An Autumn Equinox playlist, with journal-prompts
Mabon and Autumn Equinox: Celebrating a shift towards darkness and the second harvest
Hello and thanks for being here to explore the Autumn Equinox or Mabon with me. If you’re new here I’m Laura, a counsellor, nature therapist, somatic therapist, meditation teacher and space holder. My work is centered around gently guiding people back into relationship with themselves, with their bodies, and with the wider natural world. My offerings weave together counselling psychology, embodiment, nature connection and ritual to support deeper alignment with our inner and outer cycles. Every season brings the chance to reflect. For me, this happens through music and I curate playlists inspired by the Celtic Pagan Wheel of the Year , updating them as the cycle continues.
The Autumn Equinox, which is also referred to as Mabon, happens on the 21st September. The name Mabon, in the context of this celebration day, was adopted in the 1970s and draws on the Welsh deity Mabon ap Modron. As I mention in my post about The Wheel of the Year, many of the English neo-pagan celebrations draw upon the spirituality and culture of Ireland, Scotland and Wales and the colonisation of those countries by the English meant that they weren’t legally able to speak their own languages or take part in their own spiritual traditions. I believe that it’s important to hold this in awareness if you’re celebrating The Autumn Equinox as Mabon.
Mabon and Autumn Equinox the dance of equilibrium
This season is all about balance, the graceful meeting of opposites.
The name ‘Mabon’ in the context of the Autumn Equinox was popularised in the 20th century and draws from Welsh mythology, where Mabon ap Modron is a divine figure that’s associated with light and rebirth. There is no historical evidence that the ancient Celts or other pre-Christian European cultures celebrated the Autumn Equinox under this name. The adoption of “Mabon” is largely a modern spiritual choice, a symbolic way to honour the themes of harvest, gratitude and balance, rather than a reflection of an authentic historical festival tied to this particular season.
At Mabon, the Autumn Equinox, we honour the convergence of light and dark, God and Goddess, Shakti and Shiva, masculine and feminine, yin and yang. It is a moment to reflect on the interplay of energies that exist within and around us. As always, it’s important to remember that these archetypes need aren’t confined to gender binaries. Each of us carries both masculine and feminine energy, constantly shifting and flowing, in the same way the cycles of nature are never static.
Observing the seasonal rhythms reminds us that change is the only constant. Autumn arrives with cooler evenings, leaves change to fiery reds, oranges and golds, and the soft light of the sun illuminating the landscape (when it’s not raining, of course…). There is a crispness in the air, the scent of woodsmoke on the air and a strong sense of transition. The Autumn Equinox invites us to pause and notice the world turning, to reflect on what we have gathered and to think about what we might release as the darker months approach.
Mabon and the Second Harvest
Mabon and the Equinox is a celebration of abundance and gratitude. It is the time of the second harvest, when the last of the summer grains are gathered and gardens offer their final bounty of vegetables. This is a moment to pause, give thanks for the Earth’s generosity and reflect on our relationship with the natural world. How can we live in reciprocity with nature, honouring the cycles that sustain life while taking only what we need? Mabon is a reminder that gratitude is as important as celebration and that mindful harvesting, in all areas of life, creates harmony and balance.
Finding Balance at the Autumn Equinox
Equinoxes are moments of equilibrium, a rare pause where day and night are equal. While the Spring Equinox brings dynamic energy to support new growth, the Autumn Equinox encourages us to slow down and reflect. Summer’s energy drives us forward, pushing us into action, adventure and expansion but we can’t ride that wave forever. How can we move into the gentler, more introspective energies of autumn and winter? How can we honour the need to rest, replenish,and recalibrate? In finding balance during this season, we can attune to the rhythm of the Earth, observing that slowing down isn’t a loss of momentum but a necessary step in our life cycle.
Autumn Equinox and Mabon Playlist and Journal Prompts
My curated playlist for this season is designed to support your exploration of the themes of balance, abundance and reflection. You can use it as a backdrop for journaling, breathwork, or gentle movement, letting the rhythms guide you into a deeper connection with the season. As you listen, think about what you have harvested in your own life, what you might release and how you can bring balance to your body, mind, and spirit in this transitional time.
Prompts for Self-Reflection
Where could you cultivate more balance? Reflect on areas of your life that feel unbalanced. Is it in your work-life balance, relationships, or self-care routines? Consider what steps you might take to create space.
Where can you surrender as we move into the energy of Autumn? Autumn teaches us the beauty of letting go. Is there something you're holding onto that no longer serves you? It might be a mindset, a habit, or even a relationship. EHow can you release what no longer nourishes your soul.
What is something you have gained by letting go? As you let go of what's no longer needed, take a moment to recognise the gifts that have come from surrender. When we release, we create space for new opportunities and growth.
What have you unexpectedly harvested this year? Life often surprises us with unexpected gifts or lessons Reflect on your experiences and the growth that you’ve experienced this year.
Embracing balance and abundance in our lives
Mabon and the Autumn Equinox offer us a beautiful opportunity to explore balance and abundance in our lives. I invite you to light a candle, listen to the playlist below and reflect on the prompts above. Remember that this season is not just a time of change; it's a time for gratitude and finding balance. Mabon and Autumn Equinox blessings, Friends
