Mabon, the Autumnal Equinox, is a time of balance and reflection, marking the moment when day and night are once again equal. As the Wheel of the Year turns, Mabon calls for a pause to honor the harvest and to prepare for the descent into the darker months ahead. Where Ostara celebrates the budding of potential and the rebirth of spring, Mabon asks us to acknowledge what we have cultivated and to release what is no longer needed as we move into the quiet of winter.
At this sacred sabbat, the earth’s bounty is at its peak, reminding us to express gratitude for the abundance in our lives—whether in our relationships, creative endeavors, or personal growth. But just as the light fades, Mabon also signifies the need for release. It is a time to let go of what no longer serves us, clearing space for introspection, wisdom, and renewal.
As the Goddess transitions from her mother aspect, embodying creation and nurturing, to her crone aspect, symbolizing wisdom and reflection, we, too, are called to reflect on our journey, acknowledging both the successes and the lessons learned. This shift from mother to crone mirrors the natural world, where the harvest marks the end of one cycle and the preparation for another.
For this Mabon, we turn to the tarot for guidance, reflecting the energies of the equinox and the balance between harvest and release.
Mabon Tarot Spread: The Journey from Harvest to Release
To reflect the energy of Mabon, we anchor this tarot pull with The Empress and The Hermit, two cards that resonate with the themes of this sabbat.
The Empress
The Empress is the embodiment of fertility, abundance, and nurturing. She represents the fullness of life, the creative force that nurtures growth and brings things to fruition. In the context of Mabon, The Empress invites us to celebrate our harvest—whether it be the literal fruits of the earth or the metaphorical rewards of our efforts. She asks us to take stock of what we have achieved, to express gratitude for our abundance, and to recognize the nurturing energy we have poured into our endeavors.
The Hermit
The Hermit represents the wisdom that comes from solitude and introspection. As we move into the darker months of the year, The Hermit’s guiding light invites us to look inward, to reflect on the lessons we have learned, and to seek clarity and understanding. He is a reminder that the inward journey is as important as our outward actions. The Hermit teaches us that through quiet reflection and self-exploration, we can gain the wisdom to move forward, even in the darkness.
Mabon Tarot Spread: Harvest, Reflection, and Release
Preparation: For this Mabon spread, separate The Empress and The Hermit from your deck. These cards will anchor the energies of harvest and reflection, guiding your journey through the sabbat.
Shuffle the rest of the deck with your intentions focused on the harvest you wish to celebrate and the areas of your life you are ready to release.
Layout:
Place The Empress card on the left. This card symbolizes your harvest, the abundance you’ve created, and the growth you’ve nurtured throughout the year.
Draw a card from the deck and place it next to The Empress. This card will provide insight into the fruits of your labor and the lessons that have come to light through your efforts.
Place The Hermit card on the right. This card represents the wisdom that comes with reflection and the call to look inward as we prepare for the darker half of the year.
Draw another card and place it next to The Hermit. This card will guide you on what you need to release or let go of to make space for new growth and insight.
Reading the Spread:
Reflect on The Empress and her neighboring card to understand the full extent of your harvest. What have you created and nurtured this year? What blessings have you received, and how can you express gratitude for them?
Then, turn to The Hermit and his accompanying card. How can you integrate the lessons of the harvest into your life as you move into a period of introspection? What must you release to clear the way for new wisdom and growth?
This Mabon, let the tarot guide you in celebrating your harvest and preparing for the journey inward. Through gratitude and release, you can find a balance between the light and dark, honoring both the abundance of the present and the wisdom that comes with letting go.
Heather Marie Morse is an esoteric writer and yoga teacher who blends the wisdom of lunar astrology with the practice of yoga through her Substack newsletter, The Light Today. Her work mainly focuses on the subtle influences of light and the moon's phases on our daily lives, aiming to harmonize our inner rhythms with the universe's natural cycles.