Mabon
We have so much before us
and for this we are thankful.
We have so many blessings,
and for this we are thankful.
There are others not so fortunate,
and by this we are humbled.
We shall make an offering in their name
to the gods who watch over us,
that those in need are someday
as blessed as we are this day.
According to about.com on September 21st (actual astrological date: September 22 in other years) is a Sabbat also known as Alban Elved, "Light of the Water", Alban Elued, and is the time of the Autumn Equinox, the "death" of the Sun god, when the harvest is winding down and the world around us wears the traditional colors of dark reds, yellows, browns. The fields are nearly empty, because the crops have been gathered and stored for the coming winter. It is a time to repair all things, from farm implements to broken relationships. Mabon is the mid-harvest festival, and it is when we take a few moments to honor the changing seasons, and celebrate the second harvest. On or around September 21, for many Pagan traditions it is a time of giving thanks for the things we have, whether it is abundant crops or other blessings.
Pumpkin Cranberry Bread
Ingredients:
Combine flour, spice, baking powder, and salt in bowl; stir to blend the dry ingredients well. Combine eggs, sugar, pumpkin, and oil in a mixing bowl, beating until smooth. Stir in flour mixture, then stir in cranberries. Spoon into a greased and floured 9x5x2-inch loaf pan. Bake at 325° F/163° C for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.
Image & License: Depositphotos_115163976_s-2015.jpg
We have so much before us
and for this we are thankful.
We have so many blessings,
and for this we are thankful.
There are others not so fortunate,
and by this we are humbled.
We shall make an offering in their name
to the gods who watch over us,
that those in need are someday
as blessed as we are this day.
According to about.com on September 21st (actual astrological date: September 22 in other years) is a Sabbat also known as Alban Elved, "Light of the Water", Alban Elued, and is the time of the Autumn Equinox, the "death" of the Sun god, when the harvest is winding down and the world around us wears the traditional colors of dark reds, yellows, browns. The fields are nearly empty, because the crops have been gathered and stored for the coming winter. It is a time to repair all things, from farm implements to broken relationships. Mabon is the mid-harvest festival, and it is when we take a few moments to honor the changing seasons, and celebrate the second harvest. On or around September 21, for many Pagan traditions it is a time of giving thanks for the things we have, whether it is abundant crops or other blessings.
Rituals and Ceremonies
Depending on your individual spiritual path, there are many different ways you can celebrate Mabon, but typically the focus is on either the second harvest aspect, or the balance between light and dark. This, after all, is the time when there is an equal amount of day and night. While we celebrate the gifts of the earth, we also accept that the soil is dying. We have food to eat, but the crops are brown and going dormant. Warmth is behind us, cold lies ahead.Pumpkin Cranberry Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 3/4 cups pumpkin pureé (15 oz can)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
Combine flour, spice, baking powder, and salt in bowl; stir to blend the dry ingredients well. Combine eggs, sugar, pumpkin, and oil in a mixing bowl, beating until smooth. Stir in flour mixture, then stir in cranberries. Spoon into a greased and floured 9x5x2-inch loaf pan. Bake at 325° F/163° C for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.
Image & License: Depositphotos_115163976_s-2015.jpg