Wow! Another absolute WOW! Ellen Dugan had done it again. If you are a fan of this witty and wonderfully charming author, "Autumn Equinox: The Enchantment of Mabon" is a must have for your Craft collection. Inofrmation, ideas, spells, recipes, traditions...it's all in this easy,accessible, 208 page package.
As a practicing Wiccan for 7 years, I thought that I had always had a handle on the Sabbats. You know...cast a cirlce there, whip out the athame here, say your stuff and move right along, right? Sure...for a beginner. I've always wanted to move on to the history, the ideas and the knowledge behind these absolutley fascinating holidays. What better way to learn than from one of Llewellyn's hottest up-and-coming authors with my favorite Wiccan holiday of the year?
As always, Mrs. Dugan breaks it down clear and simple, beginning with her own personal stories of this bewitching time of the season, continuing with the mythological backbones to autumn through the tales of Persephone, Demeter,Elen, Pomona, Dionysus, the Green Man and Herene the Hunter. However, Ellen only does this after humoursly deciphering the meaning of the word "maize" (you have to read and find out for yourself now, won't you?). And just what else would this Garden Witch include as a chapter in her book? You guessed it! A chapter completley dedicated to "The Garden in Autumn: Fall Flower and Foliage Fascinations"--with an included Cold Hardiness Zone Map to easily pick out whether an Oakleaf Hydrangea or a Sweet Autumn Clematis would be better to plant in your backyard.
All I have to say is that with spell after spell, charm after charm, tid-bit after tid-bit, you come to wonder how the Autumn Equinox became known as the "forgotten sabbat" as Mrs. Dugan dutifully points out. I mean this season deals out the most recognizable changes of any other Sabbat. Just look at the leaves in your own neighborhood! If you want to come and fully experience such a wonderful holiday and time of year, I strongly suggest for you to pick up this fabulous book, get readin' and prepare to experience Mabon in a whole new "changed" way.

Autumn Equinox, is by far the best and most beautiful in the Sabbat series by Llewellyn. This fabulous book is filled with over 40 spells and rituals. Not to mention all the great mythology, and craft projects. The author focuses on the folklore of the Fall season and theme of the Harvest, and that is exactly what you'd expect for this "forgotten" Wiccan Sabbat.
If you are into gardening you will find many ideas for fall gardens as well as information on seasonal color and foliage of the trees.
However, what I enjoyed the most about Dugan's book is that it can be used for the entire Autumn season. Not just for a few days around the Sabbat. In fact with Halloween fast approaching I am going to use her seasonal suggestions to decorate up my house.
If you love the Autumn, you will be enchanted with this book!