autumn equinox

[PancakeGoddess]

Anyone doing anything special with the kids on hte 22nd? Academic, crafty, ritual-like, musical, whatever?

[RedWine]

I'm a Wiccan wanna-be, so I'm lurking...

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[Vermillion]

We’re going to go on a little nature walk and collect some things for a decoration basket. We’re also going to make a crafty floral centerpiece for our Mabon/Equinox dinner.

Harm None Paper Bouquets

Materials:
Autumn colored tissue paper, scissors, crayons, and pipe cleaners.

For each flower cut eight 3-1/2 in.squares. With side of crayon color down 2 opposite sides on each square. Lay on flat surface with colored sides at top and bottom. Start folding from the top, like a paper fan. Each pleat should be approx 1/2in wide. For the stems, bend a pipe cleaner 1-1/2in. from one end to form a hook. Place the pleated squares in a stack, and place the stack in the hook. Twist the hook around the stem. To open flower to full bloom, twist the petals a half-turn near the stem. (Thank children for beautiful vase of flowers that can be used on your alter for the Mabon ritual, and later a table center piece.)

[KimberMama]

I am hoping to find a nature story about the autumnal equinox. I'm also thinking I may take my children up where we can see fall color and perhaps pick apples. It is also the day we turn the season on the nature table, even though the weather outside may still be warm.

Kimberly

[PancakeGoddess]

Yea, there aren't many nice fall leaves out yet. I wish we were a little more north (what am I saying?!)

Vermillion -this sounds nice - any reason they're called Harm None?

[Mom4tot]

subbing....must get through this weekends Spy party for my 10 year old

[PancakeGoddess]

picture book
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...=UTF8&v=glance

[Vermillion]

Originally Posted by benjalo

Vermillion -this sounds nice - any reason they're called Harm None?

That particular craft idea was from a site for holiday ideas for Pagans & Wiccans. Of course the name could be modified to fit whatever you believe

Here is the site in case anyone is interested in other cute Mabon/Equinox ideas to do with kids.

http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/mabonchildren.htm

[UnschoolnMa]

We have a nice dinner and dessert, as we almost always do on the sabbats. Dd and I like to read Harvest Home, Autumn Equinox, Possum's Harvest Moon, and anything new that catch our eye.

We will be making corn husk dolls and maybe apple dolls too.

[LeftField]

Unfortunately, it will still likely be very hot here, not autumn-like at all. Autumn is my favorite season and it doesn't feel like autumn here until, well, winter. Nevertheless, we will do some things on the 22nd. I wanted to start a nature table this year, and ds1 is game, so we'll start putting it together then. It's really a deep wooden tray, but we'll start setting it up, even though we won't actually have real autumn items available yet due to it being very hot here. We'll do the playsilk and talk about plans.

Also, the kids picked out autumn cling-film things that they wanted for the windows, so we'll probably put those up then. Maybe we'll cook something special. I bought a pie-pumpkin the other day for pumpkin bread, but it won't last until the 22nd.

[wynkenblynken&nod]

Quote:
Originally Posted by benjalo
Vermillion -this sounds nice - any reason they're called Harm None?



The Wiccan Rede is: An it harm none, do what thou will. Therefore, the Harm None crafts and themes.

We plan to explore the creek nearby and collect pinecones and weave them together with a pretty ribbon to make a wreath for door. We also plan to make lunch for Sugar of dandelions the children pick along the way. I wish I knew how to weave baskets so I could make shallow ones that are easy for them to carry and collect them. Perhaps that would be a good hs lesson!

We are going to give ourselves a natural and "free" day as well, only eating unprocessed foods (and no meat) : and going only where our two feet (or two tires) can carry us.

We plan to speak only kind words, think only kind thoughts and love ourselves and everyone. These are things we would like to do every day, but being the humans we are, sometimes we need to be put back on track.

With love,

Olivia

[PancakeGoddess]

oooh, I'm so glad I posted this questions - all answers have been very inspiring!

[Blissful Bee]

We are working on ideas this weekend. But we will be doing things each day leading up to it. Taking a hike, reading Autumnal stories, painting pictures of Autumn for our Nature Table background, gathering things for the Nature Table change-over, including making our Autumn version of Mother Nature and preparing little things for our Equinox Harvest Dinner.

I love the links and Ideas on here. Im gonna keep checking for things on this thread.

[mom2kbeth]

We always make things for each family member that we will use at night, since after Mabon, the dark hours outnumber the light. We haven' decided what we are making this year yet. If I have time, i will sew up a pair of new pjs for each kiddo (and possibly myself) and let the kiddos stamp them with fall stamps and fabric paints. Last year, McKenna made herself a body pillow, it was her first experience sewing on the machine. She also started a quilt, but lost interest when it was only about 3 squares big :LOL . We will have a fall harvest dinner as we always do, then go outside and light a fire in our fire pit and spread out a blanket and read some good stories while the sun goes down on Mabon. Last year we went to a drum circle at a nature center not too far from here, but this year, I want to do something just the three of us at home

[eminer]

Wow Bonnie, can I come to your house? That sounds like a lot of fun!

Thanks everyone, I'm loving all these ideas.

[Ravin]

I patently refuse to celebrate the coming of autumn when the weather is still in the triple digits.

[luv my 2 sweeties]

Originally Posted by wynkenblynken&nod

We plan to explore the creek nearby and collect pinecones and weave them together with a pretty ribbon to make a wreath for door.

Olivia, could you please give some more detail about how to make such a wreath? We always find lots of pinecones, and I never know what to do with them all. The wreath idea sounds wonderful (and easy!) Thanks!

We aren't Wiccan, but I like the idea of recognizing the equinoxes and solstices and doing some "traditional" crafts or activities around them, so I'm enjoying this thread!

[Vermillion]

Originally Posted by luv my 2 sweeties

Olivia, could you please give some more detail about how to make such a wreath? We always find lots of pinecones, and I never know what to do with them all. The wreath idea sounds wonderful (and easy!) Thanks!

I know you didn’t ask me… But we’re doing a similar wreath for Samhain so I figured I’d post the directions in case you (or anyone else) is interested in this project-

Materials:
Items from Nature, fine wire, sheet of corrugated cardboard, collection sack, small nail.

First, take a Nature hike. Have the child collect items from nature, such as pine cones, seeds, leaves, berry bunches (remind the child how important it is to thank the plant for its gift, and to take only what is needed.), acorns and caps, flowers, etc. When you get home, spread out collection on some newspaper. Cut out a circle about 15" in diameter, from the cardboard. Cut a smaller circle out of the middle. Have the child choose which objects go where on the cardboard background, and hand the object to you. Wrap the wire around each object so it can be fastened to the cardboard. Poke two small holes in the cardboard ring for each item. Feed the wire through and twist in back. Keep fastening objects onto the ring until it is full and no cardboard shows. Hang the wreath on the front door with the nail. (Explain that "wreaths of bounty" used to symbolize giving thanks for a prosperous year, and an invitation for others less fortunate to share in the good fortune.)

[wynkenblynken&nod]

My way is kind of boring, lol!

I just weave and knot ribbon or raffia through the petals of the pinecones around a grapevine wreath...or sometimes just by themselves (though this makes more of an oval, lol). I don't like to use glue or wire, but I will use thread (particularly on the acorns...ribbon doesn't hold them well), knowing that everything on there is kind of "used" by mother nature. It is an extra good feeling when everything is natural.

I really like this website though...it gives a good idea of what to do and it is earth friendly.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/libra...g_Fall_Wreaths


Have fun!

[BoobyJuice]

Originally Posted by Ravin

I patently refuse to celebrate the coming of autumn when the weather is still in the triple digits.

yup, we're in Arizona and don't do much. We celebrate spring, summer and winter but dont do anything for autumn, Plus my son's birthday is the 21st so we're usually out of it.

I like all the ideas though.