Saturday, September 21, 2013 brought the Fall Equinox known and Alban Elued or Mabon. After a bit of an unorthodox start, the ritual got rolling at 10pm (instead of the usual 6). The ritual kicked off with the usual cleansing and spheres of protection. President Muad’Dib performed the druid opening rites and led everyone into the celebration of light and dark. The Hermit came knocking to the temple doors holding the light of life. He spoke to everyone, announcing himself as the guide of souls before passing his lantern to Ra who said his goodbyes from the light time of year and finally onto Cernunnos who takes over at this time. Cernunnos spoke of his support and love for each person, how they should not be afraid to push forward into the dark times and look into the soul. He blessed everyone and promised to walk the journey with them.
Mabon magic was worked with everyone burning away a problem in their lives in the Cauldron Awen. Esus danced in the circle as part of the druid rite of Alban Elued performed by president Muad’Dib. Ganesh stopped by as part of the Chaturthi celebrations to have a piece of pie and hear the Mabon poetry read, and with that, the ritual closed till next fall and the feasting of ribs and pickled mushrooms began. A heathen symbol performed with the traditional drinking horned being passed as cheers to the deities went up into the air late into the night.
Mabon 2013 l to r-Woman Between the Wolves, Lunar Oak Spirit, Piggy, and Monty Hansen, Saturday, September 21, 2013, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2013, Main altar, Saturday, September 21, 2013, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2013, Main altar center with Mabon Painting by Kurt Shoopman, Saturday, September 21, 2013, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2013, God side of altar, Saturday, September 21, 2013, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2013, Goddess side of altar, Saturday, September 21, 2013, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2013, Lunar Oak Spirit, Saturday, September 21, 2013, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2013, Muad’Dib, Saturday, September 21, 2013, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2013 l to r-Woman Between the Wolves, Lunar Oak Spirit as Ra (with lantern), and Piggy, Saturday, September 21, 2013, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2013, Feast l to r- Lunar Oak Spirit, Piggy, Iyata Bond, and Monty Hansen, Saturday, September 21, 2013, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2013 Feast, Muad’Dib with drinking horn, Saturday, September 21, 2013, Salt Lake City, UT