Posted on by witchandtea

TEA RITUAL RECIPES FOR SAMHAIN

MAPLE SCONES

1 ½ cup all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

¾ cup heavy cream

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon maple extract

INSTRCTIONS

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  2. In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, stir together heavy cream, vanilla, and maple.
  3. Drizzle cream mixture over your dry ingredients and stir, using just enough cream so that a dry dough forms with no loose flour at the bottom of your bowl. Use clean hands to finish mixing and shape dough into a ball. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Press dough out to a disk about 5 ½ inches across or ¾ inch thick.
  4. Use a dough scraper or knife to cut circle in 6 triangles. Transfer scones to your prepared baking sheet, arranging the wedges in a circle about 1 inch apart. Brush the scones with a little cream to help them brown.
  5. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, until scones are baked through and lightly golden brown.
  6. Cool before serving.

Yields 6 Scones

PUMPKIN CURD

2 cups of canned pumpkin puree

2 inches of fresh ginger root, peeled and grated

Grated zest and juice of 1 lime

2 cups granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, ground

¾ cup (1 ½ sticks or cubes) unsalted butter, cut into cubes

4 eggs, beaten

INSTURCTIONS

  1. Use a garlic press to squeeze the ginger and to reserve the juice. Discard the ginger solids.
  2. In a medium-size saucepan over medium-low heat, place the lime zest and juice, ginger juice, pumpkin puree, nutmeg, and sugar. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and strain the pumpkin mixture into a heat-proof bowl set over a saucepan or double boiler of barely simmering water. Add butter and stir until completely melted.
  3. Using a fine strainer, pour the beaten eggs through it and into the bowl with the pumpkin mixture. Continue cooking, stirring often at the beginning and then continuously at the end, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon, approximately 30 minutes. Do not let it boil or the mixture will curdle.
  4. Remove from heat and pour the pumpkin curd mixture into warm sterilized glass jars. Seal and let it cool. The pumpkin curd will continue to thicken as it cools.
  5. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for 1 week.

Yields 3 cups

HONEY APPLE CIDER SCONES

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup firm butter

1/3 cup chopped apple

1 egg

1/3 cup apple cider

½ cup chopped pecans

1 ½ teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 400 Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Using a pastry blender, cut butter into flour mixture until it resembles course crumbs.
  2. Mix in egg and apple cider.
  3. Chop apple and blend into dough mixture.
  4. Turn dough onto lightly floured board. Pat dough into a ½ thick circle.
  5. Use 2” biscuit cutter to cut scones. Re-roll and flatten to use all the dough.
  6. Arrange on your baking sheet, touching each other.
  7. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and brush the tops of the scones with the melted butter.
  8. Bake for 12 minutes.
  9. Place on a wire rack to cool. One cool, drizzle honey over the scones just before serving.

Yields 15

BACON JAM

¾ pound bacon cut into inch slices then cut in half

1 large shallot minced

2 garlic cloves minced

½ cup light brown sugar

¼ cup sherry vinegar

¼ cup water

¼ cup maple syrup

¼ cup bourbon (optional: half maple syrup, half water)

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Dash of salt

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a medium skillet, cook bacon, stirring occasionally, until done and on the verge of crisp, approximately 10 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  2. Add garlic and shallot directly to the same skillet with rendered bacon fat. Soften for approximately 4-5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, stir well. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken and get a jam consistency.
  3. Liquids should evaporate, at this time, add bacon. Stir well, off heat, and allow to cool slightly. This should leave you with a sticky bacon jam.

Yields 2 cups

CLOTTED CREAM

A pint of heavy whipping cream

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to lowest setting (around 175 to 180 F)
  2. Pour heavy whipping cream into a 9×13 glass pan
  3. Cover tightly with foil. Put the pan in the oven for about 12 hours until the top is lightly golden.
  4. Remove from oven and let cool.
  5. Move to the fridge for at least 12 hours until cream is solid.
  6. Scoop into a jar and serve with scones.

PEAR BRIE PROSCIUTTO BRUSCHETTA

1 French baguette, cut into 12 thin slices

1 bosc pear, cut into 12 thin slices

4 – 6 oz brie cheese, divided into 12 pieces

6 oz prosciutto, 10 – 12 strips

3 tablespoons butter

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Spread butter on both sides of each bread slice, and toast lightly under a broiler for 1-2 minutes each side. You can also use a toaster.
  2. When bread is golden, lay the pieces on a baking sheet and layer with slice of pear and brie. Finally, wrap a prosciutto and bake at 350 F for 10-13 minutes.
  3. When the cheese has melted, remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Yields 12

POMEGRANATE PECAN WHIPPED FETA CROSTINI

1 French baguette, cut into 12 thin slices

1 pomegranate, collect the seeds

1 cup roasted pecans

8 oz block feta cheese

½ cup Greek yogurt

2 tablespoon olive oil

3 tablespoons butter

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Combine the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, and olive oil in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. If the texture is too thick, add in 1 teaspoon of water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  2. Spread butter on both sides of each bread slice, and toast lightly under a broiler for 1-2 minutes each side. You can also use a toaster.
  3. When bread is golden, lay the pieces on a baking sheet and layer with the whipped feta, roasted pecans, and the pomegranate seeds.

Yields 12

APPLE BUTTER TURKEY GOUDA TEA SANDWICHES

2 tablespoons apple butter

24 very thin slices wheat or white bread, crusts removed

12 slices deli turkey

12 thin slices smoked gouda cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Spread apple butter over each bread slice.
  2. Layer the turkey and cheese over each of the 12 bread slices; top with remaining bread. Cut each sandwich into quarters.

Yields 4 dozen

BEET ARUGULA GOAT CHEESE TEA SANDWICHES

4 oz goat cheese, softened

2 tablespoons snipped chives

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

Pinches of salt

Ground pepper to taste

24 very thin slices of wheat or white bread, crusts removed

2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted

4 oz sliced pickled beets

2 cups arugula

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Mash goat cheese, chives, dill, oil, salt and pepper together in small bowl. Spread the goat cheese mixture on one side of the 12 slices of bread. Sprinkle with walnuts, then layer on beets and arugula. Top with the rest of bread slices and cut into quarters.

Yields 4 dozen

RICH CHOCOLATE CHIP TOFFEE BARS

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup packed light brown sugar

¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter or margarine

1 egg, slightly beaten

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

1 cup coarsely chopped nuts

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1 ¾ (10-ounce package) English toffee bits, divided

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 13x9x2 – inch baking pan.
  2. Stir together flour and brown sugar in large bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg, mix well. Stir in 1 ½ cups chocolate chips and nuts. Reserve 1 ½ cups mixture. Press remaining crumb mixture onto bottom of prepared pan.
  3. Bake 10 minutes. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over hot crust. Top with 1 ½ cups toffee bits. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture and remaining ½ cup chips over top.
  4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup toffee bits. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Yields 30 bars

ALMOND FUDGE TOPPED SHORTBREAD

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened

½ cup powdered sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

2 cups (12-ounce package) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

½ teaspoon almond extract

½ cup sliced almonds, toasted

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
  2. Beat butter, powdered sugar, and salt in a large bowl until fluffy. Add flour; mix well. With floured hands, press evenly into prepared pan.
  3. Bake 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
  4. Melt chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in extract. Spread evenly over baked shortbread. Garnish with almonds, press down firmly. Cool. Chill 3 hours or until form. Cut into bars. Store covered in room temperature.

Yields 24 to 30 bars

PEANUT BUTTER CHIP TRIANGLES

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup packed light brown sugar

½ cup (1 stick) cold butter or margarine

1 2/3 cups (10-ounce package) peanut butter chips, divided

1 can (14 ouches) sweetened condensed milk

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¾ cup chopped walnuts

Powdered sugar (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Heat oven to 350 F. Stir together flour and brown sugar in medium bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ½ cup peanut butter chips. Press mixture into bottom of ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Bake 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, combine sweetened condensed milk, egg, and vanilla in a large bowl. Stir in remaining chips and walnuts. Spread evening over hot baked crust.
  3. Bake 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut in 2 or 2 ½ inch squares diagonally into triangles. Sift powdered sugar over top, if desired.

Yields 24 to 40 triangles

Advertisement
Posted on by witchandtea

Celebrating The Winter Solstice

We all celebrate the coming of the winter season in one form or another. Through different cultures, in many religions, traditions are upheld to bring cheer and joy into our hearts and homes. I find this definitely true in my household. We celebrate the season through natural traditions. I consider it as mixing both magick and paganism, as well as a sprinkle of my own way of honoring the coming winter.

Below, I will share a detailed list of the 12 activities that I do in my home. Hopefully this will help inspire anyone to create their own traditions, the way their hearts see fit.

P.S.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thank you for the love and support!

Day One

«First Day Towards the Winter Solstice»

Candle Light Ritual

Begins with turning off all lights in the home. Lighting one candle, walk through the house, beginning at the front door. Chant:

Within the dark, the candle shall light the way.
For though winter is cold, it shall not reign.
Within the dark, our hope shall not die.
For soon the Sun will rise in the sky.
Within the dark, there is no despair.
For our shining souls will renew and repair.
So sing songs into the Winter night,
For soon the winds shall bring Spring light.

This is a beautiful ceremony, that blesses the long cold dark nights to come. You will notice a significant difference within the home once it’s been cast. Filled with warmth and hope. Either do this alone or with the family. It’s a nice way to do something together, and you can let the little ones hum lovely harmonies in the background. Or carry their own candles. Have fun with this!

Day Two

Holiday Decorations

As in all traditions, especially in America, neighborhoods everywhere are decorating their homes with merry lights and jingling wreaths. Solstice trees are being put up, covered in bright and glittering ornaments. Burning logs and long boughs of pine or holly are being placed over hearths. And for this household, that is exactly what is occurring as well.

Not only is it a tradition for most families, the glowing lights of winter symbolize hope that lives on in the darkest of nights. It is a manifestation of miracles, of positive magick, and of strength that lives within us even when the cold spirit of winter tries to steep into our bones.

So take the time, and decorate your home with holiday lights and decor. It’s fun to do alone, with holiday music blaring, and a glass of wine. Or get the friends or family together to make memorable moments, with hot chocolate and sugar cookies!

Day Three

Make A Wish Ornament

Exactly how it sounds, this is a powerful time to work wishing spells. How so? As the holidays are getting closer, people everywhere are growing excited to reunite with family, to give and receive gifts, or to begin a new year. Energy is rising, and the air is being charged for magick. That is why this is a perfect time to create wishing ornaments.

This enjoyable DIY craft is easy to do, and about anyone can do this. You can find any of the supplies at a Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Target, even the 99 store. You’ll need:

Choose your wish carefully, and write it down on the strip of paper. Decide on the proper glitter color that coordinates with your wish. Green for luck/money. Red for love/passion. Blue for health/peace. Yellow for creativity/success. Purple for power/spiritual assistance. Silver for earthly affairs. Gold for new beginnings. White for personal affairs. Mix of colors for a miracle.

Match your string color with your glitter color or mix match, depending on the wish. Roll up the strip of paper with your wish on it, tie it with string, then slide it into the ornament. Sprinkle however much of glitter over it, then place the top back on.

Hang this on your tree, or wherever you’ll like. There are some that hang it outdoors, over their hearth, or in nature. I like to keep mine. Every year, when I redecorate, I like to look upon my old wishes and see how they had came to be. It’s a great memento, and leaves me feeling thankful.

So wish wisely, and may your dreams come to be.

Day Four

Make a 12 Herb Sachet

This is a brilliant gift to give to friends or family. Having one for yourself is especially potent as well. Consider this recipe a magickal potpourri. A gift that promotes health, love, and protection. You’ll need:

Tie in a green or red cloth. Decorate it with symbols or jewels. Have fun with it. And give it to friends or family. You can substitute any of the ingredients with oils as well.

Day Five

Make a Yule Log

A popular pagan tradition is the Yule log. In essence, it is bringing in the spirit of nature, honoring them into your home to protect and nurture your own. I’ve seen many beautifully decorated Yule logs. They have been painted, glittered, wood carved, wood burned, wreathed, placed candles upon. There are so many different ways. Get creative in your own way of honoring the spirit of nature.

By the time of Yule, you either have the option to burn the whole log in ritual, or to light the candles.

Day Six

Create a Winter Spiral

This may be a different sort of tradition for most, but I found in the past few years, that this has become an enlightening experience at every new season for me. Otherwise known as a meditation labyrinth, these are walked upon to center one’s spirit and used to meditate on our paths of self realization.

There are some new age centers, universal spiritual churches that do have these meditation labyrinths, but if you don’t have any near by then I highly recommend building one yourself. Doesn’t have to be permanent, but it is a great path to have when you are in need for some deep meditation.

The path is simple. The rest of the journey is up to you. At the entrance, take a pause to breathe deeply for a few moments to clear your mind. Begin the first step, with not a question on where your going, but with whom you will find at the end? Then simply walk the spiral with a clear mind, and see what comes. If a thought or emotion emerges, mull over that and find its center meaning as you reach the center yourself. Take your time, nothing may come right away, and that is alright. The spiral is a place of peace and balance.

Walk back from the center in tranquility, all the while breathing deeply. When you are done, go in peace.

Day Seven

Honor The Spirits

Everyone deserves a good merry cheer for the holidays, and that includes the spirits of the dear departed as well. The cold dark nights often leave us feeling nostalgic and alone. Remembering those that have left us. This is why I decided to dedicate a special day just for our loved ones. I begin by setting up a special altar for them. Pictures, personal items, winter flowers, candles, incense, letters written for them, can all be placed on this altar.

The rest is up to you. Either a special ritual, or prayer is how you feel is right, then by all means. No matter what, they will hear you.

Day Eight

Warm Tea and Tarot

Every new season I like to do a fresh tarot reading to prepare and grow ever wiser of what is to come for the new season. What better way than to pair this together with a delicious warm cup of tea. Inspired by the winter season, I blended together a tea recipe that helps balance and induce mental and psychic powers. Grants wisdom and courage to face the unknown.

Together, with a deck of tarot cards makes for the best pairing. Be brave and lay out your tarot spread. And see what the future, or the present, may reveal.

Day Nine

Random Acts of Kindness

The title for this day alone explains it all. Though the winter season shouldn’t be the only excuse to be kind to strangers, it is a season for giving and to spread cheer. Whether to do acts of kindness in secret, or known, the moment we should all be looking for is the smile that brightens the day for a stranger. The fun part is thinking of way to surprise someone, because that’s really what it’s all about.

Help the need. Donate. Volunteer for charity. Pay for someone’s tab. Be kind is the saying. Speak it. Mean it. Do it. Be the example.

Day Ten

Bake Magickal Recipes

The days are ticking down, and now is the time to start prepping for the festivities. Everyone will be expecting those sweet delectable desserts. The sort that fills the belly with warmth and happiness. In every soft pastry there is a magick from people all over the world. As most have heard the saying, we put love in the foods we cook. The same goes for baking during the holidays. Although for some, they know all about the magickal meaning in the ingredients they mix together.

Whether it be cookies, pies, breads, or puddings, look up the magickal properties that each ingredient holds. You never know that you may be baking a pie for love. Or cookies for luck. Or a fruit salad for health. Know what you baking, so you can spread the magick into the lives you love.

Day Eleven

Give Gifts and Feast

Now is the eve of the Winter Solstice, and often times friends and family gather to enjoy a meal and give gifts! Then again, its up to everyone to decide when they would like to do this. Some choose to do this on Solstice day. So all could enjoy the symbolic fires of the yule log at sunset, and the rebirth of the Sun. So whichever you choose, this is still a wonderful time to gather together and be merry with one another.

Just as you would for Christmas, Hanukkah, etc, a beautiful feast is made for all to eat. Games are played. Carols are sung. New hope is wished upon. And gifts are exchanged. The thought alone brings me joy, and I look forward to this day with friends and family.

In fact, I would love to share a new type of carol song that has been modified for pagans. Growing up, I always enjoyed the tune for Silent Night. But when this new song A Pagan Silent Night was created, my heart fell in love. Now I always sing this song for the Solstice. May you and your family enjoy it as well.

Day Twelve

Burn The Yule Log and Celebrate

The day has come! All must celebrate. The new season is awakened, and the Sun shall be reborn when the new sunrise touches the sky! On this day, my husband and I like to begin with a beautiful breakfast, where then I can dedicate it to the sleeping Goddess, and to the new birth of the Sun. I gather together incense and candles. The blend I use is:

Grind together and burn over charcoal, light the candles and say together.

“We give honor and thanks to the sun for it’s sustenance, warmth, and light”

*Novae diluculo saluto* (say together)

And as our blessed mother earth is rebirth in the spring

So time is rebirth in the morning.

*Novae diluculo saluto*

*Blessed be the Goddess*

Enjoy the blessed morning meal.

Now once the day passes, and we are met with the longest night of the year, it is time to burn the yule log. Some simply light candles on the log, which is convenient for those that cannot enjoy a bonfire. But for those that can burn outdoors, it is quite an event. Tradition calls for waiting just before the sun rises. But often that isn’t the case for some that cannot stay up that long. So burn at your own time.

It is tradition in my home to usher in the new winter season. Therefore, I will share my personal ritual right below.

Ushering in the Winter

To prepare the Yule Log in the pit, set it up like you would for ritual. Stones, jewels, foods, offerings. Then chant:

The Goddess sleeps and is tucked away in the warmth of Earth.

She dreams and smiles of hope for the living.

Her heart is comforted by the rebirth of the Sun. Her spirit lives within the dormant seeds.

Today, She slumbers for Winter. Warmed by the fires of Yule.

Igniting the Flame

Flames of Winter warm Her bed. Snowfall be Her tears of joy. Mother Goddess, rest and claim the season! Let us be as one and embrace the spirit of peace.

Our mother is the Winter.

*We live because She lives*

Our mother is the Goddess.

*She lives freely within us*

Diana, Brigid, Hecate

*We celebrate Her*

We celebrate the tranquility of Mother Earth. She nourishes us with her bountiful love.

*Blessed be the Goddess*

Ashes of Log

We are now at the center of darkness. May the flame of the Sun illuminate from our hearts.

Collect the ashes and keep near, or use for power spells. Or save the ashes for the Summer Solstice.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this full detailed account of the traditions of my home. Are they similar to your own? Feel free to comment and share your story! Would love to hear it.

Sweet Winter Blessings!

Have a happy and festive Solstice!

Blessed Be

*Pictures sourced from Pinterest*

If you found this article to be helpful, please like, share, and/or follow!

We Celebrate The Winter Solstice!

Posted on by witchandtea

All Souls Day

Samhain is here again! A new year taking us forward. What does that mean for us witches? Time to pull out the spells and offerings!Getting the home ready with protection charms and decorations! Purifying our lives with cleansing vibrations! Creating glamour spells to spook the trick or treaters. And brewing delicious magickal concoctions of food and drinks! (That last part being my favorite) Speaking of which, let me share this year’s Samhain tea recipe that I’ve blended.

P.S.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thank you for the love and support!

Samhain Tea

Brew this in a pot of tea for several minutes. After steeping, stir the cinnamon stick several times, and add some delicious maple infused milk to the drink, till it’s good and creamy. Enjoy tonight as the trick or treaters come by! And believe in life and its fruitfulness.

Maple Milk

Gently warm the cup of milk in a small saucepan. Once it begins to steam, add the tablespoons of Maple syrup. Be sure not to boil it! Simmer it momentarily, as you stir in the syrup till it blends. Take it off the heat and pour it into a small creamer container. Enjoy with your tea!Oh, how I look forward to this magickal blend later tonight. This tea is meant to engulf us with its courageous influence, as it brings love and joy to our hearts. Life and all its luxuriance. Its meant to sooth us, mend us, and open new paths.

SPELLS!

Now, let’s talk spells! Tonight the Moon is in its last quarter. That means it’s the perfect time to ward off negative energies. Protect the home. Release the past. And divination time!Let’s see, we shall begin with tradition. Samhain is thinning the veil; the worlds between the living and the dead are face to face. They come to us with prayers, messages, or curses. And it is for this reason that we either welcome them, or ward them.Here is a simple ghost blessing spell.

Ghost Blessing

Place offerings of milk and barley outside under the stars to ease the ghosts hunger and to prevent their mischief. The maple infused milk is perfect for honoring the ancestors. Apples can also be buried at crossroads as offerings for the Goddess, or spirits.

Ghost Home Barrier

Place three peeled cloves of garlic in a bowl, together with one handful of pure sea salt, and one handful of fresh rosemary leaves. Grind and mesh ingredients together. Sprinkle them to create a boundary line over which ghosts will not cross. If you so happen to wish to choose this night of all nights to reveal to a ghost its current state of death, well, here is a spell for that.

Grouchy Ghost Spell

Burn three parts wormwood to one part vervain when summoning the ghost who is suffering from a state of depression when they died. Or when they haven’t realized they are dead. Speak softly and gentle. Offer honey to sweeten the news, or offer a plate of food for comfort. Speak as you understand, and try to offer advice and help them see the promise of the other side. It won’t be easy, but you would have to be open with them in order for them to believe you. Trust, it is rewarding when they do.

LAST THOUGHTS

Well may your Samhain be blessed, and the spirits at rest. May the trick or treaters be kind. And the food as good as wine. Have fun! Be merry!

If you found this article helpful, please like, share, or follow!

Honor The Sacred Rites Of Samhain

Posted on by witchandtea · 2 Comments

Festival of Hecate

August 24th,

Marks the Festival of Hecate. Day and Night of the Dark Mother. Of Earth and Sky. Keeper of the crossroads. Seer of the unknown. Queen of the witches. She speaks, and all remains silent for Her. For those that are guided by Her wisdom, honor Her on this day, her ascension from the underworld, with offerings of Earth, Heart, and Soul.

Interestingly enough, the days for this festival can be concluded by who traditionally worships Hecate. Most who honor Hecate, begin to honor her on August 13th. Which aligns with the dark moon, and the perseids meteor shower. This time symbolizes her descent into the underworld and the harvests of the earth.

Fun fact, August 13th was also worshipped for the festival of Diana. Where her followers celebrated her in the groves at Nemi. This festival lasted for up to a week of festivities, food, and dance.

Now, back to Hecate.

Both of these festivals were and are very similar. Especially considering that both Diana and Hecate are triple goddesses, some associate them as one deity. Like I do. Diana to me, is the maiden form, and Hecate is the crone form. Now, on this day, Hecate has had already descended into the underworld, and now begins to rise again to the heavens from her wise journey. And as the Full moon grows full, so will she claim herself as Queen again. With new knowledge and mysteries from the underworld. So, we invoke her and honor her, in hopes for her protection for the coming season, and for her new found wisdom.

How do we honor this Great and Ancient Goddess?

Personally, I honor each of her crossroads. I leave offerings of earth, sky, flame, and sea at each pathway, to open the doors for Her guidance. Her offerings include:

Eggs, Lavender, Honey, Garlic, Baked Goods

Incense, Candles, Daggers, Keys

Having your dog familiar by your side

These are just to name a few. But follow your heart of which offerings would be best for you to give.

I love to leave her lavender honey tea, and burn my special blend of incense for her.

P.S.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thank you for the love and support!

HECATE’S INCENSE

This is the blend I burn while invoking the Goddess Hecate. Add even portions of the ingredients shown, and/or add odd drops of the essential oils to the blend. Smells divine when burned, and uplifts the soul. While the smoke fills the air, call out to Hecate with your own heartfelt chant and await her guidance. If you decide to have your familiar close by, pay special attention to their reaction. Hecate always greets dogs, and reveals herself to them. Keep an eye out for signs, or listen soundly. Often, she comes in dreams in the dead of the night, and reveals her messages then.

Essential Oils

I hope this night brings special moments for you, and Hecate grants you her wise guidance.

If this article was helpful, please like, share, or follow!

HECATE’S INCENSE BLEND

Posted on by witchandtea

May Day Magick

 

Happy Beltane, one and all!

And a very magical May day as well. 

Did you find yourselves out at dawn, rolling in the morning dew for a youth spell? Did you collect the blooming buds of flowers to weave beauty and charm into your life? Or alight the great Beltane fires and jumped over them to bring fortune for the rest of the year!

Beltane is one among the fire festivals of the seasons. The coming of two seasons, joining together for electric Spring and Summer passion. It’s after this holiday, that many could say notice a magical air within the weather. A cool and heated embrace.

Many witches love to cast their magicks during this time. The energies are charged. Wiccans associate this with the aftermath of the God and Goddess lovemaking. When magick is blessed by their joined power. Nevertheless, magick is especially potent; fertile, and is easily accessible at this time. 

Here are spells that are best done on Beltane, or anytime of this month.

P.S.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thank you for the love and support!

Hearth Flame Spell

Turn off all the lights of the home just before sunset. 

Outside, create a bonfire. Traditionally, 9 woods were casted into the fire to create a universal blessing. These woods are:

As the fire is ablaze, light a white candle and bring it into the home to rekindle the hearth fire. 

One can say a prayer or chant:

temporum beneficia
Season’s blessings. 

Allow the white candle to burn down for the rest of the night. And the spell is done.

Flame and Smoke Spell

For the coming summer, one has to cleanse and prepare. The summer season is time of change and activity, so this purification will help get you ready for the challenges to come. 

Gather 2 candles. Color code it to fit with the sort of cleansing you wish. 

  • White is universal cleanse
  • Yellow is mental cleanse
  • Blue is emotional cleanse
  • Green is body cleanse
  • Purple is spirit cleanse

Gather 2 incense. Again, try to best fit with your cleanse. 

Sit in between these candles and incense and allow it to purify all that is within. Meditate. The spell is done. 

The Sun’s Blessing

The sun is fully awake at this time, and grows stronger as summer nears. Sing to the Sun at noon time, to call down his blessings for the coming summer. It doesn’t matter which song to sing, just as long as it comes from the heart. 

May Rain

Any rain that falls during this month is especially potent with magical properties. Collect the rainwater in order to contribute to most any spells. From healing, to cleanses, to prosperity, and luck. To love, to happiness, to mental powers, and psychic. Rainwater can even be distilled in order to add to magical dishes and teas!

—-

This is but a few, and yet so much more can be done during this time of May. Be inspired, and feel the magick all around!

Blessed Be

If you found this article helpful, please like, share, and/or follow!

 

May Day Magick!

Posted on by witchandtea

Imbolc Recipes

Get ready for Imbolc!

Traditionally, Imbolc can be celebrated either on the 1st of February, or on the 2nd. Some celebrate during both days; from sunset to sunset. Imbolc is one of the fire festivals, and is typically celebrated with candlelight. Lots and lots of candlelight! Ceremonies are created outside, in the cold winter chill, to usher in the Sun’s warmth into the soil of Earth. Homes are prepared for the coming of Spring. By means of spring cleaning, and cleansing.  Seeds are blessed. Either for the garden, or for growth spells. Purification rites, and cleansing baths are drawn. Kitchen magick is ablaze to enchant the heart and thaw the mind. By whatever which way to awaken the spirit, is perfect to do during these days!

If a festival shall ever arise, be sure to have proper refreshments! Such as this delicious spiced wine recipe!

Spiced Wine for Imbolc

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups pineapple juice; organic if possible
  • 1 cup orange juice; freshly squeezed is best
  • 1/4 cup (or to taste) raw, local honey
  • 9 whole cloves
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • Pinch of pure sea salt

Add all ingredients to a crock pot and heat on high for 2 hours, stirring once or twice.
Turn crock pot to low, remove lid, and wait for juice mixture to come to below 180 degrees.

Add a bottle of red wine, and allow to warm up.

Either drink warm, chilled, or room temp; all are good. Although, I happened to like it chilled.
If one plans to do a ceremony to honor the holiday, here is an incense and oil recipe.

Imbolc Incense

Measure by how much you want.

Crush ingredients in a mortar and pestle. And burn over charcoal.

Imbolc Oil

Now, if there are baking lovers out there, and wish to push the love of pie making into your craft and holiday, here is a deliciously simple blackberry pie recipe! And if you wish, can even dedicate it to the Goddess Brighid, who is a popular Goddess for this holiday.

Brighid’s Blackberry Pie

  • 1 (15 ounce) package pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
  • 4 cups of fresh blackberries
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 1/5 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line a 9 inch deep dish pie pan with one of the crusts. If you wish to dedicate this pie to the holiday, carve a symbol on the bottom of the pie crust with a tooth pick.

In a bowl, mix the sugar, flour, and salt together. Sprinkle over blackberries in a larger bowl, and toss to coat. Pour into the pie crust. Dot with butter. Place the other pie crust over and secure the ridges. Slice a design over the top of the pie crust to vent steam.

Place in the oven for 1 hour, or until crust begin to brown. Let cool to room temperature before serving to allow the filing to set.

Blessed Be, and have a beautiful Imbolc days.

If you found this article helpful, please like, share, and/or follow!

Delicious Imbolc Recipes!

Posted on by witchandtea

Winter Solstice Tea

Happy Solstice!

For the winter solstice, I created a tea with herbs that are in tune with the season. My winter solstice tea is simple and soothing. Perfect for the evening and with sugar cookies!

P.S.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thank you for the love and support!

Winter Solstice Tea

1 tsp Chamomile

1 tsp Sage or few sprigs

1 Vanilla bean (I ground it)

And honey for flavor

Instructions:

Steep the ingredients in one cup of boiled water for 5-6 minutes. Strain and add honey and/or milk if you wish.


Sugar Cookie Recipe

  1. 2 1/4 cups flour
  2. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  3. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  5. 1 1/2 cups sugar (plus more for rolling the dough in)
  6. 2 ounces cream cheese room temperature and cubed
  7. 6 Tablespoons butter, melted and warm
  8. 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  9. 1 egg
  10. 2 teaspoons vanilla
  11. 1 Tablespoon whole milk

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, if you don’t have parchment paper, lightly oil the baking sheet.
  2. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.. Set aside.
  3. Place the sugar in a medium bowl. Place the cream cheese on top and pour the melted, warm butter over the top. Whisk to combine. There may be a few lumps of cream cheese that remain but they’ll be incorporated when other ingredients are mixed in.
  4. Whisk the oil in until well incorporated.. Stir in the egg, vanilla, and milk.
  5. Add the flour mixture and fold it in until a smooth dough forms.
  6. Roll 2 tablespoons of dough into 24 balls. Roll each ball into the extra sugar. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a flat drinking glass, slightly flatten each cookie until they are 2 inches in diameter.
  7. Bake for 11-13 minutes, turning the pan halfway through baking. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before removing to a wire rack to finish cooling.

*Please always be aware of your body and health. Consult with your doctor about mixing tea with medication. Do not drink if you are pregnant or nursing.*

If you found this article helpful, please like, share, and/or follow!

Winter Tea & Cookies? Yes Please!

Posted on by witchandtea

Healing Apple Tea

Welcome!

Whenever the winter season is nearly among us, we must prepare our minds, bodies, and souls. To keep them healthy and positive. Once the winter season is here, dark days will surely feel longer, as well as that winter chill. The possible cold and flu is at its strongest. 

With that being written, I have a wonderful tea recipe that has helped me for years. I give you, my healing tea.

P.S.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thank you for the love and support!

Healing Tea

Brew the saffron and cinnamon in half cup of hot water. Add in the honey. Then lastly stir in the apple cider when the brew has cooled ever so slightly. As the cup is brewing I chant:

Saffron heals the mind. Apple heals the heart. Cinnamon to strengthen. Honey to guard.

This magical recipe should grant you health, as well as beneficial immune boosting properties!

What is a little tea without the sweets?! I love to pair this tea with delicious homemade chocolate cookies! There’s something about the apple flavor that compliments the chocolate.

Chocolate Cookies Recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chunks

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat chopped chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until almost melted; do not overheat. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

  2. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla on high speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low; beat in melted chocolate. Mix in flour mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chunks.

  3. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough 2 to 3 inches apart onto baking sheets. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies are shiny and crackly yet soft in centers, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on baking sheets 10 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy! And be sure to add a little of your own magick to these delicious cookies!

If found this article helpful, please like, share, and/or follow!

A Little Healing Apple Tea Goes A Long Way

Posted on by witchandtea

Friendship Tea

Welcome!

I have here a wonderful brew that I love to create when I know I will be meeting new and hopeful friends. This is a magickal tea recipe that will draw people close and open the doors to new friendship.

When you meet with new and/or old friends, warm up the scones and gather for some tea!

P.S.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thank you for the love and support!

Friendship Tea

And honey

On special occasions, I love to add a beautiful orchid.

Heat water to 170 – 185 degrees. Pour over the mix, and brew for 3 minutes before enjoying. If you want a stronger brew, steep the flowers and zest for 5 minutes, then add the white tea for another 2 minutes.

As the tea is brewing, I chant over the pot:

Brew of flowery delight, bring together friendships might.

A delicious scone recipe to compliment this tea, would be a sweet fruit scone.

Sugar Raspberry Scone

  • 2 1/2 cups All purpose Flower, plus more for work surface
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp of Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder
  • 3/4 tsp Course Salt
  • 1/2 cup or 1 stick unsalted butter cut into small pieces
  • 3/4 cup Buttermilk
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 1/2 cup fresh raspberries, 6 ounces

Instructions:

Mix dry ingredients. Mix wet. Then little by little, add wet to dry. Knead the dough thrice. Pull apart dough to create a scone shape. Place onto parchment paper on a baking pan, add raspberries and sugar on surface. Place in 400 degrees oven, for 15-18 mins.

Enjoy! Blessed be.

*Please be always aware of your body and health. Always consult with your doctor*

If you found this article helpful, please like, share, and/or follow.

A Friendship Tea Spell

Posted on by witchandtea

Samhain Tea Recipe

Great Samhain Blessings!

Today, in our modern calendar, marks Halloween! Also called Samhain. Pronounced Sow-wen, or Sow-ween, is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, or the “darker half” of the year. Amongst witches, it is considered the new spiritual year. Being because, on this holy day, the spirits of the otherworld are allowed to visit the living and sow their old seeds. And with that our living souls are given new goals, dreams, and lessons to be taken in.

Because our dear departed return to us on this holy night, it is tradition to pay them honor. We give them offerings of sliced apples, blessed tea, milk,  or barley. We light candles and place them on our window sills to light the way. We carve frightening pumpkins  to scare off the mischief of troublesome spirits. And renew the barriers around our homes to prepare for winter.

P.S.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thank you for the love and support!

The tea I have prepared for tonight’s ritual and offering is a delicious blend.

Samhain Tea

Instructions:

Pour boiled water over the ingredients and allow to steep for 5 minutes in a tea bag or strainer. If you wish you may add honey and milk.

Enjoy your Samhain in peace and in love. Cherish the loved ones you have, and honor the ones who have passed. In perfect love, and in perfect trust.

Blessed be.

*Please always be aware of your health and body. Always consult with a doctor. Do not drink if pregnant or nursing. Thank you.

If you found this article helpful, please like, share, and/or follow.

SAMHAIN TEA RECIPE