Mabon Ritual & Celebration
Feasting at 5pm • Circle cast at 6:30pm • In-person and online • Family-friendly
Mabon is the second Harvest. It is the time of our yearly incarnation that we pass away from the trials of the year, reap our rewards, and embrace rest. We reflect on the year’s lessons, and try to gain clarity as we integrate with the whole. Just as the world around us is preparing to go dormant before renewing itself in the spring, we take our plans and actions of this year and lay them to rest, ready to recycle into new goals and actions next year. We recognize that we are leaving behind our individuality, and embracing the connectedness with spirit with which we have longed to reunite.
The Dark Half Begins
Now is the time to let go of our ego, embrace that all things come to an end and that balance of life and death is here. As the sun moves into Libra, we see that shift.
In Norse Mythology, this is the time when our beloved Baldr dies and goes to Hel. As we follow in his path, we enter the dark half of the year, connect with the universal spirit and visit the Underworld.
Here we can speak with and receive some words of wisdom from Hela and guidance on our journey through the underworld.
Feasting
For this ritual we flip the order of things and we feast first. As we are entering the underworld, we must feast first as a proverbial final meal.
Crossing the boundary
To enter the underworld, all must die (symbolically), and you must go through the gatekeeper.
Shrine time
Come visit Hela in the shrine, receive a word of blessing, some encouragement, or some guidance for your journey. This is some special one on one time you get with the Goddess of the Underworld.
Schedule
One long, good day in the woods.
12:00pm Volunteer arrival & setup. Want to help unload and raise the space? Register for a Volunteer ticket.
1:00pm Gates open to public
Raffle tickets go on sale. Settle in, claim your spot, drop your food donation on Baldr.
5:00pm Feasting begins. Zoom call opens. For this ritual we feast prior to the ritual.
6:30pm (or when Monologues finish) Circle is cast. Main ritual begins. Livestream on YouTube.
~8:00pm (or after ritual) Raffle drawing. All proceeds benefit the Temple Fund.
After the raffle Teardown. Volunteers: what came down the hill must go back up. All offsite by 9:30pm.
Three ways to join
Public ritual means you get to choose how you show up.
In Person
Spend the day with us at the Fenner campground. Feasting and ritual. Family-friendly, dog-friendly (well-behaved & leashed), unhurried.
Zoom
Like being in the circle with us. Opens at 5pm for the Feast and stays open through ritual. You're in circle; cast your own sacrifices from home. Zoom link sent after registration.
YouTube
Goes live when ritual starts, ends when circle is released. No camera or participation expected. Safer if you don't want to be perceived.
Getting around the campground
The Fenner Center scout campground is accessed by a driveway on Mount Hope, just east of the main Fenner entrance. Watch for our signs along the street.
All attendees park in the gravel lot at the entrance and walk the trail down to the campsite. There is no vehicle access on the trail for anyone, including drop-offs. The trail is gravel and slopes downhill.
The campsite is mowed grass with some uneven terrain. Fresh water and a pit toilet are on site. Please bring your own chairs.
If mobility is a concern, reach out to Lord Solinox directly before the day. We will arrange people to help you down the trail and carry your gear. We mean it; please don't stay home over this.
What to bring:
- Your own seating: chairs, blankets, etc. You'll be here a while.
- Sunscreen.
- Bug repellant
- A dish or drink to share at the feast. (Label ingredients or be ready to fill out a card for allergy safety.)
- Cash/card for raffle tickets and donations
- Drums, rattles, instruments if you have them
- An open heart and a willingness to give
What to expect:
- A full afternoon and evening in the woods. Come early, stay late.
- Active participation in the circle. No experience needed; all are welcome.
- A ritual of balance and crossing through the veil.
- Community feast, raffle
- Kids welcome with parent/guardian
Severe weather plan
If a severe weather alert is issued, or sustained winds exceed 20mph, we move the whole event indoors to Keys To Manifestation. As long as it's dry or just raining, we're at the campground. It's fall in Michigan, so plan for heat, plan for a passing storm, and dress for the weather.
Can't make it in person?
Our main ritual streams on YouTube and Zoom, so you can celebrate from wherever you are.
Set up your own ritual space before circle, with candles, incense, deity representations, elemental tools, whatever you have. Have your Cakes and Ale ready, and your own feast for after.
Online folks are welcome in the raffle. We'll give a video tour of the table after ritual, and tickets can be bought by donation.
Supporting the work
Our rituals are always free to attend. Donations help us cover the cost of renting the campground and ritual supplies, and help build the Temple Fund and support the long game.
Cash
Drop in the donation bowl on the main altar
Digital Cash
Donate via Zeffy here, or pay by card onsite
Raffle Tickets
Purchase onsite with cash or card
Free to attend. Please register so we can plan for the feast!