(Circa September 21)
by Scott Cunningham
Decorate the altar with acorns, oak sprigs, pine and cypress cones, ears of corn, wheat stalks and other fruits and nuts. Also place there a small rustic basket filled with dried leaves of various colours and kinds. Arrange the altar, light the candles and censer, and cast the Circle. Recite the Blessing Chant. Invoke the Goddess and God. Stand before the altar, holding aloft the basket of leaves, and slowly scatter them so that they cascade to the ground within the circle. Say such words as these:
"Leaves fall, the days grow cold.
The Goddess pulls Her mantle of the
Earth around Her as You,
O Great Sun God,sail toward the
West to the lands of
Eternal Enchantment.
Wrapped in the coolness of night.
Fruits ripen, seeds drop,
the hours of day and night are balanced.
Chill winds blow in from the
North wailing laments.
In this seeming extinction of nature's power,
O Blessed Goddess,
I know that life continues.
For spring is impossible without the second harvest,
as surely as life is impossible without death.
Blessings upon You,
O Fallen God, as
You journey into the lands of winter
and into the Goddess' loving arms."
Place the basket down and say:
"O Gracious Goddess of all fertility,
I have sown and reaped the fruits of my actions,
good and bane.
Grant me the courage to plant seeds of joy
and love in the coming year,
banishing misery and hate.
Teach me the secrets of wise existence upon
this planet,
O Luminous One of the Night!"
Works of magick, if necessary, may follow. Celebrate the Simple Feast (Cakes and Ale). The circle is released.
Mabon Lore
A traditional practice is to walk wild places and forests, gathering seed pods and dried plants. Some of these can be used to decorate the home; others saved for future herbal magick. The foods of Mabon consist of the second harvest's gleanings, so grains, fruit and vegetables predominate, especially corn. Corn bread is traditional fare, as are beans and baked squash.
Book of Shadows © 2001, Dana (Huntress of the Dark)