Mabon 2023

The second of our three harvest gatherings focused on the theme of ancestral accountability. Our group gathered once again in the lush Provo Canyon for a day full of learning and celebration. Our gathering began with a land acknowledgement and welcome before we made our way to the river for a cold plunge. The water was cooler than it was at Mabon last year, so our cold plunge didn’t last nearly as long!

After drying off, we enjoyed warm tea and snacks before welcoming Mary Murdock Meyer, Chief Executive of the Timpanogos nation. Mary generously shared her perspectives on the importance of land and water preservation and stewardship. She also illuminated the harm and oppression the Timpanogos people faced historically, and the challenges they continue to face today as they seek federal tribal recognition. She concluded teaching by sharing her firm beliefs in the importance of prayer and spirituality.

Following Mary’s presentation, we gathered for a communal meal. Everyone brought a delicious offering to enjoy. Salads, home-baked breads, and fresh garden produce made for a delightful meal. Afterwards, we circled up to learn about and create besoms; the traditional broom of witch lore. This continued our annual tradition of crafting Mabon besoms. Our gathering was completed with a short fire ritual to burn away last year’s besom material as well as emotions, experiences, beliefs, and actions which we did not desire to carry forward. Some of us let go of anger, old stories, codependency, and fear. We ended with a song and many, many hugs. We are grateful to gather in celebration of the autumn equinox and to honor accountability in all its forms.