In simple terms it is the Pagan Thanksgiving. A time to take stock of what we have harvested at Lughnasadh and to offer up thanks to the Gods for those things.
Yet on a deeper level, Mabon is the harvest of the fruit and the herald of the coming winter. In my tradition it is the time that the Goddess, in her Crone aspect, takes leave of this world. It is now that She begins her journey to the Underworld in search of the lost Sun King.
As Ostara, lying across the Wheel, is the time of the melting snows and the return of growth. Mabon is the return of the snow and the withering of growth. But we must remember that without rest everything will fade away. So take this time of reflection and introspection as a chance to recharge, to find our balance and focus again.
Balance is the key to all of this. For Mabon is the Fall Equinox as well, a time that the world lies balanced between one cycle and another.
I would love to hear what all of you think about Mabon and what this Sabbat means to you. So please comment and let us all know.
Blessed Be!