But there never seems to be enough time / To do the things you want to do…”
Saturday, September 23, 2006 marks the Fall Equinox, also known as Mabon. Lady Moon is in her First Quarter in Libra, echoing Lord Sun’s Libran location. Saturday is Saturn’s day, incorporating messages of prudence, caution, and conservatism in all things. Libra’s emblem, the scales, reminds us to enjoy balance in all things. Equinoxes are two times in the year when a raw egg may be balanced on its larger end. The egg symbolizes the world, and performing this “balancing act” helps us remember to keep our own balance within the world’s scope.
While similar to Lammas, Mabon is more emphatic about giving thanks. This is a celebration of Second Harvest: the largesse Planet Earth provides, the joy we take in this fruitfulness, the thanks we give and share in our busy lives. This is a festival when sharing food is a requirement, as doing so implies that your abundance is not only great enough to share now, but that there will be plenty of food for you and your family as the seasons progress. Not only is it appropriate to share the leftovers of your feast with your guests, it is also good to donate some food to charity.
With the long, dark night of Winter approaching, Mabon is also a time to finish old business. First quarter moons are when we make plans; setting the example of making a list of three things you plan to finish between now and Samhain and encouraging your guests to do the same is most appropriate. You could furnish your guests with small notepads and pens for this purpose, using them as place cards on your table.
Decorate your table and altar with colorful autumn leaves, acorns, and ivy. Use the colors red, russet, gold, brown, maroon, orange, and violet. A cornucopia spilling nuts, seeds, apples, and pomegranates makes a nice centerpiece, as does a cauldron full of acorns and pinecones or a representation of the Green Man. Designate your gathering as an occasion to “dress up”; array yourself in magnificence and strongly suggest to your guests to follow your example.
There are so many things to be thankful for: food in our bellies and pantries, good friends, productive work, love, a roof over our heads and a safe place to sleep each night, play, creativity. The list is infinite. During your celebration it is important for each person present to have a chance to express thanks for something.
Berries, especially blackberries, are an important part of the traditional menu for this celebration. All grains, especially corn, may also be included, as well as onions, garlic, potatoes, squash, beans, nuts, seeds, apples, pomegranates, herbs, cider, and fruit wine. Raise your glasses in a toast to friendship and prosperity. You deserve it! Remember to honor the trees that surround you: make a toast to them and pour a bit of wine or cider onto their roots. They are an important part of our ecosystem.
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Reminder 1: Mind Body Spirit Expo, October 7 & 8, 2006 in Palmer Events Center. $8 admission, good for both days. 10 AM – 7 PM Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 AM – 6 PM Sunday, Oct. 8. I will be offering 15- and 30-minute Tarot readings in booth 217.
Reminder 2: Sunday, October 15, 2006, from noon to 6 PM Ancient Mysteries will be presenting a mini-Psychic Fair in the parking lot in front of the store. 4315 S. 1st St., across from the St. Elmo School playground. There will be ample parking in the school parking lot. No entry fee. I will be offering a mixed menu of options for attendees. For more information and/or directions, phone (512) 373-4411.
If you come to any of these events because you learned about them by reading this Seasonal Message, please stop by my table and let me know, whether you choose to consult with me or not. By monitoring the results of my mailings I am better able to serve my clients.
www.tarotbykate.bigstep.com Tarot by Kate 512-454-2293 kate_braun2000@yahoo.com
