Onion

Onions or Allium cepa are in the family Amaryllidaceae and are grown for the bulb which is edible.

Originally native to southwestern Asia, however, it is now grown all over the world.

They are not grown for their nutrition, as they have little value this way, but they are known for their flavour.

There are many different varieties that you can obtain anywhere you shop, they can all be used in spell work as well.

The Magick in the Mundane

Onion is a wonderful ingredient for Kitchen Magick

It can be used in healing magick as it is a wonderful anti bacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Ancient Egyptians believed the layers of the onion represented the universe and eternity. With this belief they would place onions in the eye sockets of the deceased.

They can be used in spells for sexual energy and fertility.

Used in money, prosperity, success, protection, banishing and spells.

While most think that onion peels are a waste product, that is incorrect, you can dry them out and powder them to add to spells and black salt.This way you can use the whole onion and not have waste.

Correspondences:

Element: Fire

Planet: Mars

Chakra: Heart

* 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

Sweetgrass

This perennial grass is in the family Poaceae, and along with tobacco, sage and red cedar, this plant is considered sacred to Indigenous, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

This means it is one of the ones I tend to stay away from out of respect. However, because I don’t work with them I’m not going to go into much detail and stick to the outline of things.

Sweet grass has a sweet scent that usually intensifies when it rains or the plant is burned.

I live in Canada and the two closely related species that are native here are: common sweetgrass (Hierochloë hirta subspecies arctica) and alpine sweetgrass (H. alpina).

Also known as; Seneca Grass, Vanilla Grass, Holy Grass, or Buffalo Grass.

The Magick

Element; Water

Astrological Sign; Libra

Planets; The Moon, Venus

Season; Spring, Summer

Where is it used in spellcraft;

• Burned as a special offering during sacred prayers

• Burned for personal and home blessings

• Carried as a protective totem

• Burned for purification purposes

• Incorporated into sweat lodge ceremonies

• Kept in the home to attract positive energies

* 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

Step inside the Witch's Garden - After the Harvest

As the down time for our gardens grows closer I dream of my garden and find myself with many changes I want to make for next year. Many of you know this is only my second year gardening at the new house, added to that I moved the original location of the garden elsewhere, and did much better than the previous year. However, there are some things that I would definitely change, not to mention new plants that I want to grow. While I cannot do anything about the plants at the moment I can assist my garden and prepare it for next year.

If you are just starting out and want to plan your garden in advance, my best suggestion for, but don’t know where to start, is to keep it simple and small. Buy a notebook and write all of your ideas down, trust me this is helpful as you will not remember what you want to grow later. Look up those plants that you want to grow, as you may need to purchase bulbs now and have them ‘over winter’ in order for them to bloom successfully.

For flowers, choose varieties that are hard to kill, and grow well in your area. I also like ones I can use in my craft, like roses and lavender. If you choose to plant herbs and not flowers, start with the ones you use in your cooking. This is a perfect way to, also keep yourself ‘in the closet’ if you are not ready for people to know you are a witch. Veggies are another thing I like to keep in my garden. On the podcast, I talk about a few veggies that you wouldn't think have magical properties, but they do! Again, I do suggest easy for beginners and not to overwhelm yourselves with too many. Lettuce and bell peppers are my suggestion for easy veggies as they can be container grown, however, I would look at what grows well in your zone and at what times.

You might end up crossing some plants off and adding new ones, however, this gives you an idea of how many containers (if you are container gardening) and/or dirt you need for the required space.

For me, I know that the place I want to grow gets overrun with weeds very quickly. While I do grow everything in containers (large ones) because I rent, I will be putting weed fabric down to help the space with the overgrow, and so that I can use more of the space.

I can do those types of things now rather than scramble in the spring when I am also trying to plant and organize what is going into the garden in the spring.

Whatever you choose to plant we would love to see them! I have added a few pictures of my Witch’s Garden to the True North Witches’ Facebook page. You can email yours to truenorthwitches@gmail.com or post them on the True North Witches’ Facebook page!

Apple

These are the edible fruit found on apple trees, also known as Malus spp. Among these varieties are the domestic or orchard apple which are known as Malus domestica.

While they are now cultivated worldwide, they originated in Central Asia. This wild ancestor was known as Malus sieversii, and can still be found today.

They have religious and mythological significance in many cultures, the include but are definitely not limited to Norse, Greek, and European Christian traditions.

Magick in the Mundane:

‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ we all know the saying. However, did you know that it has some magickal correspondences to the saying as well?

Sabbats/Seasons: autumn, particularly Mabon and Samhain festivals.

Element: Water

Crystals/Stones: Rose quartz, red jasper, pyrite

In magick apples often symbolise love

They can be associated with health and well-being along with self care

The fruit symbolises gratitude, generosity, harvest, and abundance

They serve as a reminder to enjoy the fruits of our labours and to be grateful for the bounty of the Earth as they ripen around the harvest festivals

Through the connection with Christian mythology, apples have been associated with self-knowledge (the tree of knowledge and Adam and Eve, although it’s not specifically an apple in the bible)

* 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 27

Samhain Bath

Bathing is a ritual in itself, although I will not be partaking this year, I usually enjoy a good Samhain bath. As with the incense and simmer pots, a lot of creating your bath is up to your preferences. I have given you a good starting point, however, you should make it your own.

Things you can add to your ritual;

• Sounds or music that you or your ancestors enjoy

• Incense to burn;

  • copal

  • sandalwood

  • mastic resin

  • benzoin

  • sweetgrass

  • wormwood

  • mugwort

  • sage

  • cloves

  • myrrh

  • patchouli

  • What you can add to your bath:

  • Epsom salts

  • Reusable tea bags

    • or you can just throw it in your bath but don’t let it go down the drain after

  • Dried apples

  • Bay leaf

  • Rosemary (for remembrance of our ancestors)

  • Sage

  • Lavender

*anything else that strikes your fancy just make sure you do your research and are not allergic to it

• Drink ideas;

  • ale

  • cider (hard or regular apple)

  • mulled cider with spices

  • wine (usually red)

Build your bath ritual on what calls to you.

Samhain Countdown Day 26

Make Your Own Scrying Mirror

What is a scrying? What is a scrying mirror and what is it used for?

Scrying is the practice of gazing into a reflective surface and a method of divination. This could include, but not limited to, water, fire, glass, and dark stones.

A scrying mirror is a mirror, usually black in colour, used as a tool in divination.

What you will need to make your own;

• mirror or frame with a glass piece inside

• this could be as small as a compact mirror or as large as a wall mirror that us up to you

• you can find mirrors that work well at dollar stores or while thrifting

• stand for your mirror (if you are not hanging it)

• black paint (spray paint usually works best)

• paint brush (if using regular paint)

• sealant (mod podge works well)

How to Assemble;

• remove the glass or mirror out of the frame

• lay the mirror or glass on some newspaper

• clean it thoroughly with a vinegar water solution or window cleaner and a lint-free cloth

• allow the mirror/glass to dry

• paint the surface of the glass with the black paint

  • acrylic because tends to dry quickly so it might be best.

  • to make it as streak-free, do as many thin coats as you need, you want it completely covered

• when it's completely dry, put it back into the frame, do this with the painted side on the inside

• wrap it in a soft cloth and store it where no one can bother it
  

Samhain Countdown Day 25

Pumpkin Pie

What is a harvest festival without a pie? I love making pies this time of year, specifically those that correspond with what is being harvested. For Samhain that happens to be pumpkin or apple. However, I already gave you my apple recipe for Mabon, so this time you are getting my Pumpkin Pie recipe

Like with the apple pie, those of you who are not so inclined to bake but still want to bake this, there is nothing wrong with picking up premade crust and filling (or one or the other) to make a pie.

I often get the premade fillin this time of year when making pumpkin as I usually take on too much and makinf the filling from scratch is too much work for me. (I still make the crust because nothing beats the family pie dough recipe).

To make from scratch you will need;

For the Crust (if you use the premade dough skip getting these ingredients):

• 1/2 cup fat of your choice (I use butter or shortening but you can use what you want so long as it is cold)

• 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp salt (I use sea salt but table is fine too)

• 1/2 cup COLD water (if you have ice put it in the water (not the dough) to make it cold enough if all you can get is tap)

* this recipe only makes 1 pie dough

* this recipe freezes well so make more and freeze it

For the Filling (if you choose to make it from scratch):

• 2 c mashed, cooked pie pumpkin

• 1 12oz can evaporated milk (if you have larger or smaller cans make sure it adds 12oz)

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• ¾ c packed brown sugar

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon, or more to taste

• ½ tsp ground ginger, or more to taste

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg, or more to taste

• ½ tsp salt

Assembly:

• mix flour and salt until combined

• add the cold butter until it is a rough pea sized crumble (don’t over mix)

• slowly add in water until it becomes a dough

• refrigerate for 1 hour

• while the dough is cooling combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, spices, brown sugar, salt and eggs (using a mixer or had mixer works well)

  • make sure that it is well combined

• once dough is out of the fridge roll out the dough a little larger than your pan (each crust makes a 9” crust)

• pour prepared filling into the crust

• if you feel confident you can add shapes to the top part using any extra dough

• place in a 400 F oven for about 40-60 min or until you can insert a toothpick, cake tester, skewer or knife into the pie 1 inch from the edge and it comes out clean (smaller pies will take less time)

• check pie periodically as you might have to cover the edges with tin foil to prevent it from burning

• let cool and enjoy!

Samhain Countdown Day 24

Gravestone Rubbings

It’s field trip time!

It is suggested to go to an older cemetery as the newer tombstones have less texture and are not so easy for this task.

What You Will Need;

• a large sheet of paper

• large crayon (colour of your choosing)

How To;

• go to a cemetery

• find a stone that calls to you

• place the paper on the stone and rub the crayon over the paper

  • using the crayon sideways is best

• fill the page with the pattern

• thank the person by name that was on the memorial

Samhain Countdown Day 23

Samhain VS Halloween

If you are a brand new or newer witch you might be asking yourself, ‘Wait, how is Samhain different from the Halloween celebrations I have been observing up until now?’ (heck even I still get confused at times).

Here I have broken it down a little bit to give you an idea of the differences.

Samhain

• It is the third and final harvest festival of the Wheel of the Year

• Signifies the midpoint between the fall equinox and the winter solstice.

• Takes place on October 31st, starting at sunset and ending at sunset on the 1st of November

• Marks the end of summer and the beginning of winter

• On the old calendar it was considered an important time for giving offerings and communicating with the dead

Halloween

• Believed to have been derived from the pagan and Celtic celebration of Samhain

  • but was taken, changed, and celebrated by many different cultures over the years

• It was originally a day known as “All Hallow’s Day” and it was a Christian alternative to Samhain

• It originated in medieval England and celebrated the lives of faithful Christian saints

• Originally it was celebrated on May 13th however it was later switched it to November 1st, making October 31st known as “All Hallows Eve,”

  • This would eventually change and become known as Halloween.

• This tradition, however, has kept many of the same traditions of Samhain

  • Although it focused more on their saints than that of ancestors or evil spirits. 

Samhain Countdown Day 22

Samhain Spice Cookies - makes about 25 cookies

What you will need;

• 110g AP flour

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/2 pinch ground cloves

• 57g softened butter

• 110g packed brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Method;

• Stir together the dry together in a bowl.

• Cream together butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth

  • this is usually easiest with an electric mixer, however, if you don’t have one you can hand mix as well

• Combine egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture

• Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the butter mixture

  • make sure the previous dry mix was incorporated fully before adding more

• Form the dough into a ball and wrap with plastic wrap

• Place in refridgerator

  • for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.

• Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C)

• Prepare your baking sheets

  • grease them really well or use parchment paper or silicone mat if you have one (this will help with clean up as well)

• Flour your work surface and, with a rolling pin, roll out your dough to about 1/8-inch thickness

• Cut with 2-inch cookie cutters (or cutter of your choice just know the size of the cutter affects the amount of cookues you will get on a batch)

• Bake in the oven until the edges begin to brown, this will be about 10 to 12 minutes.

• Allow cookies to cool slightly before placing them on the cooling rack or they will bend and break.

• Enjoy!

Samhain Countdown Day 21

Paper Plate Masks

Samhain is known as a time where the veil between this world and the spirit world is thin. It is thought that spirits, good and evil, walk amongst us. Therefore, costumes and masks were a way to confuse the evil spirits so that they wouldn’t ‘spirit’ you away, so to speak.

How a person decorates their masks is completely up to them.

Here is what you need to make your own;

• paper plate

• paint

• glue

• pencil crayons (coloured pencils)

• markers

• crayons

• fake leaves

• fake flowers

• small plastic pumpkins

• scissors

• ribbon (or use a stick if you don’t want to tie it)

• hole punch

*any other items you want to decorate your this is your art, make it personal

How to create;

• draw desired shape and design on to paper plate (if you want to just leave it round and cut out eyes you can do that too)

• cut out the shape with the scissors

• draw, colour or glue to create your vision

• use hole punch to make holes in the ends of your mask and attach ribbon

  • if you are using this with the stick just hot glue to one side

• wear on Samhain

Samhain Countdown Day 20

History of the Jack o Lantern

It’s Halloween, and you see carved pumpkin Jack-o-Lanterns in almost every doorway. We see them often at this time of year; however, did you know that they weren’t originally made out of pumpkins?

Original jack-o-lanterns were made from root vegetables such as turnips or rutabagas and illuminated with candles. These would then be placed at windows and doors in order to chase away evil or negative spirits.

It only became pumpkin carving when it was brought over to America.

There are two origin stories as to why they are called ‘jack-o-lanterns’, rooted in Irish traditions.

The first comes from the phenomenon of strange flickering lights over peat bogs, these were also called jack-o-lanterns, they were also considered the fabled creature ‘will-o’-the-wisps.

The Second was created from a myth called ‘The Legend of Stingy Jack’.

The Legend of Stingy Jack

This tale derives from an Irish legend, which appeared in print in the 19th century. According to this legend, Jack invited the devil to drink with him. As the story says, Jack was a stingy man and didn’t want to pay for their drinks. He ended up convincing the devil to turn himself into a coin so that Jack could pay for their drinks. However, Jack ended up placing the devil, turned coin, into his pocket near a silver cross so the devil couldn’t change back into his original form.

The story then goes into more detail about the trick Jack came up to with the devil. However, in the end, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with it ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as “Jack of the Lantern,” and then, simply “Jack O’Lantern.”

*there are longer versions of this story and I encourage you to look them up!

Samhain Countdown Day 19

Samhain Coffee

This one is a nice simple way to make your coffee feel a little more like Samhain. It is also a lovely way to add a little magick to your day (especially one if you are in the closet).

This is not too complicated, however, I do recommend it in a normal drip coffee maker or French Press, vs in the Keurig (even though this is how I do it).

If you only have a Keurig my best suggestion would be to get one of those reusable pods.

What you will need;

• coffee of your choice (I use regular but if you prefer flavoured then use that)

• 1/4 tsp (roughly) cinnamon per cup of coffee

• creamer, milk or cream

• if you require sugar, sweetener, honey or maple syrup add it too

• other fall flavours (no measurements it’s to your preference)

  • nutmeg

  • cloves

  • ginger

  • sage

  • pumpkin

How to;

• Prepare your coffee

  • if you are using a filter, reusable Keurig pod, or French press, place your flavours in with the coffee

  • if you are using a regular Keurig pod, place the flavours in the bottom of your mug

    • you will need to do some extra stirring for this

• Make the rest of your coffee the way you usually do

  • taste as you go because the inclusions may require you to adjust the ratios you usually do

Samhain Countdown Day 18

Spin Your Fears

You will need;

• construction paper

• scissors

• paper plate

• crayons, markers, or pencil crayons (coloured pencils)

• a fastener (like from the office supply store)

How To;

• cut a small triangle out of the construction paper

• take a writing implement and divide the paper plate into at least 4 pie-shaped sections

• in each section write the name of a fear (or you can do a Samhain-related theme)

• take the fastener and attach the construction triangle to the paper plate

• when ready, meditate on a topic, spin the triangle, and focus on the theme that it picks for you

Samhain Countdown Day 17

Lemon and Rosemary Biscuits

This particular recipe can be varied to suit your ritual or spell.

What You Will Need;

• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary

• 90g (3oz) unsalted butter

• 30g (1oz) sugar

• 125g (1 cup) all-purpose flour

• 180g (6oz) icing sugar

• juice from half a large lemon

• 2 tsp water (this might be more or less)

• golden sugar to sprinkle on top

Method;

• take the leaves off of the rosemary and roughly chop

• cream together butter and sugar

• sift together flour and icing sugar

• gradually add dry ingredients to the sugar mixture

• add rosemary, lemon juice, and water

• blend until it forms a firm dough

• roll out thinly, about 1/8 inch

• cut into rounds

• lay on a baking sheet and sprinkle them with sugar

• bake on the middle shelf

• 10 min at 350

• makes a dozen (based on cutter size)

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