Wiccan Harvest Festival: MABON

What is Mabon? 

The Wheel of the Year is turning and for many people, this means the descent into those dreary darker months - cue colder weather (more unpredictable than usual), darker nights and leaves falling fast!
But it is also a wondrous time of year for those that follow the seasons as we approach our Autumn Equinox; Mabon. (September 21st-22nd)

The festival is named after the God Mabon found in Welsh mythology, and this festival is one of the eight Wiccan sabbats celebrated throughout the year and marks a very special time for those that follow Pagan traditions.

This time marks the moment when the year is in perfect balance, night and day are equal and equilibrium; the forces of male and female are in balance as are light and dark and it is a very special time to truly take a breath and see what you have achieved and gained throughout the year. Also to release the things that are no longer of use to us, just as the stubble from the corn harvest is left in the fields.

We are also teetering on the brink of transition. From this moment on the year is waning and darkness is being to defeat the light. The sun is fading just as the Green Man is dying and preparing to be reborn, and the Autumn Goddess is full and blooming with the fruits of our labours. It is the fruit harvest and a time for great thanks and, of course, for feasting! 

How to celebrate

Firstly, the best way to celebrate any Pagan festival is to party! But there are also other ways to honour Mabon. 

Reap what you sow is definitely an important mantra during this period and it is the ideal time to reflect on the hopes and aspirations of the previous seasons to see how they have manifested.

The natural world is showing signs of decline, slowing down and ready for the deep sleep of winter. And we should do the same! This is the best time to do your clearing out, collecting the best produce for the colder season and wholly enjoying what nature has to offer. 

Baking and cooking of all kinds is definitely a way to honour this season especially with apples, pears, damsons and fruit and berries of autumn. Lavish and delicious meals are welcome and enjoyed at this time but always remember to leave an offering of each item as a blessing. 

The iconic symbol of Mabon is the Cornucopia (horn of plenty) which represents the balance of both male and female and is shown in the image above of the wicker vessel spilling the plentiful harvest.

 The apple is also particularly special to Pagans in general as it represents, amongst many other things,  life, immortality and wholeness but it is especially important at the time of fruit harvest. Cut an apple in half lengthways to decorate your home or altar and you will see the five-pointed star in the centre of the core - this is symbolic of the elements earth, air, fire, water and spirit. 

As well as your environment, it is also appropriate to dress up yourself! 

Honour this time of year by channelling your witchy vibes and adorn your best outfit and decorate yourself with beautiful things. 

The two pieces from Alchemy below are just perfect to add to your ritual dress or gothic attire - the symbolic Goddess (top) piece represents the triple moon and elemental forces, and the Sin Horned God (below) is her consort; very fitting for celebrating Mabon as a balanced pair! 

https://www.alchemyengland.com/pendants/1492-goddess.html

https://www.alchemyengland.com/pendants/1664-sin-horned-god.html

I hope your harvest is bountiful and your celebrations joyous! 

- Rose Jekylle 🌹

Baphomet: Deity or Demon?

Who is Baphomet?

Baphomet is a mystery. A contradictory and enticing symbol depicting a goat headed god with both male and female anatomy often surrounded by symbols and markings. And currently Baphomet is more popular than ever; influencing subculture scenes, fashion and much more! But it is so often misunderstood and is frequently tarnished with the same ideology of being a symbol of darkness and evil. In fact, Baphomet is not so simple as that. And to say that Baphomet is meant to represent all things in the universe is only the tip of the iceberg. 

Since the first mention of the symbol in 1098, in a letter by Anselm of Ribemont, it has been seen as a sign of evil, and even adopted as a satanical insignia in the 1960s. It has been associated with all manner of heretical acts and a means to discredit other cultures and beliefs e.g. the Freemasons in the 19th century (falsely accused of worship). But why?! How could such an ancient and incredible figure be constantly black-listed? 

 It could be due to the fact that for a long time any horned figure was associated with the devil as Christian figure heads wanted to discredit other religions that they felt worshipped false idols. This was definitely true in Christianity's prejudice to Pagan beliefs and Baphomet is assuredly a pagan God. 

It could also be that similarly, people were afraid of change and coexistence - during the Crusades the members of the Knights Templar were charged with heresy for allegedly cohabiting with other religions. 

Not to mention the extreme "satanic panic" in America in the 80s where there was societal fear of all things associated with the occult - this did nothing to help the reputation of Baphomet. 

Or it could be simply because Baphomet does tend to look fearsome!

 

But Baphomet itself is a representation of duality, harmony even - showing the combination of sexes, gender nonconformity, and religious freedom. You can especially see this in the way the image is depicted, one of the many variations: showing both male and female body parts, shades of light and dark, part animal, part human, etc. 

Now while you can see that Baphomet isn't inherently a wicked symbol it isn't all good either. Purely by representing all things, Baphomet can portray the darkness in all as well as the light. I feel the duality and non-conformist ideals of Baphomet make it a particularly important symbol for these current times - self-expression and a new understanding of identity can be shown by those who wear Baphomet

It is time for people to be educated on Baphomet and see it for what an amazing idol it is! The symbol is shown so beautifully in one of my favourite pieces by Alchemy - the goat's head of Baphomet being the iconic identifier. 

https://www.alchemyengland.com/pendants/1659-baphomet.html

The beast is vicious and powerful-looking, the pure spirit of Baphomet represented in fierce eyes and a bold outline - reminding me of the creature "Black Philip" in the film 'The Witch.'  One of my fave characters but of course portrayed as an evil familiar!

So those who think Baphomet is simply a talisman of the gothic occult - are wrong. 

In truth, Baphomet is so much cooler! 

- Rose Jekylle 🌹