Mabon, the Autumn Equinox, is celebrated in many ways around the world. It is a day of balance, with equal amounts of darkness and light, but soon, winter will arrive. In some Wiccan traditions, it marks the time when the Sun King descends into the underworld, from which he will be reborn at Yule.
Decorate your altar with symbols of the season -- a basket of gourds or small pumpkins, colorful fall leaves, acorns, vines, grapes or blackberries. You'll also need a pair of orange candles to symbolize the harvest, a cup of cider or wine, and an apple. Although this ritual is designed for a solitary practitioner, you can easily adapt it into a group ritual setting.
and holds the knowledge of the ancients inside.
Tonight I ask the gods to bless me with their wisdom.
Five points in a star, hidden inside.
one for water, and the last for spirit.
to be replaced with the chill of the night.
cleansing my heart and soul.
The wild god returns this night to the belly of the Mother.
The mother goddess tonight becomes the Crone.
As the Wheel of the Year turns, the earth dies a bit each day.
where they will watch over me, protect me, and keep me safe.
Sip from the cup, and as you drink your wine or cider, think about the power and energy of the Divine, in whatever aspect you choose to honor.
The wild god has gone to rest in the Underworld.
I look to the darkness for renewal and rebirth.
Leave the apples on your altar overnight, and the next morning, put them in your garden as an offering to the earth.
Feel free to replace the wild god and mother goddess with the names of deities from your own tradition.