A CrystalWind.ca Exclusive Feature by Morgan Hayes | Willamette Valley, Oregon
September 2025 – Celebrating the Autumn Equinox with Crystal Rituals

Welcoming Mabon: The Heart of the Second Harvest

There’s a special kind of golden light that falls over the world when September rolls around.

The air gets a little crisper, apples ripen on the trees, and the sun seems to linger, reluctant to say goodbye. This is Mabon—the pagan festival that marks the autumn equinox, usually falling between September 21 and 23. Sometimes called the Witch’s Thanksgiving, Mabon is a time to pause and give thanks for the abundance that summer has brought. It’s a moment of perfect balance, when day and night are equal, and a gentle reminder that soon, the darker half of the year will begin.

As someone who’s walked the Wiccan path for over twenty years, I’ve come to treasure this season more with every passing year. My name’s Morgan Hayes, and I practice in the misty woods of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where the spirit of the land and the turning of the seasons are impossible to ignore. My journey as a witch has been shaped by the cycles of the earth, the beauty of ritual, and the wisdom of crystals. There’s a deep magic in honoring the harvest, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite ways to celebrate Mabon with you.

Harvest Crystals: The Energy of Abundance

Just as the fields brim with pumpkins, corn, and squash, September’s energy is overflowing with abundance. Certain crystals are especially potent at Mabon because they echo the rich, warm colors and vibes of the season.

Citrine is a classic. Sometimes called the “merchant’s stone,” citrine is all about abundance and joy. Its sunny yellow hue feels like bottled sunlight—a perfect talisman for gratitude rituals. Keep a piece of citrine on your altar or in your pocket during Mabon to attract prosperity and remind yourself of life’s blessings.

Carnelian is another favorite for this time of year. With its deep orange and red tones, carnelian channels the warmth of the harvest sun and the turning leaves. It’s said to boost confidence, motivation, and creative energy—ideal if you want to finish out the year strong or ignite a new project before winter.

Other harvest crystals you might want to work with include smoky quartz (for grounding), red jasper (for physical strength and courage), and moss agate (for connection to nature). The key is to choose stones that resonate with your own sense of gratitude and the spirit of the season.

Creating a Mabon Altar: Your Sacred Space

One of the most rewarding ways to honor Mabon is by creating a seasonal altar. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy—a corner of your desk, a windowsill, or a low table will do. The point is to create a space that feels special, where you can pause, reflect, and celebrate the gifts of the earth.

Start with a cloth in autumn colors—deep gold, burgundy, or forest green. Arrange your chosen crystals at the center, letting their shapes and colors inspire the layout. Add bits of the harvest: a small pumpkin, an apple, acorns, dried corn, or a tiny jar of honey. You might also include a candle or two, in warm tones like orange or brown, to invite in the gentle light of the season.

Personal touches make your altar come alive. Maybe you tuck in a handwritten note about something you’re grateful for, or a photograph that evokes a happy memory. The idea is to create a spot that radiates thankfulness and makes you want to linger for a few moments each day.

Simple Crystal Rituals for Gratitude and Release

Mabon is a time to cherish what’s been given—but also to let go of what you no longer need. This dual energy of gratitude and release is perfect for crystal rituals. Here’s a simple one to try from my own practice:

Sit quietly at your altar and hold your chosen crystal in your hand. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, letting your mind settle. As you inhale, think about something you’re grateful for—a person, a place, an opportunity. Let that feeling fill your chest. Speak your gratitude aloud, if you like, or simply hold it in your mind.

Then, as you exhale, imagine anything you’re ready to release—the worries, regrets, or old patterns you don’t want to carry into the winter. Visualize that energy flowing out of you and into the earth, where it can be transformed. When you’re done, place your crystal on the altar as a symbol of your intention.

You can repeat this ritual as often as you like during the days around Mabon. Over time, you might notice a lighter heart and a deeper sense of connection to the cycles of nature.

Moon Water Under the September Full Moon

If you’re looking for a little lunar magic to supercharge your Mabon celebration, consider making moon water under the September full moon. This is a ritual as simple as it is powerful, and it pairs beautifully with your crystal work.

On the night of the full moon—often called the Harvest Moon—fill a glass jar with fresh water. Place it outside or on a windowsill where it will catch the moonlight. Add a few harvest crystals (citrine, carnelian, or clear quartz are great choices, but always double-check that your stones are water-safe). As you set the jar out, speak an intention: gratitude, abundance, clarity, or whatever feels right for you.

Leave the jar overnight, then retrieve it in the morning. You can use your moon water to anoint your altar, water your plants, or add a few drops to your bath for an extra magical soak. Sip it mindfully to absorb your intention, or sprinkle it around your space for a burst of autumn energy.

Living the Spirit of Mabon All Season Long

The magic of Mabon doesn’t end with the equinox. Autumn is a slow, unfolding process—a time to savor what’s sweet, tend to what’s unfinished, and rest in the knowledge that you’ve done enough. Crystal rituals can be a steady companion as the days grow shorter, helping you stay connected to the earth and to your own inner wisdom.

Whether you’re gathering with friends for a harvest feast, walking in the golden woods, or simply lighting a candle at your altar, remember that gratitude is itself a form of magic. It turns the ordinary into the sacred, and helps you see the abundance that’s always around you—even in the smallest things.

So as the wheel of the year turns and the leaves begin to fall, let your rituals be a celebration. Let your crystals be reminders of the light you carry within. And let the spirit of Mabon fill your heart, not just for a day, but for the whole season to come.

Share Your Mabon Magic

How are you celebrating the second harvest this year? What crystals or rituals do you love for Mabon? Share your thoughts, photos, and experiences in the comments below—let’s inspire each other to make this equinox the most magical one yet! And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with your friends or on social media.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is based on my personal Wiccan practice and years of experience with earth-based spirituality. Crystal healing and metaphysical practices are not substitutes for professional medical advice or treatment. Always use your own best judgment and consult qualified professionals for health or legal concerns.

About the Author

Morgan Hayes is a practicing Wiccan and crystal enthusiast who has been living and working in Oregon’s Willamette Valley for over two decades. She’s passionate about sharing practical magic, seasonal rituals, and a deep respect for nature’s cycles with fellow seekers. When she’s not writing or teaching, Morgan can usually be found hiking among old-growth trees, tending her garden, or crafting charms beneath the Pacific Northwest moonlight.

Exclusive © 2025. Original wisdom belongs to its creator. CrystalWind.ca adds design, formatting, and imagery for your experience. Redistribution or commercial use is prohibited without permission.

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