celebrating the autumn equinox (Mabon)

This year, on the 23rd September, the autumn equinox occurs bringing an equal amount of daylight and darkness. The Sun passes over the earth’s equator, moving South.

Some people who follow the traditional Gregorian calendar associate September with the end of relaxing Summer days and a return to organisation and routines. Schools, colleges and universities start new terms and many retail outlets are beginning to promote the festive season.

For others who follow the Wheel of the Year, a cyclical calendar of eight festivals, the autumn equinox is sometimes referred to as Mabon. This is often thought to be after the Welsh mythological Mabon ap Modron, son of the Earth Goddess Modron who was said to be kidnapped from his mother and then rescued by King Arthur.

It’s an ideal time to reflect on the balance of light and dark, masculine and feminine, outer and inner. As the harvest draws to a close, you can look at all the abundance in your own life- not just material goods such as homes or cars but all the love in your life in the form of relationships.

If there are areas of your life where you are not content, reflect on what actions you can take to change them.

I find it helpful to look ahead to where I would like to be in six months time, and then plan to see how I can make that happen. Rather than overnight change and a lot of pressure, it can be better to take sustainable steady action and help maintain the balance of work, rest and play.

Journal Prompts for the Equinox

Where is balance needed in my life?

What is my relationship to rest? Do I see it as something productive or something that has to be earned?

Where in my life to I hide parts of myself in shadow because I feel ashamed or embarassed? How could I see the balance of light and dark makes me perfectly whole?

What is the relationship of holding on and letting go in my life?

How can I enjoy the remainder of the lighter evenings this month?

Blackberry and Apple Crumble Recipe

This crumble makes use of seasonal fruit and can be frozen to be reheated on a cold damp September evening when you need something comforting.

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 eating apples, peeled, cored, and cubed

200g blackberries

100g raspberries

4tbsp maple syrup or honey

100g flour

100g oats

100g butter or margarine

Optional greek yoghurt and mixed seeds to serve.

Method

Preheat oven to 200c 180 fan, Gas mark 6

Place apples, blackberries and raspberries in an oven proof dish and drizzle over 2tbsp of maple syrup.

In a separate bowl place the flour, oats and the remainder of the maple syrup.Rub the butter into the mixture until it resembles more of a breadcrumb texture.

Scatter evenly over the fruit and smooth over with the back of a spoon so all the fruit is covered.

Bake for 35-40 mins until the top is golden brown. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations- add in different fruits such as pears, blackcurrents and blueberries.

Let me know what you think if you make this recipe, and sending blessings for the Autumn Equinox, Claire