paganism Article: https://arboriculture.wordpress.com/2016/10/16/trees-and-religion-paganism/
Trees & World Religions Article: https://arboriculture.wordpress.com/2016/12/17/trees-and-religion-worldwide-indigenous-religions/
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A History of Lughnasadh
Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links, meaning: at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate or other affiliate program participant, I earn from qualifying purchases. Mabon House only features products that I believe in and use myself. Thank you!
Tip: If you’d prefer to support local retailers in your area, independent booksellers can often order specific books for you and have them delivered to the store for pick up, for the same price as ordering online.
Lughnasadh is the first of three autumn celebrations in the Wheel of the Year. A cross-quarter day, Lughnasadh is celebrated on August 1 (though some celebrate on August 5th when the sun reaches 15 degrees Leo). Named for the Celtic God Lugh, Lughnasadh was later known as Lammas by early Christians. Many modern Lughnasadh traditions are rooted in the ancient customs associated with the first harvest of grain. Marking the midpoint of summer, Lughnasadh is a good time to slow down, reflect and think about the last turn in the Wheel of the Year.
Early Celtic Traditions
Lughnasadh is named for the ancient Celtic God Lugh, who is thought to be an older personification of the Celtic god Bel / Baal (for whom Beltane is named for). Both deities are associated with fire and the sun. In ancient Celtic culture Lughnasadh was a time to start preparing for winter, when the first harvest of grain was cut and vegetables and fruits preserved. Harvest festivals were popular during the period between Lughnasadh and Mabon. People would gather for celebration, games and to trade their produce and wares. In her book Modern Guide to Witchcraft, author Skye Alexander points out that the tradition of harvest festivals lives on through the many rural state and county agricultural fairs throughout the United States.
As Christianity spread into the British Isles beginning around the sixth century, Lughnasadh eventually became known as Lammas, which means loaf mass. This name referred to the first baking of bread of the new harvest, which would be brought to the local parish church to be blessed by the priest. Read more about the history of Lughnasadh & Lammas
Cross-Quarter Days
Lughnasadh is one of the cross-quarter days in the Celtic calendar. A cross-quarter day marks the mid-point between the summer and winter solstices and the spring and autumn equinoxes (also called Quarter Days). Lughnasadh falls on August 1, which is the midpoint between the summer solstice (Litha) and the Autumn Equinox (Mabon). While there is historical debate about whether the Celtic calendar included both quarter and cross-quarter days, the cross-quarter days mark the Celtic beginning of Spring (Imbolc), Summer (Beltane), Autumn (Lughnasadh) and Winter (Samhain). These dates reflect the agrarian cycle of the northern hemisphere, when daily life revolved largey around the harvesting and preserving of food ahead of the long winter months.
Modern Lughnasadh Traditions
Today Lughnasadh is celebrated by pagans and wiccans as one of the eight Wheel of the Year sabbats. Common celebrations include baking bread, making beer, hosting bonfires and decorating your home with seasonal flowers and cornstalks and early gourds.
Lughnasadh as a Time for Reflection
Lughnasadh marks the seventh turn of the Wheel of the Year. The year is 3/4th over and it’s a good time to pause and reflect on how your year has been so far. What are you happy about? What disappointments did you experience? What do you want to focus on between now and Samhain? If you journal, write down what you would like to be, do and have in the coming months. See my favorite journals
Summer days are half over, and so now is a good time to slow down and savor the beautiful weather, if you haven’t done so already. Make a date with friends to go on a picnic or a hike; host a potluck dinner followed by a bonfire; or celebrate solo with a glass of seasonal blackberry wine and some fresh bread.
How are you celebrating Lughnasadh this year? Share in the comments below!
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