The autumn equinox known in many traditions as Mabon, marks the day when light and dark stand in perfect balance. In our homeschool, we celebrate this turning of the wheel not as a religious holiday, but as a gentle, earth-centered reminder to pause, notice, and give thanks.
As a secular family, our spiritual practice is rooted in connection. We light candles and talk about the harvest in both practical and symbolic ways: the food we’ve grown or gathered, the projects we’ve completed, the lessons that have ripened over the past season. The kids share what they feel grateful for (small victories in math, new friendships, the way cooler mornings make everything feel fresh.) We also talk about what we’re ready to release: habits that no longer serve us, clutter that weighs down our space, worries that don’t need to follow us into the colder months.
Because homeschooling allows us to set our own pace, these seasonal markers help us create a sense of meaning and flow. Mabon isn’t about doctrine; it’s about noticing the shift in sunlight, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the invitation to slow down. After a busy summer, we welcome autumn with warm drinks, a simple feast, and a family walk at sunset to watch day and night share the sky.
Simple Rituals for Any Family
You don’t need elaborate supplies to celebrate. Here are a few ideas you can adapt to any age or belief:
-
Nature Walk & Harvest Basket – Collect fallen leaves, acorns, or late-season flowers to decorate your table.
-
Gratitude Circle – Each person names one thing they’re thankful for from the past season.
-
Seasonal Feast – Serve apples, squash, or warm bread to honor the harvest.
-
Release & Renewal – Write down habits or worries you’d like to let go of and toss them into a small fireproof bowl to symbolically release them.
In honoring the balance of Mabon, we remind ourselves that learning isn’t just academic—it’s also about tending our hearts, our home, and the natural world around us. May this season bring steady light, cozy nights, and gratitude for every harvest, big or small.
To make it easy to track the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days, I created a free printable Wheel of the Year you can use during morning time, seasonal lessons, or as a beautiful decoration.
Click HERE to download the Wheel of the Year printable and enjoy a cozy, earth-centered way to mark each turn of the seasons together.
