Seasonal Gatherings of Women, Magic & Meaning
Hosted by Friends of the Forest
Come as you are. Bring a dish. Leave feeling nourished.
Join us for a heart-centered series of seasonal community potluck brunches that celebrate the cycles of nature, the wisdom of women, and the beauty of connection. Inspired by ancient traditions and modern sisterhood, these gatherings offer a space to slow down, honor the moment, and reconnect — with the earth, with each other, and with yourself.
Whether you arrive solo or with a friend, you’ll be welcomed into a warm community of like-minded women.
What These Gatherings Are
These brunches are not formal women’s circles or spiritual workshops. There’s no pressure to share, perform, or participate in anything structured.
They are simply safe, welcoming spaces for women to come together — to take a break, enjoy nourishing food, meet new friends, and mark the changing seasons in a gentle, intentional way.
Come to relax, connect, and feel held in community. That’s more than enough.
How It Works
Potluck Style: Bring a vegetarian or vegan dish to share
When registering, you’ll be prompted to choose a dish category: appetizer, main course, or dessert. If a category fills up, we’ll ask you to select a different option so we can keep a balanced variety of dishes. No need to prepare enough food for a crowd of 20+ — with each woman bringing something, there’s always more than enough to share. (Of course, if you love to cook and want to go big, we welcome that too!)
Please include a list of ingredients (for allergy awareness) with your dish at the gathering and bring your own serving utensils!
Appetizers and main course dishes should be vegetarian or vegan, and we kindly ask that you include a list of ingredients for those with food allergies or sensitivities
A fully equipped kitchen is available on-site
Plates, cups, utensils, tea, and water will be provided — just bring your beautiful self and your dish to share
These are non-alcoholic events
Each gathering includes a seasonal blessing before brunch
You are warmly invited to bring a small item for our communal altar that reflects the season or the celebration’s theme (optional, but welcome)
Energy exchange: $20 per gathering ( Supports space, supplies, and behind-the-scenes planning) Sliding scale available — no one turned away for lack of funds
Space is limited — Registration required for each gathering (see below)
Address: Rogers Lake Clubhouse, 75 Rogers Lake Trail, Old Lyme, CT 06371 (PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON THE GRASS - there is additional parking behind the building) Please be considerate of surrounding neighbors.
Time: 11:30 am- 2:30 pm
Bringing Your Daughter
We warmly welcome girls ages 12 and up who would enjoy and benefit from the space. These gatherings are gentle, reflective, and rooted in meaningful connection — so we kindly ask that younger children not attend, in order to preserve the calm, nourishing atmosphere.
There is no charge for daughters — Simply bring a dish to share, or if your daughter prefers, she can contribute a small item to add to the table.
Each young woman must be accompanied by an adult. This is a beautiful way to share the magic of seasonal gatherings across generations.
Want to Bring a Little Extra Magic or Fun?
These gatherings are spacious and relaxed — and if you feel called to bring something that brings you joy or invites gentle connection, please do. A few ideas:
Tarot or oracle cards for casual readings and soulful conversation
Knitting, crocheting, or handwork to work on while you chat and sip tea
Journals for reflection or intention-setting
Simple outdoor games like horseshoes or anything playful
Seasonal craft supplies (flower crowns, nature mandalas, leaf rubbings — simple, optional fun)
There’s no pressure to do anything but show up — but if you’d like to contribute to the atmosphere in a small way, we welcome it.
Nothing is required — this is an open-hearted invitation to co-create if it brings you joy. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to coordinate ahead of time!
Want to Help?
P.S. If you’d like to volunteer to help prepare the space (set up tables and chairs, dress the tables, etc), tend the altar, or support the flow — for one brunch or many — just let us know when you RSVP. We have a 30 minutes to set up and 30 minutes to break down! Many hands make light, meaningful work.
"When women come together with a collective intention, magic happens."
— Phylicia Rashad
2025 Dates & Celebrations
All Women Welcome
Witches, wanderers, mothers, maidens, mystics, and all who walk with wonder.
You do not need to know anything about the seasonal traditions — simply bring yourself.
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June 7 – Litha
At the height of the sun’s journey, we gather to celebrate Litha, the Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year and a time of radiant abundance. This gathering is about honoring the light within and around us: our growth, our creativity, and the golden joy of simply being alive.
Suggested altar item: Something bright and sun-kissed — golden blooms, citrus fruits, sun symbols, or anything that represents light and vitality to you.
Optional dress theme: Light and luminous — think white, gold, yellow, or floral dresses, sun hats, or anything that makes you feel like sunshine.
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July 20 – Witch’s Day
This midsummer gathering celebrates the feminine in all her forms—the wise woman, the healer, the wild soul, the intuitive guide. It’s a powerful, lighthearted reclaiming of the word witch in its purest meaning: a woman deeply attuned to herself, to nature, and to the unseen realms.
Together, we’ll explore our inner magic through the everyday rituals of laughter, rest, storytelling, and shared ceremonies. It’s a soul-enriching day designed to help you step gently and joyfully into your power, all within a supportive community.
Suggested altar item: Something that speaks to your magic — a favorite herb, a handmade charm, a symbol of your intuition or personal ritual.
Optional dress theme: Flowy, fun, mystical — think sparkle, moonlight, or floral witchy vibes.
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August 17 – Festival of Hecate
This gathering honors Hecate, the ancient goddess of the crossroads, intuition, and transformation. She walks with us in liminal spaces — in moments of choice, change, and deep inner knowing.
We meet not to dwell in darkness, but to acknowledge the beauty of the shadow, the wisdom that comes from within, and the power we hold when we embrace all parts of ourselves. This is a time to reflect, to release, and to trust the paths unfolding before us.
Suggested altar item: Keys (symbolizing thresholds), herbs like mugwort or lavender, symbols of transition or personal talismans for guidance.
Optional dress theme: Flowing or moon-inspired attire — silvers, deep purples, midnight blues, soft velvets, or whatever helps you feel attuned to your inner mystic.
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September 20 – Mabon & Feast of the Guardian Spirits
As the wheel of the year turns toward autumn, we gather to celebrate Mabon, the autumn equinox, a sacred moment of balance between light and dark. It’s a time to reflect on what we’ve harvested — in our lives, in our hearts — and to offer gratitude for both the seen and unseen forces that have guided us.
This gathering also honors the Feast of the Guardian Spirits — a gentle nod to the ancestors, spirit guides, and inner protectors who walk with us. We make space to thank them, to listen, and to share stories of where we come from and where we’re going.
Suggested altar item: Apples, grains, small family heirlooms or symbols of your lineage, or offerings for your spirit helpers — handwritten notes, photos, or autumnal tokens.
Optional dress theme: Earth tones, rich harvest colors like rust, amber, deep greens, browns — attire that feels rooted, cozy, and reflective of the turning season.
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October 18 – Lady of the Wood
As the leaves fall and the forest begins to still, we gather to honor Our Lady of the Wood — a tender tribute to the crone archetype, the deep wisdom of the earth, and the gentle descent into winter.
This is a time of turning inward, of listening to the hush between the trees, of resting in the knowledge that slowing down is sacred. We honor the elder within and around us — the part of ourselves that knows, that remembers, that trusts the dark.
Together, we’ll mark this shift with stillness, shared food, and quiet celebration. A space for grounding, gratitude, and gathering what we need to carry us through the darker season ahead.
Suggested altar item: Leaves, pinecones, acorns, or any natural offering gathered with intention from the forest or your walks — symbols of wisdom, release, and rootedness.
Optional dress theme: Deep greens, browns, or forest-inspired clothing — layers, textures, and cozy attire that echo the woodland spirit.