Happy Mabon

Also sometimes just called the Autumnal Equinox, this is the second harvest before winter. Generally regarded as the vegetable harvest, it is also the thanksgiving celebration. Much like the American tradition in November, it is a time to give thanks to the Lord and Lady for their bounty and blessings.

I was unable to join the ministry for this sabbat because of a seasonal weekend job. This also made a ritual of my own not very feasible. After a hard day of working, however, a group of us get together for a very late dinner. I used that time to thank the gods and the planet for their many gifts.

I learned a meal blessing a few years ago that I use regularly, but most especially before the harvest feasts. I tend to write it frequently, though I cannot remember where I learned it, so you may have already seen it, and you may see it again.

Thanks to the Lord for the food we eat

Thanks to the Lady for her gifts so sweet

Thanks to the farmers who laboured long

Thanks to the animals for their bodies strong

Thanks to the hands that prepared our meal

Thanks to all who turn the Wheel

Full Harvest Moon

This bright moon is so named because it is harvest time. Farmers can often continue gathering crops into the night by the light of this moon. It occasionally comes in October as opposed to September. The Harvest moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the Autumnal Equinox.

I could no longer put off re-dedicating my house charm for a time that my roommate and I could do it together. She was busy last night, and she is leaving in about a week for a week-long vacation. I'm excited to have the place to myself, but I know I'm going to need the protections that this charm will provide.


I placed the charm bag on my pentacle, cast my circle, and called the elements and deities. It is rare that I do more than a ritual circle for an Esbat. Protected by the Watchtowers and in the presence of my patrons, I re-stated the ingredients and the purpose of each, almost as if I was crafting an entirely new charm bag. When I had finished this, I cast a shield around the condo, programming it to protect those who dwell within and allow only those who mean us no harm to pass through. I tied the shield to the charm bag and hung it from a hook on the living room ceiling, where it will continue to shield my new dwelling.

Now, I work frequently with shields. Tying them to a charm or talisman keeps them up all the time without having to think about it constantly. However, shields take a lot of damage and need regular maintenance, especially the longer they are in place. I will periodically clean and fortify this shield, keeping the protections constant and at peak. Someday soon, I'll give you much more information about shielding.