The Fall Equinox is absolutely one of my favourite points in the year! The changing leaves, the crisp air, the cozy sweaters and spiced drinks! It’s all so yummy!
What is the Fall Equinox?
The Fall Equinox- known as Mabon in Pagan traditions- marks the halfway point between the Summer Solstice and the Winter Solstice. It’s a point on the calendar that marks a time of perfect balance where there is equal day to night. It is also known as the second harvest (the last and final harvest being Halloween- or Samhain).
It’s a time to celebrate all the bounty and abundance that we are reaping from our glorious, life-giving Earth. She has provided us with such nourishment and plenty throughout the growing season, and now we pull in all the goodness to carry us through the winter. Mabon is a special time to gather with friends, family to celebrate and feast on the harvest. We must give gratitude to not only our Great Mother Earth, but also to all the farmers who put in all their efforts to grow and provide our food.
How to Celebrate the Equinox
You can celebrate Mabon or the Fall Equinox by feasting with friends and family on local and in season foods, go for nature walks, and decorate your home with seasonal goodies (like dried leaves, apples, corn, acorns, pumpkins and other winter squashes). Take time on this day to have gratitude and give thanks for your abundance, your blessings and your life at the this point on Earth.
I make this recipe throughout the fall-winter season, but it always feels so magical making it on the Equinox. I store extra in the fridge in a mason jar. With every herb you add, you add a little more magic, a little more gratitude, and set your intentions for the season as it brews!
A magical brew for mabon
This recipe is based on Yogi Bhajan’s chai tea. It’s not only delicious, but it’s also amazing at keeping bacteria and viruses at bay.
Cleanse the Kitchen
Begin by cleansing your space by burning herbs, resins, diffusing essential oils, lighting a beeswax candle, playing a singing bowl or chimes. This not only makes your kitchen feel extra magical, but it denotes that sacred work is about to take place.
Ingredients
To 6 cups of water add:
15 cloves (for prosperity)
20 black peppercorns (for protection)
2 cinnamon sticks (for abundance)
20 cardamom pods- cracked open with a rolling pin (for love)
1 inch of peeled and sliced ginger (for potency)
Set Your Intentions
As you add each ingredient, set your intentions for this day of abundance, plenty and balance to carry forward through the dark half of the year. Write then down on a piece of paper to keep out on the counter as you make your brew!
Gratitude
As you begin to bring the water to a boil, whisper your blessings and gratitude for the Earth, for her support, her abundance and her nourishment.Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes.
Keep the Herbs
Strain the tea, and put the used herbs in a bag or container. Fold up your piece of paper with your intentions and place it in the container with the herbs.
Bury in Nature
Find a place in nature where you can bury the herbs with your intentions. Perhaps leave sliced apples on top of your covered hole as an offering to the Earth and to her critters.
Drink your tea today and the days to follow and feel the Equinox magic and blessings move through you!