Are you looking to feel more connected as the wheel of the year turns in 2020? I have been. So, I considered… Is there a better way to celebrate Mabon (the second harvest at the autumnal equinox and a modern pagan holiday) than with a little kitchen witchery?
I found this little bread recipe and witchy charm on another website: The Goddess and the Green Man and thought I’d give it a try.
It’s been a while since I’ve tended to my worldbuilding blog, but I have not forgotten about my readers. This post is a bit of an aside, yet it dovetails into my thirst for all things fantasy. As always, I’m interested in traditions and rituals that stir creativity and worldbuilding. These eventually drive into stories for me. Naturally, I should say, an author [that’s me] is always plotting and planning.
I need to feel more connected in 2020, so what did I do?
Like so many others in our current seclusion, 2020 has not been the most connected year for me. On the bright side, I’ve spent time writing and have almost completed an epic fantasy series that will release in 2021. I cannot share too much, but it’s dragon-based. The first 4 of 5 books are at the editor currently, and I’m hoping to have the final draft before editing done sometime in October. If you follow me on social, you’ve probably seen something to the effect. Stay tuned; more on that to come.
Regardless, I’m curious how other creatives have maintained a sense of connection in these trying (dare I say “unprecedented”) times. I’m truly tired of that word, and as the seasons change, I also am looking for a way to renew the connection. If you’re feeling the same, hit me up below on how you’re feeding the need.
My answer on this equinox…
I baked for Mabon
A buttermilk bread charm
First, I gathered the ingredients. This wasn’t an exact science, and I find it more organic that way. I’ve put in the components as I added them. You’ll notice some slight differences in the ingredients from the link I provided above.
- 3 mugs (about 5 cups) of strong white flour
- 2 cups of Buttermilk
- a dash of salt and three pinches of baking soda
- A mabon ribon
- A handful of dried dates (Other dried fruit could be used here, but it’s intended for just a slight burst of flavor. You do not want this to overwhelm the bread.)
I followed the steps as outlined in the link above, mixing the flour and dates, sprinkling in the salt and baking soda, then adding the buttermilk. When I turned it onto the board, I had to add quite a bit more flour to shape it up. Again, this feeling was part of what I was looking for.
I baked the bread for about 35 minutes at 425 degrees, and what you see in the pictures is the result.
The bread resting 
Slicing the bread
Finishing the charm
To finish off the charm, I tied the ribbon about the loaf, turned it thrice, and said the words:
“From the fields and through the stones, into fire, Mabon Bread, as the Wheel turns may all be fed. Goddess Bless.”
From https://www.goddessandgreenman.co.uk/mabon
The result
‘Tis hard to say how the charm worked, but it certainly made mouths water in my house.
Do you have traditions that surround this time of year, magical or other? Share them here. I’d love to hear.
As the wheel turns and we welcome autumn, may the Goddess bless you all!