The Autumn Equinox is also known as Mabon. At this time of year Light and Dark are in balance, as the days and nights are of equal length. The trees are alive with color – orange, gold, deep red, and browns of every shade. The air is crisp and light. This is the time to give thanks for the Earth’s bounty. Nuts and apples become ripe around this time, as do many other crops. It’s time to gather and store them for sustenance for the coming winter. Mabon is also a time to celebrate. Here are some things my family and friends do to celebrate Mabon:

Have a feast! Serve autumn foods such as squash and corn, nuts and apples. Mabon is also called the Wine Harvest, so it is a good time to serve wines and ciders. Remember those less fortunate than yourself. Share your abundance by donating food to the hungry. Wear earth colors, orange or deep green or brown. Make a wreath of autumn leaves and wear it on your head.

Because Mabon symbolizes balance, make a mobile out of found objects. Go on an autumn walk, taking a basket or bag filled with ribbons, string, scissors, glue or tape. Pick up objects — beautiful leaves, moss, small rocks, twigs, bark —anything that strikes your fancy. Find some sticks and tie the sticks together in a mobile, hanging them with the found objects stuck on with glue or tied on with ribbons. Hang the mobile on a tree branch along your path, and leave it there as a surprise for the next passers-by. Or if you’re walking along a beach, gather rocks and make a rock tower, balancing them one atop the other.

Make a vow to live in balance today. Fill up on gratitude.

Technorati Tags: writing, stories, sharing, Autumn Equinox, Mabon, gratitude