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Mabon by Yvonne Rathbone |
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Wheel
of the Year |
Mabon The God sacrifices himself that we may all live. Tree - Elderberry Mabon marks a time of true Thanksgiving. This holiday celebrates the time of the year when the weather is still fine (albeit with a nip in the air), the harvest is coming in and there is plenty to eat and winter is a long way off. Depending on the exact detail of the myth cycle one is using, Mabon either represents the death of the God or his old age. Regardless, rituals around this time center on the last of the harvest. Often the last sheaf is seen as the embodiment of the God in the form of John Barleycorn. Dressed in finery, the sheaf is brought in and burned with much rejoicing. This is a time to be thankful for the bounty of the Earth. The Elderberry is often seen as an embodiment in tree form of elders who have passed. As such, it represents experience and wisdom, something one gains more of as one ages. At this time of year, we recognize the passing of the god, now old and wise enough to understand his sacrifice, into the other realms and give thanks for the gifts he has given. These gifts aren't just food and drink, but also wisdom and love. The Blue Elderberry, which is native to the Bay Area, flowers through September. |
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