Mabon is a pagan celebration that marks the autumnal equinox, which usually falls around September 21st or 22nd. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the harvest and to prepare for the darker months ahead. Pagan Mabon celebrations often involve rituals and ceremonies that honor the changing seasons and the cycles of life and death. Many pagans see Mabon as a time of balance, when day and night are equal, and use this opportunity to reflect on their own lives and seek balance within themselves. One common practice during Mabon is to create an altar or shrine that represents the abundance of the harvest. This can include fruits, vegetables, grains, and other symbols of the earth's bounty.
Causing harm through supernatural means
The entire exercise of attributing misfortune to witches was labelled as the beliefs of a primitive type of mind existing in the cosmology of supposed pre-rational people J. In Chile, for example, roughly two-thirds of Protestants 68 say that Jesus will return to Earth during their lifetime, compared with 38 of Catholics.
This can include fruits, vegetables, grains, and other symbols of the earth's bounty. People may also incorporate symbols of the autumn season, such as leaves, acorns, or pumpkins. Another important aspect of Mabon is the act of giving thanks.
2 - Culture and the Epistemology of Belief in Witchcraft
In the Introduction, we defined a witch as a person who is perceived to cause harm by supernatural, mystical means . For such beliefs to result in witch hunts, we need three conditions: first, the belief that there are human beings who cause harm to others; second, the idea that such harm can be caused by those who have or acquire supernatural means and who can use these supernatural means; and, third, that there is collective/community acceptance of action against witches, that is, persecution of witches or witch hunts. In the latter part of the book, we will go through these three conditions and see how they are manifested in indigenous societies in India, in Africa, and also in early modern Europe.
The view of witchcraft as being the social explanation for misfortune or suffering can be looked into at various levels. One can look at witchcraft beliefs as an epistemology, a way through which the world is known. We also bring the human rights issue into the discussion of witch persecutions.
Causing harm through supernatural means
E. E. Evans-Pritchard succinctly posed the question regarding what we would call an accident of a crumbling wall falling on a particular person, ‘Why now? Why me?’ (1935, 1976: 25). As he pointed out, the answer in finding a witch who had used magic to cause harm does not rule out real, that is, physical or biological, causes; rather, it ‘is superimposed on them, and gives to social events their moral value’ (1976: 25). The entire exercise of attributing misfortune to witches was labelled as the beliefs of a ‘primitive’ type of mind existing in the cosmology of supposed ‘pre-rational’ people (J. Green 1977: 197). Obviously, we now reject the characterization of a primitive, pre-rational mind, but a whole stream of thought distinguished such supposedly pre-rational beliefs from those of rational, modern peoples.
There, however, is an important point in which the moderns can learn from indigenous beliefs. This is in the rejection of a fetishism that substitutes things for people and does not see the role of the relations between people in causing what seem to be accidents. For instance, industrial accidents are seen if not as the hand of a wrathful god, then as the inevitable result of industrial processes.
When asked about the afterlife, majorities in most Latin American countries say they believe in heaven; on a separate question, majorities in most countries also say they believe in hell. Majorities in nearly every country also believe in hell; Uruguay is again an exception, with just 35% expressing belief in hell.
Pagans may take part in gratitude rituals or simply spend time in nature, expressing their appreciation for the beauty and abundance of the earth. Some may also take the opportunity to offer thanks to the gods and goddesses that they worship. In addition to giving thanks, Mabon can also be a time of reflection and introspection. Many pagans use this occasion to take stock of their lives and set intentions for the coming months. They may meditate, journal, or perform divination rituals to gain insight and guidance for the future. Finally, Mabon is often a time for community and celebration. Pagans may come together for feasts, bonfires, or group rituals. It is a time to share food, stories, and laughter with loved ones and to celebrate the bonds of community. In conclusion, pagan Mabon celebrations are a time to honor the changing seasons, give thanks for the harvest, seek balance within oneself, reflect on life, and come together in community. It is a time to appreciate the abundance of the earth and to prepare for the colder months ahead..
Reviews for "Mabon and the Wheel of the Year: Understanding the Pagan Calendar"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I attended a Pagan Mabon celebration last week and I must say, it was not at all what I expected. The event lacked organization and structure, with no clear schedule or guidance for participants. Additionally, the activities were limited and failed to create a meaningful connection with nature or the spiritual aspect of Mabon. Overall, I was disappointed and left feeling like I had wasted my time.
2. Sarah Smith - 1 star - I was excited to experience a Pagan Mabon celebration for the first time, but unfortunately, it was a complete letdown. The organizers seemed unprepared and unenthusiastic, making the entire event feel lackluster. The rituals and ceremonies were poorly executed, and a lack of explanation left newcomers like myself feeling confused and out of place. I left the event feeling disappointed and disillusioned about the whole experience.
3. David Thompson - 2 stars - As someone interested in exploring different spiritual practices, I decided to attend a Pagan Mabon celebration. Unfortunately, it was not what I had hoped for. The event felt disorganized, with no clear direction or purpose. The rituals performed lacked depth and meaning, leaving me feeling disconnected from the spiritual significance of Mabon. Overall, I left the event unsatisfied and with no desire to attend another Pagan celebration in the future.
4. Emily Johnson - 1 star - Attending a Pagan Mabon celebration was a complete waste of time for me. The event felt more like a costume party rather than a spiritual gathering. The organizers seemed more focused on aesthetics rather than creating a meaningful experience. The activities offered were superficial and failed to capture the essence of Mabon. I left feeling deceived and disheartened by the whole event.