Kate Freuler
The night of the fall equinox is perfect for saying goodbye to situations, attachments, or anything that has run its course, just like the summer is. Endings aren’t always bad. Any tarot reader will tell you that pulling the death card doesn’t herald a tragedy or physical death, but rather a new beginning. One thing must end in order for something new to begin, so death and rebirth are one and the same. For this reason, it makes sense that endings can, in fact, be embraced and viewed as hopeful and positive. Just as we appreciate the sun as it recedes, we can also see the beauty in the things we choose to release.
The Beauty of Endings
This Mabon ritual can be done alone or as a group during sunset on the equinox. It centers on a dying leaf, which should be chosen with intention. Find the prettiest one you can, with the brightest colors and most striking patterns. The purpose of choosing a leaf that has become colorful and unique in its death is to signify that endings can be beautiful and cherished. Even difficult things can be appreciated for the lessons they’ve brought.
In this ritual, you’ll name things in your life that you’d like to put to rest or let “die,” so to speak, in order to make room for new growth. To help focus these intentions, we’ll be using the elements to identify different areas of release. Below is a description of each element and the life experiences that can be associated with them. Using this information, choose four issues in your own life—one for each element—that you’d like to let go of. It might help to write these down for later.
Earth: The physical body and surroundings. Earth represents all material and physical situations. Some examples of earth-ruled things you might want to banish are financial insecurity, physical health problems, and job issues.
Air: The mind and intellect. Air encompasses communication and learning. Some examples of things associated with air you might wish to move on from are unresolved disagreements, obsessions, and mental or creative blockages.
Fire: The spirit and passion. Fire is the realm of zeal and fervour. You might associate fire with letting go of anger issues, grudges, or impulsive behaviour.
Water: Emotion and empathy. Water is the realm of deep feeling. Things associated with water that you might want to lay to rest are melancholy, anxiety, ill-placed love, or codependency.
Supplies:
A dying leaf
A bowl of water
A dish of ashes from a fire or incense
A stone
A feather
Access to an outdoor area
A large bowl if you’re indoors
Gather your materials in a secluded, private space. Cast a circle if you wish. Stand facing the west and say:
On this night I say goodbye to the sun as I welcome the darkness.
I face the coming cold with strength.
I embrace change with courage.
I acknowledge the beauty of that which is passing.
Spend a moment in silence, noticing the transition of day to night as dusk falls upon you. Feel the darkness descending over the land, the shadows lengthening and filling every corner. Sense the chill of the air against your skin and breathe deep the smell of autumn.
If you’re outdoors, make a shallow hole in the ground and place the leaf in it. If you’re indoors, place it in a bowl. Say:
As the sun recedes, I let go of that which has run its course. I acknowledge and respect what the universe has taught me and lovingly let it go. As this leaf rots and decays, it will transform into new life, as will the things that I shed on this night.
Hold the feather up toward the east. Bearing in mind the issues you associated with air beforehand, state that which you’re letting go of and why you’re thankful for it. Some examples: “I release my shyness. I’m thankful to have learned the value of my own voice.” Or, “I release all lingering conflict and have learned the value of standing up for myself.”
After stating your intentions, say:
This feather holds the energy of my experience. I give it over to the darkness.
Place the feather upon the leaf.
Moving counterclockwise, face the north and hold the stone toward the sky. State your earth-related intentions out loud. Some examples: “I release my overspending habits and am thankful to have learned to enjoy intangible things.” Or, “I release the job I’ve outgrown and am thankful for the chance to find a better path.”
After stating your intentions, say:
This stone holds the energy of my experience. I give it over to the darkness.
Place the stone upon the leaf.
Next, face the west, holding the bowl of water to the sky. State your water-related intentions. For example: “I release my excessive worry over the opinions of others and am thankful for the peace that takes its place.” Or, “I release my emotional attachment to (person) and have learned the value of independence.”
After stating your intentions, say:
This water holds the energy of my experience. I give it over to the darkness.
Pour the water over the leaf.
Last, turn to the south and hold the dish of ashes up to the sky, stating your fire-related intention. For example: “I release my irritability over things I can’t control and from this I’ve learned patience.” Or, “I release my anger over past events and am thankful to have learned the importance of walking away.”
After stating your intentions, say:
These ashes hold the energy of my experience. I give it over to the darkness.
Dump the ashes on the leaf.
Now stand before the gathered objects and say:
As night falls, I lay the past to rest in the earth, to decay, reform, and fertilize the future. I am now set free to transform.
If you’re indoors, now is the time to go outside to a private place. Dig a shallow hole in the ground and pour the contents of the bowl (leaf, ashes, water, and feather) into the shallow grave.
Pull the earth over top of the leaf and other objects, covering them completely. State:
I lay the past to rest, deep in the dark of transformation.
Walk away from the “grave” as night falls, leaving the past behind.
Notes for Performing This Ritual as a Group
This ritual is suitable for any number of people with some minor tweaking. For the speaking parts of this working, select a person ahead of time to recite the words and change the word “I” to “we.” During the ritual, have the group stand in a circle around the leaf. Pass each of the elemental objects around the circle counterclockwise allowing each participant to state their intentions for each. When everyone has done so, place the object on the leaf. At the end, each person can place a handful of dirt on the grave before walking away.