MABON REFLECTIONS
Reflections on the autunn equinox and the Next Chapter in My JourneY…
As the Mabon, draws near this weekend, I find myself thinking about the path I’ve been on since the Summer Solstice. Back then, I was talking about balance—how we’re all seeking it, how nature mirrors that search, and how it can feel so elusive at times. The autumn equinox, occuring on Sunday 22nd September with its equal balance of day and night, feels like a continuation of that theme. It's a reminder that life is cyclical, and that the process of growing, reflecting, and adjusting never really ends.
Named after Mabon ap Modron, a figure from Welsh mythology, Mabon represents the Divine Child of Light and the son of the Earth Mother, Modron. For many, Mabon is a time to celebrate balance, gratitude, and the second harvest as we prepare for the darker half of the year. You might also know Mabon by its more familiar name from school days—the Harvest Festival—which has been a traditional time of giving thanks for the crops and food gathered throughout the year. It reminds me of those childhood days when we raided our parents' cupboards for tins of soup to bring to the Harvest Festival assembly!
At Lughnasadh, I reflected on the personal and business "harvests" I was reaping, while acknowledging the challenges that come along with them. Now, as Mabon approaches, I’m leaning into the idea of embracing the change—recognising that with the darker days come a quieter energy, a slower pace, and a chance to rest.
A Time for Reflection and Balance
Since the Summer Solstice, I’ve been on a journey, learning to listen to my own rhythms and balance my energy. One of my ongoing challenges is with executive functioning. No matter how many plans or systems I try to put in place, I’m still a soul in a human body, and I feel the fluctuations of mood and the effects of emotional dysregulation deeply. Sometimes, these fluctuations limit my capacity to meet deadlines, no matter how much I want to achieve.
I had hoped to release my new collection in time for the Autumn Equinox, but, as often happens, life got in the way. And while that’s been frustrating, I’m reminded that nature is ever-flowing, just like us. The collection will be ready soon, and there is still time to bring these offerings to you.
If you noticed the moon looking particularly spectacular over the past few days, that was the Harvest Supermoon. While it was at it’s fullest on Tuesday night, I was busy channelling the extra energy she generated into my new designs for a photography deadline but managed a glimpse between the streetlights on a quick run to grab some chocolate. One day, I’d love to see the full moon without the haze of light pollution, but for now, I harness its energy to help bring to life the ideas I’ve been mulling over since blackberry season began.
September is such a liminal space—a time for letting go of summer and embracing autumn. It’s a bridge between the outward energy of the warmer months and the more introspective, reflective time that the colder months bring. Even though the Equinox is near, there is still bounty to be had. Just as nature gives us a second harvest, I’m using this time to reflect, regroup, and bring forth my offerings in their own time.
What’s Next: The Brambles and Mushrooms Collection
Though my new Mabon-inspired collection isn’t quite ready for launch, I’m so excited to give you a glimpse into what’s coming soon! Inspired by the wild, untamed beauty of brambles and the transformative power of mushrooms, this collection is deeply personal to me.
Mushrooms have long been symbols of resilience and growth, thriving in unexpected places. They form vast underground networks called mycorrhizal networks, which allow trees to share nutrients and support one another. For me, mushrooms are like the magic of the natural world, reminding us of how everything is connected.
Scientists are now exploring ways to use mycelium, the root system of fungi, to create sustainable materials like eco-friendly building blocks and fabrics. This innovation could revolutionise industries, making construction greener and lighter.
Functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps have been known to provide a range of cognitive benefits, including supporting focus, memory, and mental clarity. These properties can be especially helpful for ADHD’ers, offering a natural alternative to help manage some of the symptoms. I plan to include these wonderful mushrooms in my upcoming designs, weaving their magic into pieces that resonate with both nature and the support they provide.
What Can You Harvest This Mabon?
As we move closer to autumn, I invite you to reflect on your own "harvests." What have you nurtured in your life this year? What seeds did you plant at the Summer Solstice, and how have they grown? Whether it’s personal growth, creative projects, or relationships, now is the time to acknowledge the work you’ve done and the rewards you’ve reaped.
But Mabon isn’t just about celebrating the harvest—it’s also about preparing for the darker days ahead. What can you let go of as we move into the quieter season? What do you need to rest and replenish?
In the meantime, you can tune into the richer, changing colour palette with my Juniper Necklace and Earrings—crafted from luscious green and burgundy frosted acrylic with bronze accents, these pieces embody the essence of autumn. Juniper has long been celebrated for its medicinal properties, aiding everything from digestion to infection prevention. As a symbol of protection and purification, juniper is a beautiful and timely addition to your seasonal wardrobe.
Ideas for Celebrating Mabon:
🍂 Take a walk in nature and gather autumn treasures—leaves, acorns, or berries.
🍂 Remember nature tables? Well, I still have one in my hallway. I usually find pieces of nature to stim with on walks and then can’t let go of them, so they make it onto my nature table. If I feel really connected to them, they’ll go on my seasonal altar. I get my niece to find bits of autumnal debris for me too—she loves little treasure hunts!
🍂 Create a Mabon altar with seasonal symbols like pumpkins, candles, or apples.
🍂 Reflect on your personal harvests by journaling or meditating.
🍂 Make a comforting autumn meal using seasonal ingredients like root vegetables or apples. I recently made some blackberry and apple flapjacks from bramble foraging in Highbury Park—a perfect pick-me-up when I forget to eat while in flow state.
🍂 We’ve come a long way since raiding our parents’ cupboards for tins of soup for the Harvest Festival assembly, but the spirit of gratitude and giving remains strong.
Stay Tuned for More!
As always, I’m so grateful to have you all as part of the Working Clasp community. I can’t wait to share my new collection with you soon, and I hope it resonates with those of you who, like me, find inspiration and peace in the rhythms of nature. Be sure to check out my Juniper Necklace and Earrings—the perfect way to carry the season’s botanical beauty with you.
I’d love to hear how you’re preparing for Mabon this year—whether it’s a simple moment of reflection or a more elaborate ritual. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!
