Today we’re celebrating Mabon, otherwise known as the Autumn Equinox.
Today’s card was an appropriate one to draw today, as the Suit of Swords corresponds to the Fall Season – with the Autumnal Equinox falling in the Cardinal Air sign of Libra. Astrologically speaking, this is a perfect time to become more practical and organized.
Equinoxes are opposite on either side of the equator, so the autumnal (fall) equinox in the Northern Hemisphere is the spring (vernal) equinox in the Southern Hemisphere and vice versa. Here in California it arrives at 6:54pm tonight – while folks in Great Britain won’t celebrate it until tomorrow (September 23, 2018).
From “A Modern Witch’s Guide to Celebrating the Fall Equinox”
“In ancient Ireland, before the arrival of the Celts, prehistoric worshippers erected stone cairns containing chambers that that only let light in on the equinoxes. In ancient Greece, the Eleusinian mysteries, which marked the transition from summer to fall, were ‘considered essential to the survival of humanity,’ according to historian Mara Lynn Keller. Although the details aren’t known – initiates were forbidden on penalty of death from speaking about the rites – the festivities honored Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, and Persephone, her daughter, whose six-month annual disappearance into the underworld was said to cause the barren winter season. The ancient Celts would conduct a mock sacrifice on this date, burning a wicker-work figure that represented the spirit of the vegetation.
Those who practice Mabon see it as a time of balance between the *opposing forces of light and dark, life and death…
Pagans often take this time to find connection to Gaia, the goddess of the earth and nature incarnate.
Cleansing yourself by burning protective and cleansing herbs like sage, mugwort, and cedar is also a good way to use today’s energy…Spending time outside, immersed in nature and her gifts, is another easy way to celebrate…Mabon is a useful time for practicing protection magic as well as prosperity magic.”
Witchipedia:
“As a Sabbat, the Autumnal Equinox is sometimes referred to as ‘Pagan Thanksgiving’…This is a great time to craft magickal charms from the garden, such as grapevine wreaths, corncob dolls, apple dolls, magickal ink from nuts and berries, etc.”
Deities associated with the Autumn Equinox: Persephone, Demeter, Ceres, Inanna, The Green Man, and The Horned God.
Finally, from beliefnet.com
“More than any other season, people feel a spiritual connection to fall…Consider, as autumn sets in, the areas of your life that need to be let go of, consider what no longer serves you, gets in your way, and needs to wither…At the same time, consider the dream-seeds that you planted at the beginning of the year, and that have been steadily growing. Allow those dreams – that bountiful harvest – to be reaped. Enjoy them as you replace those parts of yourself which do you no good. Fall is the time to then allow the fearful part of you to fall away and be replaced by confidence.”
A wonderful way to start the season
is by recognizing and honoring your talents!
Tarot of Vampyres
Images © Ian Daniels
Page of Swords (R)
Princess of the Rushing Winds
Lotus of the Palace of Air.
Libra, Gemini, Aquarius
Number 11 = 2: *Opposing forces merging to create a whole – which may include parts of yourself.
Herb: Dill
Key Principles (R)
Aggressive
Dangerous
Vengeful
Tempestuous
Devious
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The Page of Swords Reversed shows you are a little wild, headstrong, very independent, and require a lot of personal freedom in your life. Despite your keen intellect, there is a lack of coherence and/or direction. Be prepared for the unexpected today and concentrate on whatever task is in front of you. You might focus your efforts on anything related to the exchange of information or ideas, as the Page of Swords is a Master Communicator. Do not indulge in negative thoughts or behaviors as these are a distraction and waste of energy.
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