There's something special about autumn mornings when women gather. This particular October day brought thirteen of us together - mothers and daughters and one grandmother whose presence bridged three generations. The weather seemed to understand what we needed: mild, with just enough of a threat of drizzle to make being indoors feel cosy.
We started in a circle, watching anticipation and warmth bloom across faces as each pair settled in. You could feel the day's potential in the air - that lovely sense of stepping out of ordinary time into something a bit different, a bit special.
The partner yoga brought out the first real laughter of the day. There's nothing quite like watching mothers and daughters figure out how to balance against each other, calling out, "Is this okay?" and "I've got you!" Some partnerships toppled over in giggles; others found surprising strength in each other. All of them discovered something new about giving and receiving support.
When we moved on to the braiding, the room grew quieter and more focused. Autumn-coloured wool wound between fingers as each woman worked on two braids—one to keep and one to give. The ribbons woven in carried whispered hopes, making each braid a kind of shared secret between giver and receiver. Watching the pairs work side by side, their heads bent over their work was its own kind of magic.
We followed with a brief meditation while Sarah lit the fire outside. The sound of the crackling logs was pure magic, the perfect cosy soundtrack to our rest.
No gathering feels complete without nourishing both body and spirit, and our autumn treats hit just the right note. Soul cakes - those ancient little biscuits traditionally shared at Samhain - sat alongside playful puff pastry spiders that had the younger participants grinning. A spread of seasonal fruit and nuts offered healthy nibbles between activities. Steam rose invitingly from cups of rich hot chocolate and warming pumpkin spice tea, perfect for wrapping cold hands around. Even the marshmallows cooperated (mostly), though there were a few ceremoniously cremated ones, as there should be at any proper fire gathering.
Making witch bells in the outdoor space became a proper social affair - lots of laughter, chatting and comparing. Sarah took us through the history and tradition of witch bells, and explained the symbolism of the charms she had chosen for each set.
By the time we went back inside and closed our circle, you could see the difference in how each pair sat together - a little closer, a little more relaxed. Every face told the same story: this had been time well spent.
At one o'clock, we gathered our creations - braids, bells, and most importantly, renewed connections. There's something profoundly beautiful about carving out time to simply be present with each other, especially during these transitional seasons when nature herself invites us to slow down and draw closer. Each pair left with not just their handcrafted treasures, but with shared memories of laughter during yoga, quiet moments of intention-setting, and the simple joy of toasting marshmallows together around a crackling fire.
If this speaks to your heart, we invite you to join us for our Yuletide Mother and Daughter Mini Retreat on December 7th. We'll celebrate the depth of winter and the returning light through seasonal crafts, gentle movement, and shared ritual. As the year draws to its close, give yourself and your daughter (or mother!) the gift of sacred time together. Expect yule log crafting, candlelit meditation, and warming winter treats. Numbers are limited to 8 pairs to maintain the intimate atmosphere - early booking is recommended to secure your place.
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