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September 22, marks the Autumn Equinox The equinox occurs at the same moment worldwide. it is the official start of Autumn. In ancient times it was celebrated as a time of balance when day and night are equal. Regardless of your faith, politics, or place it’s just a good time to reflect on balance in your life.
Equinox comes from Latin aequus, meaning “equal,”and it is at this exact moment that day and night are equal in length, but from now on the nights will start to become longer as the dark half of the year unveils its secrets on the journey through the wheel of the year and the cycle of the natural world moves towards completion.
In Welsh lore, the god Mabon was the son of the earth mother goddess, Modron. Mabon celebrates the autumn equinox and is a time of honouring the
spirit world, the changing seasons and celebrating the second harvest.
The 'Harvest Moon' and "Hunter's Moon, are also associated with the autumnal equinox.The former is the full moon closest to the equinox and the later the one following it.
The Celts do not seem to have had a specific name for this time of year, but it has become widely known recently as Mabon, named after the character from the mabinogian, Mabon ap Modron.
Mabon Ap Modron was stolen from his mother when he was only 3 days old and kept hidden for many years.
His rescue becomes the task for King Arthur’s adopted brother, Cei and Gwrhyr, a translator of animal languages.They seek out a Blackbird, a Stag, an Owl and an Eagle, each older and wiser than the previous until they encounter the enormous salmon of Llyn Llyw, who carries them to Mabon's prison in Gloucester. King Arthur then mounts an attack, allowing Cei to enter the rear of the prison and rescue Mabon.
Mabon is the second of the
three Pagan harvest festivals which include Lammas, Lughnasadh and Samhain. Lughnasadh, marks the start of autumn in the Celtic year, and is named after god Lugh "of the long arm"; warrior, king, master craftsman & saviour! Skilled in multiple disciplines, including arts. Storm god and sometimes sun god.
Often rituals giving thanks for a plentiful harvest and recognises the need to share
the Earth’s fruits in the coming winter months were performed at this time. Have a blessed Mabon /Autumn Equinox, I offer you the following poem.
The Awen of Twilight
There is a chill on this magical day
As I watch golden leaves, tumbling from the air,
The world so simple among autumn's splendour
Light and dark equal for all to share.
A point of sacred balance we can feel
Moments of understanding, time not to fear,
Releasing specks of joy, instead of sorrow
Mother Earth calling, Mabon returning.
A time for focusing on life, death and rebirth
To consider where we are and where we need to be,
As we honour those past, hold on firm to the present
The seeds of life that never fade away.
While wild winds whistle out our number
Nothing is ever wasted with Dame nature,
As she shapes and colors shifting mood
Embrace her untamed rippling allure.
Among dancing spirits and earthly aroma
Intimately connected, retaining vigour,
Lets harvest hope, trust the changing seasons
Be grateful to all you hold dear.
While darker days approach ahead
Illuminate the paths you tread with reason,
Release the years frustrations and disappointments
So we can step over the threshold with trustful intention.
Acknowledging the great powers around us
Within us too, keeping us safe and well,
Respecting all the cycles of life
Surrender in awakening, appease the gods.
May our blessings be rich and bountiful
Granting us peace, embers of warmth and protection,
Enchanting, keeping us believing, sharing dreams
As we wait for Spring's flowers to raise from slumber.
