The Sunday Stew
Editors: Jennifer Rasmussen, Kallan Kennedy
The Sunday Stew is a free, e-publication delivered every Sunday as a loving gift to the Pagan community. All submissions are the intellectual property of their authors, and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the blog owner. All photos are used with permission.
We welcome your feedback! Please be sure to tell us how we're doing and give us suggestions for improvement. Please leave a comment below. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week's stew is laced with summery-spicy goodness. We have lots of humor, bed-time blessings, great recipes, and planning ideas for your fall gardens. Autumn Earthsong has another wonderful downloadable herb page for your BoS or Grimoire. We want to welcome new Stew Chefs, Marissa Dean and Brian Belenchia to The Crew as well! This is a delightful treat for your summer Sunday morning. Please see the Special Editor's note at the end for an important discussion. Ready? Grab your cup and let's dig right in!
Happy Birthday this week to La'Trice Lott, Kelly Shevlin Bopp, Mystal Witchwater, Dorothy Lindberg, Melissa Renee, MaryBeth Adkison, Seli Wicca Salem, Anastasia Evans, Mary Landaiche Kidd, Tracey Donnelly, and Christine Powell! May this be your very best birthday yet, and may this next year of your life bring you joy, happiness, peace and success in abundance!
In the News
This segment features news from around the world. The articles do not reflect the views of the staff of The Sunday Stew, nor the blog owner. We believe you should be informed as to what is going on in the world where the terms Paganism and Witchcraft are concerned.Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Ghanaian witch-doctor's 'curse' on Ronaldo proves real Swiss Town Unveils Memorial for 'Witch' It Executed — 232 Years Later
Speaking of religion: Pagans stir a fuss in Beebe
Woman branded 'witch', tonsured by in-laws in Mainpuri
Tuck Museum presents 'Images of Witches'
Woman 'gives birth' to lizard, gets accused of witchcraft
U.N. urges Papua New Guinea to protect women from witch hunters
UN findings flag violence, abuse of older women accused of witchcraft
Pagan Lore with Karen Szabo
Good Morning, Sunday Stew readers! Ready for this week's Pagan Lore? Without further ado, here we go!
Sunday, June 22
On this date (approximately), the Sun enters the astrological sign of Cancer. Persons born under the sign of the Crab are said to be family and home-oriented, nurturing, sympathetic, and often very moody. Cancer is a water sign and is ruled by the Moon.
Monday, June 23
In parts of Ireland and Great Britain, Pagans celebrate an annual festival on this date called the Day of Cu Chulainn. It is dedicated to the legendary Irish folk hero of the same name and to the ancient Pagan fertility god known as the Green Man.
It is also Saint John's Eve, a traditional time for Witches to gather herbs for spells and love potions, for it is believed that the magickal properties of plants are at their peak on this mystical night.
Tuesday, June 24
On this date, an ancient Egyptian festival known as The Burning of the Lamps is celebrated in Sais, a city on the Nile delta.
In pre-Christian times, the festival of Fors Fortuna was celebrated annually on this date in the city of Rome to honor and receive favorable blessings from the Goddess Fortuana.
A sun-god festival called Inti Raymi was celebrated annually on this date by the ancient Incas of Peru, during which llamas were ritually slaughtered and their entrails used by priests for divining the future.
On this date in the year 1950, Reformed Alexandrian Witch and author Janet Farrar was born in London, England.
Wednesday, June 25
Gay Wiccan Pride Day. This is a time for gay and lesbian Wiccans from around the world to unite and celebrate life, love, and the Goddess. Come out of the proverbial "broom closet" and be proud of who you are!
A centuries-old women's festival is held in India every year on this date in honor of the Goddess Parvati.
Thursday, June 26
According to ancient Icelandic legend, every year at noon on the date, the tip of the shadow of Mount Scartaris points to the secret entrance of "Centre Earth", in which dwell giant humanlike creatures and prehistoric monsters.
Salavi, the Spruce Tree Rain God, is honored annually on this day by a Native American corn-ripening ceremony. This day is also sacred to the Corn Mothers and the Kachinis.
Friday, June 27
A centuries-old Native American Sun Dance ritual is performed annually on this date by many Plains Indian tribes in honor of the Summer Sun. As part of the ceremony, a sacred crow totem is decorated with black feathers.
On this date in the year 1956, prolific Wiccan author Scott Cunningham was born in Royal Oak, Michigan. He crossed over in 1993 after many years as a respected Pagan and author.
Saturday, June 28
Every year on this day, the birth of Hemera (the ancient Greek Goddess of day) is celebrated. Festivals in her honor begin at sunrise and last until the setting of the sun.
On this day in the year 1916, Reformed Alexandrian Witch and author Stewart Farrar was born in Highams Park, Essex, England.
See you next time with more Pagan Lore -- have a wonderful week, everyone!
Karen
Independent Avon Representative
Serving all your Avon needs -- come see what's new!
http://www.youravon.com/karenszabo
Sparkle and Shine with Sosanna
Harvesting Spell Components
Over the years I’ve been known to cast a spell or two. I’m the first one to stand up and say the magic isn’t in the blue candle, the magic is in you. However, what fun would it be if we as witches didn’t have the opportunity to work with so many different herbs and flowers? Now, now, I know that not all witches cast spells and I know that know that not all who cast spells are witches so let’s not get our knickers in a twist over verbiage. For the sake of this article, let’s assume that we’re all dirt-worshipping, tree-hugging, hat-wearing, spell-casting, cat-loving witches.
I find that when I use spell components or even ritual tools they mean so much more to me when they are handmade or hand-harvested. While it’s great to get a factory sealed package of sage in the mail, to me it is so much better when my sage arrives in a box, hand rolled by my single supplier. I feel so much more connected to my altar dishes when I can feel the energy added to them by the maker. The resin has its place for some, but to me, it lacks the depth of emotion that comes with a handmade piece.
At Sosanna’s Sanctuary, I have the benefit of five rural acres that call themselves home to most of the herbs I use in my magic. Here are a few of them.
Apple Blossom – Healing, love and immortality
Rose Petals – Love, protection, luck, psychic powers
Dandelion Petals – Divination, wishes, working with dead
Rosemary – Love, protection, purification, healing, sleep
Juniper Needles & Berries – Protection, Anti-theft, love
Hawthorn Needles – Fertility, chastity, happiness
Honeysuckle – Money, protection, psychic powers
Black Walnuts – Astral travel, Love removal
Chicken Feathers – New opportunities, curse removal, memory and mental powers
Grapevine & Leaves – Fertility, mental powers, money
Wood for wands – Willow, Apple, Pecan, Hawthorn, Fig, Sycamore, Eastern Red Bud, Black Walnut
Many talk about how to harvest these items. Some say leave an offering, others say only use wood that is already on the ground and not to cut anything. I believe how we harvest our items is all about intent. My intent when I take something from the Earth is done with honor and respect. I am grateful to the planet for having these times available for me. I do not take more than I need and I do not do so in a flippant or non-caring way.
Take from the Earth what you need. Leave respect and kindness, and your magic will be true.
Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(
www.sosannascloset.com
www.confessionsofamodernwitch.blogspot.com
Stirring the Pot with Marissa Dean
Forging My Own PathWhen I was little, I was ashamed. I thought that I was ugly because of my skin. I thought that if I could just have white skin, emerald eyes and fire red hair, I would be beautiful. I would hope with all my might, only to be disappointed time and again. Gradually, I pushed the longing to the back of my mind, determined to make the best of my unfortunate circumstances.
When I was twelve, we moved to Fort Polk, Louisiana. I had the fortune of taking a class on Louisiana history. The class briefly covered Voodoo and the life of Marie Laveau. I was entranced. Here was a black woman who was not ashamed, who used her beauty and spirituality to become a legend. I spent months researching both her and Voodoo. She became, and still is, my favorite historical figure.
I began taking pride in my culture, researching my ancestors. If Marie was proud to be black, then I would learn as much as I could, so that I too, could be proud. I carried the mental image of Marie in her seven knotted scarf with me through the years, devouring what I could of Voodoo.
Fifteen years later, I can still feel her calling to me. I have chosen to walk the path of Voodoo. To honor my ancestors and walk the path I feel has been calling me since I was a shy, self-hating teen. Learning about Marie has taught me to love the skin I'm in, and to honor my ancestors. I look forward to finally walking this path and continuing my learning.
From Madness to Mindfulness with Jennifer Rasmussen
Mindful Driving
My son is a newly licensed driver and just bought his first car. He is still very inexperienced, and the worry and anxiety I feel is off the charts. I worry about the people on the road more than I worry about him. He is very anxious about driving. He does not speed and tends to get visibly upset when someone is tailgating him or driving erratically. To help him with this, I try to get him to focus on the moment without judgment.
This is no easy task for him or for me. My instinct as his mom is to scream a string of obscenities out the window at the offending driver, but I know that will only upset my son further (and make me look like I am as crazy as a loon). I have to keep a level head and remind him that if he is focusing on what is behind him, he is not focusing on what is in front of him, and what is in front of him is the more important of the two.
This applies to anything in life. When we focus on what is behind us, we lose sight of what is in front of us; we lose sight of the present moment, which is really the only thing that is real. That driver with his front end buried in our rear end has not hit us. He may not hit us. However, we might hit that car stopping in front of us (that we don’t see because we are so focused on what is behind us). If we are present in the current moment, we know that the person behind us isn’t driving responsibly, but we cannot control that. The only thing we can control is our own driving, and we can only do that by being mindful.
So, the next time you take a trip out try being aware and mindful. When you find yourself getting upset about that jerk that just cut you off and almost took your front end with him, take a breath. Focusing on your breathing is an excellent way to ground yourself in the present, which is exactly where you need to be.
Tiffany's Gumbo with Tiffany Newson
The Misuse of Black Power
On May 22, I took a the final step on my return to natural. I chopped 6-7 inches of my relaxed off. It was liberating not having to deal with the two textures. For 15 months I took the hard and challenging road of transitioning. I'm not going to lie, it was mad rough. But, I came out on the other side happier than I've been in a long time.
Nene loves seeing me with curls just like hers. Puffy, frizzy, big hair. I love being able to not only tell her love your hair regardless of what others have to day but I can show her how to do it.
I say all of this because I'm pretty disgusted that we as Black people are so quick to tell a Black child to 'do something with that'. What am I referring to?
There is a petition on Change.org to have Beyoncé 'do something' with her daughter, Blue Ivy's hair. Like what in the gods' name?! People, my people, are telling a young child that her hair isn't right. It doesn't meet their standards of beauty.
This really bothers me. Like who are you to tell a mother how to rear her child? I constantly tell my child to love the curls, coils and kinks that she was given. No one will ever the same head of head she has. I really feel for Bey. When Blue gets older how do you explain to your child that an entire nation felt you didn't measure up their standards of beauty?
As a Black nation don't we have enough against us? We still have killings because of the color of our skin. We are getting kicked out of school because of our hair. We are being pulled over because we're in the wrong area of town. Are we really that blinded by the system that we are so easily distracted by a child's hair?
The Black community is a multi BILLION dollar industry. I'm sure with that kind of power we could change the view of societal beauty. We could change or education system. We could be a victor instead of the John Doe on the Local News station.
Folks, we've got bigger and better things to do than petition against a little girl's hair.
Image may be NSFW.
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Random Thoughts from a Wandering Mind with Brian Belenchia
Introduction
Hello! My name is Brian Belenchia. I never know what to write in these things. Either they come out long-winded and pretentious, or I end up sounding like a simplistic doodle looking for attention. Oh, what the hell! Let’s go for them all!
I have been married to my beautiful wife, named Monica, for 20 years this August. We have two incredible kids, Ashton & Zach, ages 15 & 16.
My spiritual journey began when I was very young and hit its stride in the 90’s. I like to think of myself, like many others, as an eclectic Pagan. I borrow from many traditions to strive to my highest level of spirituality.
In 2004, I was certified as a Hypnotherapist and began working with clients to help them with all kinds of conditions; always maintaining a clinical approach while injecting just the right amount of spirituality to help move clients forward. It was during this time that I began to work with domestic violence survivors; my most challenging and most fulfilling work. The bravery of the women I met with never ceased to amaze me.
In 2006, I was certified as a hypno/life coach and all of the pieces of my journey began to fall into place. I was working with clients on a spiritual level while always honoring the clinical side. I loved bringing the two worlds together.
Up until a 1 ½ years ago, I maintained a job in the corporate world while pursuing my other loves on the side. I worked in the corporate world for almost 25 years, until I was laid off in January of 2013. It was then I decided to open my lifelong dream, The Bodhi Tree Café. Not just a café, but a café/metaphysical/holistic/self-help café where people of like minds could meet, hang out and decompress! I have met some incredible people from all walks of life and it continues to be my source of learning many many lessons and help others along their path.
Please take a moment to stop by our Facebook page or our website at www.TheBodhiTreeCafe.com
I look forward to writing blogs that will help others and, from time to time, help me.
There and Back A-hen: Just a Bunch of Clucking Nonsense with Melissa "Chicky" Cassick
The Saga of SAHM: An Epic of Ennui
Hark to my words, those who would hear tales of perseverance!
Set down thy tablets, and refresh thy coffee,
For the sweeping saga of the wise and exhausted mother!
Long days she has endured, yes, and sleepless nights.
Each morn while the sun yet slumbers she arises;
Each animal she tendeth with care: alike the dog and cat and lowly guinea pig.
She girds her children in the armor of their kind:
Shirts emblazoned with warriors bold; spinners of webs and giant green men.
So likewise skirts of pink, with embellishments of sequins bright,
Shall be the vestments of the youngest.
Onto the groaning board she places circles of oats, slices of risen grains;
The generous juices of fruits from distant lands.
And a cry of distress rises in the household,
For the younglings do protest that they will eat none of it.
A chariot of golden orange, bright and welcome as the sun in its height,
Appeareth on the horizon!
Patiently she awaits its approach,
Admonishing each child in turn that they standeth still.
And she repeats the words they will not unstop their ears to hear:
Recounting again that yes, they must indeed each wear their outer tunic,
For it yet remains too cold to do without.
At last relieved of babes of her flesh, her fosterling arrives;
She careth for him as though he were her own.
Nourishment she doth provide, a place for slumber;
And she telleth him tales of wonder,
Legends of carriages that run on silver track, and discourse among themselves.
How endless are her tasks, and how dauntless her efforts!
She labors long in scullery and privy.
She removeth dirt from the floor.
Clean linens doth she bring to each chamber.
At length the chariot returneth, and the younglings once again milleth underfoot.
Thence a maelstrom of mayhem commenceth within her walls,
Until at last she crieth in anguish:
“Out! Out! To the gardens fly, I beseech thee --
For though thou hast been once again within my presence but minutes,
Already my crown throbbeth, and the pressure of my humors doth rise!”
She baketh cakes upon the stove -- wondrous, flat cakes,
To be drenched in the sweet sap of a stout softwood.
Her brood, thus fortified, take up their quills to tally numbers,
Learn letters by rote, and read such tomes as they will:
Fanciful folios concerned with mounts of rainbow colors,
Hounds that speaketh in the tongue of man,
And a heroic knight who wears naught but underbreeches.
At length the night draws upon her, and lays she down each beloved bairn
Upon fleeces soft, and whispers to each a lullaby.
With weariness besetting, she dresses in her nightclothes,
And takes up her own quill and scroll:
Determined she should tell her tales, that she might share them with the masses,
And thereby amuse and enlighten.
Alas for her, and woe: she writeth naught!
For Morpheus eagerly claims her his own,
Ere she hath penned a dozen words.
May her sleep bring dreams of quiet days: no one clutcheth at her skirt, no one spilleth out his cup, no one practice violence upon his sister, no one sitteth on the cat.
For all too soon, she riseth once again;
To tame all wandering dragons, to fix all manner of wrongs, and to maintain peace within her happy realm.
-- Melissa Cassick 2014
Magick in Motherhood with Autumn Noel
Bedtime Blessings and Routine
My Bachelor’s degree is in “Interdisciplinary Studies,” better known as childhood education. One of the few things I remember from my schooling was that children need two things to cooperate happily with the adults around them.... structure and choice. My parenting style is a bit different than most of those around me. I am a little hippie-like I guess you could say, but a lot old-fashioned at the same time. So, the “structure and choice” thing works really well for me. Structure being we follow a routine for the day, especially at bedtime, and choice, meaning that my little one, even at only two years old, gets a say in a few things here and there.
Our bedtime routine is one of my favorites… well, really the evening in general is my favorite! After a family dinner at the table (old-fashioned structure), my peanut takes her bath given by daddy. Jammies and lavender lotion come next, and then peanut gets to pick out her sippy cup for her warm milk (choice). We retire to her bedroom for several bedtime stories, all selected by her (choice, again!).
During this time we light a candle in her room while we read her stories and she drinks her milk. We then brush teeth, and we say her bedtime blessing which is a variation of a Waldorf prayer. We shut the shutter and say goodnight to Mother Earth and blow out the candle, have hugs and kisses and lay down for bed. I use lavender essential oil on her pillow and dab a bit across her hair line and under her chin… this is by far her favorite part of our nighttime routine, and she even asks for it by name (…in toddler talk of course).
Although she still wakes up several nights a week, for what reason I am not sure, I still feel that I’ve sent her to bed happy and feeling safe, and I feel confident in my mothering skills just for a little while!
Our Bedtime Blessing
A Star for you to wish on (with your finger, draw a star on baby’s palm)
The Sun so full and bright (draw sun shape on palm)
The Moon for you to dream on (draw moon shape on palm)
And a special kiss goodnight (kiss baby’s palm)
I hope all you mamas have a wonderful bedtime routine that works for you, or that you've gotten some ideas here!
Have a blessed week…
-Autumn Noel
Sunshine's Meandering with Kathleen Lane
Your Medicine Bag
When I was reading the list of possible subjects for this serving of the Stew, I looked up the history of the Day of Bad Omens and truly was amazed by some of the superstitions of the early Romans. Then, while I read the article, I remembered my Quaker grandmother referring to my medicine bag as superstitious nonsense. I can't remember being without my bag, and while the contents have grown through the years, I have never gotten rid of anything in there. They are all things that have some kind of power for me, and as such, it would be like giving away a part of myself.
Medicine bags are filled with things that speak to you for one reason or another. Mine has herbs that are especially powerful for me, mementos from people who were pivotal in my life, rocks that called out to me, cornmeal, seeds, etc. All of these things have power for me, and I don't even have to open the bag to know the power in there. My grandmother on the other side of the family helped me start it. She gave me the bag and told me I would know when I found something of power that belonged in there. Down through the years, things have spoken to me and found a place in the bag. It doesn't have to be a big bag, and it actually doesn't have to be made of any particular material, although the original ones were usually made of tanned deer hide. The piece of cotton fabric with the pinch of cornmeal was the first thing that went in the bag along with a squash seed, a bean and a dried kernel of corn to represent the "three sisters".
I guess a medicine bag, for the tribal people, takes the place of a talisman or amulet of power that other people carry. For me, the fact that I have added to it down through the years makes it seem as though the power of it has grown along with me. As I have changed, so has the bag.
Saga's Spirit with Loren Morris
Chakra Series: Throat Chakra; Express Yourself
I've had fun putting these chakra "lessons" together. They've helped me with my meditations and my focus. I hope they are helping you and that you are enjoying them.
Now we are going to be looking at our throat chakra, the Vissudha. The Vissudha is important for several reasons. For one, it is the connection between your body and your mind. For another, it is there to help you speak your own personal truth. This chakra works in all sounds, words, and communication.
Some people have trouble speaking what needs to be said in a responsible and tactful way. The throat chakra is there to help you do just that. It helps to filter everything your mind thinks. Your Vissudha seeks to unite your mind and body. It will help you find your life purpose.
Your creativity is also connected to this chakra. Why would creativity be connected to this chakra? Because creativity is a form of self-expression. Self-expression is this chakra. Forms of self-expression come in the art that you make, the music that you create, the books and poetry that you write. Do you have a mental block with your art, writing, or music right now? The reason could be that this chakra needs nourishing.
Read more: http://sagascottage.blogspot.com/2014/06/chakra-series-throat-chakra-express.html
My spirit boards:http://lapuliabookofshadows.com/product-category/spirit-ouija-weejie-boards/
The Magical Gardener with Johanna Lawson
Planning the Fall Harvest…Already?
Upon reading the title of this piece, you probably said to yourself. “Is she crazy? I just celebrated the Summer Solstice and she’s talking about the fall harvest!” But think about it for a minute. As of June 21st, with each passing day, the Sun will begin to set just slightly earlier than the day before. The vegetable and herb gardens you planted in May are flourishing. Some of you may already be picking tomatoes, peppers and beans to use in summer cooking and all sorts of fragrant herbs for the first round of drying. By the time late August arrives, the tomato plants will almost be done for the year. The harvest has actually already started! Now is the time to think of what vegetables and herbs to plant to be harvested in the fall.
Many cool weather crops that were planted in early spring for harvest through June and early July can be sown again for harvest through late September into early November. Cool weather crops include kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, radishes, spinach, peas, carrots, and lettuce. Count back 12 to 14 weeks from the average first frost date for your area to plan approximately when to start these seeds indoors. Most can be safely planted through late July and very early August here in the Northeast but later in warmer climates. If you choose to wait until the last minute, you will have to direct sow the seeds, meaning they will have to go directly into the garden beds. You can also start another crop of most annual herbs, like cilantro, basil and dill.
The key is to have the seedlings growing happily and healthily in the garden in time to catch the last of the summer heat. However, as we all know, that same heat can be brutal at times. The smallest hint of drought can stress even the strongest seedlings. Keep newly planted beds moist, but not overly wet. If the Sun is just too hot for your seedlings, try shading the plants with a piece of cardboard held above them by a few bricks or use a grow tunnel, a tent for your veggies. Mulch the newly planted beds with organic matter like compost, grass clippings, nearly-rotted leaves, or hay. A great way to prevent weed growth and keep the soil moist and cool is to put a layer of newspaper down first and then cover it with the organic mulch of your choice. Once in place, wet the mulch thoroughly. This method comes with the added bonus of attracting earthworms!
With the Moon in its fourth quarter this week, take time to clean up your garden beds before the real summer heat sets in and it is too hot to be out there. Check on the health of your plants and remove any diseased or dying plants. Pull that kale and broccoli that has started to bolt. Train vines to trellises or poles. Sure up fencing or barriers around planting areas to keep pesky critters from chowing down on ripening fruits and vegetables. As the New Moon arrives on June 27th, you should already have an idea of what you will be planting for the fall harvest and have the beds ready to go. If you have your seeds, bless them on the New Moon for health and abundance. Bless the area to be planted as well. Try to plant as close to the Full Moon in July as possible for the best growth.
Happy summer and happy magical gardening!
My Blog: http://johanna-villagewisewoman.blogspot.com/
Nature's Most Wanted with Julie Baker
Editor's note: This particular article is fulfilling the request of one of our readers.
Mosquitoes
Isn't it nice to take a sandwich and a cup of tea out to the yard? After taking control of the counter-top and successfully pushing back the hungry ant horde, you've earned it. You can go outside with a good book tucked under an arm; the warm weather calling you to indulge in a steamy pleasant bit of relaxation.
Now, now we won’t mention the ants, who are at this moment trooping from around the back of the toaster, having already found the crumbs from the meal you made and missed, and a few delicious drops of tea…
Nope…. We’ll let you pretend for now that you have bested them! Victory is yours! Go on outside and read some, you earned it.
The heat of the day has passed, the sun is bending down toward late afternoon, the moment ripe to dive into those last few chapters you have been waiting to read.………. then it comes… the sound of a buzz, the hint of movement from the corner of your eyes, the sudden sharp stabby pinprick of pain, for one, then another! You set down your book and find that you are host to ten blood suckers. Yes, there they are, happily slurping your blood, as if you didn't need it!
What arseholes! I mean, come on, you mixed up that lavender oil peanut butter and napalm spray recipe you got from the internet. You are a good steward to the various bird feeders in the yard, making sure they do not become breeding grounds for the buzzing, stabby faced beasts that seem to think, its ok to use you as a walking, tea totaling, book reading, sandwich nibbling buffet! How did this happen???
If I were there in person, I would gently take your hand, and pat it, gaze into your eyes comfortingly, smile gently and say,“We aren't at the top of the food chain, hon.” Or I could just stand by with some burn cream for use after you try heating a spoon to make the ten red swelling itchy patches stop itching. Maybe next time, lets run it under hot water, and not use the stove burner…. Mmmkay?
Yes, I know you followed the recipe, I know you mixed it under the light of the full moon at the winter solstice and that the secret to it was passed down at least a hundred generations of Alaskan native healers whose one descendant just happens to be part of your personal circle of one of the personal circles of one of the personal circles of a friend on Facebook!
I had total faith in it. too! Ok,, maybe not so much… but I was willing to watch you try and, see me here, with the burn cream waiting for you to finish heating that spoon?
While you rummage around for that other itch-stopping recipe, and maybe place a napkin in front of the jar of repellent that the engineer ants are now vigorously attempting to spirit away, let’s take a look at why maybe they thought you were a perfect meal.
Mosquitoes that drink blood have evolved types of odor receptors on their antennae-like nerve cells called cpA neurons that have a receptor to detect carbon dioxide. They also have the neurons and receptors required for attraction to skin odor, at least 27 of these suckers are tuned to detect chemicals found in in sweat.
For instance, 1-Octen-3-ol, octenol for short , is a chemical that attracts biting insects and is contained in human breath and sweat, it’s called mushroom alcohol, because its produced by several plants and fungi, oh, and it's in lemonbalm.
Wait. That wasn't in the recipe was it?
Anyway, there is also nonanal, which is a colorless, oily liquid, produced not only in our sweat but is also a component of perfumes. Although it occurs in several natural oils, like citrus and flowery…. Oh wait…. did you hang oranges next to your chair to repel mosquitoes?
Oh…. um… here have some burn cream, while I get out the antihistamine for that reaction you seem to be having to that homemade anti-itch ointment. Was it supposed to turn your skin that color? It's pretty! Honest!
But, anyway, did you know, that several species of mosquito are attracted to floral- and fruity-smelling chemicals, and that they used to only feed on birds? They suddenly found humans super yummy; because mosquitoes feed on the nectar of flowers and fruit as their primary diet.
Female mosquitoes that drink blood only do so to enable them to lay eggs. They need the fats and solids in our blood. This is why when a mosquito feeds on you, you can see it pooping your own blood liquids back out onto your skin as it drinks more and its body swiftly processes out the parts it uses, because….. Oh, I can tell by the look of utter horror on your face that you didn't know that factoid… um… oops… my bad..
It is true, though, that mosquitoes only need to feed off of sugars from plant nectar and plant juices of other sorts. Blood only makes up part of the magic of their reproduction!
Congratulations, you are some little pregnant bug's idea of pickles and ice cream! They crave what you smell like. Flower favorites, researchers have found, seem to be milkweed and goldenrod. Though some plants do repel mosquitoes, the top contender there is still that magic wonder, citronella.
Citronella is a type of lemongrass, which is why recipes that have lemongrass oils in it, work. It’s also a component of some perfumes and cosmetics. Citronella oil has strong anti-fungal properties, which may be another reason why it works, perhaps by blocking the airborne scent of octenol. Knowing what is in what you wear can make the difference in how much you become lunch.
The best way, to help not become food for the growing masses of buzzy-face pointy things, is to repel and attract. As in, repel from you and attract to other things. Make mosquito traps based on things they want. Like the handy homemade trap using sugar water and yeast. The yeast gives off carbon dioxide and the sugars are delicious.
Place the traps away from you and keep the repellents close. Don’t forget to keep up around the yard and not allow standing water to become mosquito nurseries and nurture the creatures that feed on mosquito larvae and adults.
Stay away from zappers that kill more beneficial mosquito-eating insects than actual mosquitoes. Don’t use insecticides for the same reason. Yes, you will kill all of the bugs in the yard, but then the mosquitoes will fly in and eat you alive, anyway. While that orange still has orange juice in it and is delicious to mosquitoes, orange peels and the oils in them can be your friend.
The bottom line is that you will still be bitten this summer. You cannot avoid them all, but you can minimize the damage by understanding the reasons why these animals hunt you. Remember there are a few species of mosquitoes that are harmless. It’s the blood-suckers that cause problems.
Many of these little vampires carry diseases that affect both humans and livestock. Though not all mosquitoes carry all the diseases, they pass along what they pick up from their hosts. That’s something to think about.
So, while I was planning on a big long talk about how science is developing genes that will make some species of mosquito only hatch males, or females without the necessary mouth parts, and how backyard foggers are killing our pollinators, I see, instead, that we need to go back outside. Now that you don’t smell like blood and fungus and fear, we can light a candle, turn on a fan , sit in the breeze, and talk about how industrious those ants are on the counter.
I have never seen them carry off a whole jar of home made mosquito repellent before! You carry the tea, I’ll grab the cookies and the burn cream. Where did you say you read about how to heat that spoon?
Shameless Plug: If you want some great repellent made with orange and lemongrass oils by a real witch, check out Verbena Lane Botanicals!
The Witches' Cupboard with Autumn Earthsong
Peppermint
Happy Sun day morning to you! I hope that you are having a wonderful Solstice weekend and that your celebrations have been fun and festive! When researching herbs for June…and looking at my own herb bed..I decided to write about peppermint! I have four kinds of mint thriving in a raised bed. I love Mint! It’s easy to grow (too easy) and there are so many uses for it both medicinally and magickally. So let’s talk about peppermint!
This is the peppermint growing in my herb bed now.
People have used peppermint for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks added it to meat dishes and wine and utilized the leaves as a decoration for special occasions. Peppermint oil has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. Herbalists prescribe peppermint tea as a remedy for chest congestion, stomach troubles and headaches….and recommend peppermint skin lotion as a pain reliever. Peppermint oil also enhances the fragrance of potpourri, cosmetics, shampoos, soaps and perfumes. Its leaves and oil add flavor to salads, desserts, teas, and sauces, as well as breath mints, chewing gum, toothpaste and mouthwash.
Growing Mint
For the best leaf production, mint should be planted in full to partial sunlight. It will grow in most types of soil, but thrives best when it’s not constantly wet. The plants can be counted on to reproduce on their own, but additional plants can be grown by stem and root cuttings. The mint plant is notorious for running rampant in gardens! Many gardeners choose to grow them in containers to prevent gardens from becoming nothing but dedicated mint beds! (So far, I’m controlling my mint ok….we’ll see what happens ) However, with containers you have to be careful the pot is big enough so you don’t get root bound and the plant dies. That happened to me last year and I was so bummed! The spread can be kept to a manageable level by steadily harvesting the leaves of the plant. Peppermint plants grow to about 2 feet tall if allowed. Tiny oil glands in the leaves release volatile oils, giving the plants their wonderful fragrance.
Hybrids
There are an amazing number of mint hybrids out there now. Peppermint and spearmint are the two most traditional forms. Smooth-leaved peppermint has the most potent amount of menthol, while spearmint, with toothed and often curly leaves, has a sweeter flavor. Varieties with a hint of fruit flavor abound! Including apple, orange, pineapple, lemon, lime and even banana! And yes, there is Chocolate mint….it’s growing in my garden and it’s wonderful!
These are all the mints in my herb bed…in the front is peppermint; moving clockwise is pineapple mint, then spearmint and then really wonderful chocolate mint.
Drying Mint Leaves
The simplest way is to cut the stems down low on the plant….wrap a bunch of them together and hang them upside down to dry in a warm, dry place. I hang mine from hooks in my ceiling. I’ve also used a peg board and a clothes drying rack. If the leaves are removed from the stem, just spread out on a clean metal screen, a tray, a basket and let them dry. You can also dry them in a low temp oven.
Culinary Uses
Mint leaves can be added to mixed greens in a salad, can be candied or jellied, and can be made into a simple syrup. Mint is often used in sauces for lamb dishes and is a popular way to flavor peas. They can flavor homemade ice cream and granitas. One of my favorite ways to have mint is crushed into mint juleps or mojitos! They can also be made into wonderful herbed ice cubes that make tea, lemonade and just water so refreshing!
To read the REST of this post, .including medicinal and magickal uses of Peppermint; and to download this information for your BoS or Grimoire, please visit www.autumnearthsong.com
To visit my herbal shop….go here www.etsy.com/shop/verbenalaneshop
Blessings and Love, Autumn
Cooking Through the Seasons with Kallan Kennedy
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ZucchiniHey there, mister! I saw you scrunch up your nose in distaste at this poor, unsuspecting vegetable! Zucchini are frequently treated unkindly and thrown into unappetizing lasagnas or ordered from a menu by vegetarians who are desperate. But, that's not the poor zucchini's fault. They are tender and delicious, and we need to fight back against their abuse!
A member of the cucurbit family, zucchini are related to watermelons, gherkins and cucumbers. Zucchini are usually marrows harvested at a young age, although the mature fruit of certain varieties of squash may also be sold as zucchini. Zucchini have a high water content and are low in calories. They are a source of folate, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
BUYING
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Smaller, younger zucchini have more flavor. Look for firm, heavy-feeling zucchini with unblemished bright and glossy skins.STORING
Up to a week in the fridge.
PREPARING
Wash well and trim both ends. The zucchini is a versatile ingredient and can be baked, fried, steamed or stewed according to the recipe.
Zucchini Casserole
(I use hamburger, but you can substitute chicken or go all vegetarian if that's your preference)
3/4 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 c. tomato juice
1/3 c. water
1 1/2 tsp. italian seasoning
1 tsp. fresh garlic, chopped
2 c. zucchini, (chopped, diced or sliced- your call)
1 c. tomato, chopped
1/2 c. onion, chopped
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1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Parmesan cheese to taste
Heat oven to 375°F. Brown beef over medium heat. Drain off fat. Add salt and pepper. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, combine juice, water, italian seasoning and garlic. Mix well. Spray 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Add cooked beef, rice and half the tomato juice mixture. Mix well. Top with zucchini, tomato and onion, Pour in remaining tomato juice mixture. Cover and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with cheeses. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes more, or until cheese is melted. This typically serves 6.
Too heavy for you? Here's a simple, yet totally mouth-watering recipe for the grill:
Grilled Zucchini with Garlic-Butter Baste
Ingredients:
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8 medium zucchini (about 2 1/2 pounds), trimmed, halved lengthwise1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 tablespoon frozen unsweetened lemon juice concentrate or 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
Preheat barbecue (medium heat). Score cut side of zucchini halves diagonally about 1/4 inch deep at 1-inch intervals. Melt butter with lemon juice concentrate, lemon-pepper seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, and curry powder in heavy small saucepan. Season with salt and pepper. Brush seasoned butter on cut side of zucchini. Place zucchini on grill and cook until charred on all sides and just beginning to soften, about 12 minutes. If desired, arrange zucchini on grill, cut side up, and sprinkle with cheese; close lid of barbecue and cook until cheese just softens, about 1 minute. Transfer zucchini to platter. Variation: Add some pepperoni and cheese for a grilled zucchini pizza!
Broome Shtick with Rob Houcke
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| Like the Broome Shtick Facebook Page HERE |
'Broome Shtick' was born out of cartoonist Rob Houck's desire to hear less crickets at night, and more cackling witches. Check out more of his witchy/toony goodness on Facebook, and find out why the Reverend John Hale is saying, 'God save us all from Rob Houck.'
This Week in Astrology
Planets in Retrograde (Rx)
- Mercury (until July 1)
- Saturn (until July 20)
- Neptune (until November 18)
Weekly Horoscope from Astrostyle.com
Day-by-Day
All Times EDT
Sunday, June 22
All's quiet in the heavens today
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Monday, June 23- 6:19am- Balsamic Moon
- 8:33am- Venus in Gemini
- 8:33am-9:48pm Great day for business transactions!
- 9:48pm Moon goes Void for the rest of the evening
Tuesday, June 24
- 7:05am Moon Void ends, moves into Gemini
- 7:05am Great day for business transactions, all day!
Wednesday, June 25
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- Great day for business transactions, all day!
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Thursday, June 26
- 7:56am-5:05pm Moon VoC, then moves into Cancer
- Great day for business transactions before and after the void
Friday, June 27
- 4:08am- New Moon in Cancer
- Great day for business transactions, all day!
Saturday, June 28
- Great day for business transactions until Moon Void
- 9:02pm Moon VoC the rest of the evening
The Weekly Divine with Kallan Kennedy
Kallan Kennedy is a professional tarot/totem intuitive with more than 20 years of divination experience. She offers private readings to her clients via her website, Secret Services. Order your personal reading today!
This Week's Tarot: The Magician
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| The Vanessa Tarot |
The magician card is all about creativity and putting thoughts into action. This is the perfect time to create a new life cycle for yourself. All of the elements needed to manifest your idea have aligned themselves with you to make things happen.
You have a strong sense of optimism and a desire to start something new. That could be anything from a new project, to taking a new class, getting a new job, starting a business venture. Whatever it is, the magician has your back- this is your time to "do, act, go forth and shine".
Take advantage of this magical energy and turn those ideas into action!
This Week's Totem: Hummingbird
Key words and phrases: Energy, vitality, joy, renewal, sincerity, healing, persistence, peace, infinity, agility, playfulness, loyalty, affection
The Hummingbird may be the smallest of birds, but it is also the most fascinating. Anyone who has ever seen this tiny bird is filled with a sense of wonder and joy. Its name comes from the vibration of its wings as it flies or hovers. We have all heard how good it is to whistle while we work, but humming is much more effective. It creates an internal massage, restoring health and balance. This the Hummingbird reminds us to do. It reminds us to find our joy in everything we do, and to sing our own song.
The Hummingbird is the most skillful flier of all birds. It can hover in the air. It can fly backward, forward and sideways, beating its wings up to 53 times per second.
Hummingbirds are master architects. They build their homes with great care and design. Some are very intricate, but each is unique to itself. If the Hummingbird has taken up residence in you, you may wish to redecorate. It may be telling you to do something to create joy in the home.
Hummingbirds are wonders of migration, traveling long distances to get to a warmer climate. The red-throated hummingbird has been known to journey 2500 miles or more. Because of this, the Hummingbird is a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible. It will teach you how to find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances.
Those who have hummingbird as a totem are known for their absolute joy and love of life. They are the people who do the seemingly impossible things. They are truly charismatic as their exuberance is contagious. They are also little matchmakers as they seem to know exactly who fits with whom. Hummingbird people don't like discord or disharmony, and tend to shy away from those who are disruptive. They like beauty in all its forms and tend not to want to be around chaos or confrontation.
The most profound questions the Hummingbird asks:
- "Where is your joy?"
- “Is your happiness found within, or do you seek it externally?"
- "What is the source of your joy?"
- "What must you do to increase your joy?"
Hummingbird medicine helps you remember your childhood wonder and will assist you in renewing the magic of living.
Special Editor's Note
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The following post has been making its way through the interwebs. In the opinion of this editor, this is a truly important topic of discussion. I do not know the author(s) personally, nor have I had any interaction with him/her (them- this seems to be a collaborative piece). But, the content of the article is something I believe you will not want to miss. This is one of those articles that you will want to stop, read, re-read, think about and then read again. It's a conversation long overdue among witches, and it's high-time we actually had it.The article is enttitled: Rewilding Witchcraft
Feel free to reach out to me (Kallan) personally, or on Facebook, or even comment on this blog and let me know your thoughts. I'm sure the authors would love to hear from you as well.
That's it for this week's Stew. Mull. Digest. Enjoy!
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