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;
pick the size and style of the jar you wish to use
cleanse the jar with the incense of your choosing (if you cannot cleanse with smoke use your simmer pot steam for this step)
if you are using a charcoal disk you may want to grind it up first
in a bowl (or in the jar itself but I find the bowl mixes better) mix in desired herbs and the ashes (or charcoal)
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;
pick the size and style of the jar you wish to use
cleanse jar with the incense of your choosing (if you cannot cleanse with smoke use your simmer pot steam for this step)
if you are using a charcoal disk you may want to grind it up first
in a bowl (or in the jar itself but I find the bowl mixes better) mix in desired herbs and the ashes (or charcoal)
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.
Mabon Countdown Day 16
Apple Butter
I don’t know about you but Apple Butter just screams ‘Mabon’ to me (as well as apple sauce).
This recipe can be used both on the stove and in a crockpot.
I know that not everyone needs a large batch so I have given the smaller recipe so that you are
Ingredients;
5-7 medium-sized apples of your choice
1/2 cup water or apple cider (not the vinegar)
if you are using the crockpot method this liquid is not needed
1/4 c granulated sugar
1/4 - 1/2 c brown sugar (this is to taste and depends on how sweet you want it and what apples you use)
2 Tbsp lemon juice (you may need less or more depends on the amount of apples you use)
1/2 tsp cinnamon (I like cinnamon you may want more or less depending on your preference)
pinch of salt
ground nutmeg (optional and to taste)
I love nutmeg so I will usually place a small pinch in my batches (a little goes a long way)
ground cloves (optional and to taste)
ground allspice (optional and to taste)
Method - Stove;
peel, cut, and core your apples
place the apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water or cider into your pot
bring ingredients to a simmer on medium heat in an uncovered pot
reduce heat and then over and cook apples for 20 to 25 minutes or until apples begin to soften and fall apart
remove from heat and blend softened apples in a food processor or using a hand blender until smooth
return mixture to the pan and cook on low to medium-low and add your brown sugar and spices to the pot
cook on low until the mixture is a caramel colour, stirring occasionally
keep refrigerated for no more than 2 weeks
Method - Crockpot;
peel, cut, and core your apples
place the apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water or cider into your pot
set crockpot on high
after an hour and a half (larger batches need longer) uncover, stir, and continue cooking without the lid
continue simmering until mixture is thickened, stir occasionally
continue to cook until liquid is gone, roughly 4-5 hours (more time for larger batches)
put the crockpot on low and blend softened apples in a food processor or using a hand blender until smooth
once blended leave mixture on low and cook until your desired thickness
still stirring occasionally to prevent burning
keep refrigerated for no more than 2 weeks
Mabon Countdown Day 15
Mabon Garland
Like most things in this collection (and for any other Sabbat) this is based a lot over your own intuition and your preferences, I never make them the same way twice. I love to use my intuition and knowledge of herbs, incenses, and spices to create a unique experience for the Sabbat that I am creating it for.
As some of you are newer to the craft here are some suggestions for Mabon so that you might pick and choose what feels right to add to your garland;
Strings or ribbons in the colours brown, orange, red (maroon and other shades as well), deep gold, or violet.
Some herbs and spices that can be chosen for your garland are; cinnamon, rosemary, pine, clove, sage, yarrow, rue, and chamomile.
You can also add some dried flowers such as, rose, mums, sunflowers, marigolds, and honeysuckle.
When cleansing your items for this garland you can use incenses such as clove, cinnamon, rose, patchouli, pine, apple, cedar and sandalwood.
With this knowledge in mind here are a few extra things you may want to add; dried oranges, cranberries, acorns and leaves.
What you will absolutly need for this craft;
needle and some kind of string
a branch (if you wish to have it hang if not you may just string the things on with with needle and thread)
Mabon Countdown Day 14
Fun Activities to Do in the Fall
I love the fall, and with that comes a wonderful amount of fun activities for all ages.
It is the harvest season, and even if you don’t have a garden, or are like me and their garden didn’t exactly do as well as expected, you can still enjoy the festivities.
go to a farmers market near you and walk around and enjoy (purchase something if you want)
if you have a garden plant things that need to be planted in the fall (I will be planting my garlic this fall)
go to farms in your area if they allow it and see what they grow/sell
pick apples from an orchard (we have a wonderful farm nearby and I will be getting some produce from there soon
go on a hay ride
run a corn maze
prep your gardens for the next year (here I would map them out, and plan where everything is best in your garden, I will be adding weed fabric to where my plants sit as I noticed a few of my plants grew through the grow bags I had them in and I had a mess of weeds and other plants)
plan what plants you want to grow next year (make notes of things you used, what you enjoy, and what did well)
harvest your seeds (I will have a video up soon about budget harvesting options)
go for walks in the trees and watch as the leaves change colours
pick pinecones and acorns in the forest (off the ground preferred) and add them to your altar (if you have one)
There are many other things you can do in the Fall season. My best suggestion is to look local and see what they have planned in your area.
The Goddess of Witchcraft
I have sat here a few times wondering what to write about as my second blog post. I don't necessarily want to begin to talk about facts on various topics because we already have that with our wonderful correspondence blog posts. So I think I will go with something I feel close to, that something being someone…. Hekate the Goddess of Witchcraft and the various images of her. I became obsessed with finding signs of her everywhere. Any books I could find, any website I could scour. I found that the more I learned the more obsessed I became. Even now being someone who has been a follower for about 18 years and that obsession has not died down.
So who is she???????
-Hekate is the Greek Goddess of Witchcraft, the Moon, Magic, Ghosts, the Night, the crossroads and Necromancy. Her name is derived from the greek word Hekatos meaning “Worker from afar”
-Her parents were the Greek Titans Perses and Asteria.
-Considered to have dominion over the Earth, Air and Sky
-She is typically depicted with 2 torches, a set of keys, Crows and Dogs.
-Effigies of her are normally placed at the entrances of homes to protect them.
-She was a household Goddess and worshiped daily at an evening meal known as Depinon.
-It was believed that worshiping her would bring harmony and forgiveness to a family and household.
-She is now known as a triple form Goddess (Maid, Mother and Crone.
-She is a Liminal Goddess and operates in the in-between realm.
There are many more facts about Hekate and her life far too many to put in this blog post. So I encourage you to go out and do the research.
Based on our findings me and Brooke have always considered Hekate to be an OG Goddess being that except for the Titans she is considered one of the oldest, and being that she is one of the oldest her duties and how she is worshiped has evolved. For instance the Athenian people considered her to be a Goddess of Light depicting her with sun and light colors, But now she is considered to be a dark Goddess not evil just on the dark side of things. When I meditate and connect with her, the image of her flickers between the light and dark versions of her. I came to this depiction of her through a podcast on Spotify called Keeping Her Keys that had a meditation for Hekate and finding her purpose for you. It is meant to be away for people to devote and find connection to her. I have linked the episode below, but I highly recommend the whole podcast if Hekate is someone you would like to pursue as a deity.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5uT0FA8wcJND1n12Pyfi76?si=wROqypp6Tb-nxalg_0N_SQ
Well Witches it took me forever to write this and its been a slice. I hope you guys enjoyed it and Ill catch you next time!
Blessed Be!
Image of Hekate By: Annaiceflames on Deviant Art
Mabon Countdown Day 13
Mabon Sachet
I love making sachets, however, when I make sachets I never make them the same way twice. I love to use my intuition and knowledge of herbs, incenses, crystals and spices to create a unique experience.
As some of you are newer to the craft here are some suggestions for Mabon so that you might pick and choose what feels right for you in a sachet;
Sachet or fabric in the colours brown, orange, red (maroon and other shades as well), deep gold, or violet.
Some herbs and spices that can be chosen for your sachet are; cinnamon, rosemary, pine, clove, sage, yarrow, rue, rosehips, chamomile and frankincense.
You can also add some dried flowers such as, rose, mums, sunflowers, marigolds, and honeysuckle.
When cleansing your items for this sachet you can use incenses such as clove, cinnamon, rose, patchouli, pine, apple, cedar and sandalwood.
By placing crystals such as citrine, peridot, amethyst, yellow topaz, lapis lazuli, yellow agate and amber in to your sachet you can add an extra bit of ‘spark’ to the whole experience.