Persephone holds a significant place among the deities celebrated at Mabon Sabbat. Her descent into the Underworld each autumn symbolizes the onset of the darker, introspective months, while her return in spring heralds renewal and rebirth. This cyclical journey resonates deeply with the themes of balance and transformation that Mabon represents—honoring the harvest, reflecting on the changes of the year, and preparing for the coming darkness. When she returns to Hades each autumn, Persephone fulfills her promise of spending half her life in the Underworld, reminding us of the interconnectedness of life and the inevitability of change, which is a spiritual journey we all share. In this way, her myth encourages us to embrace the transitions within our own lives, celebrating both the light and shadows that shape our experiences.

The rituals performed in her name during the Autumn Equinox foster a connection with the Earth and the spirit world, encouraging reflection, gratitude, and communal support. As we gather in celebration, we recognise not only Persephone’s struggle but also her strength and resilience, echoing the belief that even in periods of darkness, there is potential for renewal and growth. By honoring her, we embrace the inevitability of change, celebrating the beauty of existence in all its cycles, ultimately deepening our connection to the earth and to each other.

The Abduction

Persephone, the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, was known for her beauty and purity, embodying the freshness and vitality of spring. At the tender age of about thirteen, she was a figure of innocence, often depicted in meadows or gardens, surrounded by nature's bounty. Her life was one of harmony with the natural world, reflecting the energy and promise of youth.

The turning point in Persephone's life came when her uncle, Hades, the god of the Underworld, set his sights on her. With the tacit approval of her father, Zeus, Hades abducted Persephone one fateful day, as she gathered flowers in a sunlit glade, the ground suddenly trembled, revealing a dark chasm. In an instant, Hades emerged from the Underworld, cloaked in darkness, and swept her away into his realm, a stark contrast to the sunlight she had just enjoyed. This act of abduction is often interpreted as a symbolic transition from innocence to experience, it represents the duality of existence—joy intertwined with sorrow, life fused with death. As Persephone descended into the depths, it was not merely an abduction but a transformative journey, initiating her path toward self-discovery and empowerment. Through this myth, we are invited to reflect on our own experiences of loss and rebirth, recognizing that in moments of darkness, the seeds of renewal are often sown.

 

Hades' Desire for Connection to the Living World

Hades is often viewed through a lens of darkness and despair, but he has his own story to tell. He harbored a profound longing for connection with the living world. As the ruler of the Underworld, he witnessed the souls of the departed but felt an inherent loneliness that accompanied his role. His choice to abduct Persephone was not solely an act of possession; rather, it represented a yearning for balance between the realms of the living and the dead. By bringing Persephone into his world, Hades sought to intertwine the vibrancy of life with the stillness of death, creating a bridge between joy and melancholy. This desire underscores the essential narrative that life and death are inextricably linked, each offering lessons and wisdom through their cyclical dance. Through Persephone, Hades hoped for a companion who could illuminate his shadowy existence and help him to understand humanity in all its forms.

 

Persephone's Release from the Underworld

Demeter, the goddess of the harvest and fertility, was devastated by the loss of her daughter. Her grief was so profound she refused to let anything grow on the earth until Persephone was returned to her. This mourning period reflects the autumn and winter seasons, where life appears to retreat in preparation for renewal.

Eventually, a compromise was reached between Zeus and Hades that allowed Persephone to spend part of the year in the Underworld with her husband and part of the year with her mother aboveground. The reason that Persephone was not allowed to remain on Earth full time with her mother was because Persephone had eaten 6 pomegranate seeds while she was with Hades. Each seed consumed forged a connection that would tie her to the Underworld for 6 months of every year. This duality becomes a powerful metaphor for our own lives—acknowledging that while we may seek renewal and light, we must also embrace the aspects of our journey that accompany us into the shadows. Ultimately, Persephone's experiences taught her resilience and the ability to navigate both worlds—the realm of life and the depth of the underworld, epitomizing the profound beauty that arises from embracing change and understanding our place in the cycle of existence.

 

Finding Meaning in Mythology

The myth of Persephone's abduction serves as a powerful allegory for personal growth and transformation. Just as Persephone's innocence and purity were challenged by her abduction, our own journeys can also take us through experiences that test and ultimately change us. Yet, like Persephone's time in the Underworld, these transformations are often necessary for our growth and evolution.

This myth emphasizes the interconnectedness of various realms and aspects of our identity. Persephone embodies both a queen in the Underworld and a maiden on Earth, and like her we also possess multiple roles and identities that shape our existence. The tale serves as a reminder to embrace every facet of ourselves, even the ones that may appear contradictory or difficult.

Persephone's abduction by Hades is more than a story of loss and recovery. It is a powerful allegory for transformation and the cyclical nature of life. It speaks to the inevitability of change and the promise of renewal, themes that resonate deeply with those attuned to the rhythms of the natural world.

For those inspired by the myth, consider how the cycles of the Earth mirror our own lives and growth. Just as Persephone's story is told each year through the changing of the seasons, so too can we find strength and solace in the cycles that govern our lives.