 Mabon, celebrated on the Autumn is a sacred day in the pagan Wheel of the Year, marking a moment of perfect balance when day and night are equal. It is after the Welsh God Mabon, son of the Earth Mother Modron. Mabon symbolizes the gathering of crops and the winding down of the year as we prepare to move into the colder, darker months.
In ancient times, this was a period of great significance to our ancestors, whose survival depended on the bounty of the harvest. They would honor the land, spirits, and deities responsible for the fruits of their labor, offering thanks for abundance and preparing for the challenges of winter. Today, Mabon remains a potent time for modern witches and pagans to give thanks, seek balance, and cultivate a deeper connection to nature’s rhythms. Mabon is all about balance—between light and dark, action and rest, external work and internal contemplation. As the Sun wanes and the nights grow longer, the energies of the earth shift. It’s a time for us to reflect on our personal harvests—what we’ve achieved, learned, or gained over the past year. It is a time to take stock of the year’s abundance, both material and spiritual. Acknowledge the blessings, relationships, and growth in your life. Gratitude raises your vibration and helps you align with future abundance. Additionally, Mabon is a perfect time to let go of what no longer serves you—whether it’s a bad habit, toxic relationships, or outdated goals. Just as the trees shed their leaves, we too must release the unnecessary. My favorite way of celebrating Mabon is with warm apple cider! With its connection to the harvest, apples are associated with wisdom, love, and protection. When you drink apple cider during Mabon, you’re not only partaking in a delicious autumn drink but also connecting to the cycles of nature, the wisdom of the Earth, and the sacred energies of the season! The apple is a sacred fruit in many pagan traditions, often seen as a symbol of life, death, and rebirth. When cut horizontally, an apple reveals a hidden pentacle inside, representing the interconnectedness of life. Apple cider, made from this magical fruit, is a staple for Mabon feasts and rituals. Mabon Apple Cider Gratitude Spell: This simple spell using apple cider is designed to help you express gratitude and invite balance and abundance into your life for the coming year. You can perform this spell alone or with a group as part of a Mabon ritual or celebration. What You’ll Need: - A cup of warm apple cider (preferably homemade or locally sourced) - Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon - A small candle (yellow, orange, or brown works well) - Pen and paper Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Light your candle and take a few moments to center yourself with deep breaths, feeling your energy align with the Earth and the changing season. Take your pen and paper and write down at least three things you are grateful for from the past year. These can be anything from relationships, health, personal achievements, or lessons learned. Stir the apple cider gently with a cinnamon stick or sprinkle ground cinnamon on top. As you do, speak aloud the following or similar words: “Fruit of the Earth, cider of gold, Abundance and blessings within you hold. Grateful I stand for all that’s been, May balance and bounty flow once again.” Sip on the apple cider while you reflect on the past year. Allow the candle to burn out and keep your list of gratitude in a safe place to reflect on when your soul needs a little pick me up.
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 Being a witch is not just something I do; it’s the essence of who I am. It defines me completely. My car proudly displays witchy stickers, and even my license plate leaves no doubt that a witch is on board. Witchcraft has been my constant companion through every stage of life. As a child, it served as my guide. During my teenage years, it kept bullies at bay. In young adulthood, it helped heal the wounds of heartache. And now, as an adult, it's been my anchor through life’s highs and lows. Witchcraft has always been there for me, especially in my darkest moments, when I am gripped by depression and anxiety.
Having both depression and anxiety doesn’t diminish my identity as a witch. But it does often turn me into a recluse, pulling away from people while still craving connection and friendship. It makes me flakey—eager to engage, yet easily overwhelmed by the crushing weight of the world, causing me to cancel plans at the last minute. I may come across as distant, even unapproachable, when in truth, I’m just struggling to navigate social interactions. It fills me with fear at the thought of going to unfamiliar places alone unless I have someone I trust by my side. I’ve lost friendships because of my mental health, and I don’t blame them for it. I’ve missed out on promising opportunities, too. I have even missed out on family events, which hurts a lot. Living with a mental illness has taught me the painful reality of loss. While I might seem adventurous, inside, I’m trapped in a prison from which there is no escape. Does this mean I can’t create magick for myself or others? Absolutely not. I can still weave spells, create, and manifest magick—nothing stops me from that. Witches can practice magick even with anxiety and depression because magick is an inherent part of who we are. It doesn't rely on constant external perfection. In fact, magick can become a source of healing and strength for those dealing with mental health challenges. Casting spells, setting intentions, or performing rituals offer structure and meaning, helping witches reclaim a sense of control and connection to the universe. Magick is deeply personal and flexible—it can be practiced in moments of stillness, during emotional turmoil, or even through something as simple as lighting a candle. Anxiety and depression don’t weaken a witch’s power; rather, they can bring deeper layers of vulnerability, resilience, and insight, enriching the practice with a profound sense of transformation. Additionally, witchcraft can be a powerful and healthy practice for those with anxiety because it provides a sense of grounding, structure, and personal empowerment. Engaging in rituals, whether through spellwork, meditation, or working with natural elements, allows individuals to create moments of calm and control amidst the chaos of anxious thoughts. The act of setting intentions, visualizing outcomes, and focusing energy on a specific goal can help quiet the mind and reduce stress. Witchcraft encourages mindfulness and self-awareness, guiding practitioners to connect with their inner selves and the natural world, which can be incredibly soothing for anxiety. Additionally, the spiritual aspect of witchcraft fosters a sense of belonging and connection, offering emotional comfort and helping those with anxiety find meaning in their journey. Similarly, witchcraft can be a healing and empowering practice for those dealing with depression, as it offers a sense of purpose and connection that can help alleviate symptoms. Through spellwork, ritual, and meditation, witchcraft provides structure and focus, which can be particularly beneficial when depression causes feelings of hopelessness or lack of direction. Engaging with nature, setting intentions, and working with elements like herbs and crystals create small yet meaningful acts of self-care and mindfulness. These practices encourage self-reflection, helping individuals reconnect with their inner strength and reclaim a sense of control over their lives. Moreover, the spiritual aspects of witchcraft, such as connecting with deities or ancestors, foster a sense of belonging and support, which can be deeply comforting for those feeling isolated or disconnected. By nurturing the soul and mind, witchcraft becomes a tool for healing, helping to shift energy and invite positive transformation. Lastly, connecting with pagan deities during a depressive or anxiety episode can provide a profound sense of comfort, guidance, and spiritual support. When struggling with overwhelming emotions, reaching out to a deity can help ground you, reminding you that you’re not alone in your journey. Pagan deities, often associated with different aspects of life such as healing, transformation, protection, and strength, offer a direct link to ancient wisdom and energies that can soothe the spirit. This connection allows for a personal dialogue with the divine, where you can ask for clarity, courage, or simply for someone to witness your pain. The act of invoking a deity during these difficult moments creates a sacred space for release and renewal, allowing you to shift your focus from internal turmoil to spiritual growth. By connecting with these powerful forces, you tap into a timeless source of strength and compassion, which can bring emotional relief and a renewed sense of purpose amidst the storm of anxiety and depression. If you are a witch with a mental illness, you are not broken. You are not alone. You can still weave spells and practice magick. Be who you are. A witch. |
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