Celebrating Mabon for The Cottage Witch

As the days grow shorter and the crisp autumn air begins to settle, we at Mystic Moon Potions Co. feel the whisper of Mabon on the wind. For the cottage witch, this Sabbat is a deeply personal and grounding celebration of the harvest, gratitude, and the turning of the Wheel of the Year.

 

The History of Mabon: A Time of Second Harvest

Mabon, also known as the Autumn Equinox, falls on September 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. It's a time of perfect balance, where day and night are of equal length, before the darkness truly begins to dominate. While not as ancient as some other Sabbats, the themes of Mabon resonate deeply with age-old harvest festivals celebrated across cultures. It’s a moment to pause, give thanks for the abundance we’ve received, and prepare for the leaner months ahead. It’s the second harvest, a time for gathering the last of the fruits, nuts, and root vegetables, and storing them for winter. For the cottage witch, this means tending to the pantry, preserving nature’s bounty, and reflecting on the metaphorical harvests in our own lives.

 

Altar Ideas for the Cottage Witch

Your Mabon altar should be a reflection of gratitude and the season's bounty. Keep it simple, natural, and heartfelt.

• Earthy Tones: Think deep reds, oranges, golds, and browns. A simple linen cloth in a warm hue makes a perfect base.
• Autumn’s Bounty: Adorn your altar with what you’ve harvested or gathered. This could include apples, gourds, squash, ears of corn, hazelnuts, and acorns.
• Symbolic Tools: Your wand, a chalice filled with apple cider, or a small cauldron to burn incense.
• Crystals: Citrine for abundance, clear quartz for clarity, or smoky quartz for grounding.
• Candles: Pillar candles in autumn colors, lit to symbolize the diminishing sun and the warmth of your hearth.
• Dried Herbs & Flowers: Sprigs of dried rosemary, mugwort, or sunflowers from your garden.

Here's an example:

 

Recipes to Celebrate Mabon

No Mabon celebration is complete without sharing in the fruits of the harvest! These simple recipes are perfect for the cottage witch.

 

1. Warming Apple & Cinnamon Cider

 

This comforting drink is perfect for sipping around a bonfire or snuggled up by the fireplace.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• Optional: a few cloves or star anise

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low.
3. Simmer for at least 20-30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
4. Strain out the spices and orange slices before serving.
5. Serve warm in your favorite mug, perhaps with a cinnamon stick garnish!

 

2. Harvest Root Vegetable Roast

 

A hearty and grounding dish, celebrating the bounty of the earth.

Ingredients:

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 1 red onion, quartered
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
6. Serve as a delicious side or a light main course.

 

3. Gratitude Apple Crumble

 

A sweet treat that embodies the spirit of gratitude for the harvest.

Ingredients:

Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (e.g., Gala, Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

 

Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. For the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat. Pour into an 8x8 inch baking dish.
3. For the topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and oats. Cut in the cold butter using your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple filling.
5. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.
6. Serve warm, perhaps with a dollop of fresh cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

 

As we embrace the balance of Mabon, remember to take time for reflection, give thanks for your blessings, and honor the turning of the Wheel. May your hearth be warm and your pantry full!

Blessed Mabon 

~ Kimberly XOXO

 

Keywords: Mabon, Autumn Equinox, Cottage Witch, Harvest Festival, Witchcraft, Pagan, Sabbat, Autumn Recipes, Altar Ideas, Gratitude, Wheel of the Year, Wicca

Hashtags: #Mabon #AutumnEquinox #CottageWitch #Witchcraft #Paganism #HarvestFestival #BlessedMabon #WitchyVibes #AutumnMagic #SeasonalCelebration #MysticMoonPotions