As the wheel turns once again, we arrive at Mabon, the Autumn Equinox and second harvest festival of the year. This sacred Sabbat (usually celebrated around September 21–23) marks a time when day and night are perfectly balanced, marking a brief pause of equilibrium before we descend into the darker half of the year.
For modern witches and self-care seekers alike, Mabon is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reconnect. It’s a time to honour the abundance you’ve cultivated, express gratitude and begin releasing what no longer serves you.
Let’s explore how you can celebrate Mabon in a way that nourishes your spirit and supports your self-care practice.
What Is Mabon?
Mabon is rooted in ancient harvest traditions marking a time to give thanks to the Earth for its bounty. It’s sometimes called the “Witch’s Thanksgiving” because it centers around themes of gratitude, generosity and nourishment.
But Mabon is also a deeply introspective Sabbat. As nature begins to shed and retreat inward, so are we invited to do the same. It's a moment to find balance within ourselves, acknowledge our personal harvests including what we've grown, learned, or achieved, and gently begin preparing for the season of rest and transformation ahead.
Mabon Self-Care Ritual Ideas
Create a Gratitude Ritual
Set aside quiet time to journal about what you’re thankful for. Light a candle in a Fall color (gold, burgundy, red or orange), sip some mulled cider or herbal tea, and reflect on what this year has brought you. What have you worked hard for? What are you most proud of?
Prompt: What am I harvesting in my life right now?
Soak in a Balancing Bath
Create a ritual bath using herbs like rosemary, sage, or cinnamon, or add a drop or two of clove or orange essential oil. Add Epsom salts and dried apple slices or rose petals for a luxurious, Autumnal soak. Use this time to ground yourself and release tension.
Optional mantra: I am balanced, I am held, I am enough.
Make a Seasonal Meal or Tea
Honour the Earth by preparing a meal or tea using local, seasonal ingredients like squash, root vegetables, apples, or warm spices like nutmeg and clove. As you cook or brew, stir in your intentions and gratitude. Nourishing your body with intention is a powerful act of self-care and magic.
Try a simple apple and cinnamon tea blend, or roasted root veggie bowl with herbs.
Build a Mabon Altar
Decorate your altar with symbols of the season like mini pumpkins, corn husks, acorns, apples, sunflowers, or fallen leaves. Include crystals like amethyst, smoky quartz, red agate or carnelian to support balance and inner reflection. Light a candle to honour the equal light and darkness and say a blessing or prayer.
Affirmation: I walk in balance and welcome the gifts of the season.
Release What No Longer Serves You
Mabon is a powerful time for letting go. Write down something you’re ready to release like old habits, limiting beliefs or unnecessary stress, and burn the paper in a safe, fireproof bowl. Let the smoke carry your intention to the universe.
You can also bury the ashes or scatter them in nature to return the energy to the Earth.
Embrace the Shift
The magic of Mabon lies in its quiet power. It's not a time of frantic action, but of deep reflection and graceful transition. As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, your self-care practice can become softer, slower, and more intentional.
Let this Sabbat be your reminder that rest is sacred, balance is necessary, and you are worthy of your own care.
Looking to create or gift a little seasonal magic? Check out our Mabon Self-Care Kit!
However you celebrate, may your Mabon be filled with warmth, reflection, and self-love.
Blessed Mabon!