Dehydrating Oranges

I am putting this in as a craft for the holidays as I tend to use this as decoration and in my simmer pots (which is a recipes coming later in the countdown)

What you will need;

• Oven or dehydrator (I have a dehydrator but I’m not using it this time)

• As many oranges as you want to dehydrate (I’m only using one for this day due to some unfortunate dropping issue)

• Parchment paper (if you are using a dehydrator this might depend on the shape. Mine is round so I don’t like fiddling with parchment)

• Baking sheet (only if you are using your oven)

• Knife

• Cutting board

How it is done;

If you are using a dehydrator I usually look up the temperature that it suggests for what I am dehydrating. For my oven, however, I keep the temperature as low as it will go (I only use the oven if I have all day to use it).

Turn on whatever device you are using to preheat.

Take your oranges and slice them up as thin as you want (remember the thinner you have them the less time it will take to dehydrate regardless of what device you are using).

Make sure if you are using a baking sheet it has parchment paper on it (I’ve tried aluminum foil and it doesn’t work as well for me).

Place oranges on the tray (regardless if it is the dehydrator tray or the baking sheet).

When the device you are using is up to temperature place the sheets in the machine.

This is where it gets tricky. There is no actual timing for dehydration. The best you can do is watch the oranges and wait until they are done (this will take hours).

When they are all dry place them in your air-tight container.

Monitor them for condensation on the inside of the jar. If you see some they have to be dried further or you risk them spoiling.

Yule Wreath

What you’ll need:

• foam wreath form

• rope or ribbon of your choice (I used 2 spools of nautical rope but you might need 3)

• straight pins (found in the sewing things)

• decorations of your choice (I decided on a bow and bells for mine

How to decorate your wreath;

Take the wreath form and find the spot you want to start.

Anchor one end of the tope into the foam with a straight pin and start wrapping as tightly as you can.

When it gets to the end of the rope secure it with another straight pin.

Continue this process until the wreath is filled with your desired amount of rope.

Add any extra decorations you want. If they are soft you can place them in with more straight pins. However, if they are solid you may need glue or sticky dots.

Cinnamon Stars

*These cute little stars you can use as ornaments or to just place around the house

What you will need:

• 5 long cinnamon sticks (the shorter ones do not work very well)

• hot glue gun (any glue will work but hot glue dries fast)

• ribbon (if you plan to hang to)

• any other decorations you want on it

To put together:

Place sticks in a star-like pattern (it might not be exactly the shape you want as the sticks' length and place determine much of the shape).

When you get a rough shape of what you want start gluing down the pieces.

Let the base star dry for an hour, than add ribbon (if you want to hang it) and any other decorations you like)

*like every other day if you would like to see pictures of the one I have made you can find them on Facebook

Yule Incense

* Please note that these are to my taste and it depends on how much you want to use so there are no measurements

I have included in my incense blend this year;

• cinnamon (I prefer grating the sticks and having them as chunks but if ground is what you have use that)

• ginger (I used freeze-dried because that was what I had but ginger pieces dried works as well)

• bay leaves (I just crush them up but you can grind them if that pleases you)

• orange peel (not shown here I forgot to grab it, you can dry your own, or if you live where there is a Bulk Barn they sell it as well)

**Everyone’s practice is different add or subtract until you get a scent that screams Yule! to you.

Bay Wish Spell

This is one of my favourite small spells to do.

What you will need:

• Candle

• bay leaves

• lighter (or match)

• a glass of water (just in case)

• pen or marker

• fire proof dish

What you do;

Write your wish on the bay leaf.

Light the candle while envisioning your wish.

Take the bay leaf and place it in the flame of your candle.

Hold the bay leaf as long as you can without burning yourself and then place it in the fire proof container.

Don’t dwell on your wish and let the universe (or deities) do their work.

Wassil Recipe

• 1 L apple cider

• 1/2 C. cranberry juice

• 1/2 C. orange juice

• 1/8 C honey

• 1/8 C sugar

• 1/2 orange

• Whole cloves

• 1/4 apple, peeled and diced

• 1 cinnamon sticks (or ground cinnamon)

Place the wet ingredients as well as the sugar and honey into your slow cooker (add more honey if you do not want to use sugar).

Make sure the sugar and honey dissolve.

Add the orange studded with the cloves (push the cloves into the oranges), diced apples, and the rest of the spices.

Cook on low for 4 hours.

Enjoy!

*if you want it a little boozy you can add rum or wine to this mixture at the end of the cook time.

Bread Recipe

*Note: I weigh all of my ingredients you may have to convert it to cups if you do not have a scale

Ingredients;

• 300 ml warm water

• 7g yeast

• 25g granulated sugar (I use honey sometimes as well)

• 60g fat (olive oil, lard, vegetable oil, etc.)

• 1 1/2 tsp salt

• 406g AP flour (bread flour is good too)

Method:

• wisk warm water, yeast, and sugar together

• let it sit for 5 minutes (I do this covered)

• add fat, salt, and 128g of flour and mix until combined

• add another 128g of flour, mix until relatively incorporated

• add remaining flour (150g) and mix until dough pulls away from the bowl

• knead for 3 min

• place into a lightly greased bowl and let rise for an hour

• knead it again for 3 min

• let it rise for another hour in the greased bowl

• punch down and shape for the pan you want to use (this makes buns as well)

• let rise in the pan for another hour

• around 45 min mark put oven on at 350 C

• bake for 30-34 min (mine are usually closer to the 34 min mark and sometimes are longer)

• let cool and enjoy!

Yule Countdown

Welcome to the first day of the Yule Countdown!

Today we are creating our countdown calendar.

Every year I make a candle countdown to the longest night of the year. I will start by lighting one of the candles on the first and then adding to it as the days progress.

They can be made as large or as small as your space allows. I decided to use tea lights and a large pillar candle for the last day because it was cheap and simple. Birthday candles also can work, and so can votives or pillar candles.

I prefer the last candle be the largest as I want it to last throughout the yule ritual.

Everything used I managed to buy from Dollar Tree here in Canada for $1.50 CAD a piece. (As I can’t post pictures here you can see then in the Yule album on facebook)

For this Craft I used:

• pizza tray (or tray that you will use to place your candles)

• 20 tealights (or candles of your choosing)

• pillar candle (or candle of your choosing)

• adhesive stickers*

Start by placing the pillar candle on the tray in the middle of the tray.

Use this as a guide to place the tealights at a good distance apart to get them all on the tray.

Once you are satisfied with your placement you can place the stickers on the bottom of the tray in order to keep them in place.

• this is optional though of you want to move the tray or have animals this step is probably needed.

Peppermint

Mentha × piperita, also known as Mentha balsamea Wild, is a hybrid mint. It is a cross between watermint and spearmint.

It originated in Europe and the Middle East, although it is now widely cultivated in many regions around the world.

A little bit about this mint:

Peppermint is known to have a strong sweetish odour as well as having a cooling aftertaste.

The leaves are typically used fresh as a culinary herb.

Flowers are dried and used to flavour candy, desserts, beverages, salads, and other foods.

Also its essential oil is also widely used as a flavouring.

It is also often used to soothe digestive issues and other aches and pains (like headaches)

Mint Magick;

This particular herb is associated with the element air.

It can be used in spells that call for cleansing, prophetic dreams, speeding healing, restoring and soothing.

The oil can also be used for money drawing spells.

* 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

Witchin’ in the Kitchen for Samhain Part 1

With Fall (and soon winter 🥶) now upon us in the Northern Hemisphere I thought I would share some Samhain and Yule (can be used for both) recipes that I enjoy making!

First I will start with the humble (but delish) Apple Cider done in the slow cooker for all of my busy witches.

Ingredients

1 orange (optional)

10 medium apples (use a variety)

3 cinnamon sticks

1 teaspoon ground cloves

granulated sugar (I like to use honey)

Other spices like allspice and nutmeg can be added if you prefer

Instructions

Peel the orange and place the segments in a 4 quart or larger slow cooker.

Rinse the apples, cut into quarters, and place in the slow cooker.

Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, any other spices and sugar (honey).

Add just enough water to cover the fruit.

Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours (or high heat for 3.)

After 6-7 hours, the fruit will be very soft. Use a large spoon to mash the fruit and release its liquids. Allow the cider to cook on low for 1 more hour.

Very slowly strain the chunky liquid though a fine mesh sieve into a large pot or pitcher. You can discard the solids. Strain the cider one more time to rid any other solids. Serve the cider warm.

Leftover cider keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Warm up on the stove before serving or enjoy it cold.

To go with the cider I have a wonderful (and very vercatile) bread recipe that is my go to.

Strawberry

As part of the Rosaceae family strawberries are a type of rose, not a berry. They are native to the temperature regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Though cultivated varieties are grown throughout the world.

The fruit is high in vitamin C and is widely used in desserts; ice cream, jams, strawberry shortcake, etc.

The Magic Ingredient

Planet; Venus

Chakra; Sacral

Sign; Scorpio

Element; water

Magic; fertility, dedication, luck and love

Strawberry Jam

Yield:

5 cups

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled

4 cups white sugar

¼ cup lemon juice

Step 1

In a wide bowl, crush strawberries in batches until you have 4 cups of mashed berry. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, mix together the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to high, and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil, stirring often, until the mixture reaches 220 degrees F (105 degrees C). Transfer to hot sterile jars, leaving 1/4 to 1/2 inch headspace, and seal. Process in a water bath. If the jam is going to be eaten right away, don't bother with processing, and just refrigerate.

To test for jelling

Place three plates in a freezer. After about 10 minutes of boiling place a tsp of the liquid of the jam onto the cold plate. Return to the freezer for a minute. Run your finger through the jam on the plate. If you can make a line through it with your finger it's ready to be canned!

* 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

Potatoes

Scientifically known as Solanum tuberosum. Like the bell pepper this plant is part of the nightshade family and is grown for its edible starchy tubers. They can be digested easily and are a supply of vitamin C, protein, thiamin, and niacin.

Thought to be largely cultivated in South America 1800 years ago by the Incas. Then through invading Spaniards, they were introduced to Europe in the 16th Century.

By the end of the 17th century we see potatoes become a major crop in Ireland Then by the end of the 18th century it started to pick up as a major crop in continental Europe, particularly Germany and in the west of England. It then continued to spread in popularity, in both Western and Eastern hemispheres, during the first four decades of the 19th century.

The Irish economy itself became dependent upon the potato, however, this became disastrous as failures of the Irish crops due to late blight in the mid-19th century. This resulted in the Irish Potato Famine generated a more-cautious attitude toward dependence on the plant.

If the eyes of a potato are not sprouting, they can be eaten and are not toxic, however, if they are sprouting, it is recommended to cut off the eyes and their sprouts before eating the potato. 

On the other hand, potato stems, branches, leaves and fruits are toxic, containing alkaloids such as arsenic, chaconine and solanine. Solanine is "very toxic even in small amounts,". This poison is also found in green potatoes. The vegetables turn green if they have had too much exposure to light. You should never eat potatoes that are spoiled or green below the skin.

Magical Properties

• Gender - feminine/receptive

• Element - earth

• Planet - Moon

• Zodiac - Virgo

• Deity-Axomamma

• Chakra - root

Potatoes can be carved into poppets or stamps with sigils.

They are a protective plant so you can cut one into quarters and bury a piece at each of the four corners of your property.

This tuber can also be used to absorb; negativity: ill intention and other harmful 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

Coffee

No one knows exactly how or when coffee was discovered, though there are many legends about its origin, however, coffee cultivation and trade began on the Arabian Peninsula.

By the 15th century, coffee was being grown in the Yemeni district of Arabia and by the 16th century it was known in Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey

European travelers to the Near East brought back stories of an unusual dark black beverage. By the 17th century, coffee had made its way to Europe and was becoming popular across the continent

In the mid-1600's, coffee was brought to New Amsterdam, later called New York by the British.

Coffee beans are the seeds of a fruit called a coffee cherry. Coffee cherries grow on coffee trees from a genus of plants called Coffea. There are a wide variety of species of coffee plants, ranging from shrubs to trees.

Did You Know?

It is a myth that darker roasts contain a higher level of caffeine than lighter roasts. Lighter roasts actually have a slightly higher concentration!

The Way of the Witch:

Clears emotional blockages

Draws fresh creative ideas

Generates motivational energy

Used in scrying

Speeds up spells

* 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

Sweet Pepper

Also known as Capsicum, sweet bell peppers are part of the nightshade family. Now don’t let the term frighten you, the nightshade family also consists of plants such as tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant.

Green, yellow, orange and red peppers are all the same plant just in a different stage of the ripening process.

Peppers are native to South and Central America, and they come in an astounding range of flavors and levels of heat. Peppers get their heat from the chemical compound capsaicin. Sweet peppers contain very little to no heat and have no capsicum.

Sweet peppers and bell peppers are scientifically the same thing. The terms are generally used interchangeably.

When sweet peppers are dried and powdered that is how we get paprika.

A Magick Minute:

Green or Red Bell peppers can be used in desire work for love as they are sweet

cleanse and absorb negativity, undo jinx, used against evil, evil eye, witchcraft or spells

they can be placed at the doorstep to cleanse and maintain the home or business

* 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

Cayenne Pepper

As many of you know I have a vegetable and herb garden at home, as such I have many pesky animals digging at my plants. Therefore, I feel it very appropriate that the first weekly plant correspondence that we talk about be cayenne or cayenne pepper as it has a tendency to keep pests away. Ironically enough I also grow cayenne in my garden as well.

The cayenne pepper is of the genus, capsicum, more specifically the variety Capsicum Annuum. It is a hot pepper and can range from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units. For reference a standard sweet pepper is 0 Scoville units. It is usually found in the powder form, however you can find the 

The name of this pepper was derived from the city of Cayenne in French Guinea and it is one of the most used peppers in the Western Hemisphere.

Other Names:

Red Hot Chilli Pepper (not the band), Bird Pepper, Red Pepper, Cow-Horn Pepper, Guinea Spice, and Tabasco Pepper.

Mundane uses:

It can be used in your garden to ward off pests.

Metaphysical Information:

Gender: Male

Deities: Ellagua, Eshu, Pomba Guira, Ogoun, Chango, Pele

Element: Fire

Planet: Mars

Ruling Sign: Aries

Cayenne is a very protective spice and it repels negativity.

Cayenne can also be used in;

• Separation or Divorce spells

• Cleansing & Purification

• Speeds up spells

• Hex-Breaking

• Any spells using fire

Hello Witches and welcome to this witch’s garden!

I love to plant and tend my garden, especially when I feel a little rough. I love to grow just about anything! From useful flowers and herbs to plants, and flowers that just make me happy! My best suggestion for someone who wants to start growing their garden, but doesn’t know where to start, is to keep it simple and small. 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 talked 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. 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!

Yule 2020

So I think its safe to say that this year has sucked on so many levels for all of us and Yule is the perfect time to let all that go and start anew. The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year. For this time of year Solstice refers to the sun and where it is in our sky, days are shorter nights are longer. Many Pagans refer to winter as the dark half of the year. Our ancestors celebrated Yule all over sometimes under a different name but all with the same idea, which is, its time to renew. The Old English called Yule “Geol '' meaning Christmas Day or Christmastide The Norse reffered to Yule as Jol which translates to Heathen Feast.  

The Winter Solstice is a very Mother centric time, The Norse Goddess associated with it is Frigg. They also referred to the Winter Solstice as the Mother Night because it is said that Frigg laboured and gave birth to the sun. Infact Norse women today still invoke Frigg in hopes for a healthy pregnancy. The Germanic Goddess of Christmas is Holda sometimes referred to as Frau Holle Hulda meaning “Kind One.” She is the bringer of prosperity and fertility. The Romans have Bona Dea meaning Good Goddess who represented chastity and fertility. The Italians have Befana who is similar to Strenua and Babushka who would give gifts to children. The Gods associated are the Oak King, Apollo and Saturn. Saturn has a holiday named after him called Saturnalia which is a Roman festival which was a time of merryment and feasting. 

One of the biggest traditions is the Yule log which is traditionally oak. So the oldest female of the household would cleanse and prepare the house while the oldest male would find the best log.

So for Yule this year on top of celebrating with my counterpart Brooke I have decorated my altar with some Yule colours. I added a Rose of Jerhico to represent the renew and rebirth of the New Year. 

Me and my Husband will be lighting the candles and putting positive affirmations into the new year. To let go of what cant be changed we will be writing them on white plates and then smashing them to release it into the universe. Let us know how you’ll be celebrating Yule this year. You can email us at truenorthwitches@gmail.com or find us on any social media platform @truenorthwitches. 

Songs and Recipies for Yule

Tree-Decorating Chili

1 pound ground beef

1 onion diced

8oz tomato sauce

1 can stewed tomatoes

1 can black beans rinsed

8oz cooked pinto beans rinsed

½ cup water

1tsp salt

21/2 tsp chili powder

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

In a large frying pan break up and brown the ground beef and onions. Spoon off and discard fat. 

Add tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, black and pinto beans, water, salt, chili powder and cayenne and bring it to a gentle boil then lower and simmer.

Simmer for 2 hours uncovered add water if it becomes to thick.

Before serving check and adjust salt and pepper levels as needed.

Serve and customize as neede examples being cheese as a topper, serve over baked potato or over hotdog

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients: 

1 cup sugar

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup unsalted butter softened (NOT Margerine)

1 cup vegetable oil (NOT olive oil)

2 eggs 

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cream of tartar

43/4 cups all purpose flower

Additional white sugar for flattening 

Cream the sugar , powdered sugar, butter and oil until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Add salt, backing soda and cream of tartar and mix well. Add flour in increments, blending thourghly after each addition. The dough will be light and somewhat fluffy. 

Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet, then flatten each ball with the bottom of a cup dipped in sugar.

Bake at 350 until barley light brown at the edges, about 10mins

Remove immediately to place on cooling rack. 

God Rest Ye Merry Pagan Folk

God rest ye merry pagan folk, let nothing you dismay.
Remember that the sun returns, upon this solstice day!
The growing dark is ended now, and spring is on its way.
O, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

The winter's worst still lies ahead, fierce tempest, snow and rain!
Beneath the blanket on the ground, the spark of life remains!
The sun's warm rays caress the seeds, to raise life's songs again!
O, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

Within the blessed apple lies, the promise of the queen
For from this pentacle shall rise, the orchards fresh and green.
The earth shall blossom once again, the air be sweet and clean!
O, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!
O, tidings of comfort and joy!