Mabon Gratitude Ritual: Counting Blessings

BY NICOLE LAU

The Sacred Practice of Counting Blessings

Gratitude is the heart of Mabon. At the autumn equinox, when the second harvest is complete and we stand at the threshold of winter, the most powerful practice we can engage in is counting our blessings—literally. This isn't just positive thinking or casual appreciation. It's a sacred ritual of acknowledgment, a magical act of multiplication, and a profound spiritual practice that transforms our relationship with abundance.

When we count our blessings at Mabon, we're doing more than making a list. We're participating in an ancient tradition of harvest thanksgiving, we're aligning with the energy of gratitude that multiplies abundance, and we're creating a foundation of appreciation that will sustain us through winter's darkness. This practice is simple, accessible, and profoundly powerful.

Why Counting Blessings is Sacred

The Magic of Enumeration

There's power in counting. When we literally count our blessings—one, two, three—we're: Making abstract gratitude concrete, Acknowledging each blessing individually, Creating a tangible record of abundance, Engaging both mind and heart, Multiplying blessings through attention, Honoring each gift specifically

Gratitude as Harvest Practice

Mabon is fundamentally about gratitude: Acknowledging what we've received, Appreciating the harvest, Recognizing abundance, Giving thanks before winter, Counting what we have (not what we lack), Celebrating blessings great and small

The Complete Mabon Gratitude Ritual

What You'll Need

Essential items: Journal and pen, Autumn leaves or acorns (one for each blessing), Basket or bowl, Brown or orange candle, Quiet space and time

Optional enhancements: Amber or citrine crystal, Apple (to eat mindfully), Gratitude altar, Autumn decorations, Soft music

Preparing for the Ritual

Choose your time: Autumn equinox day (September 20-23), Sunset on equinox, Quiet evening when you won't be disturbed, Allow at least 30-60 minutes

Prepare your space: Clean and clear your ritual area, Set up simple altar if desired, Gather all materials, Turn off phone and distractions, Light candle, Take three deep breaths

The Ritual: Step by Step

Part One: Opening (5 minutes)

1. Create sacred space: Sit comfortably before your altar or workspace, Light brown or orange candle, Place empty basket or bowl in front of you, Arrange autumn leaves or acorns nearby, Open journal to fresh page

2. Set intention: Close eyes and breathe deeply, Say aloud or silently: "At this autumn equinox, I pause to count my blessings. I acknowledge abundance. I give thanks. I honor all I've received. May this practice multiply my gratitude and blessings."

Part Two: Counting Blessings (30-45 minutes)

3. Begin counting: Open your eyes, Write "My Blessings" at top of page, Start listing everything you're grateful for, For each blessing: Write it in journal, Say it aloud, Place one leaf/acorn in basket, Count as you go ("One: my health. Two: my home...")

4. Categories to consider: Health and body, Home and shelter, Food and nourishment, Relationships and love, Work and purpose, Growth and learning, Beauty and joy, Challenges that taught you, Small daily pleasures, Unexpected gifts

5. Keep going: Don't stop at obvious blessings, Include small things (hot water, comfortable bed, favorite mug), Notice what you usually take for granted, Let gratitude build and flow, Aim for at least 20-30 blessings, More is better—some people count 100+

Part Three: Acknowledgment (10 minutes)

6. Review your count: Look at your basket filling with leaves/acorns, Count how many blessings you've listed, Read through your entire list, Feel the abundance, Notice how you feel

7. Speak your gratitude: Say aloud: "I have counted [number] blessings. My life is abundant. I am grateful. For each of these gifts, I give thanks. May my gratitude multiply these blessings. May I remember this abundance through winter's darkness."

Part Four: Closing (5 minutes)

8. Seal the practice: Place hands over basket of leaves/acorns, Feel gratitude radiating from your heart, Say: "Blessed Mabon. Blessed harvest. Blessed abundance. I am grateful." Extinguish candle or let burn safely

9. Keep the blessings: Leave basket on altar through autumn, Add to it daily if inspired, Keep journal as permanent record, Return leaves/acorns to earth at Samhain with thanks

Variations and Adaptations

Quick Gratitude Count (15 minutes)

For those with limited time: Light candle, Count 10 blessings aloud, Place 10 leaves in basket, Give thanks, Close with gratitude

Extended Gratitude Practice (2+ hours)

For deep work: Set up elaborate altar, Count 100+ blessings, Write extensively about each, Create gratitude art or collage, Share with others, Make it a meditation retreat

Group Gratitude Ritual

For community celebration: Gather in circle, Each person shares blessings, Place leaves in communal basket, Count collective blessings, Celebrate shared abundance, Break bread together

Daily Gratitude Practice

Extend through autumn: Count 3-5 blessings daily, Add leaves to basket each day, Watch abundance grow visibly, Maintain gratitude momentum, Build lasting practice

Deepening the Practice

Gratitude for Challenges

Include difficult blessings: Challenges that taught you, Losses that brought growth, Difficulties that built strength, Endings that made space for new, Pain that deepened compassion

Gratitude for the Ordinary

Don't overlook daily gifts: Running water, Electricity, Comfortable bed, Favorite foods, Clean clothes, Safe shelter, Access to information, Ability to read, Breath in your lungs, Beating heart

Gratitude for Relationships

Honor connections: People who love you, Those who challenge you to grow, Ancestors who paved the way, Teachers who shared wisdom, Friends who support you, Family who shaped you, Strangers who showed kindness, Pets who bring joy

The Magic of Multiplication

How Gratitude Multiplies Blessings

This isn't just metaphor—it's magic: What we focus on grows, Gratitude shifts perception, Appreciation attracts more to appreciate, Acknowledged blessings multiply, Counting makes abundance visible, Thanksgiving invites more gifts

Scientific Support

Research confirms gratitude's power: Increases happiness and well-being, Improves physical health, Enhances relationships, Reduces stress and depression, Improves sleep, Builds resilience, Creates positive feedback loop

After the Ritual

Integration Practices

Daily: Add to your blessing count, Notice new gifts, Express thanks, Review your list, Feel gratitude

Weekly: Reread your gratitude journal, Add more blessings, Share appreciation with others, Notice how blessings multiply

Through autumn: Keep basket visible, Maintain gratitude practice, Watch abundance grow, Prepare for winter with grateful heart

Sharing Your Gratitude

Gratitude multiplies when shared: Tell people you appreciate them, Write thank you notes, Share blessings with community, Express appreciation aloud, Give from your abundance, Pay gratitude forward

Common Challenges

"I can't think of anything to be grateful for"

Start with basics: You're breathing, You're alive, You can read this, You have access to information, You have shelter (even if imperfect), You have food (even if simple), Start there and build

"My blessings feel small compared to others"

Comparison kills gratitude: Your blessings are yours, Small gifts matter, Gratitude isn't competitive, What you have is enough, Appreciate your unique abundance, Comparison is the thief of joy

"I feel guilty being grateful when others suffer"

Gratitude doesn't diminish others: Your appreciation doesn't take from anyone, Grateful people give more, Acknowledging blessings creates capacity to help, Guilt doesn't serve anyone, Gratitude empowers generosity

Final Thoughts: The Harvest of Gratitude

Counting blessings at Mabon is one of the most powerful practices we can engage in. It's simple, accessible, free, and profoundly transformative. When we literally count our blessings—one by one, acknowledging each gift—we participate in the sacred act of harvest thanksgiving. We align with abundance. We multiply our blessings through attention and appreciation.

Your blessings are real. Your abundance is present. Your gratitude is powerful. Count your gifts. Acknowledge your harvest. Give thanks. And watch as gratitude multiplies blessings beyond measure.

The equinox is here. The harvest is complete. The blessings are countless. Count them anyway. Blessed Mabon. May your gratitude be deep and your blessings be many. 🍎🍂✨