Mabon 2022

Our small community gathered in the shadow of Mt. Timpanogos in Provo Canyon, UT to welcome the autumn equinox. We began with a cold plunge in the Provo River, with Bergen teaching us how to breathe and be with our bodies while in the cold water. We walked back to our gathering site for warm tea and a communal meal before moving into our discussion.

We formally welcomed Alisa to the facilitator team, and for her first presentation she shared about the history, folklore, and traditions of Mabon. We learned that the name “Mabon” is a relatively modern reference to this time of year, which focuses more on hyper-local fire festivals rather than a wide-spread and well-known celebration.

In this spirit, we talked about bringing the themes of the harvest to our homes. Channing led us in the creation of besoms, or witch’s brooms, as tools of cleansing and protection. Bergen led us in an introduction to the Irish grief practice of keening. Afterward, we created herb sachets to burn in the communal fire as a letting go practice.

We ended with a singing of “Round and Round,” and everyone traveled home ready to welcome the harvest season.