Seasons & Sabbats Archives - Otherworldly Oracle

Beltane: Sabbat History, Traditions & 15+ Ways to Celebrate

kitty fields — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 21:04:06 +0000

Beltane approaches in the Northern Hemisphere on May 1st. And in the Southern Hemisphere on October 31st. We prepare for the fire of Summer rising within our hearts and souls. Beltane calls us to purify, protect and prepare ourselves and our practices for the Summer season ahead. It’s an exciting and enchanting time – the perfect sabbat to celebrate the earth’s blossoming, as well as the blossoming in our lives. Learn all about the ancient history and traditions of Beltane, it’s other names, and how to celebrate in modern times. First, What is Beltane? Beltane is a pagan Celtic fire festival dating back to ancient times. It occurs officially upon moonrise on April 30th, lasting through the next day, May 1st, in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the dates are reversed: so it begins October 31st and lasts through November 1st. In ancient Celtic times, our ancestors split the year into two halves – Summer and Winter. So Beltane was the official beginning of Summer. And hence the light half of the year. A definite cause for celebration in a time without running water, heat, electricity, etc. Although Beltane is Celtic in origin, there are literally hundreds of other fire and fertility festivals celebrated around the world at this time. In England, Beltane is known as May Day. In Germany, it’s Walpurgis. Etc. Beltane is also called Cet Samhain, which means “Opposite of Samhain” (as it is directly opposite the Samhain sabbat on the Wheel of the Year). Belenos, Beltane, and The Sun The word Beltane, which in traditional Irish is spelled Bealtaine, means “Fire of Bel” or “Great Fire”. Bel or Belenos is a Celtic fire god who may have been the catalyst for this sabbat thousands of years ago. When we translate Bel’s name, we get “Shining One”. Interestingly, not only was Bel associated with fire and fertility, he was also a well-loved healing god whose cult stretched all the way from Italy to the British Isles, at its peak. Bel was also a sun god who rode the sun like a chariot across the sky each day, led by his sacred, most powerful totem – horses. There are those who believe Beltane originates in honor of Bel, and those who disagree. We’ll let you decide. The Purifying Fires of Beltane First and foremost, Beltane was and is a fire festival. In ancient times and all the way up to the nineteenth century, farmers in Ireland drove their cattle downhill and between two large fires. This act purified the cattle from disease and protected them for the Summer. This had two purposes: spiritual and physical. Spiritual purification is obviously by way of the power of fire. But the fires also worked as a fumigant. According to author Linda Raedisch, “both Germans and Celts observed it by building bonfires and burning pungent herbs: fennel, rue, chervil, thyme…these smouldering bouquets of herbs acted as powerful fumigants” to be rid of fleas, lice, and other pests that collected over the Winter months. So, therefore, the cattle were treated for pests, as well as the humans who gathered near the balefire. Fertility on Beltane We know that Beltane was a fire festival, but where does the associated with Fertility come in? At the beginning of Summer, we see the earth bursting forth with fruit and bounty. The Great Mother is fertile and beginning to bear fruit at this time. Therefore, if the Earth is fertile, so are human beings and animals. As above, so below. And the Sun’s return to the sky, kissing the earth with its life-giving rays, provides us with the male counterpart to the feminine earth. And so comes the Great Rite, or union of male and female to bring life (Sun + Earth = New Life). The Morrigan, while often thought of as purely a warrior goddess of death, becomes the fertile earth on Beltane and unites with the Dagda to birth new life. Fertility rites have been a popular activity on Beltane for centuries, for this reason. I also assume it has to do with people being pent up indoors for many months. Beltane Witches After the Church rose to power, Beltane was condemned and anyone who celebrated it was liable to be called a witch or pagan. In Frazer’s The Golden Bough, “every woman who gathered fires on May Day was considered a witch in sixteenth century Ireland”. For many years, all customs including the purifying fires were discouraged and outright forbade. If a child was born near Imbolc, they were considered Beltane babies as they were thought to have been conceived on or near Beltane the year prior. This meant they had extrasensory abilities. And therefore, if you were born on February 1st, you would be considered a powerful witch in days long gone. Beltane Magical Associations Herbs Stones Foods Animals Thyme Citrine Mead Cow Rue Obsidian Spicy foods Honeybee Chamomile Carnelian Bannick Hare Fennel Red Jasper Aphrodisiacs Horse Pennyroyal Pyrite Fruit Goat Yarrow Roes quartz Fresh culinary herbs Cat 15 Ways to Celebrate Beltane in Modern Times How you choose to celebrate Beltane will depend on your beliefs, tradition, and whether you’re in a coven or solitary. It may also depend on whether you celebrate by yourself or with friends or family members. Tailor the ideas below to fit your preferences and personal practice. 1. Have a Bonfire As you already know, Beltane is a fire festival. So it’s only right, if you have the resources, to build a fire. It doesn’t have to be a huge bonfire, if you don’t have the ability. But a fire in a fireplace, fire pit, or otherwise is the perfect way to celebrate Beltane. This is a modern custom stemming from ancient traditions. The Celts built large bonfires, sometimes 2 to be exact, then drove their cattle between the two fires to purify and protect them through the season. Scottish farmers were still carrying on this tradition in the nineteenth century. 2. Erect a Maypole […]

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Pagan Holidays: Sabbats, Feast Days & Festivals Around the World

kitty fields — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 16:32:24 +0000

Samhain is for witches and creepy pagans. Especially if you like ghost hunting, watching horror movies, and singing witchy songs at the top of your lungs. Or how about the pagan versions of Easter and Christmas? Yes, they exist. You can even celebrate fertility and passion on one of the many fire festivals occurring annually worldwide. So no matter the ancient culture, there’s a pagan holiday or two to explore. If you’re new to the world of paganism, or you’re just curious, we present some of the Wiccan sabbats and other pagan holidays here. The Celtic Pagan Holidays The Celts were an ancient people whose empire (it wasn’t a unified empire, but we’re calling it this for now) once stretched from the British Isles to Turkey. When most people hear Celtic, they think Irish, which is correct. But there were also the Gaulish Celts (now modern day France), Celts in Germany and even in Northern Italy and Spain. So if you have European ancestry, you likely had Celtic ancestors at one point in time. The Celtic pagan holidays that we know most about are still celebrated in Ireland, and some throughout the world as part of the Wiccan Wheel of the Year…also called the sabbats. 1. Imbolc: Celtic Pagan Holiday On Imbolc, also called St. Brigid’s Day, we recognize the initial breaking of winter ground into spring (early stages) and the milking of the ewes. We celebrate Saint Brigid and Goddess Brigid, and ready ourselves for warmer days to come. Light every lamp in the house, or light candles in each room to represent the sun’s rebirth. If snow is on the ground, or falling, walk around in it and draw a sun with your projective hand. Make Saint Brigid’s crosses or dolls to celebrate Saint Brigid. A bonfire is appropriate as the ancients tended Saint Brigid’s flame for years, never letting it burn out. 2. Beltane: Celtic Fire Festival Beltane is celebrated in the Northern Hemisphere on May 1st and in the Southern Hemisphere on November 1st. This Celtic pagan holiday is a fire festival. And in ancient times was focused on fertility rites and purification. Cattle were driven between two giant bonfires to cleanse them of any evil and prepare them for the Summer. People danced and made love around the fire. And celebrated the sun’s rulership over the sky. Today, Wiccans and modern pagans carry on some of the old Beltane traditions and have added a few of their own. Cleansing rituals, fertility rites, and any fire working is appropriate on this Celtic pagan holiday. 3. Litha: Pagan Holiday Celebrating the Summer Solstice Summer solstice, also called Litha, is the longest day of the year. It’s celebrated around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and around December 22nd in the Southern. At this time, we honor the wedding of heaven and earth and the sun in all its glory. Also a fire festival, so bonfires and lighting candles are appropriate. Make a cloth pouch of herbs such as lavender, chamomile, St. John’s Wort, Vervain, or others. Mentally pour all troubles into this pouch as you construct it. Burn in balefire and visualize troubles burning and blowing away for good. Put out offerings of cake, milk, ale or mead for the faeries. This is a pagan holiday on which the fae are particulary active. 4. Lughnasadh: Celtic First Harvest Festival Not only is Lughnasadh the first of three Celtic harvest festivals, it also honors the beloved Celtic god of many skills, Lugh. It is celebrated in the Northern Hemisphere on August 1st and in the Southern on February 1st. It was traditional to climb a hill and be close to the sun, therefore to Lugh, on this day. Other traditions include giving offerings to Lugh, harvest gods and the land. Modern pagans who celebrate also like to pick blackberries, make blackberry pie, make sun bread (a pagan harvest symbol), feast, and drink wine. 5. Mabon: 2nd Celtic Harvest Festival Mabon is the second of the three Celtic harvest sabbats and occurs at the autumnal equinox when the season changes from summer to fall. At this time, day and night are divided equally and we pay respect to impending night. Druids celebrate Green Man; Wiccans celebrate the aging Goddess who is turning from Mother into Crone and the God preparing for death and rebirth. It is also called the Witches’ Thanksgiving, as feasting and drinking wine is traditional. If you’ve grown herbs or vegetables, this is a time to harvest and incorporate into your Mabon feast. 6. Samhain: A Pagan Holiday of the Dead Samhain (pronounced Sow-en) is the third of the Celtic harvest festivals and a popular modern pagan holiday. In America and other places throughout the world, Samhain is also known as Halloween. But Halloween is essentially the modernized version of this ancient Celtic feast of the dead. Samhain is celebrated on October 31st in the Northern Hemisphere and April 30th in the Southern Hemisphere. Samhain is the Pagan new year and night of the dead, when the spiritual world has its thinnest veil. This means ghosts, fae, and other spirits are most active on this night. This sabbat honors the year’s last harvest— anything harvested after Samhain belongs to the fay and is not to be eaten by humans. We honor our ancestors at this time. Dumb Suppers are traditional, as well as trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, bobbing for apples, guising, divination and other fun customs. Norse and Germanic Pagan Holidays and Sabbats There are actually quite a few Norse and Germanic pagan holidays, so we aren’t going to list them all here. However, we will list the more popular ones. 1. Ostara: The Germanic Pagan Easter and Sabbat Ostara, also known as the Vernal Equinox, marks the changing of the season and the arrival of spring. The earth’s rebirth and awakening from a long, harsh winter as well as fertility and motherhood are celebrated. This Germanic pagan Easter is also part of the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, […]

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Magical Birthdays: YOUR Moon Phase, Patron Goddess, Zodiac and More!

kitty fields — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 19:26:36 +0000

Did you know your birthday is MAGICAL? Yes, you! Everyone on this planet was born on a special day. And, I’ll let you in on a little secret, if you’re a witch or magical being, your birthday is probably that much more special! Maybe you’re thinking, I already know my zodiac sign. But birthdays are more than just your zodiac sign. Come with me and explore the magical origins of the birthday celebration PLUS find out how you can find the magic in your birthday! Magical Birthday Origins Celebrating birthdays is not a modern invention. Nor is it particularly “Christian”. Scholars believe birthday celebrations date to ancient pagan times. There’s reference to the ancient Romans being the “first” to celebrate the common man’s birthday. At least his fiftieth. On a man’s fiftieth birthday, he was given a cake. And the birthday candles are supposedly ancient Greek in origin. Candle-adorned cakes were given to the goddess Artemis and the candles were blown out to send one’s prayers to the goddess herself. When you blow out your candles this year, send your wish to your birthday’s patron god, goddess or saint! If we look at the spiritual significance of one’s birthday, we see the day of someone’s birth is inherently a liminal time and space. This means you’re on the threshold of another year or cycle around the sun. Liminal space is powerful because it opens us to the spirit world. In that same breath, liminal space and therefore birthdays, were once considered a “dangerous” time too. A time when spirits and energies thereof could influence your life easily. Coming together as a group to celebrate an individual’s birthday was a means of protection. And check this out – singing, clapping and loud noises scares off evil spirits and bad luck! 1. Magical Birthdays: First, Let’s Talk About Your Zodiac SIGNS and Natal Chart So the first thing we typically think of when someone says “magical birthday” is our zodiac signs. For those who don’t know, you have more than just ONE zodiac sign. In fact, you have three main signs: your sun sign, moon sign, and rising (also called ascendant) sign. Your sun sign is the one we use to answer someone when they ask us what our sign is. The moon sign is dependent on your time of birth, date of birth and place of birth. Your rising sign has to do with your time of birth, as well. So find your birth certificate and input this information into an online moon and rising sign calculator to find yours! Why do you have three zodiac signs based on your birthday? Your sun signs defines your true identity. While your moon sign represents the emotional self. And your rising sign? That is the personality or side of you that you show to the world. Each of these 3 signs may be different, and in discovering this information, you may unlock information about yourself you didn’t know before. Don’t forget too, that your FULL birth natal chart will reveal even MORE about your personality, likes and dislikes, goals and achievements in life, shadows and much more. 2. Next, What About the Moon Phase on Your Birthday? Yes, this seems like it would be the same thing as your moon sign. But, alas, it’s not. You can find what moon phase you were burn under (meaning what phase the moon was in) by looking up your birthday online + moon phase. For example, enter “September 23rd moon phase” into Google and see what you find! Depending on what phase the moon was in on your magical birthday, this will affect how you experience the moon phases in your daily life. For example, I was born under a New Moon. Once I realized this, it made sense why I always feel energized and ready to make magick on the New Moon. While others seem to feel more pumped on the Full Moon. PLUS you can use this birthday moon phase knowledge to fuel your magical workings: spells, divination sessions, dreamwork, and much more! Learn more about the moon phases on your birthday here. 3. What’s Your Life Path Number? In addition to researching your zodiac signs, natal chart, and moon phase, have you ever looked up your life path number? This magical number is based on numerology and is the single digit you get when you add your FULL birthday all together. And keep adding until you get one single number. Like this: January 13th, 1985 = 1+13+1985=1999 =1+9+9+9= 28= 2+8= 10 =1+0 =1 This person’s life path number would be 1. Once you have your life path number linked to your magical birthday, research what your life path number means. 4. Is Your Magical Birthday on a Saints’ Feast Day? PLUS Patron Gods and Goddesses Have you ever looked up your birthday to see if it falls on a Saint’s feast day? There are hundreds of saints, according to the Catholic Church, so I guarantee you’ll find at least one saint linked to your magical birthday. But how does this make your birthday special? It does in a few ways: a. this saint is your patron saint and b. it may link you to a specific ancient god or goddess. Whether you are Catholic or not, having a patron saint whose feast day is on your birthday means you can call on that saint when you need him or her. Most saints have special attributes and things they can aid you with. For example, if you were born on Saint Michael’s Day (September 29th), call on Michael for protection, strength, and to ward off illness. And receive his swiftest response. But let’s take this saint talk to the next level… Patron Saint….or Patron God / Goddess? Did you know quite a few of the Catholic saints were originally pagan gods and goddesses? SO now that you know who your patron saint is, now begin searching for links to ancient deities. For instance, if […]

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Is Christmas a Pagan Holiday? Yuletide Traditions With Ancient Origins

kitty fields — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 18:19:35 +0000

Ever heard someone say, keep Christ in Christmas? Well, pagans like to say keep Christmas…pagan! Which begs us to question, is Christmas a pagan holiday or a Christian holiday? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of our most beloved Christmas traditions, meals and legendary figures and see just how ancient and pagan they truly are. 7 Reasons Christmas May Be A Pagan Holiday There are many reasons why Christmas is indeed a pagan holiday, but we’ll start with saying that it was once called Yule by the Norse and Germanic peoples (modern pagans continue the ancient ways by calling it Yule). But truly, nearly every ancient pagan peoples had their own Winter festivals and celebrations. The old Twelve Days of Christmas tradition began on the Winter Solstice and extended to New Years Eve…a tradition that originated with the ancient Norse and Germanic people. Prior to Christianization. When the Church sought to convert the “heathens”, they found it easier to allow them to keep their Yule celebrations rather than stamping it out completely. They just called it Christmas and changed the celebration of the old gods to that of the new one – Jesus Christ. And called it Christ-mass. 1. The Christmas Tree and Wreath Does it seem likely the Church thought up the custom of decorating an evergreen tree? It’s not likely, because this is an inherently pagan tradition. Decorating trees, particularly evergreen trees, with ribbons and charms predates the Church by thousands of years. We believe the ribbons and decorations were originally used as offerings to the evergreen trees’ spirits. And to honor the life-death-rebirth cycle so apparent during the Winter season. Interestingly, the word Yule, taken from the word Jol, may have originally meant wheel. And so, theory goes that the Christmas wreath is actually a symbol for the Wheel of the Year, signifying the changing of the seasons and the life-death-rebirth cycle. 2. Feasting and Parties at Christmas-time In ancient times, our ancestors had no refrigerator. No freezer. No electricity. Which also means no central heating. Winter was a harsh time, and quite a few people lost their lives to disease, hunger, and the cold. So, at the Winter Solstice, the true beginning of the Winter months, people would lighten the mood and celebrate with a great feast. It was also a necessity to slaughter the livestock for preservation and religious purposes. Which meant – feasting was required! Today we often have a ham at Christmas time. This may be a tradition reminiscent of the sacrificial yule boar that was once offered to the Norse god Freyr at Yule. In addition, meads and ales were typically ready for drinking at this time. 3. Is Christmas a Pagan Holiday? Let’s Look at Santa Claus a Little Closer Santa Claus is one of the most well-known mythical figures in the world. He is particularly popular in the United States and in slightly different guises throughout Europe. Folks today might think Santa Claus has always been around. But he’s a fairly modern version of ancient divine Wintry figures. Christianity claims that Santa Claus originates in the story of Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Christian bishop of Greece who gave his time to the poor and disadvantaged. However, modern pagans see Santa Claus’ as a continuation of the old gods of Yule, namely Jolnir (translates to the Yule One)…better known as Odin. Let’s compare the two: Santa Claus Odin “Yule One” White hair, long beard Gray/white hair, long beard Drives Sleigh with 8 Reindeer Rides Sleipnir, eight-legged flying steed Flies the skies on Christmas Eve Leads the Wild Hunt – a procession that flies the sky in Winter We leave cookies & milk for Santa We sacrificed livestock and gave offerings to Odin on Yule Brings presents to the children and fills stockings with candy/treats Children left food out for Sleipnir; Odin would reward those children and leave them treats Ded Moroz (Morozko) is the Slavic Santa But Odin isn’t the only Winter deity that seems eerily similar to our modern Santa Claus. Let’s look at the Slavic mythical figure known as Ded Moroz. His name translates to “Grandpa Frost”. Look up a picture of Ded Moroz and you’ll mistake him immediately for our jolly ol’ Saint Nick. In fact, Ded Moroz brings presents to well-behaved children in Russia and some Eastern European countries throughout the Winter season, namely on New Years Eve. He is sometimes accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka, the Winter Maiden. Scholars believe he was once considered a Snow Demon in ancient times, keeping in mind the term “demon” originally meant an immortal spirit, rather than an evil minion of the Christian devil’s. 4. Gift-giving The tradition of giving gifts during the Winter season is ancient and spans cultures. In Ancient Rome, Saturnalia was an ancient Winter festival that celebrated the god Saturn during the month of December. The Romans gave each other gifts during this time. This tradition is reflected in the story of the three wise-men and the gifts they bring to the newborn Jesus. But gift-giving isn’t limited to the Romans or to baby Jesus, as the ancient Germanic peoples also gave gifts to one another. This was a transfer of blessings for health and abundance. 5. The Pagan Yule Log While this isn’t as common a tradition as it once was, the yule log is still around. The yule log custom requires a family to select a specific log to be burnt little by little each of the twelve nights of Christmas. This is yet another Christmas tradition believed to have ancient pre-Christian Germanic origins. The yule log was a form of sympathetic magic, in that it represented and welcomed the return of the sun. Additionally, the yule log warded off illness, evil spirits, lightning strikes to the home and fires. In modern times, folks still burn a yule log and spread the ashes over the garden or property to welcome good luck in the coming new year. 6. Yule Singing, Wassailing […]

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Yule Cookies: 10 Cookie Recipes for a Sweet & Magical Winter Solstice

kitty fields — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 21:00:02 +0000

I sure do like those Christmas cookies, Sugar. I sure do like those Christmas cookies, Babe. Just a little George Strait song for you, folks. You don’t have to like George Strait or country music to be here, but you DO have to like Christmas treats. Over the past few years, I’ve been researching and thinking – why aren’t there more pagan and witch-themed Yule cookie recipes? There’s a few, but not as many as there should be. SO I’ve come up with some of my own, mixed in with some of the traditional Christmas cookies (with a witchy twist). Here’s my top 10 procured and personal witchy Yule cookie recipes. 10 Yule Cookies for a Very Witchy Winter Solstice The great thing about Yule cookies is this – you can make traditional Christmas cookies and put your own witchy spin on them by adding special spices or herbs. Nature-themed and witchy cookie cutters are easy to procure and use in place of angels or nativity scene cookies. Get inspired. Get your kids involved. Bring on the witchy this Yule in the kitchen! 1. Sun and Moon Yule Cookies As pagans, we have a thing for the sun and moon. We just can’t help ourselves. And with the Winter Solstice being the longest night of the year, why not celebrate the moon’s rule PLUS the return of the sun the following day with sun and moon Yule cookies? These are as simple as using your favorite sugar cookie or gingerbread recipe, and then cutting out moon and sun shapes with cutters or by hand. Stars are appropriate too and an easy-to-find cookie cutter shape during the holidays. Or try this Yule moon cookie recipe by CDKitchen. Offer a sun cookie to a solar god or goddess and a moon cookie to a lunar god or goddess. OR keep a few as offerings for Odin…I mean Santa…I mean Odin. 😉 2. Prosperity-Drawing Snickerdoodles for Yule Snickerdoodles are an absolute family favorite when it comes to Yule cookies. And, not to brag, but Allorah says my snickerdoodles are the best she’s ever had! Something about the light-airiness of the cookie coated in cinnamon just screams joy and abundance. And, not to brag, but I make some pretty amazing snickerdoodles. How do we consider these pagan or witchy? We look at the ingredients and see cinnamon – which is an herb that draws success, prosperity, and strength. Bake and eat snickerdoodles to draw an abundance of health, happiness and wealth in the coming year. They are little sugary spells on your plate! 3. Magical Snowballs Also called Russian teacakes, snowballs are one of my all-time favorite Yule time cookies. They literally melt in your mouth. Pair it with some milk or coffee…oh my gods. Drool-worthy. I like to think these little treats are witchy – with a name like “snowball”, coated in powdered sugar (pure magic) and walnuts added. Walnuts bring fertility, wealth, and new opportunities. So eat up! Here’s my favorite snowball recipe. 4. Krampus Cookies Is there such thing? Yes. And again, you can make the cookies from any recipe you’d like, but we prefer sugar cookie. Get yourself a Krampus cookie cutter. Then be sure to ice it or put sprinkles and red hots on top. There’s angel cookies and nativity cookies, why can’t we Pagans celebrate Krampus with a Krampus cookie? And if you’ve ever seen the movie titled Krampus, you can make regular gingerbread men with evil little faces to celebrate the film. 5. La Befana and Berchta Cookies Traditionally, La Befana has her own special cake in Italy. It’s called…yep…La Befana cake. But since we’re talking Yule COOKIES, we are going to modify the tradition a bit to fit our own. In case you didn’t know, La Befana is the Italian Christmas witch that gives presents to kids during the Winter season. And just like her American elven counterpart (Santa Claus), she enjoys treats to show one’s gratitude. One way to make La Befana cookies is to modify the cake recipe into a cookie recipe. OR you can acquire witch-shaped cookie cutters. These will also work as Berchta cookies! Read more about Christmas Witches here. 6. Gingerbread (The “Original” Christmas Yule Cookie) My research says the first Christmas cookie was something close to gingerbread. According to the History network, “many Christmas cookies are still heavily spiced. We think of ‘traditional’ Christmas flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, and those are exactly the same spices medieval cooks would have used in their cookies ages ago.” My kids love making gingerbread men, specifically. You can also make gingerbread krampus cookies, Christmas witch cookies, and whatever shapes you feel evoke the pagan Yuletide season. 7. Chocolate Chip Cookies With Sea Salt This Yule season, bake a holiday favorite – the chocolate chip cookie. But make it witchy by adding sea salt. Every witch worth her salt (pun intended), knows the potent magical properties of sea salt. Adding a bit to your Yule chocolate chip cookies not only amplifies the flavor profile, but also provides a protective magical boost. Want to learn more about salt’s magical properties? Click here. Make chocolate chip cookies with sea salt with this recipe. 8. Sandbakelse: A Traditional Nordic Yule Cookie Baking sandbakelse in Norway is a common, two-centuries-old family tradition. Sandbakelse translates to sand tarts, but aren’t made with sand. They’re made with flour, sugar, butter and chopped almonds. Similar to the American sugar cookie or snowball. Norwegian immigrants brought sandbakelse to the New World with them in the nineteenth century, along with the quintessential cookie tins. If you have Norwegian ancestry, or just want to try making these cookies, check out this recipe. And here’s the tins. 9. Melomakarono: Traditional Greek Cookies Likely the oldest cookie we have on our list here is melomakarono. Melomakarono is a Greek dessert made at Christmas-time that’s based on the ancient “Mercy Meal”, also called Makaria. Makaria was a Greek goddess and the daughter of Hades, god of […]

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Yule Recipes: 13 Traditional & Modern Winter Solstice Meals & Beverages

kitty fields — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 01:30:36 +0000

It’s almost time to break out your warm blankets, cozy slippers, and dutch ovens. Look, I know most pagans live for the Samhain season. But I most look forward to the Winter Solstice season every year. Particularly for the warm, hearty meals and drinks. I mean, truthfully, there’s more to it than just the food. But who am I kidding? The food is hands-down the best part! Here we give you our favorite 10 traditional and modern Yule recipes for the Winter sabbat season. Solstice Blessings! 13 Yule Recipes for Heartwarming (And Tummy-Filling) Meals and Drinks The Winter Holidays scream the colors of red and green, as well as heavy, rich flavors. Depending on where you live, the traditional Winter and holiday meals will differ. I think that’s half of the fun! Try making both traditional Yule fare as well as modern meals and alternatives. Include your own traditional Winter foods. Make these meals throughout the Winter season, as well as on the Yule sabbat. You won’t regret it. 1. Ham (In Place of a Roast Boar) *A Traditional Yet Modern Yule Recipe* To our Norse ancestors, the Winter Solstice (or Yule as they called it), was a time of being together and feasting. It was a time to give thanks to the gods for all they had. On Yule, a great boar was sacrificed in the name of the god Freyr and then eaten. Since most of us don’t have access to a wild boar for our Yule feasts, a ham or roast pork is a delicious substitution. Order a special honey-baked ham and have it delivered to your front door. OR try this delicious brown-sugar, mustard glazed ham recipe as your main entree next Yule. Pair it with traditional American sides like broccoli casserole and mashed potatoes. 2. Wassail *A Traditional Yule Recipe* Wassail is an ancient Yule tradition in the British Isles that still continues today. Hot wassail is essentially a hot cider drink infused with heady spices and fruit juices. There is more than one custom of wassailing, including going from door-to-door to visit neighbors and wish them luck. AND singing blessings in apple orchards to ensure a good harvest the following harvest season. Whether you have a local orchard or not, making hot wassail this Yuletide honors your ancestors from the Isles and the spirits of Yule. 3. Cioppino *Italian Seafood Soup* For Christmas and Yule If you’re Italian, you know how decadent Cioppino is as a Winter holiday meal. A tomato-based soup jam-packed with shellfish like clams, mussels, oysters, as well as calamari, fish, and basically any seafood you like. The seafood is NOT cheap, so this is what makes Cioppino such a special Yule dish. Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to disclose our family recipe; HOWEVER, I’ve found one that’s pretty darn close. Find a Cioppino Recipe for Yule here. Don’t forget to add some crusty bread, polenta, and green herbs to this meal. The green herbs and red soup evoke all the Yule feels. 4. Surf and Turf *Steak and Crab* I don’t know where you live. But whether it’s out in the country or near the sea, surf and turf for the holidays is always a great choice. We can’t always afford steak and lobster year round, but like I said before, we try to go “all out” for Christmas and Yule every year. So save up your extra dough and indulge on some filets (or rib-eyes, whatever you can afford). Then pair your turf (steaks) with some rich seafood like lobster tails, snow crab, etc. This meal is a LOT of meat, so balance it out with a side of vegetables or mashed potatoes. 5. Prime Rib With Pureed Parsnip Prime rib. Yummy. One of my all-time favorite Yule meal recipes that any meat lover will drool over. Frankly, my favorite part of THIS meal is the horseradish dressing. Call me a weirdo. I can’t help but enjoy having my sinuses cleared out on Yule eve. This is a decadent dish and if you add pureed root vegetables like parsnip to it, you have a Winter Solstice meal perfect for nobility. Keeping in mind, you can substitute the parsnip for mashed potatoes OR roasted carrots. Any root veggie is traditional for Yule. 6. Eggnog (Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic) *Traditional American Recipe* You love it. Or you freaking hate it. Either way, eggnog made our list for Yule recipes. It’s just too darn prevalent around the Winter holidays. And to give you a brief history, eggnog apparently dates back to Medieval Times. In the thirteenth century, there was a drink called posset. The monks made and drank this beverage and it was made from milk, figs, and eggs. This may have been the origins of eggnog and over the centuries, folks decided to add liquor. Leave it to us partiers. Here’s a traditional eggnog recipe made from scratch. Of course you can always buy your eggnog from the store and simply add liquor and spices to it, if you’d like (you cheater you). I like thinking of eggnog as a magical way to encourage Spring to come soon, since eggs are a symbol of rebirth and regeneration. 7. Yule Log Recipe Ever made a Yule log? Like a real log decorated with greens, ribbons, and topped off with candles? Or thrown into the Yule fire? If not, don’t worry about it. You can always make one this year. PLUS you can make an EDIBLE yule log. It’s called cake. And it’s fantastic. It looks like a REAL yule log but tastes like you’ve died and gone to the Summerland. Try Ree Drummond’s Yule Log Recipe here. 8. Rum Cake Nothing says the Winter Solstice to me than a rum-soaked bunt cake…aka the rum cake. I have a few family members who enjoy making rum cakes every year and giving them as gifts. And, I’m lucky to be on the receiving end. Even luckier that these two women can be rather competitive. […]

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11 Samhain Recipes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks and Dessert

kitty fields — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 12:55:35 +0000

Samhain is around the corner…kitchen witches rejoice! ‘Tis the season of the pumpkin. Of aromatic spices. Of hot cider and apple pie. We connect with our ancestors and celebrate the end of the harvest on All Hallows Eve. And what’s one of the best ways to celebrate? Food, of course. In this post, we share our favorite Samhain recipes including breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and desserts! You’ll find both traditional foods and modern suggestions below. Samhain Recipes: Bountiful Breakfasts I don’t know about you, but I like celebrating Samhain all day long. Starting with sunrise. This year, in the Northern Hemisphere, Samhain Eve begins on a Sunday. So if you have Sunday off, consider making one or more of these Samhain recipes for breakfast! Don’t forget your enchanted cup of coffee or seasonal hot tea. 1. Butternut Squash Hash with Fried Eggs Next to apples and pumpkin, squash is the third in the holy trinity of Fall ingredients (at least in my witchy opinion). And butternut squash is just so soft and delicious to eat. For any meal. Celebrate the harvest season upon waking and have some butternut squash hash, eggs and bacon. The photo provided is from Paleo Running Mama and here’s her Paleo and Whole30 recipe for butternut squash hash. Not just tasty and seasonal, but it can also be a healthy Samhain recipe to start your sabbat. 2. Autumn Cinnamon Apple Pancakes Recipe for Samhain Morn Treat yourself this Samhain with apple pancakes in the morning. My kids go completely nuts for pancakes. And honestly, what screams witchy comfort food louder than pancakes with cinnamon, spices and apples? Apples are indeed a seasonal fruit, and with good reason, as they also represent the underworld, the harvest, the goddess, and all four elements. Cut an apple horizontally and you’ll find the 5-pointed star inside! Try this cinnamon apple pancake recipe. 3. Irish Boxty *Traditional Irish Samhain Recipe* If you’d like a list of Samhain foods with more traditional recipes, click here (this list from 2020 includes barnbrack and colcannon). Another traditional Irish recipe for Samhain is called boxty – essentially they are Irish potato cakes. A hearty addition to any breakfast or brunch. And, being made of potatoes, makes one’s Irish ancestors happy if given as an offering on All Hallows. Delicious Lunch Samhain Recipes Whether you want to indulge in something wickedly decadent OR stay healthy, we’ve got you covered with these two Samhain recipes for lunch. Both are in alignment with the Fall season and the Samhain sabbat. 4. Beer Cheese Soup I’m a bit of a cheesehead. And I don’t mean I’m from Wisconsin. I mean, I’m a cheese addict. Who doesn’t love cheese on literally everything? Cheese overall screams the Samhain season to me, particularly cheddar and gruyere. So when I heard there was something called beer cheese soup, I made it and then wanted to bathe in it for my traditional Samhain bath ritual (kidding…sort of). Here’s my favorite recipe for Samhain lunch: beer cheese soup. 5. Autumn Apple Salad for Samhain If you’re trying to stay health conscious and keep the pounds off before Yule, salads for lunch are truly the way to go. Adding apples to any salad truly gives it Samhain vibes. But if you really want to know what exactly to put into your Autumn Apple Salad, here it goes. Keep in mind – I’m not providing measurements. If you’ve made salads before, it’s pretty simple. It just takes some eye-ing it and don’t over-do it on the salad dressing! Ingredients: Spinach Dried cranberries Sliced honeycrisp (or a combination of fuji and granny smith) apples Feta cheese Chopped salted pecans Bacon (cooked and chopped) Vinaigrette: if you can find apple cider vinaigrette even better! (3-4 tbsp) Instructions: Toss spinach, cranberries, apple slices, pecans, and bacon in a large salad bowl. Sprinkle feta cheese on top. Gently pour vinaigrette dressing onto the salad. Toss to distribute dressing and cheese evenly. Hearty Samhain Dinner Recipes Every year I tell my family I’m going to dress up for Halloween/Samhain. And every year I struggle. Why? Because I’m typically too busy making dinner for everyone, eating, then cleaning up and getting my kids ready to go trick-or-treating. SO I need to remember to make SIMPLE Samhain meals from now on. Here’s a few you could try. 6. Easy One Tray Roasted Chicken and Fall Veggies Tasty’s recipe for one tray roasted chicken thighs and vegetables is EASY and perfect as a Samhain recipe. If you’re a mom who can’t find the time to do everything on Halloween, this meal might be the right one for you. You can even prep it all ahead and stick it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it. I do one thing differently from the recipe – I add minced garlic under the skin of the chicken thighs. Replace the fingerling potatoes with chopped sweet potatoes, if you want to go a bit more Autumn-looking. See my actual version in the photo below: 7. Pomegranate – Soy Glazed Fish Filets How is pomegranate glazed fish a Samhain recipe for supper? Pomegranate is a traditional Samhain food, as it represents Persephone and her journey to the Underworld every Autumn season. The choice of filet is up to you, but I’ve made this recipe with everything from grouper to snapper to salmon. If you can get it fresh, this is best. And be sure you buy natural pomegranate juice. In addition, I roast green beans or brussel sprouts with this meal and it is always a hit. If you’re a devotee of Hecate, this is a goddess-pleasing-offering as well! If you’re looking for more Samhain dinner ideas click here. Drinks for All Hallows Eve 8. Hot Apple Cider *A Traditional American Samhain Drink* When the Wheel of the Year turns, and Fall comes back around, I get excited about all of the fun drinks! Sure you can drink apple cider in the Summer, if you really wanted to, […]

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Dumb Supper: How to Host a Sacred Ancestral Dinner for Samhain

kitty fields — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 11:19:26 +0000

Samhain is coming on the eve of October 31st. This night marks the “end of Summer” in the Celtic calendar, as well as the Witches’ New Year. Traditionally, our ancestors have the ability to visit and dine with us at a meal called the Dumb Supper. Eating this food doesn’t make anyone stupid, it actually means everyone eats a full meal in silence. Learn the importance of and how to host a sacred Samhain Dumb Supper to honor your ancestors. What is a Samhain Dumb Supper? Samhain is celebrated on October 31st through November 1st. And it is the night when the ancestors are walk among us freely. On this night, we celebrate the ancestors and those who have gone before us. Many pagans enjoy setting a special place at the dinner table for their ancestors. OR you can take it to the next level and host a Samhain dumb supper. A dumb supper is when the entire family eats dinner in silence, out of humble respect for the ancestors. It is a gesture of gratitude and sacredness. In addition, and most importantly, remaining silent through the dinner allows time and space for the ancestors to speak to us. I know I’ve heard their voices louder in the silence than in a crowded, noisy room. A Samhain Dumb Supper Menu What foods to include at your Samhain Dumb Supper is entirely up to you. However, we suggest making something seasonal (for Fall) PLUS incorporating your ancestors’ favorite types of foods. For example, if your ancestors are Irish, consider making colcannon (a traditional Samhain food) along with your chicken. If your ancestors are Nigerian, choose traditional Nigerian foods. Etc. Check out our 10 Samhain Meal Recommendations. Another idea for Samhain Dumb Supper is to make a meal that your immediate ancestors enjoyed. For example, your great grandmother loved making chicken and dumplings. So you will make chicken and dumplings. Maybe your grandfather loved eating apple crumble for dessert. Then you can have apple crumble in your dumb supper. Don’t forget the beverages! If you drink alcohol, consider making a traditional mulled wine. Beer, wine, mead, and hard cider are acceptable to the ancestors and are appropriate for Samhain. If you’re a non-alcoholic household, regular apple cider is perfect! How to Set Up the Dumb Supper Table Depending on how many ancestors you’d like to honor with your Samhain dumb supper, consider setting that many places at your dinner table. For me, I have dozens and dozens of ancestors I work with in my practice. Which also means I do not have enough space at my dinner table. So I typically set one space only and make it known the ancestors must share! Do what feels right to you. But make sure no one else sits in that place or touches the setting after you’ve set it up. You’ll want the setting of the supper to be lit with as much natural light as possible. Candlelight, oil lamps, etc are best in welcoming the ancestors’ presence on Samhain eve. In addition, clean the room and cleanse it spiritually beforehand. I like to leave a window open if the weather allows it, to allow the ancestors to easily come in and out. Jack-o-lanterns outside help light the way for the good spirits and keep out the bad. You may cast a circle, if you feel so inclined. I simply ask for my elevated ancestors ONLY to join us for dinner and to keep any malevolent spirits or ghosts out. As for color and decor, go with what you feel. I prefer dark colors like black and purple or black and red. OR Autumn colors like orange, red, brown, yellow. Place a few photos of your ancestors on the table. How to Perform the Dumb Supper Traditionally, everyone enters the room silent and stops for a moment at the ancestors’ chair(s) to silently pray for the departed. Sometimes we leave notes at the side of the place-setting for the ancestors. Remember – the whole point is that no one talks for the entirety of the meal. It’s respectful to serve the ancestors their meal first, then serve from oldest to youngest. No one should begin eating until everyone is served (this is just normal manners and should go without saying). When you pour the drinks, pour the ancestors’ first and be sure to make a silent toast while gently clinking glasses (this act scares any spirits out of the SPIRITS you’re drinking!) Anticipate Problems Before They Happen What if someone needs something else for their dinner? It’s your job as host to keep an eye on your guests and be able to anticipate what they need. A good idea is to add an extra fork/knife/napkin to each setting. Make sure there’s plenty of salt and pepper on the table (both ends/throughout). What if a phone rings or there’s an outside distraction of some kind? Before beginning the dinner, ask your guests to leave their phones and devices out of the room and turn them off. Same goes with TVs in the room itself. This limits or completely cuts off distractions from happening and breaking the silent ritual. What if someone needs to use the restroom? Before entering the room for dumb supper, make sure everyone knows where the bathroom is located. Then tell them if they need to use it during the meal, they may quietly get up and walk away. Then return without a word Up the Samhain Dumb Supper Wrapping Up The Samhain Dumb Supper To finish the dinner ritual, everyone should quietly exit the room, stopping once more at the ancestors’ place to silently give thanks and say goodbye. Leave the food and drink at the ancestors’ place to allow them time to finish and maybe linger a bit longer. Leave a few of the candles burning, only if you can check on them or have a safe view of them in the house (safety first!) Before anyone leaves your home, […]

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Samhain Foods: 10 Meals Your Family & Ancestors Will Love

kitty fields — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 21:04:57 +0000

There’s a chill in the air. Autumn and Halloween decorations set vibes in the neighborhood. The veil is thin. Samhain is coming. Are you planning a Samhain meal for family and ancestors? If so, here we provide our favorite 10 Samhain foods your family, friends and ancestors will love. 10 Samhain Foods: Traditional & Modern What kind of foods do you associate with Samhain or Autumn? Pumpkin, corn, cinnamon, squash and maybe apples? We say, it’s time for ALL of these Autumn foods! 1. Pumpkin Goat Cheese Fettuccine Alfredo I know what you’re thinking. Pumpkin pasta? Bear with me. Pumpkin is traditionally associated with sweet treats like pie. But trust me when I say, pumpkin is so much more than dessert! I’ve made this recipe almost every year and it never disappoints. It is rich and creamy and the perfect Samhain meal. HERE’S THE RECIPE. Wash it down with a nice Cabernet. 2. Irish Bangers and Colcannon *A Traditional Irish Samhain Meal* A traditional Samhain food, colcannon comes from the Emerald Isle. Samhain custom tells us to add little trinkets and charms to the mashed potatoes and cabbage and watch as each guest/family member finds their own charms. Each charm has meaning – this is an old school form of divination for Samhain Eve. Charms might include hearts, baby bottles, coins, etc. Just make sure everyone knows to be careful when eating it! Add Irish bangers (sausages) and call it a full Samhain meal. 3. Butternut Squash Soup In addition to it being pumpkin season, in America it is also Fall squash season. So, it’s time to load up on Butternut squash, acorn squash, etc. Another of my favorite Samhain meals is butternut squash soup. If you’re night’s busy, prepare it ahead of time and throw it in your Instant Pot when you’re ready to eat. HERE’S THE RECIPE. 4. Apple Waffles Samhain is on a weekend this year (2020). Take advantage and make an elaborate Samhain breakfast and save dinner-time for dressing in costume and handing out candy. Apple waffles with cinnamon and syrup make Samhain breakfast a treat! Plus, everyone loves apples in the Fall. Particularly the ancestors. 5. Pumpkin Soup You all know how much I love making and eating soup. Remember our talk about pumpkin being more than just dessert? It’s back again, but this time in the form of a savory soup. I’ve made this for Samhain in years past and everyone enjoys it. Add a crusty bread and it will stick to your bones for that long Samhain ritual or Halloween trick-or-treating. HERE’S THE RECIPE. 6. Barmbrack *A Traditional Samhain Food* It’s not a full meal, but it is a traditional Samhain food. Barmbrack put simply is an Irish fruit cake. If you’re a fan of fruit cake, then try making Barmbrack for Samhain this year. HERE’S THE RECIPE. Slather it in butter before eating! 7. Pork Roast with Apple & Acorn Squash Stuffing I love using my crockpot and instant pot in the fall. Pork roast is always simple, delicious and feeds a family (or you end up with leftovers). Add apples and acorn squash to make it a full Samhain meal, and be sure to offer some to the ancestors. HERE’S THE PORK ROAST WITH APPLES RECIPE. Roast acorn squash in the oven like this. 8. Oktoberfest Sausages, Apple and Kraut If you’re German or have German ancestors, don’t forget that October is also Oktoberfest! This is a day when Germans celebrate food, family, friends, Fall and beer. Oktoberfest foods can be substituted as a Samhain meal. Sausages, apples and sauerkraut are traditional along with a frosty cold beer. PROST! Here’s a list of nothing but Oktoberfest foods for your Samhain meal. 9. Herb Roasted Chicken With Mashed Turnips And now my mouth is watering. One of my favorite seasonal feasts features an herb roasted chicken. When you stuff a chicken with lemons, fresh herbs from the garden and onion, cake the chicken’s skin in salt and pepper, and baste with butter, you have the recipe for mouth-watering, moist chicken for your Samhain meal. I’ve been making this recipe for years and it’s ALWAYS a hit! Ingredients: whole chicken, cleaned and innards removed 2 lemons, cut into chunks (unpeeled) one onion, cut into chunks handful of fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, and lemon balm are best! half stick of salted butter generous amount of salt and pepper Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Clean the chicken: remove the innards and wash the outside. Pat dry with paper towels. Squeeze a lemon chunk into the chicken’s cavern and then stuff the lemon chunks, onion pieces, and fresh herbs into the chicken. Tie the legs closed. Rub salt and pepper all over the chicken’s skin. Set on pan and bake at 350 degrees. 20 minutes per pound. When there’s 40 minutes left on the chicken (or before the chicken skin gets too crispy/burns), melt your butter and pour over the chicken. Return to the oven. Every 10-15 minutes following, baste the chicken with the juices in the pan. Remove from oven and let cool. Cut and serve. And instead of mashes potatoes, go with traditional mashed turnips. 10. Pumpkin Pancakes As a Samhain Meal Do you ever eat breakfast for dinner? My kids absolutely love having breakfast for dinner. It’s always a fun meal for the whole family. Why not eat pumpkin pancakes for your Samhain meal this year? Here’s our favorite recipe. Choose Your Own: Samhain Veggies, Fruits, Etc. If none of the Samhain meals above tickle your witchy fancy, select your own recipes using some of our suggested Autumn ingredients: Veggies: root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, turnips, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and onions are all appropriate as Samhain foods All Autumn squashes: acorn, butternut, and pumpkin Fruits: apples, blackberries, and pomegranates are all traditional Samhain and Halloween foods Meats: roast pork, roasted chicken, turkey, sausages, etc. Corn and grains like wheat, rye, barley, etc. Bread is traditional and evocative of Samhain and all things […]

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Hecate Night: Host a Sacred Supper for the Witch Goddess

kitty fields — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 22:33:08 +0000

Ancient devotees of the greek goddess Hecate celebrated with elaborate feasts and festivals. If you’re a devotee today, consider hosting a special supper on Hecate Night. This is an elegant, sacred meal dedicated to the Greek Goddess of the Crossroads. With traditional foods and good witchy friends, who wouldn’t want to join this dinner party? Ancient Hecate Feasts The ancient Greeks loved to party. And what better reason to party than to celebrate and honor a beloved deity? Hecate was once a widely-worshiped goddess, with her main cults located on Eleusis and Samothrake Island. Elaborate feasts and festivals were thrown every year in her name. But when her followers weren’t in a temple, they were meeting her at the crossroads with a Special Hecate Supper. Supper At The Crossroads Picture this. It’s the Dark Moon. The night is quiet, dark and warm. You’re carrying a lantern, a basket of offerings, a bottle of wine and a steaming hot loaf of garlic bread. Your friends, also your coven-mates, are meeting at the crossroads deep in the woods behind the old town cemetery. Tonight is the night to celebrate your matron goddess Hecate. You round the corner and see other bouncing lantern lights glowing in the darkness ahead. As you walk closer, a long wooden table with benches is illuminated with candlelight. There’s laughter and anticipation in the air. You take a seat beside your best friend and surrounded by your coven. As you raise a toast in Hecate’s name, a dog howls in the distance. This is Hecate affirming her presence. You all feast on Hecate’s supper and enjoy one another’s company in the wild wood. Wine, homemade bread, fish, and fruit is shared among you. After the feast is over, the remnants are given as an offering and left at the crossroads. You don’t look back. How to Host a Hecate Supper Hecate Night is traditionally held on November 16th. This is the night she haunts the crossroads with her hounds. November 16th is also a night to initiate oneself or others under Hecate. Her feast day is January 31st; however, Samhain and the nights of the Dark Moon are also appropriate. Other days honoring Hecate in Greece include August 13th (a day offerings are left at the crossroads to appease Hecate’s wild stormy side). Hecate Night: The Ambience Whether you host supper inside or out, the ambience should be dark. Low lighting, candlelight is best. Lanterns, hurricane lamps, and oil lamps set the mood. Plates and napkins should be of dark colors: black, maroon, and/or shades of purple. Hecate particularly loves red and black. Incorporate these colors into the tablecloth, centerpiece, and invitations. Give every guest a skeleton key as a token to remember Hecate Night (keys are one of her symbols). Flowers like dark red roses or black hollyhocks. A moon and stars motif would be perfect, too! It’s best to keep the dinner as quiet as possible – play classical piano or violin music on low. Place a statue or representation of Hecate at the head of the table. If you can host Hecate Night Supper at the crossroads, even better! Hecate Night: The Supper Menu Traditionally, Hecate loves garlic, fish, honey, eggs, cheese, mushrooms, cake and wine. Consider using our menu or building your own using each of Hecate’s traditional offerings mentioned above. Hecate should be set a place at the table and left offerings after the dinner is done (see below for more info). Alternatively, instead of cooking everything yourself, ask your friends to bring one dish or beverage as part of the offering. As you’re setting the table OR as your guests arrive, invoke Hecate’s presence by inviting her to join for supper. Let her know she is the reason for the feast. To Drink: Red wine: Cabernet or Merlot (wine was sacred to the ancient Greeks and was no doubt given as an offering to Hecate) Mead: honey-wine isn’t traditional to Greece, but Hecate loves honey so this drink is appropriate Water Pour a glass for Hecate first. Then clink glasses together and toast Hecate’s name before partaking in the wine, mead or water! Clinking glasses scares off the “spirits” and toasting Hecate is traditional. Appetizers: Dolmas: Stuffed Grape Leaves Mydia: red mussels steamed in red wine and herb sauce Charcuterie Board: including cheeses, meats, hard-boiled eggs, honey, jams, apricots, olives, etc. Remember to serve Hecate first before the rest of your dinner party. Out of the utmost respect for the goddess. Hecate Supper: Red Mullet in Caper Sauce: red mullet is sacred to Hecate and traditional at Hecate Night Suppers Marinated Mushrooms: mushrooms are also traditional to Hecate Homemade Rosemary Garlic Bread with Mediterranean Herb Butter Spread Dessert: Greek Honey Cake Fruit: include pomegranates, figs, navel oranges, apples and peaches. During Hecate Night, ask each individual to share their thoughts and experiences with the Goddess of the Crossroads. Read aloud poems and myths that honor Hecate. Sing songs. You might even consider allowing party guests to bring their canine friends and providing doggie treats. This would please Hecate immensely! Ending Hecate Night With Traditional Offerings If you hosted Hecate Night at the crossroads, it’s traditional to leave the remnants for the goddess and her hounds. Two things you MUST do: don’t leave anything at the crossroads that’s not perishable (no plates, cups, cutlery, etc. unless it’s perishable!) once you leave the offering at the crossroads, do NOT turn around and look back! More on Hecate: Hecate: 13 Ways to Work With the Goddess of Witchcraft A SECRET Tea Recipe to Honor Hecate (Members Only)

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