Welcome, Autumn 🍂

October is here, and with it the first edition of our monthly Medicine Circle Collective newsletter. 🍁🎃 Each month we'll share what's happening in our circle, spotlight one of our Goddesses, Witches & Bitches, and offer a little seasonal nourishment. This post gathers October's offerings in one place.

The Magic of Storytelling with Saundra

There's something magical about a really good story, and our September gathering reminded us just how powerful storytelling can be.

From the moment Saundra began, she drew us in completely. She brought a fun tale to life with so much energy, humor, expression, and heart that it was easy to forget we were sitting in a room listening. We could see it, feel it, and find pieces of ourselves within it. By the end, we weren't just listening anymore. We had become part of the story ourselves, as everyone jumped in with deep questions that put them right inside it.

It was a fun, warm, connected evening, full of laughter, imagination, sisterhood, and the kind of magic that happens when we gather and share a story. Thank you, Saundra, for your magic, and thank you, Ann & Tonia, for hosting.

Coming Up: Día de los Muertos with Kayla

Thursday, October 29: A Night of Remembrance, Reflection & Renewal. Join Kayla for a truly amazing evening honoring those who came before us.👉 RSVP here

✨ Spotlight: Gwen Lyman ✨

A Little About MeI am soul sparkling, always trying… growing daily, tiring nightly. I am a Mother, Wife, Daughter, Bestie, Boss Babe, Virgo, Dog Mom. I lead with a vulnerable heart and watchful eyes for lifting others, while finding my balance, allowing the edge, and striving toward flow. I would describe myself as a sage and a safe space holder. My life experiences have guided me to lean in with women, help guide the way, embrace calm in the storms, and anchor in trust, spirit, and love.

How I Define MedicineA medicine can be anything your soul desires to soothe or be a balm, however it's needed for your own healing. It changes. It surprises. It hides. We all deserve to receive it.

How I ServeI see my journey as always in progress, collecting skills and support along the way as they call to me. I love to be the quiet support consultant so you, the untethered goddess, can soar!

What I LoveI am an event planner extraordinaire. Any kind, any space: I can handle every detail, imagine every angle, and anticipate every need! I feel such delight and gratification immersing myself in creating an event where every angle is covered for the ultimate participant experience.

This passion began years ago at work conferences, where I saw so many missed opportunities to maximize engagement. It grew through simple house parties for birthdays and sports events, then themed parties and mega birthday celebrations, always making sure no small detail was overlooked and jumping in to lend a hand however needed. The feedback from everyone who attended kept spurring me on, and now event planning is my favoritestestest thing… just be patient if I get a little stressed, because I have a touch of "almost perfectionism."

✨ Rhythms of Nature with Brooke ✨

As the temperatures drop, the leaves turn red and gold, and the days grow shorter, we can tune into the lessons nature offers. Mother Earth is shifting out of busy summer energy into a slower pace. The plants around us are drawing their life force (chi) from their flowers back down into their roots. She is preparing for winter and slowness.

I love to think about how nature's cycles are interconnected with our own. Afternoon and evening are like fall, as are the waning moon and our menopause years. We can begin to transition our minds and bodies to a more restful pace, shifting our brain waves to prepare for sleep.

Trees are releasing leaves they no longer need. What can we release from our busy lives? How can we prepare our minds, bodies, and spirits for the slow pace of winter? The fall equinox teaches us about balance, with its equal light and darkness. Fall is also a beautiful reminder of the cycle of life and death: leaves put on their most exquisite display right before "dying," and they return again with the warmth.

🌱 Herbal Allies with Brooke: Burdock Root 🌱

Many of you know I've been studying herbalism this past year. It has been such a gift to find the language I've always had in my heart for this beautiful planet.

One of my favorite fall teas is burdock root. It has a sweet, earthy flavor that reminds me of carrots. Burdock is considered a nourishing herb, full of minerals and nutrients. It's traditionally used to cleanse the blood and lymphatic system and support the liver, and it can be very nourishing to your root chakra, digestive system, and solar plexus. Try the infusion as a base for soups or hot chocolate, or simply on its own.

I've learned that the best medicines are the ones you build relationships with, just like people. Pharmaceuticals usually isolate a plant's most active component for the strongest effect, which often brings more side effects. When we use the whole plant, nature's wisdom helps balance them. The healing is more subtle, but gentler.

How I make it: Put a small handful of dried herb in a quart jar, add hot water from the kettle, let it sit overnight, and strain in the morning. It's that simple to get daily nourishment from plants that are so generous with their medicine.

Where to find herbs: Salt Lake has an incredible local apothecary, Natural Law Apothecary, where you can buy almost any dried herb. For high-quality herbs by mail, try Oshala Farm or Mountain Rose Herbs.

Much of my recent learning comes from my herbal apprenticeship with Marysia Miernowska, who offers a book, an Instagram, and smaller courses throughout the year.

As with any herb, check with your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, nursing, on medication, or allergic to plants.

Hope to see you at our next gathering. Until then, enjoy autumn! 🍁🍂🎃

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