Autumn Archives - Otherworldly Oracle

Apple Magical Properties, Lore, and Ways to Use in Your Witchcraft

kitty fields — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 19:24:44 +0000

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Or so they say. Apples are one of those fruits, that if fruits were people, they would be the ruler of the fruit kingdom. One of its names is the “fruit of the gods”, for crying out loud. Why are apples just so freaking magical? And why are they such a universal symbol of the Autumn and Winter seasons? In this scrumptious post, we explore the apple orchard and define apple magical properties. As well as bite into apple folklore and traditions, PLUS provide you with ways to harness apple energy in your witchcraft practice. First, What IS An Apple Anyway? Apples are the fruit of the apple tree, scientific name Malus domestica. They are grown worldwide today but have ancient origins in Central Asia. Although we do know they’ve been grown in Europe for thousands of years and were brought to North America with European immigrants over the past few centuries. The apple is an edible fruit (if you didn’t already know that) and one that’s well-loved worldwide. Interestingly, farmers claim growing apple trees from their own apple seeds tend to produce an entirely different tree and fruit than growing more apple trees from clonal graftings. Today apples are eaten and used in culinary dishes including savory and sweet foods and beverages. They’re covered in caramel, nuts and candy at Halloween and put on a stick for children (or adults) to eat. And they’re even featured in Disney fairy tales (think the Evil Queen in Snow White who poisons an apple and feeds it to the unsuspecting princess). Apples are a true symbol of Autumn and Winter, and likely because they’re harvested in the Fall. And because they’ve been part of Fall and Winter festivals for thousands of years. Now for the Apple in Ancient Myth and Lore Apples are featured in SO many myths that it would likely take a book to present them all to you. Luckily, I’m compiling my favorite apple myths and bits of lore here, beginning with the apple in ancient mythology. Eve and the “Apple” in the Garden of Eden I can’t talk about the apple’s magical history without mentioning the biblical story of the first woman, Eve, and her fall from grace. Basically it involves Eve, a “serpent”, and a bite of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. According to Christian lore, Eve wasn’t supposed to ever eat the fruit from this ONE tree in paradise. God had asked her not to. Well, the old trickster serpent in the garden tempted her into eating from the one forbidden tree. And so she did. In more recent centuries, that fruit has been depicted as an apple…pretty religiously (pun intended). But in all actuality, it likely wasn’t an apple if indeed this was an actual event. And if it’s just myth, it still more than likely wasn’t originally an apple. The point here is this: the apple is associated with WISDOM and an otherworldly place – the Garden of Eden. Take a mental note of that. There seems to be a link between the biblical character Eve and the ancient Sumerian goddess Inanna. Some scholars believe the story of Eve descends from this goddess’ origins. In one story, the goddess Inanna “leans against an apple tree” and beholds her own vulva and believes it beautiful. I can’t help but see a parallel between Eve and eating the apple that gave her knowledge and Inanna beholding her own “apple blossom” and knowing of her own power. Norse and Celtic Apple Magic and Legends The apple is an integral ingredient or magical item in of many Norse, Germanic and Celtic myths and folklore in later centuries. In the Prose Edda, the goddess Idunn is the guardian of an apple orchard that grows apples of eternal youth a.k.a. immortality for the gods. Loki is made to lure her out of the garden and she is then taken by a Jotunn for his own evil purposes. In Celtic myth, the beautiful fairy woman (who is also a goddess) Cliodhna offers apples of healing and immortality to journeying heroes in the Celtic Otherworld. In the Old Norse tradition, the alfablot was a sacrifice to the elves/alfar, and one fruit in particular frequented the offerings – the apple. It was considered a food of the dead. Interestingly, that goes along nicely with the Celtic Samhain and it’s other name: Feast of Apples. In Celtic lore, a magical apple branch called the silver bough allowed the person who held it to pass into the Otherworld safely. In a post-Christianized Germany, it was customary to bring an offering of apples and eggs to the cross on Easter morning. Author of Celtic Folklore Cooking, Joann Asala, claims this is likely an ancient pagan custom that was adapted and carried on in Medieval Times. Apples in Ancient Greek and Roman Religion The golden apple is a recurring theme in many myths worldwide including in ancient Greek and Roman mythos. One ancient Greek tale tells of Zeus throwing a wedding party in which one particular goddess wasn’t invited, Eris the goddess of discord. So, as disgruntled deities of chaos do, she threw a golden apple into the mix that read “to the most beautiful goddess” and watched as three deities tried their damn-dest to claim it: Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. To the Ancient Romans, fruits and in particular apples were so important that they had a goddess who guarded and presided over them – her name is Pomona. Sadly, we don’t have a ton of information on Pomona as a deity but know that she is a virginal nymph of the woods who married the personification of Autumn named Vertumnus. Because the two were a lusty match, they ensure a bountiful, fertile apple harvest on an annual basis. And at the Festival of Diana, apple boughs were carried around for luck and prosperity. Apple Magical Properties Depending on the tradition and […]

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Samhain Spells, Blessings and POWERFUL Forms of Divination

kitty fields — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 23:39:02 +0000

Every year, when Samhain rolls around, my urge to create, craft, and communicate with the spirits becomes almost too much to bear. So what do I do? I give in to the urge, of course! I cast Samhain spells for purification and prosperity. Also offering Samhain blessings to my witchy family members and friends. And I engage in Samhain divination that allows me to easily communicate with my ancestors, gods, and elementals. Come with me, and you’ll be prepared to make your own POTENT magick this Samhain too. First, What is Samhain? Samhain, pronounced Sow-en, is an ancient Celtic harvest festival that occurs annually beginning the night of October 31st through November 1st. The name of this holiday, Samhain, actually means “Summer’s End” and was also once considered the new year to the ancient Celts. It was a time when the last crops were harvested and Winter preparations began. In addition, they believed spirits of the dead and the fairy folk wandered the earth on this night. The “veil” between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, making visitations from the spirit world commonplace. Today, modern pagans celebrate Samhain by honoring their ancestors, feasting with other pagans, friends and family members, lighting bonfires, and more. Since Halloween is the modern holiday with its roots in Samhain, many pagans will also throw Halloween parties, go trick-or-treating, and engage in Halloween activities. They may even cast Samhain spells and divine for messages from the gods and ancestors. If you’d like to learn more about the history and traditions of Samhain, click here. Samhain Spells for Purification, Prosperity and Increasing Power Samhain was considered the end of Summer in older Celtic times. Which also meant it was the end of the old year and new one was starting. Our Celtic ancestors believed performing ritual and casting Samhain spells for purification and prosperity was appropriate for this time of year. It was tradition to symbolically purify their cattle by walking them between two great bonfires on Samhain Eve. People would also walk between the fires, or (more dangerously), jump over a smaller bonfire. The fire was believed to purge the soul and the physical body of negative spirits and bad luck. So that everyone and every animal was purified and healthy for a new year. You don’t have to jump a fire (and please don’t hurt yourself), so here’s our Samhain spell instead: Bonfire Release Spell for Purification This is a simple Samhain spell that utilizes the traditional sabbat bonfire. If you have a firepit or fireplace, this spell for purification is a powerful symbol to the universe. You tell the universe and the gods that you are finished with a toxic habit or person in your life, and release it in the flames. Here’s what you’ll need for this Samhain Spell: Paper Pen Source of fire (bonfire, fireplace, candleflame) Gather your materials and sit by the fire. Take a few minutes to just listen to the fire crackling. Gaze into the flames and connect with this powerful element. Next begin to think about what habit or person you are releasing this Samhain. Think about why you’re purifying your life from this thing or person. Then write the habit or person down on the piece of paper. Fold it away from you 3 times. Hold it in your hands and allow all of the negative thoughts and energies inside of you to “drain” out of you and into the paper. Then throw it in the fire and say, “after this Samhain, never again. Never again. I release _________ from my life by the power of the Samhain fire. So mote it be.” A PUMPKIN Spell for Prosperity One of my favorite Samhain spells for prosperity utilizes an inherent symbol of the season – a pumpkin. And a little paint. Go to the pumpkin patch (or local store) and select a pumpkin. Or let the pumpkin choose you. Bring it home and paint prosperity symbols on it – money signs, runes for prosperity (Fehu, for example), or harvest glyphs (whatever means prosperity to you). Then place by your front door to invite prosperous vibes into your home this Samhain season. DRESS for the Job: A Costume Spell to Increase Your Personal Power You’ve heard people say dress for the job you want, not the job you have? This Samhain spell is FUN and no one will even know you’re casting a spell. In this spell, you’ll be wearing your magick. The first step is to decide on your intention. For example, let’s say I want to increase my witchy abilities and personal power. Then I put together a costume in which exudes witchy power and ability: i.e. a witch, sorceress, fairy queen, goddess, etc. Another example, if you’d like to draw prosperity or fertility to you, dress as an earth goddess or the Green Man/Woman. Yes, you can buy a costume for this spell but I feel the more effort you put into creating it yourself, the better the outcome of the spell. For example, I might go to the thrift store and find a black dress. I bring it home and alter it just a big by cutting the sleeves into strips at the end. Then I find a witch’s hat at my local craft store and add cobwebs, feathers and charms. Add accessories like my own personal amulets, ripped fishnets, and my favorite pair of black boots. The entire time I’m piecing my costume together, I’m visualizing or saying out loud my intentions. Then when I wear my costume on Samhain, I’m telling the gods who I aspire to be in the coming year. Samhain Blessings for Your Friends and Family For me, one of the best things about Samhain is being with my family and honoring my ancestors in the process. But, unfortunately, not all of my family lives near me. Some are hundreds of miles away. So, in these cases, I always try to send them a card or […]

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Autumn Gods & Goddesses: 14 Deities of the Harvest and Afterlife

kitty fields — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 13:35:21 +0000

Autumn is a transitional period bridging the seasonal gap between Summer and Winter. Because it’s an in-between time, this means it’s also a time for gods and goddesses of a liminal nature. I don’t know about you but Autumn is a sacred time for me for many reasons, but mainly because the veil is thin and I’m able to commune with my ancestors and gods easily. If you’re wondering which gods are most active during this witchy season, here’s our list of our favorite Autumn gods and goddesses from various pantheons. What Makes a Deity An “Autumn God or Goddess”? When I think of Autumn gods and goddesses, my mind automatically goes to the “dark” deities. The gods at the crossroads. The goddesses who straddle the line between life and death. Because Autumn is that line – Summer’s blood trickles life into Autumn just enough to keep it alive with colorful trees and late blooming sunflowers. And all the colorful gourds. But we notice, Summer is dying and soon the season of death follows – Winter. So to me, any god or goddess who has a myth, festival or sacred day in the Autumn months (September – November) is an Autumn deity. Also any god or goddess who is liminal, haunts the crossroads, has domain over spirits, and travels to the Underworld is an Autumn god or goddess. Don’t forget it’s not just the gods who are active in Autumn, but also the ancestors, ghosts, and faery folk. 8 Autumn Gods of the Harvest, Death and the Underworld 1. Mabon: Celtic God of Light, Death and Resurrection Mabon’s name pops up in Arthurian legend and is featured in Welsh Celtic mythology and lends itself to the name for the Autumn Equinox sabbat. Mabon is pronounced May-bahn and his name translates to “the Great Son”. Mabon is a Welsh Celtic god of light, death and resurrection, the harvest and more. He is the eternal embodiment of youth and immortality. Interestingly, when he was only 3 days old, he was stolen from his mother. Turns out, after much searching and mourning, Modron hears that Mabon is actually just fine – he’s been safe in an otherworldly realm that’s located inside his mother, Modron’s womb. 2. Hades: Greek God of the Underworld Hades, whose name translates to “unseen”, is the god of the Greek Underworld. It’s said he has another name, one that’s more sacred and dangerous, and it’s rarely ever used lest his presence be immediately invoked. Upon invocation, the individual would be brought to Hades’ house of death. Hades is the son of the Greek Titans Cronus and Rhea, and he is brother to Zeus, Demeter, Hera, Hestia and Poseidon. Hades’ father tried to swallow him whole and destroy him forever. But he escaped and became god of the Underworld. Not only is he a god of the dead, but he is particularly known for his role in the story of Persephone’s journey to the Underworld. And therefore inextricably linked to the Autumn season. 3. Dionysus: Autumnal God of Wine and Ecstatic Trance Dionysus is an Autumnal god because one of his main domains is wine and intoxication. Wine is no doubt a traditional beverage as grapes ripened and wine was ready in the Fall in ancient times. Not to mention, Dionysus’ festival began at the end of November known as Dionysia. It’s interesting to note, Dionysus is also a liminal deity – he manifests in those trance-like states of ecstatic dance, intoxication, and shamanic journeys. 4. Lugh: Celtic God of the Harvest Lugh is the Celtic God of the Sun and harvest. But we often forget he is also a god of many skills. His name literally means “Bright, Shining One”, and his energy is inextricably linked to the sun. (In fact, if you work with Lugh in your practice, meditating and invoking his presence while sunbathing is particularly powerful.) Lugh is a god of many skills, including talents in both war and craftsmanship. Part of the Tuatha de Danann, Lugh is considered an ancestor to some of the old Irish families, according to the Irish mythos. Some view him as a personification of the grain, which must die in the harvest in order for us to live. 5. The Dagda: Father of the Tuatha and Samhain Deity Most of us don’t think about the Dagda being an Autumn god, but he is featured as a big part of the Samhain mythos. In fact, he sees The Morrigan bathing in a sacred river and takes her as his lover. This is the symbolic union that produces life that will be reborn in the Spring and flourish. Dagda is the father of the Tuatha de Danann, also known as the “All-Father”. Legend says the Dagda plays a magical harp to “put the seasons back in order”. Dagda represents the fruitfulness of the land, protection of his people, and justice. He is the Father of humanity, and one of the most revered of Celtic Autumn Gods. 6. Osiris: Egyptian Autumn God of Death and the Harvest Osiris is the ancient Egyptian god of agriculture and death. He is often depicted with green skin because of his connection with the earth. Once again, we see the symbolism of the changing of seasons and the “dying” of the earth represented in Osiris’ story of death and rebirth. This Autumn god is also believed to be the first “mummy” in Egyptian antiquity, when his wife Isis collected the pieces of his body and wrapped them to bring him back to life. The Haker Feast of Osiris is observed on or near November 1st, which is also the same time as Samhain, Halloween, the Day of the Dead, etc. 7. Vertumnus: The Personification of Fall Vertumnus is an Ancient Roman god of the seasons. His name literally means to change. His cult was widespread after 300 BCE and a large statue of him was in the center of the city. As the seasons changed, the people […]

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Mabon Blessings, Symbols, and Spells for an Enchanted Equinox

kitty fields — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 23:08:25 +0000

Mabon is the gateway to the true holiday season, if you ask this witch. It’s the day I really come alive in my witchiness. And I feel as though there’s magic undulating in the crisp breeze and flowing all around me. Maybe you feel that way about Mabon too. So how do we prepare for the most magical Autumn Equinox ever? By deciding on what rituals we will perform, what foods to eat, and spells to cast. Here, we offer you our favorite Mabon blessings to pass on to your family and friends, as well as Mabon symbols, spells and divination methods ripe for the Autumn season. First, What is Mabon? Mabon is the Wiccan term for the Autumn Equinox that occurs annually between September 21st and 23rd. It’s the first official day of Fall, sometimes known as the Witches’ Thanksgiving. Mabon is the second of three harvest festivals for many Wiccans, witches and neo-pagans (Lughnasadh and Samhain are the other two). Mabon is a reaping of some of the harvest, and our last farewell to the long days of Summer. Because following the Autumn Equinox, the days will start to fall shorter than the nights. Certain deities are directly linked to this sabbat including Mabon (the sabbat’s namesake), Mabon’s mother Modron, Rhiannon, Demeter, Persephone, Inanna, and others. If you’d like to learn more about the traditions and history of Mabon click here. Mabon Blessings for All Mabon blessings are as simple as granting someone good wishes and prayers for prosperity, health, long life, love, and all the things that bring joy in life. You don’t have to write fancy Mabon blessings, if you don’t want to. You can even use a few of our own blessings and prayers below, if you’d like: “Autumn is upon us,Mabon blessings be brought to us,Through the harvest season,Health and prosperity from now through Samhain.” To give Mabon blessings to a newborn child or newly wed couple: “Who’s that knocking at joy’s door?Life has just begunAnd will be blissful ever more.From Mabon to Mabon,As the gods will it,so mote it be.” From Laurie Cabot’s Celebrate the Earth, Mabon Blessings for Health: “Oh Great Mother, speak your farewell anew, anew.As the wheel spins round, is marked by the sound,Anew, anew, adieu! Adieu!from the wells come the healing powers of Mabon.” Mabon Symbol and Magical Associations We are human and we use symbols in our daily lives for many reasons: to communicate, to understand, to mark what is ours. We also assign symbols and representations to holidays and sabbats. Mabon has its own symbols and associations. Find the symbol below, as well as a table of Mabon associations and properties. Mabon Magical Associations Herbs Foods Stones Gods Customs Acorn/Oak Apple Amber Mabon Feasting Rosemary Bread Clear quartz Modron Harvesting Sage Wine Citrine Demeter Offerings Rue Pumpkin Yellow topaz Persephone Rituals/Spells Sunflower Squash Goldstone Rhiannon Corn dollies Mabon symbols can also be things like an acorn, sunflower, or corn dollies. 2 POWERFUL Mabon Spells for Prosperity and Balance Mabon is a great time to cast spells for balance, peace, healing, and prosperity. This witch likes to plan and prepare for my Mabon spells beforehand, gathering ingredients from nature and from my own stock. I let Mabon’s symbols and magical associations inspire my spell-crafting, and I choose an intention that best fits my situation. Here’s a few Mabon spells I’ve cast before. Feel free to adapt and change them to fit your specific needs and wants. An Acorn Mabon Spell for Prosperity You won’t need much for this spell: An acorn Marker or paint with paintbrush Small spell bag or sachet Small bell (you can get these from craft shops. Walmart has them too) How to cast the acorn Mabon Spell for blessings of prosperity: Cleanse your space in whatever way you prefer. For Mabon, I typically do a smoke-cleanse with rosemary or use my besom. Set the magical Mabon mood – turn on music, burn incense, light a few candles, etc. Gather your ingredients and tools. Cast a circle, if you so choose, and invoke the elements. Hold your acorn in your hands and envision prosperity flowing from the acorn into your hands and through your entire body like a soft orange light. Keep the acorn in your left hand and pick up the little bell in your right. Say the following 9 times:“Blessings of oak, earth and the Mabon season.Flow through this acorn into my home.Each time the front door opens,The Mabon bell rings and prosperity flows in.” Now draw or paint the Mabon symbol onto the acorn (see the Mabon symbol in the graphic above). Place the acorn and bell in the small bag. Thank the earth, Mabon spirits, and energies present. (Release your circle if you cast one). Hang the Mabon spell bag on your front door, until the Autumn season has ended. Then bury the acorn near the front door. Cleanse and re-use the bell. A Mabon Bath Spell for Balance As the Autumn Equinox is a day of balance, it’s only an appropriate sabbat to cast spells when balance is needed in our lives. Maybe you need balance within your body, mind, or outwards in your work-homelife balance. Or maybe you need balance within your relationships. Wherever balance is needed, decide you’re ready to improve those things and cast this Mabon spell. What You’ll Need: Sunflower petals: linked to the Sun and properties include good luck and joy. Also a traditional herb used on Mabon. Chamomile: also linked to the Sun and properties include prosperity and warding off negative energy. Rosemary: for purification, health, and clarity of mind and memory 3 crystals (of your choice, but we recommend clear quartz, citrine, and amber) Muslin bag (optional) What To Do: Cleanse the space and set the mood. Turn down the lights and turn on some music, if you choose. Light a candle or two. Draw a warm bath and add the herbs to the water (if you have a bag, add your herbs […]

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20 Samhain Herbs & Crystals for Your Autumn Spells & Rituals

kitty fields — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 00:10:02 +0000

The black cat scratches. The bat flies overhead. Witches twist and turn, excited in their beds. Samhain, Halloween, All Hallows Eve is nearly here. It’s time to plan our celebrations, feasts, and rituals. If you’re looking for ingredients for your Samhain sabbat spells, rituals, and festivities, you’ll find them here. Our 20+ favorite Samhain herbs and crystals to connect with ancestors, ward off evil, and bring prosperity for this enchanted Hallowe’en. Our 10 FAVORITE Samhain Herbs for Ancestor Work, Warding and More Samhain is the Celtic last harvest and was once considered the beginning of a New Year. The “veil” between the spirit world and our world is at its thinnest. Or rather, the doors between our realm and theirs are open during this time. You’ll hear people say Samhain is a liminal time, which means it’s neither here nor there. It’s “between” times or a bridge from one season to the next. And liminal times equal mischief and magic in every sense of the terms. It’s a great time for divination, protection rituals, charms to draw in prosperity, to connect with the ancestors, to release old habits and much more. Without further adieu, here’s our recommendations for Samhain herbs to include in your spells, rituals, and festivities this sabbat: 1. Mugwort for Dreams and Ancestor Work Mugwort is one of those well-known and loved Samhain herbs in the witchcraft community. It is mostly known for inducing lucid and prophetic dreams when drank as a tea or stuffed into a dream pillow. But it can also be beneficial when working with your ancestors this Samhain season. Ancestors often come to us in our dreams and through psychic visions, so mugwort is an essential herb in connecting with our beloved dead. Some paranormal investigators burn mugwort to attract ghosts. In addition to being attractive to the ancestors, it also carries protective qualities to ward off negative entities. NOTE: do not take mugwort internally if you are pregnant or nursing! 2. A Samhain Herb for Baking & Magick-Making: Cinnamon I don’t know about you but I love cinnamon. I don’t just use it on Samhain, I use it on Yule and basically year-round. The scent is evocative of Autumn and the herb itself packs a powerful punch in the kitchen AND in spells of all kinds. Cinnamon’s magic properties include protection, money, strength, love, amplification, divination and connection to the ancestors and the spirit world. Remember, you can use cinnamon in the kitchen in your pumpkin pies, hot apple cider, mulled wine, and cinnamon rolls. AND in your magick by adding to spell bags, bottles, jars, candle workings, oils, etc. 3. Bay Leaves for Samhain Divination If you’re the kind of pagan who loves to divinate on Samhain, bay leaves might be the perfect Samhain herb for you. Bay leaves have been known for centuries to enhance psychic abilities. Ancient Roman priests chewed on bay leaves to acquire messages from the gods. And the Oracle at Delphi was said to inhale the steam from brewing bay leaves in order to acquire her visions. You likely already have this herb in your kitchen pantry. 4. Rosemary for Warding and Purifying on Samhain If you’ve followed us for awhile, you’ll know how big of an addiction I have to rosemary in my kitchen and practice. I will literally recommend it for everything, including as an essential Samhain herb. It’s just one of those heal-all, do-all, amazing kind of herbs. If you plan to cast some powerful protection rituals around your house this Samhain, include rosemary in your warding, banishing, and cleansing rituals. It’s a purifying herb but doesn’t just remove negative vibes – it replaces the negative with positive vibes. 5. Tobacco for Ancestor Work A must have herb in spirit work, tobacco is used in Voodoo and Hoodoo traditions as offerings to the spirits. To many Native Americans, tobacco was smoked as an initiation to many things including friendships, alliances, and at the beginning of a long journey. But if you’re not of either of those traditions, that’s okay. Tobacco is a link to the otherworld, therefore to our ancestors, whoever they may be. In addition, giving tobacco to the ancestors we know enjoyed it during their lives is effective and a common practice. 5. Pumpkin Seeds for Prosperity I know pumpkin seeds aren’t exactly an herb, but just roll with me here. Pumpkin is indeed an inseparable symbol of the Autumn Samhain season. So why not use it in our magick? Kitchen witches may choose to collect the seeds from their carving pumpkins to roast in the oven with magical herbs and spices. Then eat for prosperity and protection in the coming Winter season. 6. Roses for Ancestor Work Rose petals, rosebuds, and rose essential oil tends to be a favorite among my maternal ancestors. The rose’s power is frequently underestimated. Not only is the rose potent for beauty rituals, it’s also powerful for protection spells AND for ancestor work, particularly with communication. Drip rose essential oil on your ancestor candle, spritz rose water around your ancestors’ altar space, and make rosebud tea in their honor. They’re also particularly beautiful scattered over your altar. Look for black and orange roses to amplify the Samhain vibes! 7. Rue: A POWERFUL Banishing Samhain Herb If you’ve ever grown rue or even had a whiff of fresh rue, you’ll know why it’s been used for centuries to banish evil, illness and the like. It has a pungent aroma you won’t find with any other. That’s why it’s a perfect Samhain herb. Since the spirits are out and about on Samhain, it’s best to protect your home and yourself from any negative influence. Keeping rue on your person or hanging by the front door wards off mischievous and evil spirits. It can be used in small quantities to flavor pork and beef dishes, too. But use in moderation. 8. Wormwood If burned, wormwood summons the dead. Be careful if burning – the fumes may be toxic. […]

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Bobbing for Apples: History & How to Keep The Halloween Tradition ALIVE

kitty fields — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 17:55:40 +0000

Some of my favorite things during the holidays give a nod to the past. Bobbing for apples is one of the old-timey Halloween customs that most of us have no idea where it originated. In this Samhain article, we’ll talk about the history and origins of bobbing for apples, why apples were a sacred fruit to our ancestors, and how to keep this fun Halloween tradition alive today. What is Bobbing for Apples? To put it simply, bobbing for apples (also called apple ducking) is a game in which apples are floated in a tub of water, and players have to use only their mouths to pull up an apple from the water. It’s messy. It’s sloppy. And it’s a lot of fun! There’s some variations on bobbing for apples nowadays that amplify the silliness and make it even spookier like turning the apples into shrunken heads (shown later). It’s typically played on Halloween and at Fall Festivals. Apple Symbolism: Love Regeneration Health and Vitality (an apple a day keeps the doctor away) Knowledge and Wisdom (the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil) Death and the Afterlife Divine Feminine Energy Fairy Magic The History of Bobbing for Apples The actual origin of bobbing for apples is unknown, but likely stems from ancient Celtic and Norse traditions. One thing is for sure – the apple has been part of Autumn celebrations for centuries. It’s truly a symbol of the Autumn season, rivaling only the pumpkin, in the United States and elsewhere. When Fall comes around, the apple trees are heavy with fruit, as apples are typically ready to harvest between late Summer and late Fall. But let’s go back to the beginning, shall we? The Apple as an Otherworldly Fruit There’s evidence that apples were brought to Ireland circa 6000 BCE. And they’ve been grown and harvested ever since. To the ancient Celts, the apple was a sacred fruit, a gift given to us via the Celtic Otherworld. Cliodhna, a goddess and Celtic Fairy Queen, lives off of an eternal apple tree, from which her divine birds also perch and eat. To the Norse, apples were the fruit of immortality, guarded by the goddess Idunn. And in the British Isles, a mythical land called Avalon is said to be wooded with magical apple trees. Is it any wonder that Christians often depict the “fruit of the knowledge of good and evil” as an apple? In the Celtic Ogham, an alphabetic system based on trees, the Apple tree is the Quert marking which represents the letter Q. Its spiritual meanings include protection, healing, love and immortality (not surprisingly!) If you cut an apple in half horizontally, you’ll see a pentagram formed from its seeds. This has become a symbol of the elements and of the goddess in modern witchcraft traditions. Before Halloween, There Was Samhain Before there was Halloween, there was an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain. Samhain was the end of summer and a liminal time, a time betwixt being neither here nor there. And therefore, the Celts believed the door to the spirit world was opened during this time. Spirits, both ghosts and fairies, wandered the earth on Samhain night. They could either provide the living with their blessings or trick them with misfortunes. Samhain became Hallowe’en (All Hallows’ Eve) over the centuries and after the pagan Celts were converted to Christianity. But the belief in the spirit world and contact with it never went away. A Very Victorian Halloween With Apples Divination was big on Halloween night, particularly during the Victorian Era. The eighteen hundreds saw a renaissance of interest in the spiritual and supernatural. Spiritualists believed the dead could be contacted via seances with spirit boards, pendulums, and through psychic mediums. And for those who weren’t serious about their beliefs, things like Ouija boards and the like became common parlor games. An activity to entertain your neighbors and friends. Halloween, a holiday brought to America en masse in the 1840s with the immigration if the Irish, became a favorite day to party, divine the name of your husband, and revive the old ways. Apple Divination Games According to Silver RavenWolf in her book Halloween, the Victorian divination games played on Halloween night were mainly played by young girls seeking to learn the name or identity of their future husbands. And they frequently employed apples: Peel an apple at midnight, then throw the peel over your left shoulder OR in a bowl of water to divine the initial of your future husband Stand in front of a mirror at midnight, comb your hair and eat an apple, and the image of your future husband will appear in the mirror over your left shoulder (I’m pretty sure I would poo my pants if this ever actually happened to me!) Hang an apple peel over the front door on Halloween, and the initial of the first man to enter will be the same as your future husband’s (this seems pretty vague to me) Then the bobbing for apples tradition: in the U.S., a group of single boys and girls are to bob for apples in a tub and whoever pulls up an apple first will be the first to get married (then by placing the apple under your pillow will bring dreams of your future spouse) I could go on and on with the ways in which to use apples to divine one’s future spouse. There are many more depending on the country, region and family. One thing is for sure – bobbing for apples is a tradition steeped in older forms of divination. Snap Apple Night Snap apple night was essentially the same night as Halloween in places throughout Ireland and the British Isles. Upon research, I can’t find anything solid that the name “snap apple night” was ever used except for as a name to a painting done by Irish artist Daniel Maclise in 1833. The painting depicts a gathering of people on Halloween night playing various […]

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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: Instructions: 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, but apples are technically a sacred Samhain food and go well with the entire season. I grew up in Maryland and I recall neighbors and loved ones making hot apple cider every Autumn. The aroma of this beverage alone is enough to make you want to make it every year. Here’s a hot apple cider recipe from AllRecipes that looks pretty close to traditional. Sure, you can […]

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

kitty fields — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:19:26 +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 silent meal called the Dumb Supper. 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, thank them for coming and say, “may the ancestors protect and guide your way. On the […]

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Samhain Foods: 10 Meals Your Family & Ancestors Will Love

kitty fields — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 01:04:57 +0000

There’s a chill in the air. Autumn and Halloween decorations set the spooky vibes in the neighborhood. The veil is thin. Samhain is coming. How do you like to celebrate this sabbat? My family loves to eat…so eating a Samhain supper is inevitable. 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 Samhain is the last harvest in the Celtic tradition. Our Celtic ancestors used this time to harvest the last of the crops, cull some of the livestock, and prepare for the long Winter ahead. While times are different today, we can still celebrate the last harvest with a purposeful, magical meal. 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 When Samhain falls on a weekend, 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: Instructions: 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: More Autumn Foods:

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Cinnamon Magic: 12 Ways to Use Cinnamon in Witchcraft

kitty fields — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 04:25:38 +0000

The aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. The pungent taste on your tongue. You have it in your kitchen. And use it to bake goodies of all different kinds. You might even have cinnamon sticks and powder in your cupboard. But did you know you can use cinnamon in your witchcraft? Let’s talk all thing cinnamon: cinnamon magic properties and 10 easy but powerful uses in the craft. The POWER of Cinnamon Cinnamon, Cinnamomum, is essentially a common spice that’s made from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees. This genus of tree belongs to the Laurel family and are considered evergreen. These trees emit aromatic oils which have seduced people for centuries. Cinnamon is a spice used mostly in baking and cooking, and it also comes in essential oil form. Cinnamon has been traded and used for thousands of years. Records show since at least 2000 BC. Ancient Egyptian priests used cinnamon in the mummification process, giving it an inevitable link to the spirit world and the dead. It was also given as offering to royalty and to gods and goddesses in ancient times. It has been traded from various countries in tropical Asia and in high demand all over the known world since. Cinnamon Magic Properties Cinnamon is used by magical practitioners and witches of all kinds and for many reasons. Cinnamon’s magic properties include protection, money, strength, love, amplification, divination and connection to the ancestors and the spirit world. Cinnamon is also used medicinally for many reasons including as an anti-inflammatory, for its antioxidants, to lower blood sugar and aid in the body’s insulin-production, and to decrease risk of heart disease. It’s particularly present during two seasons: Autumn and Winter. And is frequently used in dishes, potpourri, essential oil blends, crafts and much more during the holidays. You’ll notice the scent of cinnamon wafting from every witch’s house from Mabon Eve through the Winter holidays like Yule and Saturnalia. You might see it accompanying orange slices on evergreen garlands and wreaths. Or smell it when it’s baked into a pumpkin pie. Whatever the method, this herb is powerful. 12 Sweet and Potent Ways to Use Cinnamon in Your Craft Cinnamon comes in a few forms, making cinnamon magic versatile and fun. Find cinnamon sticks, chips, and powdered at your local grocery store. Cinnamon essential oil is sold by natural food stores and herbal shops. How you use cinnamon in your witchcraft is only limited to your imagination. Here’s a few ideas: 1. Cinnamon Magic With Coffee or Tea Sprinkle cinnamon on your morning coffee and visualize your intention: love, protection, strength, vitality, etc. for the day. Add cinnamon chips to herbal tea or sprinkle over top in the same way. 2. Cinnamon Magic in Bottles and Bags One of my favorite forms of magic is spell bottles and jars. Add cinnamon chips, powder, oil or sticks to your spell bottles, jar, and bags for your intention OR to amplify the effects of the spell. Cinnamon is a known strengthener of any magical intention = it yields more powerful results. 3. Cinnamon Oil as Offering I don’t know if anyone else does this, but I use cinnamon essential oil (among others) as offerings. I sprinkle a few drops on my ancestor and deity candles, on god/goddess statues, and more. It smells amazing and pleases Spirit. 4. Cinnamon Rolls for Joy & Comfort I bet you have cinnamon in your kitchen pantry or cupboard. If you enjoy kitchen magic like me, make a pan of cinnamon rolls this weekend to lighten the household’s mood. Cinnamon rolls are delicious and comforting in times of stress and anxiety. While making/baking, visualize your intentions and smile! Yummy cinnamon magic. Here’s a recipe. 5. Cinnamon Candle Magic The first candle spell I ever cast included a red votive candle and McCormick’s powdered cinnamon. If all you have is a candle, a bit of oil, and some cinnamon, you’re good to go! Sprinkle cinnamon around the candle, or anoint the candle with a bit of oil and roll it into the cinnamon. Great for love, money, protection, and all kinds of spells! 6. Simmering Cinnamon Magic Potpourri You all know how much I love my simmering potpourri spells. SUPER EASY, cheap and effective in the home. Add cinnamon to an Autumn or Christmas simmering potpourri to cleanse, invigorate, and promote love in the home. Here’s our article on Simmering Potpourri Magic to give you ideas. 7. Mulled Wine with Cinnamon Nothing reminds me of Autumn or the Winter holiday season like mulled wine. Great for family dinners, holiday parties, coven meetings, and more. Making mulled wine in a Dutch oven over an open fire or on the stove always makes me feel like I’m brewing a magical potion. Mulled wine wouldn’t be the same without cinnamon sticks. Add for protection, health, love, and more. Here’s a recipe for mulled wine. 8. Door and Floor Washes An old folk magic tradition is working magic into chores. The next time you have to wash your front door or floors, make an infusion of herbs and spices. Include cinnamon for whatever your intentions are that day. Cinnamon brings abundant blessings into the home. Making an infusion is easy: simmer water with herbs on the stove for 10+ minutes, strain and use as door wash or mop water. 9. Cinnamon Stick Runes & Symbol Craft I’ve seen a lot of cinnamon stick decorations during Christmas time. It’s as easy as gluing or stringing cinnamon sticks together to make a symbol. Witches can use this craft to make runes, pentagrams, etc. Pinterest has some great crafting tutorials – just search for “cinnamon stick craft”. Then add string or ribbon to the top and hang your cinnamon magic runes above your altar, around the home, and even in your car. 10. Snickerdoodle Cinnamon Magic Snickerdoodles are basically sugar cookies rolled in cinnamon. Sounds delicious, right? It is. Add a little magick to your cookies by visualizing your intentions while […]

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