Tomorrow is the Autumn Equinox. This is considered by many to be the first day of Autumn, and is one of only two moments in the year when the sun is exactly above the Equator and day and night are of equal length. Like Halloween is a time when the veil between the land of the living and the realm of the dead is thin, this holiday (as well as its cross-point in the spring) are times when the veil between our world and that of the Fae is at is thinnest… and it is when I personally experience more interactions with them than any other time of year.
In my path, the Autumn Equinox is also known as the Second Harvest (also called Mabon), and is a day that marks the transition of the growing season into full harvest. After this day, the darkness of night begins to overtake the sun’s reign in the sky as the days continue to grow shorter and shorter, and the nights longer and longer. The earth is winding down its abundant generosity and beginning to close up shop for the year.
Like with new moons and full moons, I usually do a spread to check in with myself and give myself some direction for the next couple of months for each solstice, equinox, and other Sabbats. This spread is an adaptation of my Self Care Saturday spread, so there are sure to be some similarities in how it is read. The focus of this spread, though, is not about Self Care, but rather about progress and my path. The time period is also longer, reaching through the next handful of weeks until the celebration of the upcoming third and Last Harvest of the year (aka. Samhain, Halloween) in October.
Theme of the Season – Mabon, Harvest Moon, Wood Mouse, Pony – The second harvest of the year is a time of preparation for winter’s call. There is still much work to be done, but as cold weather creeps in, the last of the crops are now beginning to be gathered up for the year. The theme of the imagery on the Mabon card is the Forest Lord, who stands for truth, integrity, compassion, and death.
The Harvest Moon is all about liminal spaces and one’s intuitive voice. It speaks of the importance of paying attention to one’s perceptions and what our senses are whispering to us. With awareness, this moon welcomes an expanded view of not just the unknown that surrounds us and the bridges offered to us through liminal spaces, but also the world at large.
The appearance of the wood mouse in the cards drawn today is a carry over from the reading done during the previous Sabbat. In my Lammas reading, the story of the wood mouse card was interpreted as a story about thankless work done behind the scenes and the unsung hero. This card is a representation of that energy and purpose that comes with doing the work that is mostly unseen so that the larger work that needs done can be done.
In relation to my life, during Lammas the Wood Mouse card was thought to be in reference to those small ripples of happiness and positivity that I create with each piece of jewelry I make for others. At this time, however, I see this card as more of a representation of the preparation work that needs done prior to the onset of the holiday rush.
The Pony card emerged with the Wood Mouse card in this instance, and is about the wildness within us all. It is an indication that I need to look more closely at these things that feel like restrictions in my life. Combined with the Wood Mouse card, there is a suggestion that I need to take my work and make an effort to delve into it with an open heart and adventurous spirit.
When looking at these four cards together, the theme that stands out to me here is about finding pleasure in my work again and seeking it through the spark of adventure that I find in my creative process, which includes a good dose of intuition when I’m in “the zone” of bringing my creations from ideas into reality. It’s about connecting to that inner self, that inner voice that whispers encouragement and exciting ideas, and following it’s lead into an enjoyment of the process.
Earth – Ten of Cups – Seek satisfaction. My self care reading for this week was also about satisfaction, although ran more to the lines of feeling dissatisfied and the methods to help in finding that satisfaction that is lacking. Here in the longer term reading of progress and my path, the encouragement is to make sure I keep my eye on the prize. Namely the prize of finding satisfaction in my home life and resources. There’s no reason for feelings of scarcity, so make sure you’re focusing on furthering those positive emotions and satisfaction over these things.
Air – The Devil – Temptation is in the air… literally. This is a carry over from the Earth position of this reading in that it indicates that there is an element of mental influences involved in my dissatisfaction. These elements drive my addictions, which are used to self medicate the feelings of dissatisfaction and scarcity that whisper in my ear. The Devil card in this position warns that this cycle is a hurdle that will need dealing with over the next handful of weeks.
Water – Ace of Wands – There is so much potential right now to allow your emotional growth to remain strong and steady. Don’t allow all that’s going on swerve you from your dedication to this purpose. Keep that spark of intention and inspiration bright and alive concerning keeping all that you’ve accomplished so far this year thriving and healthy.
Fire – The Fool – This card and it’s position relates back to the Pony card above and the theme of this Mabon reading as a whole. It is about finding that youthful enthusiasm for my work and through that process, sparking up your enthusiasm for your work to instill into your work, your business, and the preparations to come.
Waning – Turkey Spirit – Again we find that this reading echos the Self Care Saturday reading that was done a couple of days ago. The Turkey Spirit card in the waning position indicates that now is a time to pull inward. Now is not the best time to let your generosity of spirit fly free. If you want to get on track with your life and goals this season, it’s time to think of yourself for a while.
Waxing – Porcupine Spirit – Foster or playfulness and curiosity and allow them time to stretch and grow. Dive in and have some fun with not just your work and business, but seek the spark of excitement in the “beginner’s mind” in all that you do and let it spread throughout your life in order to find joy and enjoyment in all the different elements of your life.
Take Away – This Mabon reading is all about instilling joy and enthusiasm into the process of work and life. It’s high time I begin looking at life and my work with fun loving pleasure rather than through the weight of responsibilities. Use this sense of enthusiasm to feelings of scarcity and discontent at bay, and instead focus upon what you have and where you want to go from here.
