Mabon Ritual

Mabon Ritual

Originally Posted: July 12th, 1995. Updated: July 18th, 2009

Preparation and Setup
This Ritual is best performed during the early evening hours, just after Sunset, as this is the time of day which corresponds to the time of year. Sweep area, starting in the North and moving deosil, with your magickal broom to cleanse the Circle area and "sweep away" any lingering negative energies. Lay out the circumference of your Circle with cord, stones, etc., as necessary.

Set up the Quarter candles (North-Green, East-Yellow, South-Red, West-Blue) and/or other items symbolizing the elements at the Four Quarters (use a compass if not permanently marked out). Set up your altar as desired, and face it to the North, covering it with the red altar cloth. Place all of the items listed below in their proper places upon it. For this ceremony, decorate the altar with the cornucopia filled with harvest items, and whatever else feels right. In addition to your usual tools and props, upon the altar should be:

  • Red or Brown Altar Cloth
  • Cornucopia filled with Fruits and Vegetables of the Harvest
  • A Red Apple
  • Bolline or another Sharp Knife (for cutting the Apple)
  • Altar Pentacle or a Plate (to cut the apple on)
  • A Bell
  • A Second Wand decorated with Colored Ribbons (to use in the Demeter/Persephone portion of the ritual)
  • A Wicker Basket (to carry the Decorated Wand in)
  • Incense - Any of the following either alone or mixed together to make an Autumn Blend: Frankincense, Aloes Wood, Jasmine, Cinnamon, Musk, Cloves, Benzoin, Myrrh, and Sage

    When all is set up, take a shower or bath for purification and don your ritual robe or other ritual attire. Be sure to wear your magickal jewelry. Sit quietly and meditate for a little while - to ground and center before beginning the Ritual. When you feel ready to begin, play some quiet peaceful music for the ritual.

    The Ritual

    After the Circle is cast, begin the Mabon Sabbat Ceremony by sitting quietly for a few moments, then say these words aloud in dedication:

    "Lady Autumn, Queen of the Harvest,
    I have seen You in the setting Sun,
    with Your long auburn tresses
    blowing in the cool air that surrounds You.
    Your crown of golden leaves is jeweled
    with amber, amethyst, and rubies.
    Your long, flowing purple robe
    stretches across the horizon.
    In Your hands You hold the ripened fruits.
    At Your feet the squirrels gather acorns.
    Black crows perch on Your outstretched arms.
    All around You the leaves are falling.
    You sit upon Your throne and watch the dying fires
    of the setting Sun shine forth its final colors in the sky.
    The purple and orange lingers and glows
    like burning embers.
    Then all colors fade into the twilight.
    Lady Autumn, You are here at last.
    I thank You for Your rewards.
    I have worked hard for these gifts.
    Lady Autumn, now grant me peace and rest."

    Sit quietly again and reflect on the meaning of the Autumn Season for a little while.

    When you are ready, pick up your wand and hold it in your power hand, face the North and with your arms outstretched (kneel or stand) and say:

    "The Wheel of the Year turns on and on,
    bringing us all to and from each Season,
    and from and to another.
    What will be is. What was will be.
    All time is here and now in this Sacred Space.

    I now pause to watch the Wheel turn
    and cast this Circle on this blessed eve
    to celebrate the Season of Mabon, the Autumnal Equinox -
    the time of the Second Harvest.
    In this moment between time,
    I come to praise the bountiful aging Goddess
    and Her consort, the God of the Harvest.
    I wish to give thanks and feel myself
    as a part of the relentlessly turning
    wheel of life, death, and rebirth.

    O Great God of Wine and the Harvest,
    who has been known as Mabon, Dionysus, Bacchus, and Thor -
    Grant me strength and understanding
    throughout this season and always.

    O Great Goddess of the Harvest and the Underworld,
    who has been known as Demeter, Persephone, Modron, and Morgan -
    Teach me the secrets of the Mysteries and the ways of magick."

    Place your wand back in its place on the altar.

    Spread your hands out over the Harvest Altar and say these words:

    the Equinox comes, the Wheel turns...

    The Goddess and the God prepare for
    Their journey to the Otherworld,
    as the Earth and all of Her children
    prepare for the time of quiet and
    reflection that lies ahead...

    May I use this Autumnal period to
    seek for the strength and power within
    to assist me on my own quest for
    vision, feeling, and peace...

    May I see and feel the presence of
    the Goddess and the God within,
    though without,
    the Earth begins Her slumber...

    Keep me in Your light..."

    Lower your arms and sit quietly meditating again for a while.

    When you are ready, stand at your altar facing the North and raise your arms in greeting. Say:

    "Between the worlds I build this sacred altar.
    Outside of time, this rite leads to the ancient way.
    Where I may find Demeter of high Olympus
    And conjure magick great. Be here, I say."

    Place the decorated wand in the wicker basket and carry it to the North. Say:

    "Persephone returns to the Underworld.
    Weep not, Earth Mother,
    For the Divine Child of love is here."

    Carry the basket to the East; say:

    "Persephone returns to the Underworld.
    Although the Light is fading,
    It shall return to the Earth."

    Take the basket to the South; say:

    "Persephone returns to the Underworld.
    The cold of winter comes,
    But only for a short time."

    Finish by carrying the basket to the West; say:

    "Persephone returns to the Underworld.
    The Earth shall lie in slumber
    Until the Light of this Divine Child
    Once more grows in strength and shines full upon us."

    Place the basket on the floor before the altar. Ring the bell three times.

    Take your bolline in your power hand and the apple in the other. Say:

    "Reveal to me your hidden secrets
    That I may come to understand your sacred Mysteries."

    Set the apple on the altar pentacle (or plate) and cut it crosswise (with the bolline) to reveal the pentagram in the core. Contemplate this hidden sacred symbol for several moments. Then say:

    "In life is death, in death life.
    All must follow the sacred dance into the cauldron,
    Time after time, to die and be reborn.
    Help me to remember that
    Every beginning has an ending
    And that every ending has a new beginning."

    Take a bite of the apple. What is left put outside later to share with the birds. Say:

    "Holy Mother, Demeter,
    Comfort and protect me in my times of tribulation.
    Instruct me into the Mysteries.
    You, with your daughter Persephone, have the power
    To lead me to new understanding."

    Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings you may need or desire to end your Sabbat celebration. Appropriate Spellwork for Mabon include those for protection, wealth and prosperity, security and spells to bring a feeling of self-confidence. If no spellwork is to be done at this time, then proceed with the Cakes and Ale Ceremony, followed by Releasing the Magick Circle.

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