make-believe: a witchy gathering.

October 16, 2019
a gathering of witches | reading my tea leaves

It’s the time of year for gathering friends, lighting candles, piling bowls high with something decadent and filling, and hatching plans to dismantle the patriarchy once and for all. In reality, I made these soba noodles this week and then got to work on cutting egg cartons into something that can approximate a Goosey Loosey costume for a certain kindergartner’s class play. Here’s to daydreaming about what a different kind of gathering might include:

Cozy socks for keeping things casual.

Tall, tall tapers, for setting the mood.

A soft rug to sit on.

An herbal cocktail (minus the spirits).

Soba noodles with crispy kale piled into perfect bowls with wooden tongs.

A very witchy accessory, minus the stick.

A lip mask and a bit of color.

A subtle scent.

And a bold bracelet.

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Take action:

In an effort to ground all of this make-believing in something a bit more down to earth, here’s a very real place to direct our attention:

Gather for Goats: Gather your coven and pitch in to buy a Syrian refugee family a goat that will provide their family with the sustenance and nutrition they need. $300 raised buys one goat and Lifting Hands International is a nonprofit hoping to raise funds to purchase 1000 goats for refugee families this fall. Ask for donations at your next friendly gathering. All donations made before October 31st will be doubled! (You can register a gathering or donate directly.)

This post includes affiliate links. Reading My Tea Leaves might earn a small commission on the goods purchased through those links.

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16 Comments

  • Reply McKenzie Allyshia October 16, 2019 at 2:05 pm

    I love everything about this post — the witchy gathering, giving back and supporting others, and all of the items you included in your list!

    1
    • Reply Lindsey October 17, 2019 at 10:43 am

      Hi Erin! Long time reader, infrequent commenter here. I love your blog so much! I’m just wondering if you have a personal relationship with Lifting Hands International? I want to do everything possible to help Syrian refugees, and have somewhat of a “coven” that loves to pitch in. I am however always a little skeptical with organizations like these. Heifer International comes to mind. I’ve donated farm animals to various places, later to come and find out that giving a family a cow/goat without adequate pasture land for it to graze/ any supplemental food And access to large amounts of water is just leading to animal suffering. I know with Heifer, there are even cases where the cows were starving, people were starving, but they didn’t have access to proper ways to slaughter and store the meat.
      I know you do so many great things, and try to be really mindful, so I’m just curious if you’ve had contact with them in any way. Don’t feel like you have to accept this comment, totally understand if you don’t, just would love to help, but am also nervous when it comes to donating goats. Thanks for all your hard work! Happy autumn!

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      • Reply ERIN BOYLE October 17, 2019 at 10:52 am

        Hi Lindsey! Thanks for your note! I learned about the October goat campaign being run through Lifting Hands International through a neighbor and internet pal, Linsey Laidlaw! She’s worked with them extensively and is someone I trust. The operation is also quite small and focused on gifting animals to particular families—Syrian refugees living in Jordan. I’m sure Linsey wouldn’t mind if you contacted her with questions though. She’s on instagram @linseylaidlaw if you’d like to reach out!

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      • Reply Kirsty October 17, 2019 at 12:43 pm

        If you are watching the news and are looking to support Syrians inside Syria who are really suffering right now you can also consider donating to Save the Children International or the International Rescue Committee – I have worked for both in Iraq and have been impressed by the amazing work their Syrian staff do in Syria’s North East.

        1
  • Reply Michela October 16, 2019 at 2:51 pm

    Lovely…hope nobody will accuse you of consumerism this time.

    1
    • Reply ERIN BOYLE October 16, 2019 at 3:04 pm

      All just a question of choices and resources &c. <3

      2
  • Reply kim m October 16, 2019 at 4:54 pm

    I discovered Seedlip this summer. A Godsend for a second pregnancy. For at least the first couple sips, I feel like I’m having a “real” drink.

    0
    • Reply ERIN BOYLE October 17, 2019 at 10:53 am

      Ah! I’ve only tried it once a few years ago, but I think I need a supply of my own!

      2
  • Reply Nala October 17, 2019 at 12:42 pm

    Hi Erin, I was wondering if you had any suggestions for other blogs that are similar to yours? I’ve been scouring the internet and haven’t really found anything that comes close… I’m so glad to have found your work and could use more of that energy in my life!

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  • Reply Annie October 17, 2019 at 12:44 pm

    Hi Erin,
    Are those bowls pasta bowl size?

    1
    • Reply ERIN BOYLE October 17, 2019 at 1:01 pm

      Yup! They’re the bowls we use most nights at dinner!

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    • Reply Jay October 17, 2019 at 5:01 pm

      We have those bowls and love them! Great for pasta, salad, and even soup!

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  • Reply Anon October 18, 2019 at 9:33 am

    Hi Erin! This comment is tangential at best, but on the theme of gathering friends, I wondered what your approach to playdates has been so far. Do your kids have friends over? My first child is only single-digit months old, and acquaintances seem to already want to arrange in-home playdates and playgroups. We love walking with other families and doing social activities, but having one or more other babies and their parents over to play just isn’t something we’re that interested in right now. Among other reasons, we live in a small home and share a similar philosophy w/r/t “stuff ” … simple, meaningful, cared-for; right now, our child has a small number of special toys. What has your experience been? Any tips for in-home baby/toddler/kid playdates … either doing or graciously declining?

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    • Reply ERIN BOYLE October 18, 2019 at 12:23 pm

      Hi there! I think like all things parenting, this is something that’s totally up to you! There’s absolutely no need to host folks to your house if it’s not something you want to do! For me, I don’t think the small number of toys has any real importance here, and I’d say no reason to let that stop you from hosting if you want to, but if you want to stick to out-of-the-house stuff, that’s great, too! Declining an invite is always something you can do, no elaborate explanation needed!

      2
  • Reply lisa October 19, 2019 at 8:55 pm

    thanks for highlighting Seedlip!
    As a non-drinker it is such a great option – I wish more bars and restaurants would carry this and have drinks with it on their menu like they do in other countries.

    1
  • Reply Kaitlyn October 20, 2019 at 5:01 pm

    In fitting with your theme: highly recommend the store HausWitch in Salem, MA if you haven’t heard of them yet. You can order items online!

    https://hauswitchstore.com

    1
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