Forest Sisters Community Brunch - Lady of the Wood

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)
• 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.

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!

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.

Want to Help?

P.S. If you’d like to volunteer to help prepare the space, tend the altar, or support the flow — for one brunch or many — just let us know when you RSVP. Many hands make light, meaningful work.