Mabon is also known as The Harvest Festival and similar to Thanksgiving-is about reaping what you sow and showing gratitude for it.  It naturally happens, when most parts of the US, are experiencing cooler temps, changing leaves and an overall cozier energy – bringing people and nature together.  The Mabon celebration usually involves creating an altar of colorful leaves and cornucopias, asking for blessings, visiting the gravesite of loved ones and placing an apple on the marker, praying for peace, as well as feasting on autumnal fruits and veggies. We love the idea of making a crown of leaves like the one seen here on the cow from @enchantedfarmsanctuary 

Make your own or we've got them too! Click the pic below...

We say take advantage of this special time of the calendar and throw an Autumnal Equinox Party!  Mix in some Mabon traditions with the Fall theme, and you’ll have a relaxed, yet festive fete.

Smudge first! The perfect way to usher in a new season. 

Smudge Sticks, $12-$18

Make an altar. Using Fall colors (reds and golds), lay a fabric base, add gold candles, acorns, gourds, corn, crystals, essential oils and a few creative pieces we will show you below. Click the pic below...

Here are a few great examples of Mabon altars with very different styles. The point is to make it yours and create what works for you, put intention into the honoring of the season and manifesting the changes.

DIY MINI PUMPKIN TEALIGHT HOLDERS

Now throw a party!!

MUSIC

Pandora a playlist keywords including Stevie Nicks, Tori, Amos and Vanessa Carlton – all thought to be or admittedly practicing Pagan – and you’ve got a mysterious mood to welcome your guests.

DRINK

Next, we think it’s just fine that wine, ale, and cider are the traditional drinks of Mabon because we love them all!  Craft ciders naturally fit the bill with their apple and harvest themes and easily add to your décor.  Pick up a Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale, a 6-pack of Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar Ale, some cans of Harpoon Flannel Friday or El Segundo's Steve Austin Broken Skull IPA. Toss them all in a big bucket full of ice, ask your guests to bring their favorite wine or beer and you’ll be set on Mabon-esque refreshments!

FOOD

Don’t stress over food, because comfort food is key.  Whip up some build-your-own salmon fish tacos (the fish of Mabon) with all the fixings, some fresh guacamole, corn chips and a bowl full of addictive onion rings (recipe: http://www.fettlevegan.com/recipes/crispy-chickpea-onion-rings ). Keep Mabon’s symbolic fruit in the spotlight and present mini mason jar apple pies from PureWow-YUM!

HOSTESS GIFT

If you’re attending an Autumnal Equinox party, bring your hostess a gift like this cute crescent moon necklace like this rose gold version perfect worn alone or for layering.

 DRESS UP THE LITTLE ONES

Just like fairies in the forest or a Bohemian princess. Add flower crown!

"Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits", Samuel Butler

However you celebrate the last day of extra sunshine, being surrounded with good friends and great food is a splendid way to honor the Autumnal Equinox.  FH