Samhain Countdown Day 16

Samhain Activities

• Honor Ancestors and Deceased Loved Ones

  • set up an ancestor altar

  • if you can not put up an actual altar just place their pictures in places that you will see them

• Offerings for the Spirits

  • favourite food

  • favourite liquor

  • favourite drink

  • small trinkets

• Attend or Host a Bonfire for Samhain

  • if this is not possible light a candle for the entirety of your ritual

• Feasting to Celebrate Samhain

  • like Lughnasadh and Mabon, Samhain is a harvest festival (the last one)

  • often utilizing harvest from the garden

• Silent Supper

  • also known as ‘dumb supper’

  • this is, as it’s called, a silent supper, inviting your ancestors to eat with you

• Divination

  • the veil is thinning, this is the perfect time to use your ancestors to aide in your divination

• Dressing up in Costumes

  • yes the age-old Halloween traditions have roots in Samhain

  • it was done for Samhain to confuse evil spirits

• Turnip or Pumpkin Carving

  • usually done to ward off the evil spirits

  • originally done with turnips

• Going on a Nature Walk

  • this can be paired with a cemetery walk

• Prepare for Winter

  • this could mean different things to different people, for me this is all about winterizing my garden and making sure I have all my ‘winter’ clothing accessible

• Go on a Lantern Walk

  • you can use a premade one or make your own

  • carry a lantern on a dark night

    • I would do this with a partner

    • use the buddy system

• Apple Divination (yes I did get this one from Charmed, but it works)

  • Peel the apple, keeping the peel in one long piece

  • when the peel comes off, drop it into a bowl of water

  • the letter it forms is the first initial of your true love's name

• Meditate

  • this can be done with a candle meditation as well

• Journal about the Year

  • as this is the Witch’s New Year write a journal about how this year went

  • or start a new one for the next year

• Watch Halloween Movies

  • this one is a must!

Samhain Countdown Day 15

Chicken Bacon Beer Soup

Fall, in my opinion, is soup season, so why not have some wonderful, simple, homemade soup!

And, I know usually someone would go for a pumpkin or squash soup for this Sabbatt. However, I thought I could give you my favourite soup.

As a note I usually make this after I make my Rotisserie Style Crockpot Chicken and I make everything in the crockpot, including the stock. However, this is not necessary and I will give you both versions.

If you are looking for a small batch I would suggest the second recipe, as the rotisserie style crockpot version makes quite a bit.

What you will need (with rotisserie chicken).

• bones from rotisserie chicken (this is a whole chicken recipe);

• water, enough to cover chicken bones

• 1 carton (900ml) no salt added chicken stock

• beer, 1 tall can or 2 regular cans

• 2 carrots, finely chopped or pureed

• 3 large potatoes, diced

• 1 cup bacon bits (more or less depending on your preference)

• 1 - 2 cups shredded chicken

• salt, to taste

• pepper, to taste

Method;

• in your crock pot place the bones, water chicken stock and beer

• cook on low for 3 hrs or on high for 1 hr

• remove chicken bones from liqud and strain

• place liquid back in crockpot and add carrots and potatoes, cook until the veggies are soft (usually another hour and a bit)

• once veggies are soft, blend all ingredients smooth

• add chicken pieces, bacon, salt and pepper at the very end

• enjoy

What you will need (with whole chicken breasts);

• 1 large onion (chopped)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 carton (900ml) no salt added chicken stock)

• 1 cup milk

• beer, 1/2 tall can or 1 regular can

• 1 carrot, finely chopped or pureed

• 2 large potatoes, diced

• salt (to taste)

• pepper (to taste)

• 2 cups chicken breast or rotisserie chicken

• 1/2 cup bacon bits (more or less depending on your preference)

Method;

• in a pan cook of the chicken breast and set aside (if you are using the already cooked chicken, skip this part)

• sweat off the onion and galic and cook until translucent

• add milk, beer, potatoes, carrots and chicken stock to the mixture

• cook until veggies are soft

• blend until smooth (you can leave it as a chunky soup if you prefer that)

• add chicken, bacon, salt and pepper at the very end

• enjoy

Samhain Countdown Day 13

Samhain Ritual Bath

Baths are wonderful, simple ways, to enjoy a sabbatt. I am fortunate enough to have a bathtub to use for this (unfortunately not the claw foot tub I used to but one that will work). However, you are able to use this if you only have a shower as well, just place in cheesecloth and place near shower head or use muslin bag. As I have said many times before, scent is a personal thing, so if none of these scents jive with you please refer to the correpondences page in order to get sabbatt appropriate scents that you do enjoy. You can even mix this ahead of time.

What you will need;

• 2 C epsom salts

• 1/2 tsp rosemary

• 1/2 tsp sage

• 1/2 tsp dried apple pieces

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy.

Add candles (or other lights) for ambiance and grab your favourite drink.

Samhain Countdown Day 14

Candle Meditation

As a witch with ADHD, I find it very difficult to meditate as my mind likes to wander off. Although I have now found ways to get around that, or rather work with it, not against it.

In my current meditation, I have found that it is best to focus on an object, rather than try to clear my mind (this has the opposite effect and my mind becomes more cluttered, and anxiety sets in).

What you will need;

• a candle of your choice

  • you can colour correspond this for the best results

• candle holder

• journal

• pen

What to do;

• light candle

• sit in a comfortable position, for me this is sitting on a pillow on the floor with the candle on a table ( large dog with heavy tail makes this necessary)

• stare into flame until you feel the pull

• when you come out of the meditation, write down what you remember from it

Samhain Countdown Day 12

Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

I know I know; I said that I didn’t like pumpkin, and that statement still stands. However, I know some people like pumpkin seeds and I use this in a small batch to use as offerings for some of mu ancestors who enjoy them so I thought I would pop in my recipe here.

What you will need;

• 1/2 C pumpkin seeds

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp cumin

• 2 tsp melted butter or oil of your choice

Method;

• Preheat oven to 300 F

• Coat pumpkin seeds in the butter or oil and spread on the baking sheet

• Bake for 45 Min

• In a bowl combine the rest of your salt, pepper, herbs and spices

• Immediately when seeds are done toss seeds into spice mix and give the bowl a few shakes

• Place mix through sieve and enjoy

Samhain Countdown Day 11

Apple Rings

I associate the taste of fall with apples, not pumpkin. As I am not a fan of the pumpkin smell or taste (unless it is pumpkin pie) I tend to lean towards things that are more apple flavoured.

These apple rings are like a sweet onion ring and hit all the right places to be considered ‘fall’ for me.

What you will need;

• 2 large apples (the type is up to you but plese note they are getting cooked so they will soften)

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1/8 tsp baking powder

• 1/8 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp white sugar

• 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk mixed with splash white vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk and want)

• 1 large egg (or smaller)

For the cinnamon sugar;

• 1/4 cup white sugar

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Method;

• In a mixing bowl whisk together all your dry ingredients and set aside.

• In a separate bowl whisk together milk, egg and add vanilla whisk this mixture until well combined.

• Combine your milk mixture and flour mixture.

• Cut out the middle part of the apple and slice. I use an apple coarer but a small round cookie cutter once they are sliced wors as well.

• In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat to 375˚F degrees (you want to choose an oil with a high smoke point like canola)

• Dip the apple rings in the batter then transfer them to the skillet and cook in batches, no more than 1 to 2 minutes per slice, or until golden, turning once to cook the other side.

• In a shallow bowl combine sugar and cinnamon; mix well.

• Coat the rings in the cinnamon sugar mixture (do this while they are still hot as it will stick much better)

• Serve immediately and Enjoy.

Samhain Countdown Day 10

Soul Cakes

You may be asking yourself ‘What are soul cakes?’ Soul Cakes are small round cakes with sweet spices. They tend to resemble a shortbread biscuit.

While used around Samhain now they were originally introduced for All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day.

Ingredients;

• 2 eggs

• 2 C flour (almond and oat flour can be used as substitutes)

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 C milk (almond or oat milk works as well)

• 1/2 C sugar, maple syrup or honey

• 1/2 (1 stick) C butter

• a splash of vanilla extract

* you can add raisins and other dried fruits and nuts but they are optional (1/2 C total)

Method;

• preheat oven to 400 F

• in a medium bowl cream together sugar, vanilla, and butter (this step can be done in a mixer if you have one)

• separate the eggs and add their yolks to the mixture, reserve the whites, and blend until combined

• in a saucepan on the stove heat milk until hot to the touch (DO NOT BOIL)

• in a small bowl mix together your dry ingredients

• add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients (do not include the milk just yet) until it crumbles

• gradually add the milk until a soft dough forms

• turn the dough onto a clean flat surface and knead until uniform

• roll out dough to about 1/2 inch and cut out shapes.

• brush the tops of the shapes with the egg whites you set aside

• bake for 15 minutes or until golden

Samhain Countdown Day 9

Divination Tea Recipe

Quite a few herbs can be used to help with divination. However, I will only stick with the kitchen herbs and flowers that are easier to obtain, as not everyone can get or afford the ones you have to order.

Like with most foods and beverages, a lot of the process of creating tea is based on your taste preference and what you wish to accomplish.

These are some ideas that you can use to make your tea;

• Base tea - Black, Rooibos, or Breen teas work best here

• Rose

• Bay leaf

• Dandelion

• Star Anise

• Cinnamon

• Lavender

• Nutmeg

• Honey - Mainly for taste and if you need to sweeten your tea

Please note that a few of these herbs can be harmful or toxic in high doses so please do your own research and investigation if they are right for you.

* As per usual please be very careful when thinking of ingesting herbs, plants, and flowers

**Please consult your family doctor or a professional if you are not certain of anything

Samhain Countdown Day 8

How to Read Tarot with Playing Cards

The origins of Tarot cards can be traced back to the 15th century. When looking at a Tarot deck you notice that The cards themselves originally emerged in Europe, however, the decks were primarily used for playing card games. So why can we not use modern cards to read Tarot?

We can!

This is called Cartomancy (yes this is what Tarot is as well).

All you have to do is read the playing cards like the Tarot Minor Arcana. This includes the joker cards, these are interpreted as the fool card of the Major Arcana.

• Hearts are the cups

• Spades, like the swords

• Diamonds, are pentacles

• Clubs correspond with wands

The numbers on the cards also correspond. These are the correspondences for just the number cards

• Ace: Beginning, attributes of the card suit

• 2: Relationship, balance

• 3: Connections, growth

• 4: Foundation, stability

• 5: Change, challenge, imbalance

• 6: Harmony, success

• 7: Wisdom, spirituality, choices

• 8: Organization, movement, stagnation

• 9: Realization, understanding

• 10: Completion, transition to something new

On the other hand the face cards correspond with specific people or situations;

• Knave (jack) of hearts: Romantic partner; confidante

• Knave (jack) of spades: Focused, clever

• Knave (jack) of clubs: Adventurer, risk-taker

• Knave (jack) of diamonds: Grounded, serious

• Queen of hearts: Kind, nurturing woman

• Queen of spades: Honest woman

• Queen of clubs: Passionate, ambitious woman

• Queen of diamonds: Practical, helpful woman

• King of hearts: Wise, calm man

• King of spades: Calculating man

• King of clubs: Inspirational man

• King of diamonds: Hard-working, rich man

You can use these in any style of card layout instead of using the traditional tarot because they can be pricey.

Samhain Countdown Day 7

Black Salt Recipe (Samhain Specific)

You got to take a look at how I build my black salt for Mabon. Now it’s time to use what we learned from the recipe to make one for Samhain

Like with the Mabon salt, I will tailor this black salt to the season that we are in.

Again this is a ‘build with your heart and what you have’ type of recipe.

What you will need;

• jar of your choosing

• ashes from your ritual fires or incense

  • charcoal disks or powder can also be used if you do not have ash

  • you can also use black food dye, however, this requires an extra step of spreading it out onto a baking sheet and waiting a couple of days to make sure the salt is dry

• any of the following herbs and flowers;

  • calendula

  • cinnamon

  • cloves

  • mugwort (to aid in divination)

  • pine needles

  • rosemary (for remembrance of our ancestors)

  • sage (I use the sage from my garden)

  • tarragon

  • allspice

  • dried apple

• incense to cleanse your jar;

  • copal

  • sandalwood

  • mastic resin

  • benzoin

  • sage (I use a bundle of the cooking sage I grow)

  • cloves

  • myrrh

  • patchouli

How to build your jar;

1. pick the size and style of the jar you wish to use

2. cleanse the jar with the incense of your choosing (if you cannot cleanse with smoke use your simmer pot steam for this step)

3. if you are using a charcoal disk you may want to grind it up first

4. in a bowl (or in the jar itself but I find the bowl mixes better) mix in desired herbs and the ashes (or charcoal)

5. use in spells during the season where it calls for black salt

Samhain Countdown Day 6

Four Corners House Protection (Samhain Edition)

It is that time of the year that I want my house to be extra secure. Every month I renew my house protection charms. They are mostly always the same except for around the Sabbats.

Around Samhain (usually in the first week) I put up (yes up because my dog will knock them over if they are on the floor) my protection bowls in the corners.

This can be done in a full home space, just one room, or just around your altar space. There are no rules against it.

What you will need;

• 4 small bowls (I use the 4 pack of glass from Dollar Tree but there is a pack of metal ones from Dollarama that will work as well, especially if you have cats or animals that could knock them over)

• 4 plates (again I use glass but you can also use aluminum disposable pie pans or small tart pans)

  • this is to catch any overflow during the month because I have always had them start to crystalize around the bowl

• salt (I use either sea salt or Himalayan pink salt but whatever you have will work)

• 4 sticks of cinnamon (if you have just powder you can just add it directly to the salt)

• 4 bay leaves

• 4 whole cloves (again if powdered is all you have/can find just add it in with the salt)

• 4 quartz crystals (or any darker crystal if you want to absorb negative energy like onyx (make sure the crystals you use can touch water)

• water (I use my moon water but normal will do if that is all you have)

How to;

• cleanse bowls and plates with incense of your choice (I like using ones associated with the Sabbat)

• add salt to all bowls, only about halfway up

  • if you are using powdered herbs here is the time to add them

• add a small bit of the moon water to the dish (not too much or it overflows faster)

• add bay leaf, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks to your bowl

  • if you would like to write a word or symbol on the bay leaves you can also do that

• place the 4 bowls (on the plates) in the 4 corners of your house or space

Samhain Countdown Day 5

Samhain Incense

Like the simmer pot incense is very much to a person’s taste and preference in scent. A person who likes woody scents may not enjoy floral or sweet scents. And so forth.

Here are some Samhain herbs that you can use to make your incense to your taste;

• bay leaf

• cinnamon

• cloves

• dried garlic

• dried ginger

• mugwort (to aid in divination)

• pine needles

• rosemary (for remembrance of our ancestors)

• sage

• tarragon

• wild ginseng

• allspice

*this is just a loose incense and should be used with a charcoal disk. For other ideas check out the incense episode exclusive to Patreon

Samhain Countdown Day 4

Samhain Simmer Pot

Some people cannot use incense in their ritual practice. That’s ok! We got you! You can use a Samhain simmer pot instead.

Simmer pots are very much to a person’s taste and preference in scent. A person who likes woody scents may not enjoy floral or sweet scents. And so forth.

Here are some Samhain herbs that you can use to make your simmer pot to your taste;

• bay leaf

• cinnamon

• cloves

• dried garlic

• dried ginger

• mugwort (to aid in divination)

• pine needles

• rosemary (for remembrance of our ancestors)

• sage

• tarragon

• wild ginseng

• allspice

What you will also need;

• stove/crock pot

• pot

• water

  • enough to fill the pot and then more water to top up (leave close by for else)

How to;

• place pot on the stove and add water

• add small amounts of the herbs and spices you choose

• bring to a boil

• adjust the scents if necessary

  • if you need more of all ingredients add that, or tweak to desired scent

Samhain Countdown Day 3

Simple Samhain Rituals

Honouring any Sabbat doesn’t have to be flashy, complicated, or expensive. Sometimes the simpler the ritual the more effective the result or impact.

Simple things that you can do for this holiday include (but are not limited to);

• honouring Our Ancestors ~ remembering those who came before us

• honour your beloved dead

• create your own ancestor ‘feast’ or ‘dumb supper’

• rituals for letting go

• honour life, death and nature

• go outside, breathe in the fall air, stick your feet in the dirt and feel how this Sabbat is different from the others

• create rituals to help you release your grief

• light the darkness ~ candles and firelight to encourage stillness and reflection at Samhain

There are many ways to celebrate this season. There is no ‘right way’. Do what feels comfortable and what is calling to you. Maybe even dabble in something slightly outside your comfort zone.

However, most of all, enjoy yourself, make it your own and have fun!

Samhain Countdown Day 2

Why Samhain? A History

Samhain (pronounced Sow-win in Gaelic) is usually celebrated from October 31 to November 1. It originated as a Celtic festival and is celebrated to welcome the harvest, as well as the ‘dark half of the year’.

It was believed that the barriers (also known as the veil) between this world (the physical world) and the spirit world were the thinnest, allowing easier communication with the spirits.

This Sabbat is positioned between the Fall Equinox (Mabon) and the longest night of the year (the Winter Solstice or Yule).

Because of the belief that the barrier between worlds was thinner during Samhain, the Celts prepared offerings that were left outside villages and fields for fairies, or Sidhs.

As ancestors were expected to cross over during this time, Celts would dress as animals and monsters so that fairies were not tempted to kidnap them. This is the origin of the costumes we wear today.

Some myths include;

The Dullahan who sometimes appeared as impish creatures, sometimes headless men on horses who carried their heads (sound familiar). Riding flame-eyed horses, their appearance was a death omen to anyone who encountered them.

Faery Hosts are hunters who might also haunt Samhain and kidnap people. Similar are the Sluagh, who would come from the west to enter houses and steal souls.

Samhain in the Middle Ages

As the Middle Ages progressed, so did the celebrations of the fire festivals. Bonfires were more personalized and these Samhain fires were burned nearer the farms, and became a tradition, purportedly to protect families from fairies and witches (ironic).

Jack-o-lanterns began to appear, however, these were carved turnips (not pumpkins) attached by strings to sticks and embedded with coal. It was only later in Irish tradition that they were switched to pumpkins.

Dumb Supper

The tradition of “dumb supper” began during this time (I don’t like the terminology I try to use the wording silent supper or similar). It was a regular meal however, it was only eaten after inviting ancestors to join in. This would give the family a chance to interact with the spirits until they left following dinner.

Children would often play games to entertain the dead. The adults would also update the dead on the past year’s news. Later at night, doors and windows might be left open for the dead to come in and eat the cakes that had been left for them (also known as soul cakes).

Christian Samhain

As Christianity gained popularity and often took a foothold in pagan communities, church leaders attempted to reframe Samhain as a Christian celebration.

There were many attempts and changes made during the ages; the first attempt was by Pope Boniface in the 5th century. He moved the celebration to May 13 and specified it as a day celebrating saints and martyrs. This had little effect as the fire festivals of October and November did not end with this decree.

The second occurred in the 9th century, Pope Gregory moved the celebration back to the time of the fire festivals, however, he renamed it All Saints’ Day, on November 1. All Souls’ Day would follow on November 2. Moving the dates slightly to not confuse the people.

The Origins of Halloween Traditions

Pumpkin Carving

• originated in Ireland using turnips instead of pumpkins

• allegedly based on a legend about a man named Stingy Jack who repeatedly trapped the Devil and only let him go on the condition that Jack would never go to Hell. But when Jack died, he learned that Heaven did not want his soul either, so he was forced to wander the Earth as a ghost for eternity. The Devil gave Jack a burning lump of coal in a carved-out turnip to light his way. Locals eventually began carving scary faces into their own turnips to frighten away evil spirits

Seeing Ghosts

• Celtic people believed that during the festival, spirits walked the Earth

• was believed that the barriers (also known as the veil) between this world (the physical world) and the spirit world were the thinnest, allowing easier communication with the spirits.

Wearing Scary Costumes

• in order to avoid being terrorized by all the evil spirits walking the Earth during Samhain, the Celts donned disguises in order to confuse the spirits and be left alone. 

• they were also worn to confuse the evil spirits so the ancestor spirits could walk freely

Trick-or-Treating 

There is much debate around the origins of trick-or-treating, so these are just theories;

• The first theory suggests that during Samhain, Celtic people would leave food out to appease the spirits traveling the Earth at night. Over time, people began to dress as these unearthly beings in exchange for similar offerings of food and drink

• The second theory speculates that the candy boon stems from the Scottish practice of guising, which is a secular version of “souling.” This was done during the Middle Ages, generally, children and poor adults would collect food and money from local homes in return for prayers for the dead on All Souls’ Day. Guisers dropped the prayers in favor of non-religious practices with the inclusion of songs, jokes, and other “tricks.”

• A third theory argues that modern American trick-or-treating stems from “belsnickeling,” a German-American Christmas tradition where children would dress in costume and then call on their neighbors to see if the adults could guess the identities of the disguised. In one version of the practice, the children were rewarded with food or other treats if no one could identify them

Black Cats

• the idea of being spooked by black cats dates back to the Middle Ages, when these dark felines were considered a symbol of the Devil these symbols also included rats, bats and owls as well

• it didn’t help that centuries later, accused witches were often found to have cats, particularly black ones. People began to believe that the cats were a witch’s “familiar”–supernatural entities that would assist in their practice of dark magic–and black cats and spookiness have been linked ever since

Black and Orange

• the traditional Halloween colors of black and orange also trace back to the Celtic festival of Samhain

• for the Celts, black represented the “death” of summer while the orange symbolized the autumn harvest season

Bobbing for Apples

• the game of bobbing for apples has been a staple at Halloween parties for many years, but its origins are more rooted in love and romance

• it traces back to a courting ritual that was part of a Roman festival honoring Pomona, the goddess of agriculture and abundance

Lighting Candles and Bonfires

• for much of the early history of Halloween, towering bonfires were used to light the way for souls seeking the afterlife.

  • these days, lighting candles have generally replaced the large traditional blazes. 

  • we also see candles lit in pumpkins as Jack-O-Lanterns

Candy Apples

• for centuries, people have been coating fruit in syrup as a means of preservation

• however, during the Roman festival of Pomona, the goddess was often represented by and associated with apples; her name derives from the Latin word for apple “pomum” and the fruit is at the heart of harvest celebrations

• it is believed that candy apples were invented accidentally in 1908 by William W. Kolb, a candymaker in Newark, New Jersey.

  • as the story goes, Kolb was experimenting with red cinnamon candy to sell at Christmastime and he dipped apples on sticks into the red glaze and put them in his shop window to showcase his new candy. But instead of selling the candies, he ended up selling the apples to customers who thought they looked good enough to eat. They became fashionable treats for Halloween starting in the early 1900s and they remained popular up until the 1970s.

Bats

• as part of Samhain, Celts lit large bonfires, which attracted insects, which in turn, attracted bats

  • soon spotting bats became connected with the festival.

• Medieval folklore expanded upon the eeriness of bats with a number of superstitions built around the belief that bats were harbingers of death

Candy Corn

• a candymaker at the Wunderle Candy Company in Philadelphia is sometimes credited with inventing the tri-colored candy in the 1880s

• candy corn did not become a widespread sensation until the Goelitz Company brought the candy to the masses in 1898

• Candy corn was originally called “Chicken Feed” and it sold in boxes with the slogan “Something worth crowing for.”

• Initially, it was just an autumnal candy because of corn’s association with harvest time. Candy corn later became Halloween-specific when trick-or-treating grew in popularity in the U.S. during the 1950s.

Samhain Countdown

Mabon almost beat me but I’m back at it again!

Samhain Correspondences

Incense: Copal, sandalwood, mastic resin, benzoin, sweetgrass, wormwood, mugwort, sage, cloves, myrrh or patchouli

Stones/Gems: Black obsidian, jasper, carnelian, onyx, smoky quartz, malachite, amethyst, ruby jet, bloodstone and tourmaline

Colours: Black, orange, red, silver, purple and brown

Flowers: marigold, mums, autumn joy sedum, sunflower petals and seeds, calendula, cosmos, and passionflower

Symbols & Decorations: apples, autumn flowers, acorns, bat, cauldrons, black cat, bones, corn stalks, colored leaves, crows, death/dying, divination and the tools associated with it, ghosts, besoms, gourds, Indian corn, jack-o-lantern, nuts , oak leaves, pomegranates, pumpkins, scarecrows, scythes, witch hats, and the waning moon.

Herbs: almond, apple leaf, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger , hazelnut, hemlock cones, mandrake root, mugwort (to aid in divination), mullein seeds, nettle, pine needles, pumpkin seeds, rosemary (for remembrance of our ancestors), rue, sage, tarragon, wild ginseng, wormwood, yarrow, and allspice

Goddesses: The Crone, Hecate, Cerridwen, Arianrhod, Caillech, Baba Yaga, Al-Ilat, Bast, Demeter, Persephone, Hel, Kali, and all Death & Otherworld Goddesses

Gods: Horned Hunter, Yama, Cernnunos, Osiris, Hades, Gwynn ap Nudd, Anubis, Apollo, Coyote Brother, Herne, Loki, Dis, Arawn, Death and Otherworld Gods

Foods: apples, apple dishes, meat (traditionally this is the meat harvest) especially pork, nuts-representing resurrection and rebirth, turnips, nuts, pomegranates, stews, potatoes, pumpkins, cakes for the dead, pumpkin bread, soups, pumpkin pie, cranberries, roasted pumpkin seeds, and squash

Animals: stags, cats, ravens, bats, owls, foxes, jackals, spiders, elephants, rams, snakes, scorpions, herons, crows, and robins

Drinks: ale, cider, mulled cider with spices, wine (usually red)

Types of Workings you can do: banishing, warding, spirit connection, protection, warding, ambition, divination, ancestor workings, ambition, third eye and goals.

Nutmeg

Comes from the Myristica fragrans tree, this particular tree is an evergreen tree that is grown in more tropical regions. However, it is indigenous to mainly Indonesia it can also be found in Grenada in the Caribbean, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, and Kerala in southern India.

This particular tree produces more than one spice that we are familiar with. While Nutmeg is the seed, Mace (not the capsicum variety but the one for cooking), comes from this tree as well. Before the Nutmeg seed is ready to be processed for use, it has a red-orange seed covering. This covering is removed, pressed flat, dried, and becomes what we know as mace.

It is toxic in high doses so be VERY CAREFUL. Use sparingly.

The Mystic and Magick:

Throughout history, nutmeg has been associated with protective properties.

It guards against negative energies and harm. 

It is believed to create a shield of protection around individuals or spaces.

It can also be used in Spells involving;

• Dreamwork and Divination:

• Rituals for Spiritual Awakening:

• Herbal Remedies and Healing Magic:

• Culinary Magic:

• Luck

• Wealth

Planet: Jupiter

Element; Fire

* As per usual please be very careful when thinking of ingesting herbs, plants and flowers 

**Please consult your family doctor or a professional if you are not certain of anything

Mabon Countdown Day 19

Fermented Garlic in Honey for Colds

As we know fall can be the height of the cold season.

While I am not saying don’t go see a doctor, if you are sick, please do so. This might help along with other medication. However, please consult your physician first.

What you will need;

• Jar

• Honey and Garlic in a 1:1 ratio (if you use 1 cup honey use 1 cup garlic etc)

How to Make

• peel the desired amount of garlic

• place into a wide-mouth mason jar (or another similar type jar in the size you wish to use)

• add enough honey to completely cover the garlic cloves (make sure they are fully coated with honey or you may end up causing mold or other bad bacteria)

• place the lid on the jar tightly, then tuck it into a dark place upside down (this is why you need the lid very tight)

• every day or so flip it upside down to coat the garlic cloves with honey. and place back in the cabinet upside down (this takes 2 weeks and continuous ‘burping’ of the contents)

• within a few days to a week, you should see small bubbles start to form on the surface of the honey

• the honey garlic will ferment for about a month, but you can eat it at any time, however, the flavour will continue to develop the more time you leave the mixture (the garlic will mellow, and the honey will become much runnier)

• store in a cool place for many months or even a year, if not longer (however it is probably better to use it and make more rather than to keep it)

* As per usual please be very careful when thinking of ingesting herbs, plants, and flowers 

**Please consult your family doctor or a professional if you are not certain of anything

Mabon Countdown Day 18

Black Salt Recipe Mabon Edition

Yes, you read that right ‘Mabon Edition’!

Like with most things I tailor my black salts to the season that we are in (Mabon season is until Samhain in my opinion, not just the days that you celebrate the season. So even if you do not get to celebrate right on the date of the Sabbat you are not out of luck to celebrate).

Again this is a ‘build with your heart and what you have’ type of recipe.

What you will need;

• jar of your choosing

• ashes from your ritual fires or incense

  • charcoal disks or powder can also be used if you do not have ash

• any of the following herbs;

  • cinnamon

  • rosemary

  • pine

  • sage

  • yarrow

  • rue

  • rosehips

  • chamomile

  • frankincense

  • rose

  • apple

• incense to cleanse your jar;

  • clove

  • cinnamon

  • rose

  • patchouli

  • pine

  • apple

  • cedar

  • sandalwood

How to build your jar;

1. pick the size and style of the jar you wish to use

2. cleanse jar with the incense of your choosing (if you cannot cleanse with smoke use your simmer pot steam for this step)

3. if you are using a charcoal disk you may want to grind it up first

4. in a bowl (or in the jar itself but I find the bowl mixes better) mix in desired herbs and the ashes (or charcoal)

5. use in spells during the season where it calls for black salt

Mabon Countdown Day 17

Wearing what makes me feel ‘Witchy’ Mabon edition

I’m a very big advocate of ‘where whatever you love and that is witchy’.

You can find me often in shirts and leggings.

However, I do have days where I need to wear a little something extra to feel that way.

A lovely simple way that I feel more witchy is to add a cardigan, long or short it doesn’t matter, especially in the cooler weather. Although at the time we are making this post it has become an ‘Indian Summer’ and we are above 20 degrees C (above 68 degrees F) and the sweaters are only needed at night.

Long skirts or maxi dresses also make me feel particularly witchy. Anything that flows behind me when I walk makes me feel like I’m the witch out of a show or movie.

Again, I am not saying that you must wear these and you will be witchy. These are what make me feel more witchy when I want a little…more.