How to Host a Mabon Gathering
Mabon, the autumn equinox, invites us into a sacred pause — a moment of perfect balance between light and dark. Celebrated around September 21st–23rd in the Northern Hemisphere, this second harvest festival is a time to reflect on what we’ve gathered, both in our hands and our hearts.
Hosting a Mabon gathering is a beautiful way to honour the turning of the seasons and wrap yourself in the golden, abundant energy of autumn. Whether you gather with a few close friends or your entire family, this guide will help you create a celebration that feels warm, soulful, and deeply nourishing.
1. Set the Tone with Invitations
Begin by sending invitations that carry the essence of the season. Digital invites work well, but handmade cards add a personal, magical touch. Use autumn symbols — apples, pumpkins, wheat stalks, or leaves — to set the theme.
Encourage guests to bring something seasonal to share, such as a favourite fall dish or a small item for a communal altar. This creates a sense of shared abundance right from the start.
2. Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Decorating your space is key to weaving the energy of Mabon. Think warmth, earthiness, and comfort.
Seasonal Centrepieces: Apples, pears, pumpkins, gourds, and candles arranged in clusters.
Natural Touches: Dried leaves, acorns, pinecones, and wheat stalks scattered across the table.
Lighting: Fairy lights and plenty of candles to cast a golden glow.
Textures: Plaid cloths, soft cushions, and cozy throws for seating.
3. Plan Seasonal Food & Drinks
Mabon celebrates abundance — so let your menu reflect the harvest. Build your feast around apples, grains, root vegetables, and warming spices.
Menu ideas:
Appetisers: A charcuterie board with cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits.
Main Dishes: Butternut squash soup, roasted root vegetables, or apple-stuffed pork chops.
Desserts: Pumpkin bread, spiced cookies, or a classic apple pie.
Drinks: Mulled cider, spiced wine, or a fragrant herbal tea.
For extra magic, invite guests to bring a seasonal recipe to share.
4. Create a Mabon Altar
Anchor your gathering with a shared altar space. This becomes both a focal point and a ritual offering.
Ideas for your altar:
A bowl of apples to represent harvest and gratitude.
Candles in autumn colours for warmth and balance.
Seasonal flowers, herbs, and crystals (citrine, carnelian, amber).
Written blessings or notes of gratitude.
Invite each guest to place something on the altar — a token, flower, or intention.
5. Plan Meaningful Activities
Ritual and creativity bring depth to your gathering. Consider weaving in:
Gratitude Circle: Each person shares one thing they are thankful for.
Crafting: Make wreaths, leaf art, or decorated candle holders.
Harvest Ritual: Light candles for balance or offer thanks to the earth.
Storytelling: Share myths, folklore, or personal harvest stories.
6. End with a Gift of Gratitude
Send guests home with a small token of appreciation to carry the magic forward.
Ideas include:
Hand-tied bundles of dried herbs.
Mini jars of homemade jam or honey.
Small candles or spice sachets.
A handwritten thank-you note.
7. Keep It Simple and Intentional
Mabon is not about perfection — it’s about presence. Focus less on staging a flawless event, and more on creating a space where gratitude, connection, and seasonal magic can flourish. Even the simplest gathering, infused with intention, becomes sacred.
Hosting a Mabon gathering is a beautiful way to honour the wheel of the year and deepen your connection to both community and season. With nourishing food, meaningful ritual, and heartfelt gratitude, your gathering will leave everyone feeling held, inspired, and aligned with autumn’s golden rhythm.