The Pagan autumnal equinox, also known as Mabon, is a celebration of the harvest season and the changing of the seasons from summer to fall. This Pagan festival is observed by many different groups and individuals who follow Earth-based spiritual traditions. During this time, Pagans give thanks for the abundance of the harvest and the gifts of nature. It is a time to honor and connect with the cycles of the Earth and the changing seasons. Pagans believe that the balance between light and darkness is equal on the autumnal equinox, reflecting the harmony and balance found in nature. Mabon is a time to gather and celebrate with friends and loved ones.
Michael D. Bailey is Professor of History at Iowa State University and the author of five books on magic, superstition, and witchcraft, including Battling Demons: Witchcraft, Heresy, and Reform in the Late Middle Ages, also published by Penn State University Press.
These translations by Michael Bailey, with his rich and up-to-date introductions and notes, will finally give readers of English access to these sources, which are essential for any historical work worthy of the name. Whether it s the history of Wicca, differing beliefs among practitioners, parallels between magic and modern science, or practical tips for performing Wiccan rituals and Witchcraft, Lisa s work will help you broaden your understanding of this fascinating way of life as you deepen your practice.
Mabon is a time to gather and celebrate with friends and loved ones. It is common for Pagans to have feasts, bonfires, and ceremonies during this time. Many people also take this opportunity to perform rituals, spells, and divination to connect with the energy of the season and set intentions for the coming months.
Origins of the Witches’ Sabbath
“These translations by Michael Bailey, with his rich and up-to-date introductions and notes, will finally give readers of English access to these sources, which are essential for any historical work worthy of the name.” —Martine Ostorero, author of Le diable au sabbat. Littérature démonologique et sorcellerie (1440–1460)
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- Table of Contents
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While the perception of magic as harmful is age-old, the notion of witches gathering together in large numbers, overtly worshiping demons, and receiving instruction in how to work harmful magic as part of a conspiratorial plot against Christian society was an innovation of the early fifteenth century. The sources collected in this book reveal this concept in its formative stages.
The idea that witches were members of organized heretical sects or part of a vast diabolical conspiracy crystalized most clearly in a handful of texts written in the 1430s and clustered geographically around the arc of the western Alps. Michael D. Bailey presents accessible English translations of the five oldest surviving texts describing the witches’ sabbath and of two witch trials from the period. These sources, some of which were previously unavailable in English or available only in incomplete or out-of-date translations, show how perceptions of witchcraft shifted from a general belief in harmful magic practiced by individuals to a conspiratorial and organized threat that led to the witch hunts that shook northern Europe and went on to influence conceptions of diabolical witchcraft for centuries to come.
Origins of the Witches’ Sabbath makes freshly available a profoundly important group of texts that are key to understanding the cultural context of this dark chapter in Europe’s history. It will be especially valuable to those studying the history of witchcraft, medieval and early modern legal history, religion and theology, magic, and esotericism.
“These translations by Michael Bailey, with his rich and up-to-date introductions and notes, will finally give readers of English access to these sources, which are essential for any historical work worthy of the name.” —Martine Ostorero, author of Le diable au sabbat. Littérature démonologique et sorcellerie (1440–1460)
“These are extremely important texts that merit wide attention in English. They are absolutely crucial to understanding the origins of ecclesiastical concern over what common people had long described as witchcraft but had been largely dismissed as impossible and/or illusory since the tenth century.” —Walter Stephens, author of Demon Lovers: Witchcraft, Sex, and the Crisis of Belief
“This is a revealing volume of texts, newly translated by Michael Bailey, an expert in the history of witchcraft. They include secular as well as religious writers, given that witchcraft was a felony as well as a heresy.” —Malcolm Gaskill, Fortean Times
Michael D. Bailey is Professor of History at Iowa State University and the author of five books on magic, superstition, and witchcraft, including Battling Demons: Witchcraft, Heresy, and Reform in the Late Middle Ages, also published by Penn State University Press.
Hans Fründ, Report on Witchcraft in Valais
Claude Tholosan, So That the Errors of Magicians
Anonymous, Errors of the Gazarii
Johannes Nider, Anthill
Anonymous, The Vauderie of Lyon
A Pair of Fifteenth-Century Trials
Download a PDF sample chapter here: Introduction
One of the common symbols of Mabon is the apple, which represents the harvest and the abundance of the season. The apple is often used in rituals and as an offering to the Earth. Other symbols associated with Mabon include pumpkins, corn, and various types of fall foliage. The Pagan autumnal equinox is seen as a time of balance and reflection. It is a time to acknowledge and accept the changes that are happening in nature and within ourselves. It is a time to let go of what is no longer serving us and to welcome the new opportunities and experiences that lie ahead. Overall, the Pagan autumnal equinox is a time of celebration, gratitude, and connection with nature. It is a reminder to embrace the changing seasons and find balance in our lives. Whether you follow Pagan traditions or not, the autumnal equinox can be a time to reflect, give thanks, and prepare for the coming winter months..
Reviews for "The Magic of the Pagan Autumnal Equinox"
1. John - 2 stars
I found "Pagan Autumnal Equinox" to be quite underwhelming. The storyline was confusing and scattered, making it hard to follow along. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to connect with them. The writing style was also not my cup of tea, with excessive use of flowery language that often felt forced. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 1 star
"Pagan Autumnal Equinox" was a complete letdown for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged with the story. The plot felt repetitive and predictable, adding no element of surprise or excitement. Furthermore, the characters were one-dimensional and lacked any relatability. I was highly disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging read.
3. Michael - 2 stars
Unfortunately, "Pagan Autumnal Equinox" did not live up to my expectations. The writing style was overly descriptive to the point of being tedious, making it hard to stay engaged in the story. Additionally, the characters were forgettable and lacked any depth or complexity. The plot felt disjointed and confusing, leaving me unsatisfied with the overall reading experience. I would not recommend this book to others.