Kitchen Witchery

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dose of good karma. Save a life. Click a button.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="25bd9ef0.gif" border=0 width="217" height="239" ALT="Bitmap Image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> What is Kitchen Witchery? </div> <div> The term "Kitchen Witch" brings up many different images to people, but the most common idea is that of a Witch who practices her art mainly thru cooking and common household skills. Another image is that of one who uses common everyday items in her art, drawing up memories of the Burning Times, when it was necessary to hide your working tools from those who would persecute you for their possession. While both of these images are certainly true ones, Kitchen Witchery goes far beyond magical cooking or using ordinary items as magical tools. One Kitchen Witch, Mama Rose, defines Kitchen Witchery in the following way: "My spirituality and my priestesshood and my magick are based around the concept that my home is my temple, all in it are consecrated and holy, and each action that I do is a portion of the ritual of my life."</div> <div> It is my belief that the heart of Kitchen Witchery is a talent for finding the sacred and magical in everyday tasks, a philosophy which "practices the presence of the Goddess" in daily devotion through ordinary actions. The Kitchen Witch makes the ordinary, extraordinary, the mundane magickal and by doing so, acknowledges the presence of the Divine in all things.</div> <div> Sacred vs. Profane </div> <div> One way in which Neo-Pagan religions differ in philosophy from the Judeo/Christian/Moslem paradigm is in their recognition of the sacredness in all things. The mainstream paradigm creates a philosophical dichotomy between the Sacred and the Profane (i.e. ordinary/mundane), that which is not "sacred" is, by definition "profane". In Neo-Paganism, ALL things are sacred. No such dichotomy exists.</div> <div> The Kitchen Witch takes that philosophy to it's extreme logical conclusion and finds ways to acknowledge the sacred within the mundane. How this is done is a matter of personal artistic expression. Most are familiar, of course, with the act of cooking magickally or setting up household altars. But it doesn't stop there. Some Kitchen Witches may clean magically, turning every act of cleaning into a psychic clearing as well. Others may tend magical gardens, care for familiars or raise their children within a magickal world. Kitchen Witchery can extend into actions as mundane and simple as stirring one's coffee clockwise to bless it or remembering to recycle as an act of daily devotion. Not to say that being a Kitchen Witch is restricted to the home! Oh, no! Kitchen Witchery can be practiced anywhere that a Kitchen Witch travels. It can extend to her car, her work and her play, since it acknowledges the divine all around us. Thus, keeping a magickal office can be as much an act of Kitchen Witchery as cooking a magickal meal. Wherever the Divine exists, a Kitchen Witch will find and acknowledge it. </div> <div> Practicing the Presence of the Goddess </div> <div> Barbara Ardinger, in her book A Woman's Book of Rituals and Celebrations discusses the concept of "practicing the presence of the Goddess". She describes this practice as a type of mysticism.' In her words; </div> <div> "Mysticism is not a matter of doing anything special; it's a way of life. It's recognizing that we're related to everone else, even those who don't look like us or talk like us... </div> <div> Mysticism in the tradition of the Goddess is living an ordinary life, not acting spacy or sanctimonious or as if we were specially 'chosen'. It's making a living, making car payments, disciplining our kids. It's doing regular things but doing them in an attitude that some call mindfulness. This means being aware of what we're doing, reflecting on our thoughts. It's living with raised consciousness." [A Woman's book of Rituals and Celebrations, pp. 20] I would expand on that to say that it is also changing your everyday actions when your conscience requires that you do so.</div> <div> Regardless of what type of personal artistic expression she uses, the Kitchen Witch's goal is to reach this level of 'mindfulness'. To reach the point where "As we live each day on earth, we become more aware each day of the ways She is present in our lives." [Ibid, pp. 18] In leading a mindful life, the Kitchen Witch becomes sensitized to the presence of the Goddess both within and without and interacts with that presence.</div> <div> Becoming More 'Mindful'. </div> <div> The central core of Kitchen Witchery is learning to live consiously, developing the 'mindfulness' that Dr. Ardinger and others refer to. As Wiccans, we recognize the value of using symbols within ritual to create an altered state of consiousness, but we often forget that the symbols which surround us in everyday life can be used to the same way. They can be used to help us recognize the Sacred in our everyday lives and to assist us to adopt a lifestyle where our consiousness remains open to such change on a daily basis. Understanding and, when necessary, redefining the symbols which surround us is sometimes an important key to developing a higher level of consiousness about your actions. As in ritual, symbolism in everyday life is both a process and a tool in developing the habit of living a mindful life. Becoming more mindful involves recognizing the symbols around us and creating new symbols to create change. Living in the presence of the Goddess demands that we consider our every day actions and adapt those actions to fit our personal values.</div> <div> The following are simply a few examples of things to do to develop a habit of living more consciously. You may wish to explore one or two and see where they lead. </div> <div> Develop a daily ritual. </div> <div> Develop a personal daily ritual which creates a conscious connection with your environment. This could be Yoga or a daily meditation or any repetative action which causes you to reflect on the divine. Even the smallest and most common actions can be used as a trigger to remind us of our connection to the web of life. Using those small actions repetatively turn the everyday action into a symbolic ritual. </div> <div> In her essay, "Running with the Goddess", Arishna WolfMoon talks about making running into a daily ritual and how it has enhanced her life. Here are some more examples of small daily actions which can be made into rituals: </div> <div> Take 10 minutes to go over your checkbook daily. </div> <div> Think about what you spent and where and what impact it might have on the big picture. </div> <div> Tuck your child in every night. Reflect on what a miracle birth and life are and take time to appreciate your child each time you do so. </div> <div> Sing a chant in the shower each morning to set your mind for the day. </div> <div> What other actions can you think of which can be made into daily rituals? </div> <div> Go on a Sacred "Diet". </div> <div> Develop a personal dietary style which reflects your values. This can be as simple as not eating meat for both dietary reasons and reasons of social conscience and as complex as becoming educated about exactly where all of your food comes from, what steps it has taken to get to you and what impact it had in getting there. For example, in the PBS special "Escape from Affluenza", describes the impact of drinking his morning cup of coffee. In addition to the fact that a portion of the cloud rainforest was destroyed to plant the coffee and migrant workers were exploited to harvest it, he recognizes what system was used to transport it to him, where it was roasted, what forms of energy were used in those processes, even where the water comes from that he uses to brew it. Go as deep as you feel is necessary to develop a higher level of consciousness about what you consume. </div> <div> What, specifically, you choose to do is not the point. Becoming aware of what you eat and why you have chosen that diet is the important part. Everything you put into your body not only affects you, but also has numerous other connections, to the environment, to other economies and to other social systems. Remember with every bite what you are doing, what it represents and why you have chosen that particular dietary path. Eating consiously is also a good way to bless the food that we eat and to give thanks for it. </div> <div> The old saying, 'we are what we eat" has a lot of truth to it. Become aware of what you are becoming through your daily dietary habits. Recognize the web of life connecting you and your food and honor it by consciously choosing a diet which supports your personal values and beliefs. </div> <div> Prepare a Sacred Feast </div> <div> Cooking is probably the most commonly recognized type of "kitchen witchery". Anytime that you feed people, you are performing a magickal act, nourishing the body and soul. This is why so many of our holiday observances are centered around food. Learning to create magickal foods and to cook magickally simply enhances this experience. </div> <div> Symbology in food varies as much as any other personal symbol set, but within any cultural or religious group we usually share a great deal of common symbology. This symbology can be used to enhance every meal or to make a meal for ritual more special. When planning a sacred meal you can use your personal symbol set, or you can research more about the common symbolism of foods through resources like The Kitchen Witch's Cookbook. </div> <div> Remember, it doesn't need to be a ritual meal to be a Sacred Feast. You could also create a weekly sacred meal for your family. Use the time to help you and your family connect to each other and to be mindful of the food that you eat, the value of your family, your special actions to nurture each other,etc. It really makes this activity special if the whole family gets involved in preparing the meal, each member adding their own energy to the feast. </div> <div> Decorate your home or office. </div> <div> The symbols that are in our everyday surroundings can be used to trigger a change in consciousness, just as they can in ritual. Decorating your home or office with elemental symbols, God and Goddess symbols and elements which remind you of ritual creates and environment which helps you remember your connection with the Divine. Surrounding yourself with items from nature can likewise help remind you of your connection with nature. By using symbols which have personal meaning to decorate with, you can turn your living room or your office cubical into a subtle altar. </div> <div> While having candles, incense or an athame on your office desk is probably not practical, you can use other symbols which represent the elements to create your office altar. You can even get very creative in your symbology. Being a Techno-Pagan, I think of computers, televisions and radios as symbols of air (communication, thought, ideas), but of course it can be much simpler. What you use should show your own personal style. </div> <div> Summary </div> <div> Being a Kitchen Witch involves more than cooking. In the broadest sense, it means living a life which is mindful, becoming conscious of your actions and how they connect or disconnect you with the world around you and the Divine, both within and without. Being a Kitchen Witch is not as much about what you do, but instead about how and why you do it and about doing everything that you do with an aware conscience. It's not as much about doing something special, as about doing things in a way which are special to you and in recognizing the "special"ness (or sacredness) in all that you do.</div> <div> Now that you've heard the opinion of others, it's time to come up with some examples and ideas on your own. Discuss what "kitchen witchery" means to you and different ways that you can work towards leading a more "mindful" life.</div> <bR> <div> Many practitioners new to the magical arts believe that before casting a spell or performing a ritual, one must drive across town to the occult supply store and spend money getting just the right ingredients. In reality, the ingredients to many successful spells, rituals, and other magical practices may be right there already--in your own kitchen! Here are some suggestions as to how to transform common items in your kitchen cabinets and refrigerators into the accoutrements of magical practice. </div> <bR> <div> Herbs Need some fast cash? All out of money-drawing incense? Look at your spice rack for some leafy green herbs such as mint, oregano, basil or parsley. </div> <div> Write the amount of money you need right now on a piece of plain white paper. </div> <div> Place the paper beneath a candle and light the candle. </div> <div> Scatter the herbs on a piece of charcoal in your incense burner. You can also scatter herbs around the candle if you wish. Use dried herbs for this: </div> <div> fresh ones won't burn. Supplement the herbs with any abundance-type self- burning incense to help the herbs burn if you wish. </div> <bR> <div> Forgetful? Try a "rosemary for remembrance" pillow. Simply tie some dried rosemary into a piece of cheesecloth and place it inside your pillowcase. </div> <div> Then you'll remember that you need to restock your money drawing incense! If you check your spellbooks, aromatheraphy guidebooks, and natural medicine books, you'll find many more uses for common kitchen herbs. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Extracts Remember when Granny Clampett on "The Beverly Hilbillies" had Ellie May put vanilla extract behind her ears before a prospective beau arrived? Turns out the old back country wise woman was right. Studies have shown that sweet aromas, such as vanilla, are alluring to men. Many perfumes on the market now contain vanilla. Make sure you include vanilla in the baked goods that you make for your favorite suitor (vanilla improves even the flavor of chocolate). Why not dab a bit on the pulse points if you're hoping for a night of passion? </div> <bR> <div> Perhaps you're up late studying for a big test. Instead of taking one of those harmful caffeine tablets, try sharpening your tired mental faculties by taking a whiff of the peppermint extract in your cupboard. If that doesn't do the trick, try taking the top off a jar of peppercorns and alternately inhaling the peppermint and the peppercorn. Now you're awake! </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Apple Cider Vinegar Feel the need for a cleansing or purification ritual? Before you begin, take a purifying bath by putting a cupful of apple cider vinegar in the bath. If showering, warm a cupful in the microwave for thirty seconds; pour over yourself in the shower. As you bathe, visualize a pure white light surrounding and protecting you. Chiropractors, massage therapists, and other body workers also recommend the apple cider vinegar bath after a treatment. </div> <bR> <div> People in New England and in the South often recommend tonics to stimulate the system, especially in the spring. A simple tonic is made by adding one teaspoon each of apple cider vinegar and honey to a little water. Sip slowly and visualize your system being renewed and energized. </div> <bR> <div> Learn the correspondences between common herbs and astrology, Witch workings and natural healing methods, and you'll find a wealth of simple abundance right there in your cupboards! </div> <bR> <bR> <div> A Kitchen Witch's Altar </div> <bR> <div> by Kecia Lloyd<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#6633CC" FACE="BlackChancery" > </FONT></div> <div> A few years ago, I was visiting a Hindu friend of mine for dinner. </div> <div> Having never been to a Hindu's house before, I was curious about the </div> <div> things I saw. I asked my questions and they were more than happy to </div> <div> provide me with answers. The one thing that stands out in my mind, </div> <div> more than anything else in their house, was their kitchen. In a </div> <div> cupboard with two doors, they have an altar dedicated to their </div> <div> family's patron deity. They would open the altar when they cooked, to </div> <div> allow their deity to guide the cooking and ensure a healthy, </div> <div> spiritual meal. There were other times they opened the altar, but </div> <div> each time, both doors to the cupboard were opened to allow a cyclic </div> <div> flow of Divine Energy to make it's way around the room. Now, years </div> <div> later, as a practicing kitchen witch, I've often wondered why I </div> <div> couldn't do the same? </div> <bR> <div> Personally, I feel kitchen magik is overlooked, or at best given a </div> <div> couple of paragraphs in books, magazines, and web sites. All the </div> <div> information is vague, leaving most of the decisions up to my </div> <div> imagination. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the sources I've </div> <div> read have left little for guidance in a seemingly popular area for </div> <div> Pagans. </div> <bR> <div> Kitchen magik has simple tools. All that's needed are some bowls, </div> <div> spoons, a mortar and pestle, and a tea kettle or cooking pot. I have </div> <div> found that all of them also have direct correlation to more common </div> <div> altar tools. Using my Hindu friend's altar as a guide, I have created </div> <div> a Kitchen Witch's Altar. All you need is an empty cupboard. More than </div> <div> likely, you already have the tools. </div> <bR> <div> The first step is to choose which cupboard you will dedicate as your </div> <div> altar. Cupboard space is usually of short supply in most kitchens. </div> <div> Some re-arranging of cupboard contents may be at hand. My Hindu </div> <div> friends said they always used cupboards with two doors, and ones that </div> <div> were at eye level. This way, the Divine Presence is closer to you, </div> <div> and easy to access. When both doors are open, it directs the energy </div> <div> outward and around the room. The only don't I suggest is not to use </div> <div> the cupboards above the refrigerator. It makes your altar virtually </div> <div> inaccessible and easily forgotten. </div> <bR> <div> On the back of the cupboard, you could place a picture of your deity, </div> <div> a pentacle, or what ever reminds you of Divine Energy. Charge the </div> <div> object in whatever way feels best for you. With this charged picture, </div> <div> statuette, or pentacle, Divine Energy will have its direct pathway </div> <div> into your kitchen. </div> <bR> <div> The next step would be the altar cloth. To make things easier, I </div> <div> suggest going to a local thrift store and buying cloth napkins. You </div> <div> could also make your own altar clothes. However, you do it, acquire </div> <div> more than one of each color. This will make it easier to clean and </div> <div> cleanse your altar. </div> <bR> <div> Now it's time to dedicate which tools you use most in your kitchen </div> <div> magicks. If you want, you could purchase new tools, or you could just </div> <div> cleanse and consecrate some that you already have. Below, I have </div> <div> listed a few kitchen tools and what correspondences they resemble on </div> <div> a regular altar. </div> <bR> <div> Wooden Spoon: Wand. Remember, most wooden spoons are made of balsa </div> <div> wood or pine. [There are several publications that list the magickal </div> <div> properties of different types of wood.] </div> <bR> <div> Bowl: Cauldron, Cup, or Bowl. For this, I prefer glass mixing-bowls. </div> <div> Glass is easy to clean, and it won't absorb any of the oils, water, </div> <div> or whatever you are working with. Glass also comes in many different </div> <div> colors. If you don't want glass, there are also several inexpensive </div> <div> ceramic / porcelain mixing bowls. </div> <bR> <div> Tea Kettle: Cauldron. I have read that copper tea kettles are best </div> <div> for magik. I do not use a copper kettle, but one that is porcelain </div> <div> coated steel. Copper kettles can get expensive and are a high </div> <div> maintenance item. </div> <bR> <div> Mortar and Pestle: These have been represented as the union of female </div> <div> and male, or the joining of Divine and Mundane Energies. They also </div> <div> represent the basic cup and wand. These come in all sorts of </div> <div> materials. Choose a set that meets both your physical and spiritual </div> <div> needs. For example: that dainty glass set is extremely pretty. But, </div> <div> will stand up to repeated use? </div> <bR> <div> Cooking Pot: Cauldron. The nice thing about this correspondence is </div> <div> that, with a little effort, you can find full sets of cast iron </div> <div> cookware. </div> <bR> <div> For a broom, you may want to use a small whisk broom, or basting </div> <div> brush. If you can wait until Halloween, you will be able to find </div> <div> miniature besoms for sale in the craft stores and departments of </div> <div> larger stores. </div> <bR> <div> Cutting board: Altar tile. If you are skilled enough, or know someone </div> <div> who is, you could have a pentacle carved or etched into a wooden </div> <div> board. You could also put your creativity to work with paint and </div> <div> paint a pentacle on a cutting board. How creative you get is up to </div> <div> you. </div> <bR> <div> Even though I have only listed a few, there may be other mundane </div> <div> tools that you use in your magickal creations. If you use a tool </div> <div> frequently enough in your magickal practice, find a place in the </div> <div> altar for it, bless it and consecrate it. The kitchen is a place of </div> <div> endless opportunities, and your altar, tools should reflect your </div> <div> path, choices, and spirituality. Be creative and invite the Divine </div> <div> into the heart of your home, the kitchen. </div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="749" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 3195 WIDTH="745"><div> The term "Kitchen Witch" brings up many different images to people, but </div> <div> the most common idea is that of a Witch who practices her art mainly </div> <div> thru cooking and common household skills. Another image is that of one </div> <div> who uses common everyday items in her art, drawing up memories of the </div> <div> Burning Times, when it was necessary to hide your working tools from </div> <div> those who would persecute you for their possession. While both of these </div> <div> images are certainly true ones, Kitchen Witchery goes far beyond magical </div> <div> cooking or using ordinary items as magical tools. One Kitchen Witch, </div> <div> Mama Rose, defines Kitchen Witchery in the following way: "My </div> <div> spirituality and my priestesshood and my magick are based around the </div> <div> concept that my home is my temple, all in it are consecrated and holy, </div> <div> and each action that I do is a portion of the ritual of my life." </div> <div> It is my belief that the heart of Kitchen Witchery is a talent for </div> <div> finding the sacred and magical in everyday tasks, a philosophy which </div> <div> "practices the presence of the Goddess" in daily devotion through </div> <div> ordinary actions. The Kitchen Witch makes the ordinary, extraordinary, </div> <div> the mundane magickal and by doing so, acknowledges the presence of the </div> <div> Divine in all things. </div> <div> Sacred vs. Profane </div> <div> One way in which Neo-Pagan religions differ in philosophy from the </div> <div> Judeo/Christian/Moslem paradigm is in their recognition of the </div> <div> sacredness in all things. The mainstream paradigm creates a </div> <div> philosophical dichotomy between the Sacred and the Profane (i.e. </div> <div> ordinary/mundane), that which is not "sacred" is, by definition </div> <div> "profane". In Neo-Paganism, ALL things are sacred. No such dichotomy </div> <div> exists. </div> <div> The Kitchen Witch takes that philosophy to it's extreme logical </div> <div> conclusion and finds ways to acknowledge the sacred within the mundane. </div> <div> How this is done is a matter of personal artistic statement. Most are </div> <div> familiar, of course, with the act of cooking magickally or setting up </div> <div> household altars. But it doesn't stop there. Some Kitchen Witches may </div> <div> clean magically, turning every act of cleaning into a psychic clearing </div> <div> as well. Others may tend magical gardens, care for familiars or raise </div> <div> their children within a magickal world. Kitchen Witchery can extend into </div> <div> actions as mundane and simple as stirring one's coffee clockwise to </div> <div> bless it or remembering to recycle as an act of daily devotion. Not to </div> <div> say that being a Kitchen Witch is restricted to the home! Oh, no! </div> <div> Kitchen Witchery can be practiced anywhere that a Kitchen Witch travels. </div> <div> It can extend to her car, her work and her play, since it acknowledges </div> <div> the divine all around us. Thus, keeping a magickal office can be as much </div> <div> an act of Kitchen Witchery as cooking a magickal meal. Wherever the </div> <div> Divine exists, a Kitchen Witch will find and acknowledge it. Practicing </div> <div> the Presence of the Goddess </div> <div> Barbara Ardinger, in her book A Woman's Book of Rituals and Celebrations </div> <div> discusses the concept of "practicing the presence of the Goddess". She </div> <div> describes this practice as a type of mysticism.' In her words; </div> <div> "Mysticism is not a matter of doing anything special; it's a way of </div> <div> life. It's recognizing that we're related to everone else, even those </div> <div> who don't look like us or talk like us... Mysticism in the tradition of </div> <div> the Goddess is living an ordinary life, not acting spacy or </div> <div> sanctimonious or as if we were specially 'chosen'. It's making a living, </div> <div> making car payments, disciplining our kids. It's doing regular things </div> <div> but doing them in an attitude that some call mindfulness. This means </div> <div> being aware of what we're doing, reflecting on our thoughts. It's living </div> <div> with raised consciousness." [A Woman's book of Rituals and Celebrations, </div> <div> pp. 20] I would expand on that to say that it is also changing your </div> <div> everyday actions when your conscience requires that you do so. </div> <div> Regardless of what type of personal artistic statement she uses, the </div> <div> Kitchen Witch's goal is to reach this level of 'mindfulness'. To reach </div> <div> the point where "As we live each day on earth, we become more aware each </div> <div> day of the ways She is present in our lives." [Ibid, pp. </div> <div> 18] In leading a mindful life, the Kitchen Witch becomes sensitized to </div> <div> the presence of the Goddess both within and without and interacts with </div> <div> that presence. </div> <div> Becoming More 'Mindful'. </div> <div> The central core of Kitchen Witchery is learning to live consiously, </div> <div> developing the 'mindfulness' that Dr. Ardinger and others refer to. As </div> <div> Wiccans, we recognize the value of using symbols within ritual to create </div> <div> an altered state of consiousness, but we often forget that the symbols </div> <div> which surround us in everyday life can be used to the same way. They can </div> <div> be used to help us recognize the Sacred in our everyday lives and to </div> <div> assist us to adopt a lifestyle where our consiousness remains open to </div> <div> such change on a daily basis. Understanding and, when necessary, </div> <div> redefining the symbols which surround us is sometimes an important key </div> <div> to developing a higher level of consiousness about your actions. As in </div> <div> ritual, symbolism in everyday life is both a process and a tool in </div> <div> developing the habit of living a mindful life. Becoming more mindful </div> <div> involves recognizing the symbols around us and creating new symbols to </div> <div> create change. Living in the presence of the Goddess demands that we </div> <div> consider our every day actions and adapt those actions to fit our </div> <div> personal values. </div> <div> The following are simply a few examples of things to do to develop a </div> <div> habit of living more consciously. You may wish to explore one or two and </div> <div> see where they lead. </div> <bR> <div> Develop a daily ritual. </div> <div> Develop a personal daily ritual which creates a conscious connection </div> <div> with your environment. This could be Yoga or a daily meditation or any </div> <div> repetative action which causes you to reflect on the divine. Even the </div> <div> smallest and most common actions can be used as a trigger to remind us </div> <div> of our connection to the web of life. Using those small actions </div> <div> repetatively turn the everyday action into a symbolic ritual. </div> <div> In her essay, "Running with the Goddess", Arishna WolfMoon talks about </div> <div> making running into a daily ritual and how it has enhanced her life. </div> <div> Here are some more examples of small daily actions which can be made </div> <div> into rituals: </div> <bR> <div> Take 10 minutes to go over your checkbook daily. Think about what you </div> <div> spent and where and what impact it might have on the big picture. Tuck </div> <div> your child in every night. Reflect on what a miracle birth and life are </div> <div> and take time to appreciate your child each time you do so. Sing a chant </div> <div> in the shower each morning to set your mind for the day. What other </div> <div> actions can you think of which can be made into daily rituals? </div> <div> Go on a Sacred "Diet". </div> <div> Develop a personal dietary style which reflects your values. This can be </div> <div> as simple as not eating meat for both dietary reasons and reasons of </div> <div> social conscience and as complex as becoming educated about exactly </div> <div> where all of your food comes from, what steps it has taken to get to you </div> <div> and what impact it had in getting there. For example, in the PBS special </div> <div> "Escape from Affluenza", describes the impact of drinking his morning </div> <div> cup of coffee. In addition to the fact that a portion of the cloud </div> <div> rainforest was destroyed to plant the coffee and migrant workers were </div> <div> exploited to harvest it, he recognizes what system was used to transport </div> <div> it to him, where it was roasted, what forms of energy were used in those </div> <div> processes, even where the water comes from that he uses to brew it. Go </div> <div> as deep as you feel is necessary to develop a higher level of </div> <div> consciousness about what you consume. </div> <bR> <div> What, specifically, you choose to do is not the point. Becoming aware of </div> <div> what you eat and why you have chosen that diet is the important part. </div> <div> Everything you put into your body not only affects you, but also has </div> <div> numerous other connections, to the environment, to other economies and </div> <div> to other social systems. Remember with every bite what you are doing, </div> <div> what it represents and why you have chosen that particular dietary path. </div> <div> Eating consiously is also a good way to bless the food that we eat and </div> <div> to give thanks for it. </div> <div> The old saying, 'we are what we eat" has a lot of truth to it. Become </div> <div> aware of what you are becoming through your daily dietary habits. </div> <div> Recognize the web of life connecting you and your food and honor it by </div> <div> consciously choosing a diet which supports your personal values and </div> <div> beliefs. </div> <bR> <div> Prepare a Sacred Feast </div> <div> Cooking is probably the most commonly recognized type of "kitchen </div> <div> witchery". Anytime that you feed people, you are performing a magickal </div> <div> act, nourishing the body and soul. This is why so many of our holiday </div> <div> observances are centered around food. Learning to create magickal foods </div> <div> and to cook magickally simply enhances this experience. Symbology in </div> <div> food varies as much as any other personal symbol set, but within any </div> <div> cultural or religious group we usually share a great deal of common </div> <div> symbology. This symbology can be used to enhance every meal or to make a </div> <div> meal for ritual more special. When planning a sacred meal you can use </div> <div> your personal symbol set, or you can research more about the common </div> <div> symbolism of foods through resources like The Kitchen Witch's Cookbook. </div> <bR> <div> Remember, it doesn't need to be a ritual meal to be a Sacred Feast. You </div> <div> could also create a weekly sacred meal for your family. Use the time to </div> <div> help you and your family connect to each other and to be mindful of the </div> <div> food that you eat, the value of your family, your special actions to </div> <div> nurture each other,etc. It really makes this activity special if the </div> <div> whole family gets involved in preparing the meal, each member adding </div> <div> their own energy to the feast. </div> <bR> <div> Decorate your home or office. </div> <div> The symbols that are in our everyday surroundings can be used to trigger </div> <div> a change in consciousness, just as they can in ritual. Decorating your </div> <div> home or office with elemental symbols, God and Goddess symbols and </div> <div> elements which remind you of ritual creates and environment which helps </div> <div> you remember your connection with the Divine. Surrounding yourself with </div> <div> items from nature can likewise help remind you of your connection with </div> <div> nature. By using symbols which have personal meaning to decorate with, </div> <div> you can turn your living room or your office cubical into a subtle </div> <div> altar. </div> <div> While having candles, incense or an athame on your office desk is </div> <div> probably not practical, you can use other symbols which represent the </div> <div> elements to create your office altar. You can even get very creative in </div> <div> your symbology. Being a Techno-Pagan, I think of computers, televisions </div> <div> and radios as symbols of air (communication, thought, ideas), but of </div> <div> course it can be much simpler. What you use should show your own </div> <div> personal style. </div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="722" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 246 WIDTH="718"><div> Summary </div> <div> Being a Kitchen Witch involves more than cooking. In the broadest sense, </div> <div> it means living a life which is mindful, becoming conscious of your </div> <div> actions and how they connect or disconnect you with the world around you </div> <div> and the Divine, both within and without. Being a Kitchen Witch is not as </div> <div> much about what you do, but instead about how and why you do it and </div> <div> about doing everything that you do with an aware conscience. It's not as </div> <div> much about doing something special, as about doing things in a way which </div> <div> are special to you and in recognizing the "special"ness (or sacredness) </div> <div> in all that you do. Now that you've heard the opinion of others, it's </div> <div> time to come up with some examples and ideas on your own. Discuss what </div> <div> "kitchen witchery" means to you and different ways that you can work </div> <div> towards leading a more "mindful" life. </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> 1. A quartz crystal placed on or near the stove when cooking makes </div> <div> food taste better. </div> <bR> <div> 2. A pot of basil herb grown in your kitchen keeps the area safe </div> <div> from evil forces and negative spirits. </div> <bR> <div> 3. Candles keep their shape better and longer when chilled </div> <div> thoroughly in the refrigerator. </div> <bR> <div> 4. A witch's kitchen should never be without a lunar calender or </div> <div> chart showing the phases of the moon and its movement through the </div> <div> wheel of the zodiac. </div> <bR> <div> 5. A full moon increases extrasensory perception and is the ideal </div> <div> time to prepare and use potions that increase the psychic abilities. </div> <bR> <div> 6. Love phiters and aphrodisiacs should always be prepared during </div> <div> the waxing of the moon. </div> <bR> <div> 7. The best time to plant an herb or vegetable gardens when the moon </div> <div> is in Cancer, Scorpio, Libra or Pisces. </div> <bR> <div> 8. Homemade magickal incenses, sachets and potpourris become more </div> <div> fragrant if aged several months before used. </div> <bR> <div> 9. Homemade incense always should be stored in tightly capped or </div> <div> corked jars. </div> <bR> <div> 10. Unlucky influences should be kept away from the when cooking or </div> <div> preparing magickal recipes, and this is accomplished by stirring in a </div> <div> clockwise direction. </div> <bR> <div> 11. An aloe vera plant should be kept on the kitchen, as its juices </div> <div> are an instant cure for minor kitchen burns. </div> <bR> <div> 12. Herbal preparations should never be boiled in aluminum vessels, </div> <div> but in only copper, earthenware or pyrex to avoid contamination of </div> <div> the medicines. </div> <bR> <div> 13. Before casting spells or preparing potions, always keep in mind </div> <div> the Wiccan Rede: "Do what ye will an' harm none."</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="722" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 8609 ><NOBR><bR> <div> Tools of A Kitchen Witch </div> <div> Your own kitchen should provide everything you will need. Common utensils </div> <div> with suggested symbolism strengthen your enchantments. There are hundreds of </div> <div> them, look around with a magical eye, it's there! Choose between different </div> <div> tools according to your magical goals. Make your own blessing and charge </div> <div> your tools with them. For example: Take a wooden spoon, carve or draw the </div> <div> symbols for Health, Harmony, and Love onto the handle of the spoon. </div> <div> Visualize these things for your family, while you light a white candle for </div> <div> Purity, Truth, and Sincerity. Say, "With this spoon I stir Love, Health, and </div> <div> Harmony, into our food". Keep saying and visualizing until you feel it is </div> <div> done. </div> <div> BLENDER : Mingling with others, Stirring up energy </div> <bR> <div> COOKBOOK : Book of Shadows, Excellence, Virtue </div> <bR> <div> COOKIE TIN : Sweet things in life, Pleasure </div> <bR> <div> CRISPER : Invigoration and Restoration </div> <bR> <div> CUPBOARDS : Savings, Supplies, Providence </div> <bR> <div> DISH TOWEL : Stricture, Determined precision </div> <bR> <div> DISHWASHER : Leisure, The Water Element, Convenience </div> <bR> <div> DRAIN : Troubles, Burdens, Bad habits </div> <bR> <div> DRAWERS : Hidden matters, Material goods </div> <bR> <div> FOOD WRAP : Prudence, Conservation, Control, Secrets </div> <bR> <div> FORK : Piercing, Penetrating, Perception </div> <bR> <div> FUNNEL : Flow, Unhindered order, Coaxing energy along </div> <bR> <div> KNIFE : Cutting away, Sharpness of mind, Separation </div> <bR> <div> MEASURING CUP : Evaluation, Allotment, Caution </div> <bR> <div> MICROWAVE : Acceleration, Legal expedition </div> <bR> <div> OVEN :Passion, Fertility, Fire Element </div> <bR> <div> OVEN BURNERS : The Four Directons/Elements </div> <bR> <div> OVEN FAN : The Air Element, Movement, Clearing vision </div> <bR> <div> PITCHER : Abundance, Invigoration, Refreshment </div> <bR> <div> REFRIGERATOR : Cooling temper, Preservation, Protection </div> <bR> <div> ROLLING PIN : Discipline, Moderation, Control </div> <bR> <div> SIFTER : Sorting out confusion, Organization, Filtering negativity </div> <bR> <div> SPATULA : Sensibility, Recycling, Changing directions </div> <bR> <div> STEAMER : Slow processes, Even temperament </div> <bR> <div> TEA KETTLE : Divination, Alertness, Kinship, Health </div> <bR> <div> THERMOMETER : Observations Skills, Analysis </div> <bR> <div> WHISK : Excitement, Increasing bounty </div> <bR> <div> WINDOW : Winds of change, Refreshment, Vital energy </div> <bR> <div> The Serving Spoon </div> <div> When blessed for Harmony, a good choice for serving out portions to your </div> <div> family. </div> <bR> <div> Mixing Spoon </div> <div> To stir energy into your food. </div> <bR> <div> Straining Spoons </div> <div> Can be hung to filter out negative energies. </div> <bR> <div> Spatula </div> <div> For sensibility, and changing directions. </div> <bR> <div> Knife </div> <div> Cutting away the bad, sharping of the mind. </div> <bR> <div> Fork </div> <div> For perception and For excitement, energy and abundance. </div> <bR> <div> Funnel </div> <div> To follow your decision or path. </div> <bR> <div> Pitcher </div> <div> For invigoration and refreshing. </div> <bR> <div> Drain </div> <div> Let flow troubles, burdens, and bad habits to the sea. </div> <bR> <div> Sifter </div> <div> Sorting out confusion, organization, filtering negative energies. </div> <bR> <div> The Herbal Kitchen </div> <div> Below are a list of herbs commonly found in most homes, and their magickal </div> <div> uses. (Information was taken from Gerina Dunwich and Scott Cunningham's </div> <div> books.) </div> <div> African Violet - Used as a protection amulet and to promote spirituality </div> <div> in the home. It is burned as a traditional herbal incense of the Spring </div> <div> Equinox Sabbat. </div> <bR> <div> Allspice - Burned as an incense to attract money or luck. It is also </div> <div> used to promote healing. </div> <bR> <div> Aloe - A popular houseplant. Used for protection against evil influences </div> <div> and prevents household accidents. </div> <bR> <div> Angelica - One of the traditional ritual herbs of the Candlemas and </div> <div> Beltane Sabbats. Angelica is both a culinary and medicinal herb. Sprinkle </div> <div> around the house to ward off evil. Added to the bath, it removes curses or </div> <div> spells that may have been cast against you. </div> <bR> <div> Anise - The leaves are used for protection. The seeds are burned as a </div> <div> meditation incense. Filling a small pillowcase with anise seeds and sleeping </div> <div> on it will ensure that you have no nightmares. </div> <bR> <div> Basil - Brings wealth to those who carry it in their pockets. Basil </div> <div> given as a gift brings good luck to a new home. It is one of the </div> <div> traditional ritual herbs of the Candlemas Sabbat. </div> <bR> <div> Bay - Wishes are written on bay leaves which are then burned to make </div> <div> them come true, and a bay leaf held in the mouth wards off bad luck. Bay is </div> <div> one of the traditional ritual herbs of the Candlemas and Winter Solstice </div> <div> Sabbats. </div> <bR> <div> Buckwheat - Sprinkle the flour to form magic circles on the floor around </div> <div> you while performing magic. </div> <bR> <div> Catnip - Grown near the home, it attracts good spirits and great luck. </div> <div> Catnip is used in spells designed to enhance beauty and happiness. Large </div> <div> Catnip leaves are pressed and used as bookmarks in magickal texts. </div> <bR> <div> Cinnamon - Used in healing rituals and spells to attract money. It </div> <div> stimulates clairvoyant abilities and raises both protective and spiritual </div> <div> vibrations. The oil of the cinnamon plant is used to anoint candles for </div> <div> love goddess invocations, love magick, and spells of passion. It is also </div> <div> used in sachets and infusions. </div> <bR> <div> Clove - Burned as an incense, cloves attract riches, drive away negative </div> <div> forces, and purify the area. Burn them to stop others from gossiping about </div> <div> you. Wear them or carry them to attract the opposite sex. </div> <bR> <div> Corn - Place an ear of corn in a baby's crib to protect it against </div> <div> negative forces. A necklace made of dried red corn kernels prevents </div> <div> nosebleed. </div> <bR> <div> Cumin - Used in love spells. When carried, it gives peace of mind. </div> <bR> <div> Dill - This is an herb of protection. When hung over the front door, it </div> <div> will keep your home safe from enemies. Dill has a magickal ability to </div> <div> attract money and good fortune. </div> <bR> <div> Garlic - Extremely protective in new homes. Worn, it guards against foul </div> <div> weather. </div> <bR> <div> Grape - Eating grapes or raisins increases fertility, as well as strengthens </div> <div> mental powers. Place grapes on the altar during money spells. </div> <bR> <div> Hazel - String the nuts and hang in the house for luck. The nuts are often </div> <div> eaten prior to divination and give wisdom and increase fertility. Twigs of </div> <div> hazel are placed in window frames to guard the house against lightning. </div> <div> Hazel wood can be used to make all-purpose magickal wands. </div> <bR> <div> Lemon - Lemon juice is mixed with water and is used to wash amulets, jewelry </div> <div> and other magickal objects which have been obtained second-hand. This wash </div> <div> ensures that all negative vibrations are cleansed from the object. Keep one </div> <div> of the seeds from a lemon that you have consumed. Plant it in early spring, </div> <div> and nurture it in a warm place. When it grows, give it to a loved </div> <div> one, to keep your love fresh and true. Also, Take a slice of fresh lemon and </div> <div> put it under the chair of a visiting friend, to ensure your friendship will </div> <div> last. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Lettuce - Rub lettuce juice onto the forehead or eat the leaves to have no </div> <div> trouble falling asleep. </div> <bR> <div> Mint - The leaves of the mint plants have been used magickally for healing, </div> <div> attracting money, increasing sexual desire, and protection. Mint oil is </div> <div> often used for anointing candles, ritual tools, and healing poppets. </div> <bR> <div> Mustard - Carry mustard seeds in a red cloth to guard against colds and to </div> <div> increase mental powers. When eaten, mustard seed increases fertility in </div> <div> women. </div> <bR> <div> Nuts - All nuts are potent fertility-inducers, and are carried for such </div> <div> uses. Nuts are also used in many prosperity and money mixtures. </div> <bR> <div> Oats - Used in prosperity and money spells. </div> <bR> <div> Olive - Olive oil has long been used as an anointing oil to aid in healing. </div> <div> Olive leaves, worn, bring luck. </div> <bR> <div> Onion - An onion placed beneath the pillow can produce prophetic dreams. </div> <div> Magickal knives and swords are purified by rubbing their blades with fresh </div> <div> onions. </div> <bR> <div> Orange - The dried peel and seeds are added to love sachets. The peel is </div> <div> also added to prosperity powders, incenses and mixtures. Orange juice is </div> <div> drunk in rituals in place of wine. </div> <bR> <div> Pea - Shelling peas brings fortune and profits in business, and the dried </div> <div> peas are used in monetary mixtures. </div> <bR> <div> Pear - The fruit is used in love spells, and the wood makes fine magickal </div> <div> wands. </div> <bR> <div> Pepper - Pepper is added to amulets as a protectant against the evil eye, </div> <div> and when worn, it frees the mind of envious thoughts. Mixed with salt and </div> <div> scattered about the property it dispels evil. </div> <bR> <div> Pineapple - Dried pineapple is placed in bags and added to baths to draw </div> <div> good luck to the bather. Pineapple juice is drunk to hinder lust, and the </div> <div> dried peel or flesh is added to money mixtures. </div> <bR> <div> Poppy - The flowers and seeds of the poppy are highly magickal and have been </div> <div> used in spells, potions, and sachets to promote female fertility, attract </div> <div> money, and induce divinatory dreams. The poppy is regarded as good luck, and </div> <div> it is potent in all forms of love enchantment. </div> <bR> <div> Potato - A potato carried in the pocket curse toothaches and guards against </div> <div> rheumatism, warts and gout. To protect against contracting a cold, a potato </div> <div> should be carried in the pocket or purse all winter-the same potato. </div> <bR> <div> Rice - When placed on the roof, rice guards against all misfortunes. </div> <div> Throwing rice in the air can cause rain. Rice is also added in money spells. </div> <bR> <div> Rosemary - Is burned as an incense to purify, heal, prevent nightmares, </div> <div> dispel depression, attract fairy-folk, and induce sleep. Healing poppets are </div> <div> often stuffed with rosemary for its powerful curative vibrations. </div> <bR> <div> Saffron - Has many magickal powers. It is an herb of love enchantment, </div> <div> healing, weather working, and spells and rituals to strengthen the psychic </div> <div> abilities. Drinking a potion made from saffron is said to give a woman or </div> <div> man the gift of second sight. </div> <bR> <div> Sage - An herb of immortality, protection, and wish magick. When eaten, </div> <div> worn in a horn amulet, or carried in a mojo bag, sage leaves guard against </div> <div> the evil eye. This herb of magick is also reputed to promote wisdom, heal </div> <div> the body, mind, and soul, and attract money. The sage is one of the </div> <div> traditional ritual herbs of the Samhain Sabbat. </div> <bR> <div> Spearmint - Is used in all healing applications, especially in aiding </div> <div> lung diseases. Smelled, spearmint increases and sharpens mental powers. </div> <bR> <div> Tea - Burn the leaves of the tea plant to ensure future riches, and add </div> <div> to all money mixtures and sachets. Tea is also included in talismans </div> <div> designed to give their bearer courage and strength. </div> <bR> <div> Thyme - This magickal herb is used in love spells and divinations, dream </div> <div> magick, spells to increase strength and courage and charms against </div> <div> nightmares. Thyme is also used in healing spells, purifications, and rituals </div> <div> to develop extra-sensory perception. </div> <bR> <div> Tomato - Placed on the windowsill or any other household entrance it </div> <div> repels evil from entering. The plants in the garden are protective, and the </div> <div> tomato when eaten, has the power of inspiring love. </div> <bR> <div> Vanilla - The vanilla plant is used in love magick. Its beans are used </div> <div> as amulets to improve mental powers, and its purple flowers are used in </div> <div> aphrodisiacs and passion sachets. </div> <bR> <div> Wintergreen - Is utilized in healing spells, and when fresh sprigs are </div> <div> placed on the altar they call good spirits to witness and aid you magic. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Asparagus </div> <div> For: male sex magick, celebrating the Mysteries of Demeter/Ceres </div> <bR> <div> Artichoke </div> <div> For: warding off Lilith (preventing wet dreams) </div> <div> Planet: Venus </div> <bR> <div> Avocado (technically a fruit) </div> <div> For: beauty spells, love spells, sex magick </div> <bR> <div> Beans </div> <div> For: reconciliation, protection, exorcism, resurrection, </div> <div> celebrating </div> <div> Female Mysteries </div> <div> Symbolize: the spiral dance of immortality </div> <bR> <div> Red beans for good luck; throw black beans at ghosts to drive them </div> <div> away </div> <div> Beans that bloom with white flowers are sacred to the White </div> <div> Goddess </div> <bR> <div> Beet </div> <div> For: love spells </div> <div> Planet: red beet = Saturn, white beet = Jupiter </div> <bR> <div> Cabbage </div> <div> For: fertility, profit, good luck, money spells, lunar magick </div> <div> Planet: Moon </div> <bR> <div> Caper </div> <div> For: good luck, male sex magick </div> <div> Planet: Mars </div> <bR> <div> Carrot </div> <div> For: lust, fertility </div> <div> Planet: Mercury </div> <bR> <div> Celery </div> <div> For: psychic power, male potency and fertility; with chamomile and </div> <div> rosemary for mental steadiness in psychic work </div> <div> Planet: Mercury </div> <bR> <div> Quality: hot and dry </div> <div> Corn: (technically a grain) </div> <div> For: protection, divination, good luck </div> <div> Cucumber </div> <div> For: fertility, healing, lunar magick </div> <div> Planet: Moon </div> <bR> <div> Quality: cold and moist in the 2nd degree </div> <div> Endive: </div> <div> For: love spells, sex magick </div> <bR> <div> Fennel </div> <div> For: victory, eloquence, clear vision, healing, purification, </div> <div> protection </div> <div> Language of Flowers: </div> <div> Worthy of all praise. - I do not believe your promises. </div> <div> Symbolizes: victory, heroism, flattery, strength, praiseworthiness </div> <div> Planet: Mercury </div> <div> Zodiac: Virgo; has antipathy to Pisces </div> <bR> <div> Garden Cress </div> <div> For: sex magick, to encourage desire </div> <div> Language of Flowers: Stability - Power </div> <div> Garlic </div> <bR> <div> Leek </div> <div> For: protection, love spells (strengthen love) </div> <bR> <div> Lettuce </div> <div> For: divination, fertility, sleep, protection, lunar magick, love </div> <div> spells, male sex magick </div> <div> Language of Flowers: Coldheartedness </div> <div> Planet: Moon </div> <div> Zodiac: Cancer </div> <bR> <div> Mushrooms </div> <div> Olives </div> <div> For: peace, fertility, healing, protection, sex magick </div> <div> To invoke or worship: Athene, Minerva </div> <bR> <div> Onion </div> <div> For: protection, exorcism, healing, prophetic dreams </div> <div> Attracts and absorbs negativity </div> <div> Counter-charm to the lunar magic of Hecate </div> <div> Planet: Mars </div> <div> Element: Fire </div> <bR> <div> Parsnip </div> <div> For: male sex magic </div> <div> Planet: Venus </div> <bR> <div> Peas </div> <div> For: money spells, love spells </div> <div> Hot Peppers </div> <div> For: fidelity, breaking hexes, heating up love or attraction that </div> <div> has gone cold, charms against spells </div> <div> Planet: Mars </div> <div> Element: Fire </div> <bR> <div> Potato </div> <div> For: healing, image magick, making poppets </div> <div> Language of Flowers: Benevolence </div> <div> Pumpkin </div> <div> For lunar magick </div> <div> Planet: Moon </div> <bR> <div> Radish </div> <div> For: protection, sex magick (lust) </div> <div> Planet: Mars </div> <bR> <div> Sweet Potato </div> <div> For: image magick, making poppets </div> <bR> <div> Tomato (technically a fruit) </div> <div> For: love spells </div> <bR> <div> Turnip </div> <div> For: protection, to end a relationship </div> <bR> <div> Watercress </div> <div> For: lunar magick, sex magick </div> <div> Planet: Moon </div> <div> Element: Water </div> <bR> <div> Yam </div> <div> Zodiac: Gemini </div> <bR> <div> Flour </div> <div> For: fertility </div> <div> To invoke or worship: Isis, the White Goddess, Ceres, Demeter, </div> <div> Kore/Persephone/Prosperine; Adonis, Min, Osiris </div> <bR> <div> Honey </div> <div> For: attraction, solar magick </div> <div> Planet: Sun </div> <div> Sacred to Cybele as Queen Bee </div> <bR> <div> Horseradish </div> <div> For: exorcism, purification </div> <div> Planet: Mars </div> <div> Maple Syrup (must be 100% real maple syrup) </div> <div> For: long life, love spells, money spells </div> <bR> <div> Mustard </div> <div> For: protection, mental powers, accepting something that is hard </div> <div> to take </div> <bR> <div> Nuts </div> <div> For: wisdom, breaking love spells </div> <bR> <div> Oatmeal </div> <div> To invoke or worship Brighid </div> <bR> <div> Pepper </div> <div> For: exorcism, protection, adding spice to a relationship that has </div> <div> grown stale </div> <div> Planet: Mars </div> <bR> <div> Quality: hot and dry </div> <div> Rice </div> <div> For: blessings, rain, security, money spells, fertility charms </div> <div> Element: Earth </div> <bR> <div> Salt </div> <div> For: purification, neutralizing empower objects such as amulets; </div> <div> with water for: asperging, sea spells, consecration, casting circles </div> <div> Element: Earth </div> <div> Sacred to: Aphrodite, the Goddess, sea god/desses, Sulis </div> <bR> <div> sea salt: </div> <div> For: purification rituals; with garlic and rosemary to banish </div> <div> spirits </div> <div> Element: Water </div> <div> Sacred to: ocean deities </div> <bR> <div> Sugar </div> <div> For: love spells, sex magick </div> <bR> <div> Tea </div> <div> For: strength, courage, money spells </div> <bR> <div> Vanilla </div> <div> For: love spells </div> <bR> <div> Vinegar </div> <div> For: banishing, binding, averting</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> Common Household Culinary Herbs</div> <bR> <div> Aloe (Aloe vera) : Called the "Burn Plant" because of its effect on burns, </div> <div> aloe is also effective in preventing accidents involving fire or heat. An </div> <div> Aloe growing in your kitchen affords not only it's healing properties, but </div> <div> also protection against kitchen burns and fires. </div> <bR> <div> Anise (Pimpinella anisum) : A daily cup of anise tea will preserve youth. </div> <div> Anise burned on charcoal before bed will promote prophetic dreams. </div> <bR> <div> Balm (Melissa officinalis) : Bathe in a bath of Balm to attract love. Add to </div> <div> incense and sachets for love and to promote healing. </div> <bR> <div> Barley (Hordeum spp.) : Sprinkle Barley around the perimeter of your yard </div> <div> [or on windowsills] to ward off evil. A few grains under your doormat will </div> <div> offer protection and repel negativity and evil that would enter. </div> <bR> <div> Basil (Ocimum basilicum) : Basil oil rubbed on a green candle before burning </div> <div> will attract wealth. Use Basil as a floor wash to rid house of all evil and </div> <div> negativity. The incense smoke is beneficial for the same, plus banishing, </div> <div> exorcising and for protection. </div> <bR> <div> Blackberry (Rubus villosus) : To work your way through a bramble of </div> <div> blackberries is damn near impossible - but it is rumored to dispel, and </div> <div> protect from, all disease. </div> <bR> <div> Caraway (Carum carvi) : Use in your wedding cake, and throw caraway seeds </div> <div> after the ceremony. It promotes lust and fidelity. Of course - it doesn't </div> <div> have to be your wedding night/cake. </div> <bR> <div> Catnip (Nepeta cataria) : Well, we've seen it's effect on our feline </div> <div> friends... giving your cat this herb can help create the psychic link needed </div> <div> for a familiar. Add catnip to your sachets to attract love [but keep it away </div> <div> from your cat]. </div> <bR> <div> Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) : Eat a meal hot with cayenne before a night of </div> <div> Bacchanalian celebrating - it will curb drunkenness. </div> <bR> <div> Chamomile (Anthemsis nobilis) : Ancient Egyptians associated Chamomile with </div> <div> Ra for its healing powers. Even other plants in your herb garden will </div> <div> benefit from this herb, as it repels insects & promotes healing. Chamomile </div> <div> also has the properties of attracting wealth. </div> <bR> <div> Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) : First cultivated and used in the East, </div> <div> Cinnamon was burned to purify the temple. It also promotes health, vigor and </div> <div> libido. </div> <bR> <div> Clove (Caryophyllus aromaticus) : burned or ingested, clove promotes </div> <div> visions. </div> <bR> <div> Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) : If you see a puff off a dandelion, but </div> <div> there's no wind, rain is on the way. </div> <bR> <div> Fennel (Foeniculum vulgar) : Ingested, Fennel promotes virility, fertility, </div> <div> and libido in general. Also acts as a protective herb. </div> <bR> <div> Garlic (Allium sativum) : Ropes of garlic are used to ward off evil. Garlic </div> <div> is also known as a lustful herb when ingested. </div> <bR> <div> Lavender (Lavendula officinale) : Especially useful in attracting men. </div> <div> Lavender promotes happiness and harmony in the home, whether burned or </div> <div> simply used in potpourri and sachets. </div> <bR> <div> Marigold (Calendula officianis) : Use as a visionary herb. Burn when doing a </div> <div> divination for love. </div> <bR> <div> Marjoram (Origanum majorana) : Use as a floor wash to dispel negativity and </div> <div> promote love & happiness. </div> <bR> <div> Onion (Allium cepa) : Ingested, onions can promote prophetic visions and </div> <div> dreams. Onion also promotes virility and libido. </div> <bR> <div> Parsley (Retroselinum sativum) : Sacred to Persephone, and a favorite herb </div> <div> of Venus and Aphrodite - Parsley also promotes communion with the Maternal </div> <div> Aspect of Goddess. </div> <bR> <div> Peppermint (Mentha piperita) : Burn before bed for phrophetic dreams. </div> <div> Peppermint tea aids in divination. </div> <bR> <div> Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) : Increases memory and protects against </div> <div> evil. It has been used in conjunction with juniper berries for centuries to </div> <div> purify the air. </div> <bR> <div> Sage (Salvia officianus) : Make a broom out of Sage to really sweep away </div> <div> undesired influences from your circle. Promotes strength, courage, longevity </div> <div> and wisdom. It also banishes negativity and evil. </div> <bR> <div> Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) : Used to invoke the Faery folk. Burn when asking </div> <div> advice of loved ones who have passed to the Summerlands. </div> <bR> <div> Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) : The herb of Witches. Use for cleansing </div> <div> and self-purification. Ingest with care. </div> <bR> <div> Vervain (Verbena officinalis) : One of the Seven Sacred Herbs of the Druids. </div> <div> Aids in visionary work. The Welsh called it 'llysiaur hudol' - or enchanting </div> <div> herb. It promotes love, lust and sexual fulfillment. Use when performing </div> <div> sexual magic. Helpful when invoking Goddess Diana. An herb of artists - use </div> <div> before any artistic performances. </div> <bR> <div> Willow (Salix alba) : An herb of immortality. Willow is sacred to Hecate, </div> <div> Hermes, and other Underworld deities. </div> <bR> <div> Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) : Use to remove jinx. Also good for </div> <div> protecting children. </div> <bR> <div> Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginica) : Excellent for making divining rods - </div> <div> which can be used to find more than just water. </div> <bR> <div> Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) : A powerful tool in conjunction with I-Ching </div> <div> divination. Use the flowers in Handfastings. Yarrow is sacred to Cernunnos. </div> <div> Associated [as the Latin name shows] with Achilles</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="592" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 22 WIDTH="588"><div> Kitchen Witch Purification Spell </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 22 WIDTH="588"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="22" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="588" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> No time to cast a circle and perform a long </div> <div> purification ritual? No problem! Into a large enamel </div> <div> saucepan, add: two minced large onions, five minced </div> <div> cloves of garlic, two tablespoons dried rosemary, two </div> <div> sliced lemons, and two tablespoons of crushed black </div> <div> peppercorns. Cover with three quarts of water and </div> <div> bring to a rolling boil. Let the steam permeate the </div> <div> house, carry the pan carefully through the house into </div> <div> each room so that the steam can filter into every nook </div> <div> and cranny. When this is finished, open the windows </div> <div> and let the wind blow through to take away the last </div> <div> remnants of day-to-day tension and stress. </div> <div> <B>To Safeguard the Cook and Kitchen</B> </div> <div> Aloe has long been considered a magical/medicinal plant. Grow one in your </div> <div> kitchen, or as near your kitchen as you can, to safeguard you from nasty </div> <div> kitchen </div> <div> accidents such as cuts and burns. Dab some aloe gel on your major kitchen </div> <div> appliances, tools, doors and windows to safeguard them as well. </div> <bR> <div> Garlic is well known for its protective qualities. Place a bulb of garlic on </div> <div> your kitchen window, or hang a rope of garlic in your kitchen. Do not ever </div> <div> use these for food--remember, they are there collecting negative energy. </div> <div> Periodically, remove the garlic and bury in the earth. Remember to thank the </div> <div> garlic </div> <div> and the earth for their service to you. </div> <div> <B>A Kitchen Witch Bottle</B> </div> <div> A Kitchen Witch Bottle will protect your food from contamination or burning. </div> <div> There are many ways of constructing these, but I like to put three needles, </div> <div> three pins and three iron nails into a jar filled with salt. Seal it tightly </div> <div> and shake it vigorously nine times. Place three dabs of red wax along the </div> <div> seal. While you're constructing your Kitchen Witch Bottle, visualize your </div> <div> kitchen as a peaceful, safe place, full of delicious aromas, and savory </div> <div> food. </div> <div> Place your Kitchen Witch Bottle on a top shelf of your cupboard where it </div> <div> will not be disturbed. </div> <bR> <div> <B>New Pot Blessing</B> </div> <div> To bless a new pot and promote a healthy growth of plants therein, light your favorite incense. Draw a pentagram on the inside and outside bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon, saying: Blessings of earth for abundance. Pass the pot through the incense, saying: Blessings of air for fragrance. Turn on the burner of your stove and place the pot on the flame carefully, saying: Blessings of fire for purity in preparation. Stir in a little water, saying: Blessings of water for love. Prepare a favorite food and share it.by Cerridwen Iris Shea </div> <div> <B>Cooking for Prosperity Spell</B> </div> <div> To promote prosperity from the kitchen, keep a good countenance whenever you cook food and transfer good wishes to the food. Your stove is the sacred hearth. Your wooden spoon is a magical wand. Be careful never to cook in anger. Always stir the pot with a clockwise motion, and wish health, wealth, and joy upon all will will eat the food. You may say this from time to time as you cook: </div> <bR> <div> The gods do bless you, when you give with love. </div> <div> This is the greatest spell, which encompasses all.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Supposed Omens of the Witch's Brew </div> <bR> <div> If a Witch's brew continues to boil after it has been removed from the fire, </div> <div> it is said to be a sign that the Witch will live to be a ripe old age! This </div> <div> omen originated in Europe in the Middle Ages. </div> <bR> <div> A quarrel with a friend or family member is portended if a Witch's brew </div> <div> should accidentally be spilled on the carpet. However, it is said to be a </div> <div> sign of good luck to accidentally spill some upon yourself. </div> <bR> <div> It is bad luck to brew philtres for love when the moon is in a waning phase </div> <div> or during the time know as the dark of the moon. The ideal time is during a </div> <div> waxing moon, especially on Valentine's day. </div> <bR> <div> If two Witches stir the same brew, they will be stirring up strife, </div> <div> according to an old superstitious belief from England. If they both drink it </div> <div> from the same cup, it will bring them bad luck unless they are married or </div> <div> handfasted to each other. It is said to be extremely unlucky for any Witch </div> <div> to heat his or her own brews and potions in a teakettle or cauldron </div> <div> belonging to another. </div> <bR> <div> If a lady and a gentleman pour out a cup of brew from the same pot, this is </div> <div> an omen that a child will be born to them. If two women pour, one of them </div> <div> will give birth to a red-haired set of twins within the year. </div> <bR> <div> It is an invitation to poverty and misfortune should you throw away herbs </div> <div> that are leftover from potions and brews. For good fortune to smile upon </div> <div> you, always dispose of used herbs by casting them into a fire. </div> <bR> <div> A stranger will soon be arriving on your doorstep if you accidentally leave </div> <div> the lid of the teakettle or cauldron off while preparing a magickal brew. </div> <div> This superstitious belief hails from Victorian-era England. </div> <bR> <div> It is said to be unlucky to stir a Witch's brew in a widdershins. To do so </div> <div> creates bad vibrations and attracts negative influences. Always stir deosil. </div> <bR> <div> If your left eye itches while you are brewing a potion, this is an omen that </div> <div> sorrow shall soon find it's way into your life. An itching of your right eye </div> <div> indicates precisely the opposite. How and where these originated is a </div> <div> mystery.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> *{+KITCHEN+BLESSING+}*</div> <div> Befroe performing this, clean up the kitchen and fill it up with food. Light candles, incense, salt dish and glass of water in corresponding points. (If wanted).</div> <div> Blessed Be This Kitchen Of </div> <div> Air, Fire, Water and Earth </div> <div> Be Warmed By The Sacred Light Of The Goddess. </div> <div> May All That Is Created </div> <div> Here By Means Both Magickal And Mundane </div> <div> Bring Nourishment, </div> <div> Healing Sustanance, </div> <div> And Cause Harm To None. </div> <div> With Love And Peace, </div> <div> With Joy And Magick, </div> <div> Be Now And Always Filled. </div> <div> So Mote It Be!</div> <bR> <div> Italian Love Cake </div> <div> From Herbs for Weddings and Other Celebrations by Bertha Reppert (© 1993 by Bertha Reppert; published by Storey Publishing). </div> <div> 1 angel food cake </div> <div> 1/2 cup amaretto </div> <div> 1 pint pistachio ice cream </div> <div> 1 pint strawberry ice cream </div> <div> 2 cups heavy cream (1 pint) </div> <div> 1 6-ounce package semisweet chocolate morsels </div> <div> 1. Using a sawing motion with a sharp serrated knife, cut the cake into three layers. Sprinkle each layer with 2 tablespoons of amaretto. Place one layer on a serving platter. </div> <div> 2. Cut ice cream into slices and place pistachio ice cream on bottom layer. Top with second cake layer and a layer of strawberry ice cream. Top with third cake layer. Place in freezer. </div> <div> 3. In a bowl, mix heavy cream and remaining amaretto, and beat until very thick. Frost the sides and top of the cake, and replace in freezer. </div> <div> 4. Melt chocolate on very low heat until smooth. Spread chocolate in a 1/4 inch thick layer on aluminum foil, and chill until chocolate hardens. </div> <div> 5. With a small cookie cutter, cut hearts out of chocolate, and place on top of cake. Freeze cake until ready to serve. </div> <div> Makes one 9-inch cake, or 10 to 12 servings. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Calendula Custard </div> <div> 1 pint of milk </div> <div> 1 cup of calendula petals </div> <div> 1/4 teaspoon salt </div> <div> 3 tablespoons of sugar </div> <div> small piece of vanilla bean </div> <div> 3 egg yolks </div> <div> 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg </div> <div> 1/8 teaspoon of allspice </div> <div> 1/2 teaspoon of rose water </div> <div> Pound the calendula petals in a mortar, or crush them with a spoon, and scald them with the milk and vanilla bean. Remove the vanilla bean, and add slightly beaten yolks of eggs, salt, and sugar mixed with the spice. Cook until the mixture coats the spoon. Add rose water and cool. This makes a good sauce for blanc mange. It may be poured into a dish without cooking, and then baked like a custard. Serve with beaten cream, and garnish with calendula blossoms. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Orange Calendula Drop Cookies </div> <div> 6 to 8 fresh calendula blossoms </div> <div> 1/2 cup butter, softened </div> <div> 1/2 cup sugar </div> <div> zest of 2 oranges </div> <div> 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate </div> <div> 1 teaspoon vanilla </div> <div> 2 eggs </div> <div> 2 cups flour </div> <div> 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder </div> <div> 1/2 teaspoon salt </div> <div> 8 ounces almond halves </div> <div> Rinse calendulas and pull off petals. Cream butter, sugar and orange zest until fluffy. Add concentrate and vanilla. Add eggs and mix until blended. </div> <div> Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Blend calendula petals into dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Mix well. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets. Press an almond half into each cookie. Bake at 350F for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Honey & Lemon Balm Tea Biscuits </div> <div> 1 cup butter </div> <div> 1 cup honey </div> <div> 3 eggs </div> <div> 3 cups flour </div> <div> 3 teasp. baking powder </div> <div> 1 tablespoon milk </div> <div> 2 teasp. lemon juice (preferably fresh) </div> <div> 4 sprigs fresh lemon balm, chopped </div> <div> Thoroughly cream the butter and honey. Add eggs and beat well. Add the dry ingredients, then milk, juice and lemon balm. Drop by spoonfuls on an ungreased baking sheet and bake 8-10 min. at 375. </div> <div> Substitutions: if using lemon grass, process a 1/2 inch peeled piece in blender or food processor until it mushes. No stringy bits, no chewy bits.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Lavender Honey </div> <div> 1 cup dried lavender flowers </div> <div> 1 quart mild flavored honey </div> <div> Combine the two in an airtight jar and sit on a windowsill in the sunlight for 2 to 3 weeks turning every couple of days. Once brewed warm honey in a double boiler untill honey is runny but not too hot. Using a piece of cheesecloth and funnel pour honey through and squeeze remainder of honey out of lavender through the cloth. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Lavender Cookies </div> <div> 1/2 cup unsalted butter </div> <div> 1 cup sugar </div> <div> 2 eggs </div> <div> 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract </div> <div> 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender blossoms, finely chopped </div> <div> 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour </div> <div> 2 teaspoons baking powder</div> <bR> <div> Preheat oven to 375F. In a med. bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and lavender: mix well. Combine the flour and baking powder and add to the lavender mixture. Stir until will blended. Drop by teaspoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake eight to 10 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges. Let cookies cool.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Rose Petal, Chamomile, and Lavendar Jelly</div> <div> 1 cup tightly pressed rose petals </div> <div> 1/8 cup crushed chamomile </div> <div> 1/4 cup crushed lavendar </div> <div> 1 pack dry pectin </div> <div> 3 1/2 cups water </div> <div> 4 cups sugar </div> <div> Hothouse roses are fine for this jelly, but home grown or wild roses are best. I found a wild primrose bush with lovely pink and white petals, growing next to honeysuckle. If you do find wild roses, be aware of what's growing around it...poison ivy isn't the best added flavor. </div> <div> Thoroughly clean the petals, making sure all of the little bugs aren't in your mixture. Mix them with the chamomile and lavendar, then add the boiling water, to cover all of the ingredients. Cover the pot, let it stand for one hour. </div> <div> Strain the floral matter from the liquid twice with a cheesecloth, making sure all that you have is pure liquid. The petals, chamomile, and lavendar make an excellant facial poltice for tired eyes and oily skin. </div> <div> Add the pectin to the liquid and bring to a boil, then add all of the sugar at once, stirring carefully but quickly. Bring to a rolling boil for one minute, stirring constantly, then remove from heat. Remove as much foam as you can from the top, otherwise, you have funky white clouds in you jelly. Stir for a few minutes, until the mixture starts to cool, then pour into hot, clean jars for canning. Old jelly jars with their lids work wonderfully for this. </div> <div> Be careful pouring! I missed the jar and slopped near-boiling sugar and pectin all over my thumb, it's *quite* painful! </div> <div> Let your jelly stand for one hour in the jars, then put them in the fridge to hasten their setting. Depending on the size of your jars, you should have edible jelly one hour after putting them in the fridge. </div> <div> The color of you rose petals determines the color of your jelly. With my pink and white primroses, I got a lovely reddish-golden color, and a delicate taste. This jelly complements jasmine tea, as well as lavendar and chamomile, even plain old Lipton. </div> <div> Enjoy! </div> <div> Evergreen </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Monkey Bread</div> <div> 1/2 cup butter or margarine </div> <div> 1/3 cup granulated sugar </div> <div> 1/3 cup brown sugar </div> <div> 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts </div> <div> 1 tablespoon cinnamon </div> <div> 3 cans buttermilk biscuits </div> <div> Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare a Bundt pan by coating the inside with cooking spray or butter and set aside. </div> <div> Melt 1/2 cup of butter or margarine in a bowl. </div> <div> In another bowl, mix the sugar, brown sugar nuts and cinnamon. Pour into a zip lock bag. </div> <div> Open one can of biscuits and separate. Cut each biscuit into four sections and drop into bag with sugars, nuts and cinnamon, shake to coat and drop into Bundt pan. </div> <div> After finishing the first can of biscuits, drizzle 1/3 of the melted butter evenly over the top of this first layer. Repeat these steps for the next two cans of biscuits. </div> <div> Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the top and bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. </div> <div> When done, remove from the oven and let cool for a minute or two, then turn onto a plate and carefully remove the pan. If you leave it in the Bundt pan much longer, it will stick and is hard to remove!</div> <div> Tools of A Kitchen Witch</div> <bR> <div> BLENDER : Mingling with others, Stirring up energy</div> <div> COOKBOOK : Book of Shadows, Excellence, Virtue</div> <div> COOKIE TIN : Sweet things in life, Pleasure</div> <div> CRISPER : Invigoration and Restoration</div> <div> CUPBOARDS : Savings, Supplies, Providence</div> <div> DISH TOWEL : Stricture, Determined precision</div> <div> DISHWASHER : Leisure, The Water Element, Convenience</div> <div> DRAIN : Troubles, Burdens, Bad habits</div> <div> DRAWERS : Hidden matters, Material goods</div> <div> FOOD WRAP : Prudence, Conservation, Control, Secrets</div> <div> FORK : Piercing, Penetrating, Perception</div> <div> FUNNEL : Flow, Unhindered order, Coaxing energy along</div> <div> KNIFE : Cutting away, Sharpness of mind, Separation</div> <div> MEASURING CUP : Evaluation, Allotment, Caution</div> <div> MICROWAVE : Acceleration, Legal expedition</div> <div> OVEN :Passion, Fertility, Fire Element</div> <div> OVEN BURNERS : The Four Directons/Elements</div> <div> OVEN FAN : The Air Element, Movement, Clearing vision</div> <div> PITCHER : Abundance, Invigoration, Refreshment</div> <div> REFRIGERATOR : Cooling temper, Preservation, Protection</div> <div> ROLLING PIN : Discipline, Moderation, Control</div> <div> SIFTER : Sorting out confusion, Organization, Filtering negativity</div> <div> SPATULA : Sensibility, Recycling, Changing directions</div> <div> STEAMER : Slow processes, Even temperament</div> <div> TEA KETTLE : Divination, Alertness, Kinship, Health</div> <div> THERMOMETER : Observations Skills, Analysis</div> <div> WHISK : Excitement, Increasing bounty</div> <div> WINDOW : Winds of change, Refreshment, Vital energy</div> <div> Foods and Their Magickal Associations </div> <bR> <div> Fruits, Vegetables and Greens </div> <div> Alfalfa sprouts : Providence, Sustenance</div> <div> Apple : Peace, Love, Health, Earth magick</div> <div> Apricot : Romance</div> <div> Artichoke : Growth, Safety</div> <div> Banana : Heroic energy, Male sexuality</div> <div> Beets : Passion, Love, Beauty</div> <div> Blueberry : Peace, Calm</div> <div> Broccoli : Strength, Leadership, Physical improvements</div> <div> Brussel sprouts : Endurance, Tenacity, Stability</div> <div> Carrot : Vision, Masculine energies</div> <div> Cauliflower : Lunar/water-related magick</div> <div> Celery : Passion, Grounding, peace</div> <div> Cherry : Love, Female sexuality</div> <div> Coconut : Diversity, Flexibility, Spirituality</div> <div> Corn : Life of the land, Cycles, Eternity</div> <div> Cranberry : Energy for security and protection</div> <div> Dandelion : Divination, Foresight, Oracles</div> <div> Date : Resurrection, Eternity, Spirit</div> <div> Garlic : Hex breaking, Banishing, Protection</div> <div> Grape : Dreams, Vision, Fertility</div> <div> Grapefruit : Purification, Health</div> <div> Guava : Romance, Fantasy, Relieving sorrow</div> <div> Horseradish : Protection, Fiery energy</div> <div> Lemon : Longevity, Purification, Marriage, Joy, Faithfulness</div> <div> Lettuce : Financial magick, Peace, Relaxation</div> <div> Lime : Cleansing</div> <div> Olive : Peace, Spiritual pursuits</div> <div> Onion : Protection</div> <div> Orange : Health, Fidelity, Love</div> <div> Passion Fruit : Promoting kinship and love</div> <div> Pear : Longevity, Luck</div> <div> Peas : Goddess Magick, Love</div> <div> Peppers, green : Growth, Prosperity</div> <div> Peppers, red : Energy, Vitality, Strength</div> <div> Peppers, yellow : Empowered creativity</div> <div> Pineapple : Healing, Protection, Prosperity</div> <div> Pomegranate : Fruitfulness, Hospitality, Wishes</div> <div> Potato : Folk medicine, Health, Grounding, Earth magic</div> <div> Quince : Happiness</div> <div> Raspberry : Vigor, Stamina, Love </div> <div> Strawberry : Zest, Intensity, Romance</div> <div> Sweet Potato : Well founded, gentle love</div> <div> Tomato : Attracting love </div> <div> Herbs and Spices </div> <div> Allspice : Luck, Health</div> <div> Bay : Psychic powers, Strength and health</div> <div> Caraway : Protection from theft and negativity, Trust</div> <div> Cardamon : Increase the strength of unions/partnerships</div> <div> Catnip : Rest, Joy, Cat magick</div> <div> Chives : Protection, Breaking bad habits</div> <div> Clove : Stolen kisses, Fun love, Protection, Piercing illusions</div> <div> Coriander : Love, Well-being, Intelligence</div> <div> Dill : Protecting children</div> <div> Ginger : Health, Cleansing, Vibrant energy, Zeal</div> <div> Lavender : Spiritual vision, Acknowledgement, Comfort</div> <div> Parsley : Luck, Protection from accidents</div> <div> Pepper, black : Cleansing, Purification, Protection, Banishing</div> <div> Saffron : Bounty, Leadership, Prosperity</div> <div> Salt : Cleansing, Purification, Grounding</div> <div> Grains, Nuts and Legumes </div> <div> Barley : Love, Controlling pain of any nature</div> <div> Beans : Divination, Prosperity, Decision-making</div> <div> Hazelnut : Wisdom, Fertility</div> <div> Oats : Life of the land, Prosperity, Sustenance</div> <div> Peanut : Earth magic, Male energy</div> <div> Rice : Abundant blessings, Fertility</div> <div> Walnut : Mental faculties</div> <div> Edible Flowers </div> <div> Carnation : Pride, Beauty</div> <div> Chrysanthemum : Longevity, Ease, Vigor</div> <div> Clover : Triple god and or goddess</div> <div> Cowslip : Faerie magick, Grace</div> <div> Daisy : Innocence, Fidelity, Dawn, New beginnings</div> <div> Elder flower : Protection from Fey, Blessing, Wishes</div> <div> Hyacinth : Reliability, Constancy</div> <div> Lilac : Love, Youth, Joy, Fastidiousness</div> <div> Marigold : Cares, Burdens, Change, Luck in love</div> <div> Orange flower : Purity, Faithfulness, Fruitfulness</div> <div> Pansy : Glee, Fancy, Fondness, Fairy folk</div> <div> Rose : Love, Faithfulness, Friendship</div> <div> Tulip : Declaration of love</div> <div> Violet : Grace, Modesty, Excellence, Expression</div> <div> Miscellaneous </div> <div> Baking soda/powder : Raising energy or expectations</div> <div> Beef : Prosperity, Grounding</div> <div> Bread : Kinship, Sustenance</div> <div> Butter : Tenacity, Smoothing relationships</div> <div> Cake : Celebration, Joyous occasions, Hospitality</div> <div> Cheese : Joy, Health, Things coming to fruition, Reinforcement of personal or spiritual groundwork</div> <div> Chicken : Health, Well-being, Sunrise magick</div> <div> Chocolate : Lifting emotions, Love</div> <div> Clams : Increase sexual desires, Secrets revealed</div> <div> Coffee : Energy, Alertness, Mental awareness</div> <div> Cookies : Maternal instincts, Nurturing love</div> <div> Corn syrup : Solidifying plans or ideas</div> <div> Deer : Elegance, Grace, Refinement</div> <div> Eggs : Fertility, Mysticism, Ancient questions</div> <div> Fish : Strengthen psychic awareness, expand ability to give and receive love</div> <div> Flour : Revealing hidden matters, Consistency</div> <div> Gravy : Smooth transitions, Consistency, Uniformity</div> <div> Ham : Theatrical flair, Dramatic energy</div> <div> Hazel : Wishes, Good fortune</div> <div> Jelly : Joy, Energy, Pleasantness</div> <div> Juice : Rejuvenation, Vitality, Energy</div> <div> Lamb : Sensitivity, Kindness, Warmth</div> <bR> <div> Lobster : Reincarnation, Rebirth, Growth </div> <div> Milk : Goddess energy, Maternal instinct, Nurturing</div> <div> Mustard : Faith, Mental alertness</div> <div> Popcorn : Lifting burdens, Recreational activities</div> <div> Pork : Fertility, Profuseness</div> <div> Relish : Protection (dill), Enhanced passion (sweet)</div> <div> Sausage : Zest, Variety, God magick</div> <div> Soup : Steady change and improved communication</div> <div> Syrup : Tree magick, Amiable meetings</div> <div> Tea : Divination, Insight, Meditation, Restfulness</div> <div> Turkey : Colorful displays, Holiday feasts, Family gatherings</div> <div> Waffles : Gathering or reserving amiable feelings, Accommodation</div> <div> Wine : Celebration, Joy, Honoring positive actions</div> <div> Yogurt : Health, Spirituality, Goddess magick</div> <div> Associations of Foods and Holidays </div> <div> To Help in Your Choice of Menu</div> <bR> <div> Imbolc - February 2 </div> <div> From the myths, the idea is to help the Sun on its journey, banishing winter</div> <div> Prepare yellow and orange foods such as carrots and squash to symbolize the Sun, and anything hot and spicy</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Ostara </div> <div> Also known as the Spring Equinox</div> <div> About March 21</div> <div> Marks the astronomical start of spring.</div> <div> Food for joy, life, harmony and productivity</div> <div> Egg dishes are excellent, as are sprouts, seeds of any kind, green leafy vegetables. Flower dishes using rose, mustard, squash, nasturtium, or carnation flowers are welcome.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Beltane </div> <div> May 1</div> <div> This is a holiday of love, fertility, weaving of masculine and feminine energy. It is the high point of spring.</div> <div> Oat bread and cookies, spring wines, and egg dishes are appropriate. Ice cream yogurt, cheese are also welcome additions to the menu.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Summer Solstice </div> <div> About June 22</div> <div> Celebrate an ancient time of magick. Great fires were lit on hilltops in honor of the Sun's strength.</div> <div> This holiday is dedicated to fire festivals, love, beauty, passion, and energy.</div> <div> Put some spicy main dishes on the menu, and fresh fruit desserts, or any dish with fruit as a major ingredient.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Lammas </div> <div> Also know as Lughnasadh</div> <div> August 1</div> <div> Celebrate the first harvest with a grand variety of foods.</div> <div> Any homemade bread, all berries, crab apples, and grains, garden vegetables are appropriate.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Mabon </div> <div> Also known as the Fall Equinox</div> <div> About September 21</div> <div> This holiday marks the second harvest, and preparation for winter.</div> <div> Put corn squash, and wheat bread on the menu along with other grains, especially corn. Any corn recipe is acceptable. Beans and squash are also good additions to the menu.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Samhain </div> <div> October 31</div> <div> Ancient Celtic festival known here as Halloween, a degraded version. This holiday marks the end of the year.</div> <div> Psychic abilities are best honed with, bay, celery, fish, fresh fruit, Root crops such as turnips, carrots, potatoes, beets, apples in all forms and cider, grains, nuts, mulled wines, pumpkins, and roasted pumpkin seeds may be eaten.</div> <div> Pomegranates are associated with Samhaim due to their connection with the under world in classical mythology. Eat them raw or use in recipes.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Yule </div> <div> Also known as the Winter Solstice</div> <div> December 21</div> <div> Longest night of the year, the waning of winter. After the Winter Solstice the hours of light increase. Yule is associated with the returning of the Sun.</div> <div> Encourage the return of the Sun with gingerbread, the modern version of ancient cakes made of grain and honey. These were offered as sacrifices to the goddesses and gods at Yule. These cakes were buried with the dead to ensure the passage of their souls into the other world.</div> <div> Apples hung on Yule trees symbolize the continuing fertility of the earth. Any apple dish is welcomed on this holiday.</div> <div> When ginger was introduced into Europe from Asia, it was incorporated into the ritual Yule cake. This was the origin of gingerbread.</div> <div> Cookies are standard on this holiday.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>If you need any help with anything Wiccan, Witchy or Pagan. need a potion or spell help </B></I><A HREF="mailto: ask_a_witch@hotmail.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto: ask_a_witch@hotmail.com"><U><I><B>E-Mail</B></I></U></A><I><B> me, or add me to your MSN Messanger with ask_a_witch@hotmail.com</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>