mabon

It is the end of nature's productive cycle for the year; it is now time to finish the projects that where started.

   The legend says that it was on that day of the end of summer that the God of the realm of the dead, Hades, saw Persephone picking flowers in the fields.He immediatly fell in love with her and abducted her and took her with him so she would eternally rule his kingdom by his side.

   When she learned of her daughter's diasapearance, the Goddess of harvest, Demeter, left to try and find her. When she did not, her sadness and despair were so great that the flowers, the trees and all the plants withered, stoping plant growth all over the earth. The Gods of Olympus, who answered the mortels cry for help, powerless before that crissis, came to an agreement with Hades on the return of Persephone on earth: she would spend six months of the year with her husband Hades in the Dark Kingdom (Hell). Demeter, in retaliation, proclamed that, during those six months nature would mourn Persephone and nothing would grow on earth... until she would come back from the land of the dead.

RITUAL

This sabbat is centred around meditation and introspection. All the consecration and dedication rituals are appropriate on that day. It is a sobre festival where we accompanie the Goddess to her resting place.

THE GODS TO CELEBRATE OR INVOKE

Pers�phone::   Goddess of spring who goes down to hell every fall.
Thor:   God of thunder

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR ALTAR

   Some fir and pine tree cones, fall leaves, fall vegetables - like beets and carrots -, a garlic or onion braid, a big brown or dark green candle, some nuts, grapes and pomegranates will decorate your altar.

SYMBOLS AND CORRESPONDENCES

Incense:   lotus, cypress, carnation, sandalwood.
Trees:   Apple tree.
Flowers:   chrysanthemum, carnation.
Colours:   brown, yellow, orange.
Candles:   yellow, orange.
Stones:   agate, cornaline, citrine.
Planet:   Mercury
Tarot Card:   Hermit.
Influence:   intelligence, hiden knoledge, introspection.

TRADITIONNAL FOOD

It is the time for harvest and vintage. All the products of our mother earth are to be eaten in abundance; we also make provisions before winter begins.

   It is also the time for hunting; venison is appropriate on that day.

   Apples are the sacred fruit of this celebration; in America, we also add corn.

DISHES TO SERVE

Game; venison, grilled meats; porc ribs and apple sauce; corn (fresh or caned); apples (fresh or however cooked or baked); peaches or apricot jam; fruit pie; apple pie.