he preceding cross-quarter day marked the beginning of harvest. The time around the autumn equinox marks the traditional end of harvest. Of course, it might be hard to tell here in New Orleans with today’s high temp at 90°. But there is a hint, if the slightest, of fall in the air.
After this celebration, the last of the crop is left in the field. The tradition in parts of England is called “crying the neck,” where the cutter of the last sheaf of wheat yells out that he has “the neck.” This is met with a rousing cheer from his fellows. This last sheaf of grain or corn is then made into a dolly. This practice may have involved capturing the spirit of the field and providing a safe vessel to occupy until returning in the spring.
Modern Wiccans often refer to this holiday as ‘Mabon.’ The usage of this term for the Autumn Equinox is ahistorical and of contemporary invention. It has no roots in Celtic seasonal festivals. The originator of this application has been discredited within the Craft, and the use of Mabon has been under increasing scrutiny. Mabon ap Modron is a character in Welsh mythology, not a festival day. The usage of this hero/god’s name in this context, without reference to his story, is a form of cultural erasure.
Harvest Home Observance
If you created a corn dolly at the Feast of First Fruits, stand it on your altar. Around it, place a selection of locally groan harvest items. Fill a glass with ale, mead, or apple juice with which to offer the toast. Light yellow, orange, or white candles.
Meditate and ground yourself.
Oh Old Ones of days long past
I do ask you presence here.
For this time that is not a time
In this place between places
On a day that is not a day.
I am here.
Offer an apple to the goddess.
I am here to share in
the fruits of the harvest.
Raise the glass in a toast.
I honor the One Ones.
I honor the Mighty Dead.
I honor my brothers.
Drink.
So mote it be!