Mabon: Celebrating the Autumn Equinox

by: Kristin Madden

ISBN 0-7387-0090-8
7 1/2 x 9 1/8, 240, appendix, bibliography, index

Kristin Madden brings a solid portfolio of life experiences and education to the table in her relationship with Llewelyn publishers and this is never more apparent than in her season book, "Mabon: Celebrating the Autumn Equinox." Although her other published work of 2002, "The Book of Shamanic Healing" (which was critically lauded as one of the most revolutionary books on Shamanic processes to be released in quite some time) was an ambitious and user-friendly foray into the world of Shamanism, it is my fear that it will eclipse the simple, yet concise and power-packed volume on Mabon.

The book definitely wins me over with a marvelous recipe for mulled spice cider offered in the prologue (I mean, seriously, how much more inviting can THAT be?) and from that point on, offers a rollicking read filled with comprehensive and very enjoyable ideas, adages, rituals and knowledge for the Mabon seasons.

My first thought upon encountering an entire book based on one turn of the wheel was to wonder how much one could possibly say about Mabon. Madden almost immediately mocked me in her monkey pants by unveiling a vast and entertaining wealth of information, destined to be a staple for the library of the seasoned or beginning practitioner.

The greatest strength of the book, in my opinion, which also reflects the versatility and broad spectrum knowledge of the author, is the inclusion of Mabon from the perspective of many spiritual paths via rituals, mythologies and symbolism. Celtic, Norse, Neoshamanic, Eclectic, Egyptian, Hindu, Akkadian, Greek, Roman, Sumerian and even a ritual geared specifically toward children are included. It would be nearly impossible for a practitioner of any Pagan path to read the book and not find useful information, so inclusive is its reach.

One of the most remarkable chapters is a complete exploration of the symbols of the seasons, providing wonderfully applicable information certain to supplement any ritual well, as would the very well-written chapter on deities related to Mabon. Madden offers a lovely section on spell work for the season and incorporates a thread of connectivity to the energy of the season that makes the senses yearn for the smells, tastes and experiences of Mabon even before they arrive.

The only detriment I found in this book, is the re-using of graphics from one section to another. "Hey, didn't I see this butterfly before?" was the only frown of consternation I encountered during this highly enjoyable read. (C'mon, guys, stop showing me the same pumpkin and butterfly! Tacky!)

Likely to be glaringly frown-worthy only to a picky Virgo Diva like myself, it does not overtly detract from the enormous value of this book, both in the reference and educational aspects, as well as just being a downright enjoyable read.

This Diva gives it:

out of a possible 5 pentacles
(I'm sorry, the more I think about it,
the more the repeated graphics bug me)

Other Diva Reviews:

Calendars, Datebooks & Almanacs - Sept 25, 2003

All Things Ya-Ya - Sept 2, 2003