How will you celebrate Mabon?

[Sashahomeschoolmama]

For the earth-religion followers among us, how are you preparing for Mabon? How are you involving your children?

I'm not Pagan--dh is--but things like harvest are very real to me given our lifestyle. Also, I feel like since we've spent the summer growing things--a baby in my womb, food for us to eat, lambs in the pasture--that it was only fitting to take some time to acknowledge that and be grateful. Then to say goodbye to summer and turn ourselves towards fall.

For dinner on Mabon I think we'll have Three Sister's Stew, from the book Feeding the Whole Family. I'm drawing a parallel between the 'three sisters' that sustained the Native Americans and the three faces of the Goddess, especially Modron.

This week we're going to take school lightly and do some activities and crafts from Circle Round: Raising Children in Goddess Traditions and Celebrating the Great Mother: A Handbook of Earth-Honoring Activities for Parents and Children.

What are your plans?

[Earthmama]

Sounds like some great ideas. I have been lazy about holidays lately. I should plan something, though.

[SingingMom]

We usually pick up some leaves on a walk and display them; we go to the farmer's market and make something out of what we buy, especially fresh corn and apples, and then we do a version of "wine and cakes" that is appropriate for kiddos. Like cookies and watered down juice.

[RedMamaBear]

In our little corner of the world, Mabon is the second harvest. I'm not totally sure what the plans are this year, seeing how DD will be at her grandparents and all, but we'll plan for something I'm sure.

A couple of years ago, we got together with a bunch of friends and had a lovely ritual. Everyone brought canned and/or dry goods. We passed each part around, and people blessed the food with hopes and gratitude. All of it was donated to our local food bank.

[Bellaelle]

What is it? Is it the end of summer?
The rituals described all sound lovely and serene.

[RedMamaBear]

Bella,

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/mabontheautumnequinox/a/AllAboutMabon.htm

It varies of course from circle to circle, person to person, but that link gives a fairly basic run down. Hope that helps!

[Bellaelle]

Thanks, RMB!
I like the celebrations/rituals described. The food all looks yummy.

[Sashahomeschoolmama]

Bella, do you celebrate Michaelmas? It's next week.

[Bellaelle]

No, I should since it is a Holy Day of Obligation, but I never get around to doing it.
Maybe I will do something this year.

[Sashahomeschoolmama]

We're going to observe Michaelmas for the first time this year. We'll do Mabon this week, Michaelmas next week, and prepare for Holden's birthday the week after that.

Oh, and the dog. The dog turns a year old the week of Holden's birthday. :rolleyes: My kids want to make him a doggy-safe cake in the shape of a bone.