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Samhain

Litany of the Dead 2008

Wed, 10/01/2008 - 19:20 — DawnBlack

We remember all who died unmourned, unknown. Alli who died of hunger, disease, poverty and violence. We wish peaceful rest for those who suffered under circumstances beyond their control.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Mon, 07/28/2008 - 13:18 — kitchenwitch
Ingredients:

Pumpkin seeds
nonstick cooking spray

This autumn traditioni makes use of the leftovers from Harvest Festival pies and Samhain pumpkin lanterns and often makes its way into the

Notes:
Quick Witch Tips:

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.

Valerian

Sat, 05/31/2008 - 15:36 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Valeriana officinalis

Zones:
most
Other Names:
garden valerian, garden heliotrope, all-heal, wenderot

Garden valerian, or garden heliotrope (no relation to heliotrope) is native to Eastern Europe.

Propagation:

Valerian is happy in most situations provided it has fertile, weed-free soil and enjoys partial sun. It is best grown from shoots or by division as seeds do not germinate reliably. You should not allow valerian to dry out.
If you are growing to harvest the root later, it is best to cut off the flowers as they appear.

History and Folklore:

The Latin valere from whence the common name of this plant originated means "to be strong or healthy" and it may refer to the healing applications of the plant or it may refer to its strong odor. Indeed the ancient Greeks called this plant "Phu" (like phew!).
It was believed that this plant had the properties of turning anything bad into good.

Harvesting & Storage:

Harvest valerian roots in autumn of its second or third year after the leaves have died back. Wash them and then dry them quickly and put in the oven at 120 degrees until they are brittle. Store in an airtight container.

Household Use:

Cats love the smell of valerian and find it quite intoxicating. It is useful stuffed inside cat toys.

Magical Attributes:

Valerian root is associated with the planet Jupiter and the element of water. It is also useful in Samhain and Yule celebration rituals.

Valerian root is useful in spells related to ending guilt and negative self talk and developing self acceptance. It is also useful in animal magic, especially cat magic and evoking animal spirits. Also, transformation spells, for turning bad situations around into positive ones.

Healing Attributes:

Valerian has a sedative action useful against insomnia, anxiety, and stress. It is also used to treat gastrointestinal pain and irritable bowel.

However, valerian is reported to be a mutagen so it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Culinary Use:
Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Maple-Pecan Yams & Apples

Wed, 12/05/2007 - 12:14 — kitchenwitch
Ingredients:

A handful of pecans
1 cup of apple cider
1 apple, washed, cored, cubed
2 Yams or sweet potatoes, washed, cubed
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tbsp butter

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place the cubed apple and yams in a baking dish. Pour cider over all and stir to coat.
Cut the butter into tiny squares and sprinkle over the top.

Notes:

This is a fabulous recipe for your Feast of the Dead at Samhain as the yams celebrate the chthonic deities while the apples are the food of immortality.
This is also a great thanksgiving meal for harvest celebrations and its energies help to draw prosperity to the hearth.

Quick Witch Tips:

The Abduction of Persephone

Mon, 08/13/2007 - 08:08 — kitchenwitch

Demeter, by whose hand the grain ripens and turns to gold beneath the sun, had a beautiful as lovely as a field of crocus upon whom she doted as much as any mother ever doted upon a daughter.

Jack O'the Lantern

Fri, 12/15/2006 - 11:39 — DawnBlack

Once upon a time, a man name Jack encountered Death. To postpone the inevitable, d he invited him out for a drink. But Jack didn’t bring along any money.

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