Mabon or Autumn Equinox is a beautiful fading of summer and welcoming of winter. It is the culmination of the growing season, and a time of abundance, especially of hedgerow fruits which are there for all to take. The dark and the light are in balance and it's a great time for shadow work, foraging, harvesting, and making jams or preserves. Bringing some of the berries into your home is a great way to decorate your home or altar.
Taking a walk around the lanes and fields is beautiful at this time, and here I discuss some of the history and folklore around Autumn Equinox, celebrated by Wiccans as Mabon.
Quick Recipe
Sloe Gin
1 lb of fruit (sloe or other fruit)
1 litre of gin (or other alcohol)
1/2 lb of sugar
Place in a sterilised jar, shaking or swilling regularly for 12 weeks, then strain and enjoy at Christmas.
Properties of Sloes
Blood Cleanser, also prevents gout and rheumatism, due to the flowers being rich in quercetin and rutin.
Improves digestion, relieves constipation, reduces bloating, stimulates appetite.
Treats kidney and bladder problems, due to its diuretic properties, helps to relieve nerve pain and bladder cramps.
Reduces inflammation of mouth and pharynx, gargle with the fresh juice extract to relieve sore throat and inflamed tonsils.
Treats breathing disorders. Good for ailments of the respiratory tract. Acts as an expectorant, and fights the common cold and cough. A concoction of the tree bark can lower fever.
Reputed to help slow and combat prostrate cancer.
Music Epidemic Sound
