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Ares

Extra Hot Chocolate

Mon, 07/28/2008 - 09:56 — kitchenwitch
Ingredients:

Per serving you need-
1 cup of milk
a dash cayenne pepper powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp Cocoa
1 tsbsp powdered milk
1 drop vanilla extract

Combine all dried ingredients and mix well. Warm the milk in a sauce pan, stirring constantly. Do not allow it to boil!

Notes:

I have heard this called Mexican and Aztec hot chocolate, though I'm not sure that's accurate. Either way, it warms you to the toes and keeps you warm much longer than other folks's cocoa and it's got a greater depth of flavor. It's also not very sweet so you might want to provide your guests with a sugar bowl.
For some, chocolate is a traditional Day of the Dead offering and this makes a great libation during Samhain and Rites of Passing. For others, this beverage combines the energies of Ares and Aphrodite and that means passion- like Beltane. But it might be too hot.

This beverage is warming in more ways than one. It's a playful blend of male and female energies that will get your circulation going and may spark a bit of lust while it's at it. Be prepared for the release of some very playful energies when you prepare this beverage; Perfect for snuggling on a cold winter's night.

But this isn't an adult's only beverage; kids love it too and t's great for a sledding break.

Quick Witch Tips:

Just add some cinnamon, ceyenne and vanilla to some instant hot cocoa for a quick treat.

Blackberry

Sun, 01/06/2008 - 19:01 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Rubus fructicosus, Rubus canadensis

Zones:
3-8

There are many subspecies of this plant, but all work equally well.

Propagation:

Blackberries grow everywhere, and especially prefer dry, sandy soil in hedges or at the forest's edge. It can be cultivated by seed, or by softwood cuttings in the early summer or leaf bud cuttings in the late summer, or division in the early spring or autumn. It needs well-drained soil in a partially shaded position. This plant is an annual and will not produce fruit till the second year. Blackberries are susceptible to cane blight, crown gall, aphids and viral diseases. They are excellent additions to faerie and wildlife gardens as they provide good shelter. They attract birds including the brown thrasher, catbirds, cardinals, mockingbirds and vireos. They are also popular with swallowtail butterflies.

History and Folklore:

According to some English folklore, passing under the archway formed by a bramble branch will cure (or prevent) all manner of afflictions including hernia, ruptures, pimples and boils. This has also been used as a remedy for "downer" cows.

Celtic lore said that blackberries were fae fruit, and thus forbidden for people to eat, but blackberry wine is allowed.

In Greek mythology, the hero Belleraphon was thrown into brambles when he dared to ride the Pegasus to Olympus and was blinded by the thorns and wandered outcast and alone therafter.

In Christian lore, Christ's crown of thorns was made of brambles, and thus the berries were turned from red to black.

Another tale says that Lucifer landed in brambles when he was cast down from heaven and thus he cursed them so that they would be ugly (I think they're kind of pretty, actually). It is said that he hates them so much, he stomps on them on Michealmas Day and after that, it's unlucky to harvest them. Other folklore says this happens on Halloween.

Even so, blackberries were considered as protection against earthbound spirits and vampires. If planted near a home, a vampire couldn't enter because he would obsessively count the berries and forget what he was about.

Harvesting & Storage:

Berries should be harvested as soon as they ripen (they turn black). Overripe berries should be discarded and underripe berries should not be eaten. Berries can be used fresh or dried, or preserved in a jelly, jam, wine or any number of tasty treats.

Leaves should be harvested before or during flowering and laid to dry in the usual manner.

Roots can be dug in the summer. After the berries have appeared in the second year is the best time to do this. They should be dried quickly, in an oven or under a hot sun.

Young shoots can be harvested in the spring for use in salads.

Blackberry plant parts for use in protective magic should be gathered during the waning moon.

Household Use:

A permanent black dye can be made using blackberry leaves and lye. The young shoots produce light gray using alum mordant. The root produces orange dye. The canes produce reddish tan and the berries bluish gray.

Leaves can be added to a bath tea to freshen the skin in the winter.

Dried berries can be added to potpourri.

Magical Attributes:

Blackberry is feminine is in nature and associated with Aries, the planet Venus and the water element. It is strongly associated with the Goddess Brigid, healing, prosperity, protection and first harvest festivals.

Blackberry vines can be woven into protective wreaths and the leaves can also be added to mojo bags and other preparations for general household protection and prosperity.

Drinking a tea from blackberry leaf is said to aid in spells to increase money and to work as a mild aphrodisiac.

In dream symbology, blackberries represent loss, sorrow and remorse. If you are pricked in your dream, the your enemies will conspire with your friends against you. If they draw blood, then you will get the raw end of a deal.

Blackberries are traditionally baked into pies to celebrate the First Harvest.

A healing spelli that invokes Brigid makes use of blackberry leaves. Dip nine leaves in a natural water source and lay them on a burn or a red inflamed area. Say to each leaf as you lay them on the wound- "Three ladies came from the East, One with fire and two with frost, Out with fire, in with frost!"

Healing Attributes:

Blackberry is a cooling herb.

Fresh leaves, bruised can be applied to give some relief to burns, especially from steam or boiling water and is also useful for hemorrhoids, skin ulcers, and eczema. A decoction used as a mouth rinse is also good for sore throats.

The fruit is especially good for the liver and kidneys, while the leaf acts on the stomach and intestines.

The fruit should be eaten, either fresh, or in jam or wine, by those having trouble with stones or diarrhea. A decoction of the root bark or an infusioni of the leaves may also be used. For stones, simmer 1 tbsp of root per cup of water for 20 minutes. Add enough water to return it to one cup, and drink one cup per day, spaced out throughout the day in 1/4 cup intervals.

In the summer when the berries are ripe, make this syrup to help ease winter colds and flu- cover fresh berries with malt vinegar and let them stand for three days. Mash and strain. Add one pound of sugar for each pint of juice that results and bring it all to a boil. Allow it to boil for five minutes, then let cool and seal. Add a teaspoon of this syrup to a cup of water to help keep your feverish little ones hydrated.

Culinary Use:

Blackberries are tasty right off the bush or sprinkled over shortbread and smothered in cream, or added to a bowl of cereal. They also make great jams and wines.

The dried leaves may be added to herbal tea blends.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

There are probably some blackberry canes in your back yard right now.

Thyme

Sat, 12/29/2007 - 10:24 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Thymus spp

Zones:
4-9

Thyme is a member of the mint family. It is generally a low growing perennial, winter hardy to zone five.

Propagation:

Thyme prefers full sun to part shade and loose, fast draining soil, preferably sandy. The roots should never be allowed to stay wet. Thyme is winter hardy, but a light mulch will protect it when the ground freezes. It does not need fertilizers. Thyme does best if it is pruned in the spring or summer after its first year.

With the exception of Common Thyme, which is light germinated, so seeds should be scattered on the surface, the seeds are small and slow to germinate, and many varieties are sterile cultivars, so it is best to propagate by division or cuttings, or buy a plant at your local nursery.

Thyme and lavender grow well together, perhaps mainly because they enjoy the same conditions.

Grow thyme amongst cabbages to protect them from cabbage worms, flies, beetles and aphids.

History and Folklore:

The word Thyme comes from the Greek meaning to "fumigate". This indicates that it was used as a smudgingi herb. The Greeks thought very highly of Thyme. It was mixed in drinks to enhance intoxicating effects and induce bravery and warriors were massaged with thyme oil to ensure their courage. Women wore thyme in their hair to enhance their attractiveness. The phrase "to smell of thyme" meant that one was stylish, well groomed, poised, and otherwise attractive.

Thyme is a Mediterranean native spread throughout Europe by the Romans. Their soldiers added it to their bathwater to increase bravery, strength and vigor.

It enjoyed a long association with bravery. In Medieval England, ladies embroidered sprigs of thyme into their knights' scarves to increase their bravery. In Scotland, highlanders brewed tea to increase courage and keep away nightmares.

Thyme was used as early as 3000 BCE by Sumerians as an antiseptic. It does indeed have impressic antiseptic qualities.

It was used as an embalming herb in ancient Egypt and was burned in other places as offerings to celebrate Rites of Passing. It was placed in coffins throughout Europe to ensure passage into the next world.

Harvesting & Storage:

Leaves can be harvested as needed throughout the year. Give the plant a year to get established before doing any heavy harvesting. The best flavor is right before flowering.

Thyme dries very well. It should be dried as any other herb on the stem and the leaves stripped off later.

Household Use:

The tiny flowers will attract bees to your garden. Honey made from these flowers is highly prized.

Sachets of thyme hung in your closet or folded in with your stored clothes will keep moths out, and smells nicer than mothballs.
Oil of thyme can be used as a household cleaning agent as it is good germ killer and drives away pests. Just put a few drops in a spray bottle with 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar.

A strong infusioni of thyme makes a great hair rinse for dark hair and repels head lice. You can add rosemary as well if you have problems with dandruff.

Magical Attributes:

Thyme is feminine in nature and associated with the element of water and the planet Venus. Thyme is also associated with Freya, Aphrodite and Ares.

Thyme can be used in spells to increase strength and courage.

When working hard to achieve a goal that seems unachievable, thyme can be used to keep a positive attitude.

Smudgei your home with thyme to dispel melancholy, hopelessness and other mellow but negative vibrations, especially after a family tragedy or during a long sickness.

Place thyme beneath your pillow for a restful sleep and happy dreams and to prevent nightmares.

Faeries love thyme. Its addition to your garden will attract them and it can be used in spells to communicate with faeries.

Thyme is excellent in rituali baths and smudgingi for early spring festivals when we seek to leave the old behind and begin anew.

Healing Attributes:

The tiny flowers will attract bees to your garden. Honey made from these flowers is highly prized.

Sachets of thyme hung in your closet or folded in with your stored clothes will keep moths out, and smells nicer than mothballs.
Oil of thyme can be used as a household cleaning agent as it is good germ killer and drives away pests. Just put a few drops in a spray bottle with 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar.

A strong infusioni of thyme makes a great hair rinse for dark hair and repels head lice. You can add rosemary as well, if you have problems with dandruff.

Medical Use

Thyme has been used as a cough remedy and digestive aid as well as a treatment for internal parasites.
The active constituent, Thymol, has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties and a strong scent that helps loosen phlegm and sooths the respiratory system. It is used in many over the counter cold remedies.

It is also used for athlete's foot and hemorrhoids.

For internal use, steep two teaspoons of fresh herb or one teaspoon of dried herb in one cup of boiling water. Drink no more than twice a day, in the morning and evening, to relieve lung problems and dispel parasites.

A stronger tea can be used as a mouthwash to treat sore gums, as a foot soak to get rid of athlete's foot, a body or hair rinse for lice or dip a rag in it and use it as a compress for skin inflammations.

Thyme can also be added to massage oils and bath oils for the treatment of rheumatism and general aches and pains. These oils can also be used for colds and lung complaints.

Use oil of thyme by dropping into an infuser, or into a pan of boiling water and inhaling the fumes up to four times daily to relieve congestion. Never take essential oils internally.

Culinary Use:

Thyme has a long association with cooking and is part of French Bouquet Garni and Herbes de Provence. The most common type of thyme used in cooking is Common Thyme or English Thyme, but there are many varieties that can be used, all bring their own personality to the table.

It adds a marvelous rich flavor to meat dishes and stews. Adds flavor to veggies too and is especially good on potatoes. Actually, you can put thyme on just about anything. Try it on grilled cheese sandwiches or in scrambled eggs. It combines well with parsley, sage and rosemary, as the song says.

Thyme is a tough herb, and should be added early in cooking as the flavor is slowly released by heat.

The flowers are edible as well as the leaves, and make a lovely garnish.

The woody stems can be laid over charcoal when barbequing to flavor the smoke.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Begin new projects with a hearty meal seasoned with thyme and herbed wine.

Serve meals heavily laced with thyme when your family is facing a difficult struggle to attain a goal to ensure that you all remain lighthearted and don't give up hope!

Plant many varieties of thyme inside and outside your home. Plant the small creeping varieties between stepping stones and the trailing varieties in hanging pots near heavy traffic areas. The scent will remind you and anyone else who spends time in your home that you are strong and capable and fill your home with hope and good cheer. Whenever you come home feeling drained and ready to give up, just breathe deeply and be refreshed.

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