Mabon is the time of the autumnal equinox and marks the time of the season for the second harvest. 

Many pagans and Wiccans consider this time a time for thanksgiving and a time when the glory of the sun god wanes. 

Weak and failing, the sun god ultimately dies, travels to the underworld and is reborn again at Yule (Dec. 21; winter solstice). 

The name “fall,” used to refer to the season, not only describes the state of leaves falling, but also the great fall of the sun. 

Before the use of the term “fall,” “harvest” was the term used.

This year, fall begins on Saturday (Sept. 22). This is when the length of the day is close to the length of night, and the great scales in the sky (constellation: Libra) are eclipsed by the sun. 

The name “Mabon” refers to a Celtic legend about a divine son who helps hunt down a menacing monster. Though the name may seem arbitrary, the time of the season is what is most important; for Mabon also marks the last of the sabbats before the turn of the new year — Samain (October 31).

Northern Spirits Coven of Witches will be celebrating Mabon this year at the Angel Light Foundation, 1201 Central Ave., in Swanton. There they will be expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the fruits of the harvest provided by the fecund goddess of the earth. Gates open at 2 p.m., a potluck will be served at 5 p.m.

As with every sabbat, there is feasting, music, and drumming, dancing, and general celebration.

For information on Angel Light Foundation, call Jerry Herr, Jerry Herr at 419-917-8113.