{"id":30,"date":"2026-09-13T16:30:59","date_gmt":"2026-09-13T22:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clan.mountainhearth.org\/?p=30"},"modified":"2026-09-13T16:30:59","modified_gmt":"2026-09-13T22:30:59","slug":"mabon-gathering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clan.mountainhearth.org\/?p=30","title":{"rendered":"Mabon Gathering"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\ud83c\udf99\ufe0f THE MOUNTAIN CLAN \u2014 MONTHLY MEETUP

Podcast \/ Livestream: Mabon & The Ancestral Pantry

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Air Date: September 13th, 2026

Duration: 15 mins

Host: Randalin Moore (Mountain Herbalist)

Location: Bitterroot Public Library, Hamilton, MT

Theme: Mabon, Balance, and the Ancestral Pantry

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\ud83d\udccb EPISODE SUMMARY

We gather at the threshold of Mabon \u2014 the Autumn Equinox \u2014 where day and night stand in perfect balance. This is the second harvest, the season of the Crone, and the time to honor the grain, the gleanings, and the hands that harvested before us.

In this episode, we explore:

\u00b7 Mabon & The Crone \u2014 The spiritual significance of the Autumn Equinox and the wisdom of the wise woman
\u00b7 Ancestor Veneration \u2014 Setting up a Harvest Ancestor Altar and a guided meditation to reach the ancestral farmers
\u00b7 Sourdough Deep-Dive \u2014 Wintering your starter, hydration ratios, and using discard with zero waste
\u00b7 The 3-Tier Pantry System \u2014 Short-term, mid-term, and long-term food storage for resilient living
\u00b7 Long-Term Grain Storage \u2014 Mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, and the calm presence of a well-organized pantry
\u00b7 Closing Ritual \u2014 The Gratitude Fire and a blessing for the dark months ahead

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\ud83d\udd6f\ufe0f SEGMENT 1: OPENING SACRED CIRCLE

Host:

“Good afternoon, Clan. Welcome home.

Whether this is your first time stepping into our circle or you’ve been here since the first seed was planted \u2014 you are seen, you are valued, and you belong here.

My name is Randalin, or The Mountain Herbalist, and I am honored to hold this space for you tonight. This is our once-a-month gathering \u2014 a place where we build the future, honor the land, and protect each other.

We are a cohesive, inclusive, skills-based training group.

We practice radical inclusion \u2014 we are anti-racist, anti-homophobic, and anti-transphobic. Neurodivergent, LGBTQIA2S+, polyamorous, and pagan individuals and families are warmly welcomed here.

We practice Pagan spirituality and witchcraft \u2014 earth-based spirituality, folk magic, ritual craft, and seasonal observances. This is a living tradition, shared across generations and open to all paths within the Pagan umbrella.

We train in preparedness and self-sufficiency \u2014 survival skills, emergency drills, and sustainable living.

We share skills \u2014 from food preservation and land stewardship to first aid and fire safety. Every skill has value.

We honor respect and consent \u2014 personal boundaries are sacred here, and we practice open, honest communication.

We hold each other accountable \u2014 under our Charter’s Three-Strike Policy, we ensure a safe, confidential, and supportive environment.

And we protect confidentiality \u2014 the privacy and security of this Clan is paramount.

So this afternoon, as we gather in this sacred circle, let us do so with intention, with humility, and with open hearts.

Light a candle if you have one. Settle into your seat. Take a breath with me.

(Pause \u2014 5 seconds)

We are here. We are together. Let’s begin.”

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\ud83c\udf3e SEGMENT 2: REVIEW & SEASONAL FOCUS \u2014 LAMMAS RECAP

Host:

“Now, before we step fully into tonight’s focus, we move from the first cutting of the grain to the full harvest. From the beginning of abundance to the wisdom of storing it well.

Now, take a breath with me. Feel the shift in the air. The wheel has turned, and we are ready.”

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\ud83c\udf12 SEGMENT 3: MONTHLY ROTATING PAGAN DEEP-DIVE \u2014 MABON & THE CRONE

Host:

“Let’s ground ourselves in the season.

Mabon is the second of three harvest festivals in the Pagan Wheel of the Year. Lammas \u2014 the first harvest \u2014 was about the grain, the early fruits, the first cutting of the wheat. Mabon is the full harvest: the apples are heavy on the trees, the squash is cured, the corn is dried and ready for milling. And Samhain, the third and final harvest, will be the culling of the livestock and the final storing before the deep freeze of winter.

But Mabon is special. It is a moment of balance. Day and night stand equal. There is a stillness in the air \u2014 a pause \u2014 where we can look back at what we’ve sown and reaped, and look forward at what we need to carry us through the dark months.

Honoring the Crone:

This is the season of the Crone \u2014 not the hag of fairy tales, but the wise woman, the grandmother, the one who has walked the cycles enough times to know that death and rebirth are simply two sides of the same coin.

She is the keeper of the bones. She knows how to preserve, how to heal, and how to let go. She is the one who says, ‘Yes, the garden is dying. But look \u2014 there are seeds in the pods, and the root cellar is full.’

So this afternoon, I invite you to honor that energy within yourself \u2014 the part of you that is tired from the growing season, but also deeply wise. The part of you that knows winter is coming and is preparing, not out of fear, but out of love for your future self.

Ancestor Veneration \u2014 The Harvest Altar:

This is a powerful practice during harvest season because our ancestors \u2014 especially those before the industrial age \u2014 lived and died by the rhythm of the grain. They knew hunger. They knew abundance. They knew the weight of a full pantry and the terror of an empty one.

So this afternoon, I want to guide you through setting up a simple Harvest Ancestor Altar.

You don’t need anything fancy. A corner of your kitchen table, a shelf, or even the top of a wooden crate will do. Lay down a cloth \u2014 autumn colors if you have them: gold, deep orange, russet brown.

Place these offerings:

\u00b7 Apples \u2014 for sweetness, memory, and the orchard’s gift.
\u00b7 Gourds or small pumpkins \u2014 for abundance and the earth’s womb.
\u00b7 Dried corn or wheat sheaves \u2014 for the grain, the staff of life.
\u00b7 A candle \u2014 to light the way for the spirits.
\u00b7 A glass of water \u2014 to quench the thirst of those who traveled far.

And if you have photos, heirlooms, or tools from your grandparents or great-grandparents, place them there too. A wooden spoon, a hand-stitched cloth, a worn knife \u2014 these are gateways.

This altar is not for show. It is an invitation. You are saying: ‘I remember you. I am here because you were here. Please, come and feast with me.’

Guided Meditation \u2014 Reaching the Ancestral Farmers:

Let’s take this deeper. Close your eyes if you feel safe to do so \u2014 or soften your gaze and look into the flame of your candle.

(Pause 5 seconds \u2014 lower voice, slower pace)

Take a deep breath in… and a long breath out.

Feel the weight of your body. Feel your feet on the floor. Imagine roots growing down from the soles of your feet \u2014 deep into the earth \u2014 past the topsoil, past the clay, down into the dark, cool places where the bones of the ancestors rest.

Now, bring your awareness to your hands. Open them. Feel the air against your palms.

Imagine you are standing in a field. It’s late summer. The sun is warm on your shoulders, and the wheat is golden \u2014 tall and heavy with grain. The air smells like dry grass and dust and sweetness.

Look across the field. You see figures moving \u2014 bending, cutting, binding the sheaves. They are your people. They are the farmers, the herbalists, the hearth-keepers.

You walk toward them. They do not turn away. One of them \u2014 an older woman with strong, weathered hands \u2014 looks up and meets your eyes. She is not surprised to see you. She has been waiting.

She holds out a handful of grain. She places it in your open palm. It is warm. It is heavy. It is the life of her people, passed from her hands to yours.

She says nothing \u2014 but you feel her meaning: ‘This is yours now. Take care of it. Feed your people. And when the winter comes, remember \u2014 we survived. So will you.’

Now, let her take something from you. In your heart, offer her your gratitude. Offer her the memory of your life, your struggles, your small harvests. She accepts.

She nods. She turns back to the field.

Let the image fade gently. Feel your feet on the floor again. Feel your breath. And when you are ready, open your eyes.

(Pause 5 seconds)

Welcome back.

Carry that grain with you. And tonight, when you sit down to your Mabon feast \u2014 no matter how humble \u2014 set a place for the spirits. A small plate. A bite of everything. Say their names silently in your heart.

This is how we keep them alive. This is how they keep us alive.”

—

\ud83c\udf5e SEGMENT 4: HOMESTEAD SKILL SHARE \u2014 THE GRAIN & THE GLUT

Host:

“Alright, Clan. Let’s shift gears \u2014 from the spiritual kitchen to the actual kitchen, because one nourishes the other.

I want to start with the beating heart of any homestead baker: the sourdough starter.

PART 1 \u2014 SOURDOUGH STARTER

Think about this for a moment. You are capturing wild yeast \u2014 living organisms that float through the air in your home \u2014 and you are cultivating them. You are their keeper, and they are yours. That is earth-based spirituality at its most intimate.

Starting from Scratch:

If you don’t have a starter yet, it’s so simple. Mix equal parts flour and water by weight \u2014 100 grams of each \u2014 in a glass jar. Cover loosely. Leave it on your counter. Every 24 hours, discard half and feed it again. In about 5 to 7 days, it will start bubbling and smelling tangy and sour. That is the magic. That is the wild yeast waking up.

Feeding Schedules & Hydration Ratios:

Once your starter is active, you can keep it on the counter if you bake frequently \u2014 feed it once a day, ideally at the same time. The ratio I recommend is 1:1:1 \u2014 that’s starter, flour, water \u2014 all equal weights.

But let’s talk about hydration because this matters. A 100% hydration starter is equal parts flour and water \u2014 loose, like thick pancake batter. If you drop it to 80% hydration \u2014 more flour, less water \u2014 it will be stiffer, and that stiff starter can be stored in the fridge for longer without going hungry.

Wintering Your Starter:

As the cold months approach, your starter will slow down. The yeast is like you \u2014 it wants to sleep. So here’s my advice for winter:

\u00b7 Use lukewarm water \u2014 around 80\u00b0F \u2014 to wake it up during feeds.
\u00b7 Find the warmest spot in your house \u2014 on top of the fridge, near the woodstove, or in the oven with the light on.
\u00b7 If you’re not baking weekly, stiffen the starter (drop hydration to 70-75%) and store it in the fridge. Feed it once every 10 to 14 days.
\u00b7 When you’re ready to bake again, take it out, give it two warm feeds, and it will bounce back like a champ.

Using Discard \u2014 No Waste:

And please, don’t throw away your discard. That tangy, fermented goodness makes:

\u00b7 Crispy sourdough crackers \u2014 just mix with olive oil, salt, and herbs, roll thin, and bake.
\u00b7 Fluffy sourdough pancakes or waffles \u2014 the acidity gives them a beautiful tang.
\u00b7 Sourdough quick breads \u2014 add baking soda to neutralize the acid, and you’ll get a lovely rise without any yeast.

Every bit of discard is a gift. Use it. That’s what our ancestors did \u2014 they wasted nothing.

PART 2 \u2014 THE 3-TIER PANTRY & GRAIN STORAGE

Now, let’s zoom out from the bread and look at the bigger picture \u2014 the 3-Tier Pantry system. This is the structure that turns a cluttered cabinet into a survival machine.

Tier 1 \u2014 Short-Term (Weekly Supplies):

This is your working pantry. The things you reach for every day.

\u00b7 Fresh produce (root vegetables, apples, winter squash)
\u00b7 Eggs and dairy
\u00b7 A jar of your sourdough starter
\u00b7 Open bags of flour, salt, and oil
\u00b7 Your go-to spices

This tier gets replenished weekly from your mid-term stock. Think of it as the front line.

Tier 2 \u2014 Mid-Term (3 Months):

This is your backup. The things you buy in bulk but rotate through regularly.

\u00b7 Canned goods \u2014 tomatoes, fruit, beans in brine
\u00b7 Oils, lard, and rendered fats
\u00b7 Sugar, honey, and maple syrup
\u00b7 Vinegars and soy sauce
\u00b7 Pasta and rolled oats

Rule of thumb: When you buy a new jar or bag, it goes behind the old one. That’s First-In, First-Out. You are always using the oldest stock first, which means nothing expires in the dark.

Tier 3 \u2014 Long-Term (Emergency Storage):

This is your deep pantry. The stuff that will keep you alive if the roads close or the stores run empty.

Here is your essentials list:

\u00b7 Grains \u2014 wheat berries, white rice, oats, cornmeal (store whole grains \u2014 they last longer than milled flour)
\u00b7 Dried legumes \u2014 lentils, black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas
\u00b7 Salt \u2014 both fine and coarse
\u00b7 Fats \u2014 ghee, coconut oil, or lard in sealed containers
\u00b7 Sugar or honey \u2014 natural preservatives
\u00b7 Dried fruit \u2014 apples, raisins, apricots
\u00b7 Freeze-dried or canned meat \u2014 if you eat it

Storage Methods:

For long-term grain storage, you have two options:

1. Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers \u2014 these are your best bet. Put your grain in a Mylar bag, drop in a 300cc or 500cc oxygen absorber, seal it with a hair straightener, and it will keep for 10 to 25 years.
2. Food-grade 5-gallon buckets \u2014 with gamma lids. Good for grains you’ll rotate through within 1-3 years.

Important: Always store your grains in a cool, dark, dry place. Heat and light degrade fats and oils \u2014 including the tiny amount of oil in wheat \u2014 and that leads to rancidity. And rancid grain is wasted grain.
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\ud83d\udd25 SEGMENT 5: CLOSING RITUAL \u2014 THE GRATITUDE FIRE

Host:

“As we move toward the end of our formal session, I want to bring us back to the spiritual \u2014 to the hearth fire at the center of it all.

Please, take a moment. If you have a candle, light it. If you have a piece of grain \u2014 a kernel of wheat, a dried bean, a seed \u2014 hold it in your hand.

Take a deep breath in… and exhale slowly.

I’m going to speak a blessing, and I invite you to repeat it silently in your heart \u2014 or whisper it if you feel moved.”

“I give thanks for the grain that feeds me.
I give thanks for the hands that harvested it \u2014 past, present, and future.
I give thanks for the ancestors who walked this path before me.
And I give thanks for my own hands, which will carry the work forward.

As the wheel turns toward winter, I do not turn away.
I walk into the dark with a full pantry and a full heart.

So be it. So it is.”

(Pause)

“Let that settle. Hold that intention for one more breath.

Clan, I want to leave you with this:

We are not alone. We never were. The ancestors walk with us. The land holds us. And we hold each other.

When you leave this space, carry the grain \u2014 not just the flour in your pantry, but the wisdom, the gratitude, and the connection we’ve woven here.

Check on your neighbors. Share your surplus. Tend your starter. And when the winter wind blows, remember \u2014 we are a Clan. We survive together.

Blessed be, and blessed harvest.”

(Music swells gently \u2014 warm, folk-style instrumental)

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\ud83d\udccc KEY TAKEAWAYS

Topic Takeaway
Mabon The Autumn Equinox is a moment of balance \u2014 honor the Crone and the wisdom of preparation
Ancestor Altar Simple offerings (apples, grain, candle, water) create a gateway for connection
Sourdough Wild yeast is a living connection to ancestors \u2014 feed it, winter it, use every bit of discard
3-Tier Pantry Short-term, mid-term, long-term \u2014 structure prevents waste and panic
Grain Storage Mylar bags + oxygen absorbers = 10-25 year shelf life for whole grains
Calm Presence A well-organized pantry is fire safety, mental peace, and grounded action

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\ud83d\udcec CONNECT WITH THE MOUNTAIN CLAN

Build the Future. Honor the Land. Protect Each Other.

\ud83d\udce7 Email: Council_of_Five@proton.me

\ud83d\udcf1 Signal: [Available upon request]

\ud83d\udccd Location: Bitterroot Public Library, Hamilton, MT

\ud83d\udcc5 Next Meetup: Samhain \u2014 October 14th, 2026, 6-8pm

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DISCLAIMER: This is an independent, non-profit sanctuary group. By attending, you agree to abide by our Community Compact and respect the confidentiality of all members and location details. Serious violations will result in immediate expulsion. This is a family-friendly, multi-generational space. All Pagan traditions are honored; no proselytizing or dogma required.

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Blessed be, and blessed harvest. \ud83c\udf3e\ud83d\udd25

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#MountainClan #PaganPodcast #Mabon #AncestralPantry #Sourdough #Homesteading #MutualAid #SkillSharing #AncestorVeneration #BitterrootValley #HamiltonMT #WheelOfTheYear #HarvestSeason #Preparedness #SelfSufficiency #CroneWisdom<\/p>\n\n\n\n