Familiarity for Mabon: A Modern Guide to Coming Home to Yourself
This morning was chilly. Not “bundle-up” cold, but that unmistakable whisper of autumn brushing the back of your neck—the one that makes you instinctively reach for a sweater. The birds have gone quiet. The hawks in my yard have disappeared. And every time I look at the pomegranates ripening on my trees, I feel the shift happening—even if summer hasn’t technically let go yet.
It’s not full-on fall just yet. But it’s coming. And with it comes a craving for all things familiar.
My routines. My favorite recipes. The sweaters I’ve missed during these warm days. The sky that finally stops looking overexposed and starts glowing with that rich September melancholy. Mabon isn’t loud about its arrival. It shows up slowly—and reminds you that you’re allowed to do the same.
Mabon, Reframed: It’s About Coming Home
Summer tends to flip everything upside down. Travel, activities, chaos, kids, plans—it’s a lot. And when fall rolls around, it’s like the universe gives you permission to exhale and slip back into your own rhythm. It’s the sabbat that says, Go ahead. Rest. Be cozy. Take care of yourself first.
To me, Mabon feels like returning to your own bed after a long, exhausting vacation. It’s grounding. It’s familiar. It’s safe. No surprise that hearth witches thrive in this season—this is the time we all crave that comforting anchor.
But let’s also be honest: we expect too much from fall. We want the leaves to change instantly, the air to crisp overnight, and everything to feel like a pumpkin-scented renaissance the second Mabon hits. But that’s not how it works. Fall is slow. It unfolds. And that’s part of the magic.
Mabon as a Luxury Mindset
Imagine this: you’ve got a candle lit, a perfect latte in your favorite fall mug, a tight little routine you refuse to break, and you’re in your “don’t bother me, I’m exfoliating” era. That’s Mabon.
It’s high-maintenance self-care and zero apologies about it.
The nails, the facial, the scalp massage, the soft blanket you gatekeep.
Taking care of yourself because it feels good—not because it looks impressive.
This is the season for non-negotiable rituals that nourish you. The kind that say, Yes, I am a little extra—and I’m happier for it.
The Seasonal Spark: A Warm Drink Made With Intention
There’s something about a warm drink in the fall that hits different. It’s not just about flavor—it’s about internal warmth. It’s choosing comfort that doesn’t come from heatwaves but from slow sips and quiet mornings. Whether it’s a beautifully made coffee (check out my instructions in the Witch’s Apothecary), a Mabon-inspired herbal latte, or a cup of tea you actually sit down to enjoy—let that be your ritual for the next few weeks as we descend into autumn.
Mabon Must-Haves
Taper candles to match your home’s vibe
A beautiful fall mug that only comes out this time of year
The perfect chunky sweater you’ll wear on repeat
A touch of pomegranate red in your wardrobe or on your altar
That one throw blanket that makes everything feel right again
Your Card for Mabon
Mountain Cabin – Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle
Mountain Cabin – Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle
This card captures what Mabon really is: the choice to retreat. To step out of the noise. To find peace in solitude. It’s your reminder that rest isn’t passive—it’s protective.
Ten of Cups – RWS Tarot
Comfort. Security. Love. Legacy. The Ten of Cups is the tarot version of being wrapped in your favorite blanket, surrounded by people (or pets, or spirits) who truly see you. Mabon isn’t about striving—it’s about soaking in everything you already have.
What Comes Next
Whether you’re easing into fall or clinging to the last golden threads of summer, Mabon is your moment to slow down, settle in, and reorient toward yourself.
→ Embrace the season with the Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle
→ Or deepen your rituals with The Witch’s Apothecary
And tell me in the comments: What’s your first sign that fall is on its way?
