Events & Celebrations
Autumn Equinox Celebration
Altar for the Autumn Equinox ceremony
Hi Everyone!
I wanted to share this description from Amy of our Autumn Equinox celebration with you all.
“It is hard to put into words at this moment how special yesterday was. I will free flow a bit though…
Jean sets up such beautiful sacred spaces.
Jean lead us in the rite of Alban Elfed (Autumn Equinox) it was my first time participating in a sacred ceremony like this.
It took place at her stone circle where we honored God, the four directions, the four elements, and each had an opportunity to share what we were harvesting in ourselves. We honored the elements of autumn, the momentary balance before entering the season of darkness.Jean prepared a script and each adult participated. There was also space for the children to participate which was so special. Before the ceremony began we took a basket into the woods and the children collected beautiful leaves, acorns, walnuts, mushrooms, and anything they found beautiful. They used these items in the ceremony to mark our circle.
After the ceremony we had a delicious potluck in which we all prepared food for. The food was nourishing to the body and spirit. We had wonderful conversation and continued our conversation during a leisurely child led walk in the woods, stopping at one of my kids’ favorite spots, a bridge Dan and Brennah made over a stream that was dried out at the moment. My kids played boat with some logs and old planks and it was so sweet to see that Ted accepted my kids’ invitation to join on their boat to the “southern oracle”
After long, drawn out good byes (Midwest style ) we departed with hearts full of joy and nourished spirits.”
Ted, Jean, and Amy
I didn’t get a picture of everyone who attended, but it was a beautiful time together. ❤️ Thank you all for being here and supporting the work of the Sanctuary! We love you all very much!
Wildflowers adorning the center of the stone circle
Jean
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Written by : Jean Cavanaugh
Jean Cavanaugh is the founder and steward of Crossing Hedgerows Sanctuary, established in 2019 as a living, learning community devoted to reconnecting people with the wisdom of nature, the sacred order of creation, and the presence of Christ within all life. Her work brings together spiritual formation, ecological stewardship, ancestral wisdom, and hands-on community practice.
Through years of practical work on the land, study of the Mysteries, and the healing of her own severe health challenges through natural methods, Jean has come to recognize God’s hand at work throughout creation. Her teachings, rooted in the Mystery School tradition and Christian gnosis, explore how the patterns of heaven, earth, and the human body reveal the way back to divine presence, peace, and inner strength.
Jean leads with honesty, integrity, and a deeply welcoming spirit, inviting others to let go of inherited assumptions and rediscover truth through lived experience and embodied understanding. She works with all ages—from preschoolers to elders—offering programs and celebrations that emphasize direct engagement with nature, music, story, homesteading skills, and in-person community.
She and her family live at the 21-acre Crossing Hedgerows Sanctuary, where daily life reflects a commitment to simplicity, beauty, and harmony with the land. The sanctuary includes gardens, woodland trails, a seasonal creek, gathering circles, and spaces designed to nourish both people and wildlife. Jean is especially passionate about creating environments that are grounding, beautiful, and spiritually restorative.
Through her writing and teaching, Jean encourages others to know themselves, know creation, and recognize Christ as the living truth present within and around us—always inviting a return to love, beauty, and the sacred order of life.
