Origins - January 2019

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I hear the crunch of the ice and snow, I feel the chill of the air and wind,

I see the rich green evergreens and the vivid blue skies,

I lie in wait for the sun to return.

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Wild Goddess Magick

Witchology Magazine EDITORIAL Ambrosia Hawthorn, Editor Maya LeMaitre, Copy Editor

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Holly Charles, Deborah Mesdag, Miss Wondersmith, Monica Crosson, Stefanina Baker

ART & PHOTOS

Cover: Haley Brown of Obsidian Visions www.haleybrowndesigns.com Illustrations: Ambrosia Hawthorn stock.adobe.com All other photos are from free stock sources or from contributors.

SALES & SUBMISSIONS admin@wildgoddessmagick.com www.wildgoddessmagick.com/magazine/advertising

SOCIAL www.wildgoddessmagick.com www.instagram.com/witchologymag www.twitter.com/wgmagick www.facebook.com/witchologymag Copyright Š 2018 by Ambrosia Hawthorn

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Magazine is intended for ages 18 and up.

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From The Editor These words herein are from me to you, each picture, thought, and quote we imbue.

This issue reflects the knowledge I have to share, use each spell, ritual, and work with care.

Welcome witches! I sincerely hope you enjoy every page of this witchy magazine as I do.

January is the perfect time of the year to get aquatinted with symbols, sigils, magickal alphabets, origins, lunar and solar energy, and winter magick. No matter what your path is, there’s always something that can enrich your practice.

May you find MACJHK YQ QLQFAYQ your practice within.

You’ll find printable Book of Shadows pages, monographs of herbs, Celtic trees, deities, spells, crafts, recipes, and rituals to compliment your practice.

This Magazine is for all the witches and Wiccans out there! Please note, we cannot guarantee a spell or ritual but don’t give up on the magick within you!

Blessed be witches,

Ambrosia Hawthorn

Our Writers & Contributors Ambrosia Hawthorn Editor & Content Creator Ambrosia is a writer, card slinger, and an eclectic witch. She found her practice at a young age and still balances being a witch and being discreet. She also has a witchcraft blog. Her goal is to provide modern content to every kind of witch! www.wildgoddessmagick.com @witchologymag @witchologymag @wgmagick admin@wildgoddessmagick.com

Holly Charles Tarot Spread Creator Holly is a modern day mystic, a holistic and Ayurvedic therapist, an eclectic witch, medium, and spiritual development specialist. She helps people on a spiritual path to find balance and restore harmony in order to become the truest and brightest version of themselves. www.hollysholistichealing.co.uk @holistic_holly @hollysholistichealing @holisticholly holistichollymoderndaymystic@gmail.com

Monica Crosson Contributing Writer Monica Crosson is a contributing writer for Llewellyn Worldwide and Faerie Magazine, weaving magick in beautiful Pacific Northwest Washington. She is the author of “The Magickal Family: Pagan Living in Harmony with Nature.�

Published by Llewellyn Worldwide. www.monicacrosson.com @monicacrosson @themagickalfamily @monicacrosson1 tangle-wood@hotmail.com 6

Miss Wondersmith Blueberry Spruce Cookie Recipe Contributor Spreading wonder through writing about everyday magic to enhance our connections to ourselves, our community, and the glorious natural world of the Pacific Northwest. www.thewondersmith.com @misswondersmith @thewondersmith patreon: thewondersmith misswondersmith@gmail.com

Deborah Mesdag Winter Three Bean Chili Recipe Contributor Deborah is a kitchen witch, chef, and food blogger with a passion for sharing delicious gluten free and vegan recipes for all occasions- from simple everyday fare to elaborate holiday feasts. www.vegankitchenmagick.com @vegankitchenmagick @vegankitchenmagick @vkitchenmagick vegankitchenmagick@gmail.com

Stefanina Baker Protection & Cleansing Floor Wash Contributor Stefanina is a psychic, Tarot reader, and eclectic witch based out of Wilmington, Delaware. She has been a practicing witch since she received her first Tarot deck at 13. She practices folk magick, enjoys performing fire rituals, and mixing potions and elixirs. www.readingsandrituals.com @readingsandrituals @readingsandrituals vegankitchenmagick@gmail.com

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JANUARY

Magickal Workings Dates to Remember January Must-haves January Tarot Spread Interview with Haley Brown of Obsidian Visions 65 Directory 9 10 12 13 42

RITUALS & LORE

18 Origins of Magickal Alphabets 25 The Power of Symbolism in Magick 27 Origins Dianic Wicca 39 Pulling Down the Veil 45 The First New Moon of the Gregorian Calendar 51 Cailleach, Daughter of the Little Sun

CORRESPONDENCES

29 Herb Spotlight: Cleavers & Chickweed 46 The Cold Moon 48 The Solar Eclipse 50 Goddess Cailleach 54 Celtic Tree Lore: Birch 63 Winter Three Bean Chili

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MYSTICAL MAGICK

Sigil Magick 101 Theban Alphabet Enochian Alphabet Malachim Alphabet Intro to Snow Magick Hematite & Garnet What it Means when a Wolf Steps into your Auric Field 40 A Spell of Transformation

CREATIONS

15 Origins Dressing Oil 16 Protection & Cleansing Floor Wash 24 Snow Spell Water 30 Cleavers Attraction Salve 32 Chickweed Love & Balance Cream

FEASTING

55 Blueberry Spruce Cookies 61 Winter Three Bean Chili 64 Winter Butternut Soup

JANUARY MAGICKAL WORKINGS During January, we have the magick of the first New Moon of 2019, a solar eclipse, and the Cold Full

Moon. These lunar and solar energies will create an abundance of energy throughout the month. You can work with the New Moon energy, the Full Moon

energy, in addition to the energy of the solar eclipse.

Along with the lunar energy this month, focus on going back to basics with magick relating to symbols, sigils, and alphabets.

Take some time this month to cleanse your home, check in with your inner self, and think about pulling down your own personal veil.

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JANUARY 2019 SUN

MON

TUES

WED 1

THU 2

FRI 3

SAT 4

Gregorian Calendar New Years

5 New Moon in Capricorn 1:29 UTC Partial Solar Eclipse 1:41 UTC

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1st Quarter Moon in Aries 6:46 UTC

20 Celtic Tree Birch Ends Sun Enters Aquarius 8:59 UTC

27 Last Quarter Moon in Scorpio 21:11 UTC

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21 Cold Full Moon in Leo 5:17 UTC Total Lunar Eclipse 5:12 UTC Celtic Tree Rowan Begins

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SIGIL MAGICK 101 Sigils are symbols used in a large number of magickal workings, including rituals and spells. The name sigil translates from the Latin word “sigillum” and means “seal.”

The sigil is a physical representation of your desired outcome of an individual spell. Each sigil is created and designed for a solitary and unique purpose and can be created quickly while still offering an additional level of power to each spell.

Creating a sigil requires very little in regards to tools - just your intentions, a pencil, and paper.

The first step is deciding what the exact intent of the spell is, whether for love, luck, or prosperity.

Many pagans say this is the most important part as well, as full intention leads to the most

successful and productive spells.

Intentions should be phrased in the form of a single sentence and statement - no questions or mediocre sentiments.

Try to be as specific as possible.

“A sigil is a carved, drawn, or painted symbol that is believed to have magical properties or power.”

The next step is to write down the sentence on a piece of paper. Try to write it big, to make the next step of sigil creation easier. First, start by either crossing out or erasing all of the vowels in the sentence.

After that, cross out or erase any duplicate consonants as well.

Take the remaining letters and fit them together in any creative way that feels right to you. There is no right and wrong here, simply

make it look like a symbol of power to you.

To activate the sigil, set up a ritual space and simply gently gaze at the sigil until it feels activated. Often this starts with seeing it “wiggle” slightly before coming back into focus.

After closing down your space, the sigil is ready for use in any magickal working.

Another way to create a sigil is by identifying shapes, marks, or symbols that you connect with. This can be anything from zodiac signs, hearts, elements, and so much more. I recommend starting with the first method until you feel the creativity flow through you enough to create symbol based sigils.

U. D., Frater. “Practical Sigil Magic” Zakroff, Laura Tempest. “Sigil Witchery: A Witch's Guide to Crafting Magick Symbols”

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January

Complete set of 24 Enochian Alphabet Runes Wooden Disks $19.59 SecretFairyDoor

Must-haves Snow Queen Witches' Ladder/Prayer Beads/Necklace $41.82 CauldronCraftsUK

Workbooks for Tarot, Moon, Sabbats, and Book of Shadows $63.84 RavenInAWorldTree

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Book of Shadows/ Herbarium $86.47 MagiCraftShop

Transformational Tarot: Journal Prompts to Navigate your Journey Using the Magic of Tarot $4.99 On Amazon

An Eclipse never comes alone!

A solar eclipse always occurs about two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse.

Usually, there are two eclipses in a row, but other times, there are three during the same eclipse season.

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Origins Dressing Oil Dressing oils are applied to spell and ritual objects before using them to sanctify, charge and prepare them for use or to charge and activate them. Use this oil to dress new ritual objects that you plan on using in your spells or rituals. Dressing oils may also be used to render mundane objects magickal. This recipe makes about 30mls of oil.

You’ll Need: 1/8 c carrier oil (like olive or almond) 5 drops of sandalwood essential oil 3 drops of cedar wood essential oil 1 drop of orange essential oil 1 drop of lemon essential oil 1 amber glass aromatherapy bottle To create your oil, begin by adding in order the essential oils to your base, carrier oil.

As you add your oils, visualize your intentions. You can also use this oil as an anointing oil and use on your skin. Always test a small area on the inside of your elbow to make sure you wont react to the essential oils.

Protection & Cleansing Floor Wash

By Stefanina Baker

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Protection & Cleansing Floor Wash

By Stefanina Baker You’ll Need:

January is the perfect time to cleanse old dirt and energy; as well as welcome in the new year with a bright home, fresh intentions and renewed protections.

1 quart container to hold your Crafting a floor wash is, in itself, a ritual. It is one that can be completed

wash - I use a quart mason jar quickly, but is nonetheless meaningful. This recipe is for a concentrate that you 2 candles (any color works, I use white, or a color specific to

can add to either a spray bottle or bucket of hot water. Remember, anything done with clear focused intention can be magickal, as the magic is in you and in your

energies I want to attract)

spirit.

2 c of your basil infused

In you kitchen or on your altar, light two candles. Smudge your space to clear

1 c white vinegar vinegar 1 lemon, sliced

3 drops of lavender essential oil Spring of rosemary Pinch of sea salt *Seep basil and rosemary in 2 cups of white vinegar for at least 7 days. Use a pint mason jar, or other glass vessel - Seeping your herbs longer is better.

out stagnant energy, and to keep only fresh and pure energy in your ritual area. As each ingredient is added, hold it and charge it with your intention to cleanse and purify your space and energy. Put all ingredients into jar, shake until mixed. Add to spray bottle, or add ½ cup to ¾ cup wash to 2 quarts of fresh mop water. As you wash your floors, visualize all of the stagnant and negative energy being washed away, and replaced with clear, clean loving energy. Once you are finished mopping your home, pour the water outside and away from you house. *This wash can also be used to wipe down window frames and door frames, which is an old Italian tradition that keeps out evil spirits and the “Mal Occhio” which is the Italian word for Evil Eye. It also helps to prevent those who would wish you ill from entering your dwelling.

Origins of Magickal Alphabets There are a variety of magickal and mystical alphabets that are readily available to the public today. All you need is to be able to identify each one by name and then apply it to your writing.

as the “Witches Alphabet.” The reason for this nickname is that it is used as a substitute cipher to help hide magickal writings from people who may mean harm to pagans.

All alphabets have magical dimensions and applications that have been with us since the beginning of alphabets, when even the idea of communicating by written word was considered magickal.

The Theban alphabet is thought to originate from Honorius of Thebes in the 16th century.

Alphabets such as the Enochian, Theban, and Malachim alphabets were created specifically to be used in magick.

Malachim originates from Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa in the 16th century.

"Malachim" is a plural form from Hebrew (‫מלאך‬, mal'ach), and means "angels" or “messengers.”

The Theban Alphabet is most commonly known 18

Enochian is an occult or angelic language recorded in the private journals of John Dee and his colleague Edward Kelley in late 16thcentury England. The men claimed that the language was revealed to them by the Enochian angels.

In the past, adepts used magical alphabets to hide their knowledge from the uninitiated.

Today, primary uses for alphabets are magickal workings include inscription in the Book

of Shadows, writing magickal names, helping create a magickal atmosphere to help with intention and shifting one’s consciousness.

Also, carving into objects for spell-work or intentions. The actual act of carving imbibes even more power to the spell, as well as hiding the spell’s intent from other eyes.

When writing a ritual or spell in a magickal alphabet rather than in a conventional alphabet, it forces the witch to concentrate more upon what they are writing, and also increases their mental concentration and thus adds more energy to the spell or ritual.

Jenkins PhD, Greg. The Theban Oracle: Discover the Magic of the Ancient Alphabet That Changes Lives

Theban Alphabet A

I/J

R

B

K

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L

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D

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U/V/W

E

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Q

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Enochian Alphabet

A

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I/J

R

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B

B

K

K

S

S

C

C

L

L

T

T

D

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M

M

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U/V/W

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F

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O

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G

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P

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Malachim Alphabet

A

A

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I/J/Y

P

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B

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C/CH

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E/O

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F/U/V/W

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W

R

INTRO TO SNOW MAGICK When we think of water magick, we generally think of the ocean or bodies of water. We often forget that it may be all around you if you live where it snows.

Snow is one of the most peaceful and cleansing weather related events and including snow in any spells or rituals can be a great way to use it.

Water is often used for healing, cleansing, purification, and to foster new beginnings.

One of the best ways to bring snow to your sacred space is by including it in a rituals or spells.

Snow or ice water can be kept frozen or melted. Which creates a lot of flexibility when wanting to work with water magick during the winter.

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To begin, open your space and include a white candle in a bowl.

Gather fresh snow or ice from outside and place it in the bowl.

Light the candle and some clove incense and walk into each room of your home, welcoming the light and the new season.

As the snow melts, and once the ritual is over, you can use the water from the snow in spells, rituals, creations, and my favorite- to water plants in your house.

As they grow, it is a reminder of the power of the changing seasons.

Another easy way to use the water from the melted snow is in a cleansing ritual bath.

This doesn’t have to mean cold!

Simply letting snow melt naturally and using it to wash your hair and add traditional herbs and flower like jasmine, cinnamon, and basil. Burn candles and make the bath special and use the scents to help concentrate your intentions.

Snow is powerful in its purity, as well as its ability to transcend one simple form and give life. Including it in spells can be a great way of bringing the seasons together.

Avalon, Annwyn. “Snow Magic”. patheos.com/blogs/waterwitch/ 2017/01/snow-magic.html Wigington, Patti. "Snow Magic." thoughtco.com/yulesnow-magic-2562956

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now Spell Water

Water from melted snow represents transformation. Transformation is a necessary part of life, without it we would not have evolved to where we are today. Transformation is not always pleasant. At times can be one of the most painful parts of being human but overall it is deemed necessary for life lessons to take root.

To make a batch of snow spell water, you’ll need: 1 bowl of ice 1 glass bottle 1 large white candle to represent spiritual growth, devotion, and new beginnings 1 quartz crystal to amplify your magick *If you don’t have ice where you are, make ice cubes out of clean spring water and add them to your spell or magickal working just as you would if you found the snow outside.

To begin, create your sacred space how you see fit. This can be by erecting a wall of white light or welcoming the four quarters. Once you are ready, place the bowl of ice on your altar next to your quartz crystal and large candle. Set your intentions and light your candle.

You may choose to create an incantation to strengthen your intentions. As the candle burns, the ice will melt. Once the candle is burnt out, you are left with a bowl of ice water. Place this in your bottle with a quartz crystal to be used during spells or rituals throughout the year where you need a strong water with high energy.

The Power of Symbolism in Magick

By Ambrosia Hawthorn Many witches and Wiccans today use symbolism in rituals and magick.

Symbolism has been prominent since the early days of cave paintings to tell tales.

The written symbol can reveal to us the secrets of history and so much more.

Symbolism is extremely important and is most often used to represent meaning or a specific purpose. One example of this is a very popular symbol, the pentacle.

The pentacle is a fivepointed star, or pentagram, contained within a circle. The five points of the star represent the four classical elements, along with a fifth element,

which is typically either Spirit or Self, depending on your tradition.

The pentacle is probably the best-known symbol of Wicca and witchcraft today, and is often used in anything from writing, Book of Shadows, jewelry, and designs.

Through the use of symbolism, even seemingly simple images and symbols take on rich deeper meanings. Some symbols are used to represent elements, others to represent ideas, beings, or even traditions.

into single images that take us to a point of knowing without using our cognitive skills. We just know the meanings behind the images we are being shown. A single viewing of a symbol can transform consciousness, behaviors, understanding, and well being. We are forever changed by the symbols we gaze upon.

Everywhere you look, I bet you can spot at least one symbol. This may include various shapes, designs, letters, tools, or pictures.

Through the ages, sacred symbols have been able to convey and

Enjoy the magick of symbolism and look to incorporate ancient and new symbolism into your practice!

merge intangible and supernatural bits of truth

-Ambrosia 25

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Origins of Dianic Wicca Although there are many traditions that call themselves Dianic Wicca (or Dianic Witchcraft), only one of them was founded by the world-famous Zsuzsanna (Z for short) Budapest. Budapest was born in Hungary to a practicing witch and medium in 1940, and moved to the United States as a political refugee in 1959.

Initially practiced in the 1970s in the United States and founded in Venice Beach, California, this Wiccan variant is different from most other traditions due to its focus on a single female deity.

Dianic Wicca is very blatant about its feminist roots. The very first coven was named after one of the most famous feminist icons in American history, Susan B. Anthony. Z. Budapest was the acting high priestess from 1971 through 1980,

when she moved to Oakland, California.

Another way that Dianic Wicca differs from other forms of Wicca is what Z. Budapest called “Queendoms,” special high priestess designations reserved for only the most dedicated of practitioners.

A common misconception about Dianic Wicca is that it is solely for just women or specifically for lesbian pagans. This could not be further from the truth. While this tradition does focus on women and a solitary goddess, it also welcomes men as well as encourages them to seek out their own solitary male practices.

However, there has been some controversy surrounding Dianic Wicca’s acceptance of transgender women.

In 2016, the original Dianic Wiccan coven expanded its reach and began offering a virtual college that allows pagans from all over the globe to learn from them.

Z. Budapest’s birthday is January 30th and she currently resides in Santa Cruz, California.

She is still active in the Wiccan community as an author, as well as a composer, playwright, and activist. https://www.dianic.org/

Pursuing a womancentered tradition is essential for helping male pagans become more fully balanced in their paganism and general mindset.

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Hematite & Garnet January is the start of a new year in the Gregorian calendar, and with that comes the

start over fresh in the new year. It is also said to attract love, which can be a common

positivity, light, and energy. The stone can also help to boost self esteem, which is a

possibility for new beginnings.

resolution heading into a fresh year.

primary resolution many people make each year.

It is also used to help break negative habits like smoking, poor diet, etc.

Ways to work with hematite include carrying it to help ground yourself or to repel negative energy.

Ways to include garnet in your spell workings are to use it in a ritual to help focus and guide your energy in a positive way. Pagans can also use garnet in jewelry or by placing a stone under Garnet is one of the stones that represents January. According to folklore, the garnet is said to turn dull when it is in the presence of danger. Due to that ability, it was frequently used to keep demons away.

Part of the reason it relates to the first month of the year is that is cleanses and clears negativity, which makes it a good stone to help 28

your pillow when you sleep.

The other stone that is commonly associated with January is hematite.

Many people choose to purchase rings made out of hematite so that they can wear them without having to think about it.

So, to start your new year out right, consider including either the garnet or hematite in any planned magickal

Hematite is considered a grounding stone, but it is also used to manifest

workings. This will help any resolutions have the greatest likelihood of success!

January Herbs: Cleavers & Chickweed

By Ambrosia Hawthorn For this month, I thought it would be perfect to cover two herbs that can sometimes be thought of as weeds but are so much more.

I chose cleavers and chickweed because they have an enchanting story to tell and a vast array of uses, benefits, and they can be found in many places throughout the world as they have an enchanting story to tell and a vast array of uses and benefits. They can be found in many parts of the world and are commonly thought of as weeds.

Cleavers, Galium aparine, is a plant from the family Rubiaceae.

Cleavers have long straggling stems and small star-shaped white to greenish-white

flowers that have a smell similar to honey.

Cleavers is often found throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Cleaver’s actions are diuretic, alterative, antiinflammatory, tonic, and astringent. As a diuretic, cleavers cleanses toxins out of the body. As an alterative, cleavers improves the body’s ability to eliminate waste and is sometimes thought of as a laxative.

The seeds can be roasted and made into a coffee. As an antiinflammatory, cleavers help the body to control inflammation. It’s also used to treat a variety of skin complaints.

Cleavers as a tonic cleanses and promotes health in the lymphatic system. The astringent attributes make cleavers great for giving the

liver function a boost, improving digestion, and helping with the absorption of nutrients.

Because of the plants tendency to bind together due to tiny little hooks located on the plant’s stem and leaves, cleavers is commonly used in binding spells, attracting love, and all matters of commitment.

To use cleavers, create an infusion of the stems of cleavers and steep for 10-15 minutes to extract the actions. This tea can be used internally or externally with cotton balls.

Want to get creative?

Follow the recipe for a Cleavers Attraction Salve.

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leavers Attraction Salve

You’ll Need: 1 cup of oil (coconut, or olive oil is best) Pyrex glass container or small pot 1 ounce of dried cleavers 1 ounce of beeswax (shaved) Cheesecloth Funnel Jars or containers to

Cleavers is often worn to attract love. One of the best ways to receive the benefits and magick of herbs as well as alleviate dry skin is through the creation of a salve. Wear this salve when you want to attract something or someone. Set your intentions before you wear it.

The first step to making a salve is to create an herbal oil infusion. Creating an herbal oil infusion can be completed through the double boiler method or the solar method.

For this salve recipe, I will talk about the double boiler method, begin by placing the cleavers and oil in a glass, Pyrex container or smaller pot, over top of a large pot with water about Âź full. Bring water to a boil. Once water is boiling, you can then turn the stove down to a simmer and let the herbs and oils infuse via heat for 30-60 minutes.

store salve in Now you will prepare your infusion for the salve by placing three layers of cheesecloth over top of a funnel or atop a bowl. Pour the infused oils over cheesecloth to strain oil and keep herbs separated.

To make the salve, place your shaved beeswax in a pan over low heat, and pour the infused oil over top and melt together. Once the beeswax and oil have combined, pour the mixture into jars. Place your herbal salves the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to determine the solidification of the salve. *Using less beeswax will yield a more creamy salve, and more generous usage will yield a harder salve.

Chickweed, Stellaria

waste in the action,

be added to one’s

media, is a plant from the family Caryophyllaceae, and grows in dense, tangled, vivid green mats.

Chickweed is one of the first wild herbs to blossom after winter.

alterative. It is said that chickweed grows nearby when one has need for it.

kitchen.

Chickweed’s actions are vulnerary, demulcent, antirheumatic, expectorant, and alterative. As a vulnerary and demulcent, it brings about healing in wounds and inflammation internally.

As an antirheumatic, chickweed helps soothe inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or connective tissues.

Chickweed as an expectorant can be used to remedy the respiratory system. As with cleavers, chickweed can also improve the body’s ability to eliminate

Chickweed is said to help maintain and strengthen relationships, encourage fidelity among lovers, and attract love.

I love that chickweed grows in most places around the world. It’s a plant of endurance as well as balance. I like to think chickweed brings with it the sun after winter.

As an annual herb,

To use chickweed, fresh leaves can be added to salads to gain all the nutrients. Just be aware where you collect chickweed. Make sure no pesticides were used or that it is free from chemicals before eating.

Don’t want to eat it?

Add it to teas, balms, salves, creams, or even making a poultice.

To create a poultice, either chew the herb until moist and sticky, or mash in a mortar and pestle with a little

chickweed shines during the warmer months and sleeps during the colder months.

water. This poultice can be used externally on the skin.

Both chickweed and cleavers have many uses internally and externally and should

The content of this magazine is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.

-Ambrosia

January Herbs: Cleavers & Chickweed

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hickweed Love & Balance Cream

You’ll Need: 3/4 c of shea butter 1/4 c of rose hip seed oil 1/4 ounce of dried chickweed Glass jar with tightfitting lid Wax paper for lid 32 drops of essential oils of choice.

Metal tins or small jars Oven safe bowl

This chickweed cream can be used to receive the benefits and magick of chickweed, love and balance. Add essential oils to layer properties. I recommend adding lavender for attraction and rose geranium for protection and courage. Set your intentions before you wear it.

The first step to making a cream is to create an herbal oil infusion. Creating an herbal oil infusion can be completed through the double boiler method or the solar method.

For this cream recipe, I will talk about the solar method, add about 1/4 ounce of chickweed to 1/4 cup of carrier oil. Make sure that all the plant material is well covered with oil. Cover the top of the jar with natural wax paper then screw on the lid.

The wax paper will prevent any harmful chemicals that may be coating the inside of your lid from contaminating the oil. Heat is what helps infuse the oil so place the jar in a warm spot but not directly in the sunlight. Roll the jar back and forth to make sure that the herb is well saturated with oil. Leave the oil steeping for 4-6 weeks. Be sure to check on it every few days and give it a gentle roll.

To make the cream, place the shea butter in an oven-safe bowl and heat on the lowest temperature with the door ajar until the butter softens. Then remove the shea butter from the heat. Add the rose hip seed oil and using a fork or a wire whip, begin blending the shea butter and infused oil together until soft and smooth. Next, add your chosen essential oils. Continue to blend the herbal hand cream until the essential oils are wellblended into the cream. Place the hand cream in a metal tin or jar.

Cleavers

Other names: Clivers, goosegrass, barweed, hedgeheriff, grip grass, catchweed, mutton chops, love-man.

Plant family: RubiaceĂŚ.

Cleavers have creeping straggling stems which branch and

grow along the ground and over other plants. They attach themselves with the small hooked hairs which grow out of the stems and leaves.

Magickal properties: Love, attraction, commitment,

Galium aparine

relationships, protection.

Magickal workings: Add dried cleavers to a charm bag to promote love. Create an attraction salve with the dried leaves to attract the one you desire. Cleavers, when drying tend to mat and stick

together. This is perfect for use in ritual. Create a wreathe for protection or love that you can hang in your home. Get creative and focus on your specific intentions.

Scent profile: Sweet Actions: Diuretic, alterative, anti-inflammatory, tonic, and astringent.

Correspondences: Venus, Water.

Chickweed

Other names: Starweed, star chickweed.

Plant family: Caryophyllaceae.

Chickweeds are annuals, sprouting soon after winter and have long slender stems. It is often grown in dense,

tangled, vivid-green mats. The flowers are tiny, star-

like shapes. It has been said that there is no part of the world where the chickweed is not to be found.

Magickal properties: Love, fidelity, romance, balance,

Stellaria media

lunar magick, and friendships.

Magickal workings: Add to a bath to promote skin cleansing and love, prepare an infused oil and add to a cream or salve for attraction. Chickweed is also associated with the Moon. Add chickweed to your lunar rituals as a lunar oil, or tea.

Scent profile: Mild.

Actions: Vulnerary, demulcent, antirheumatic, antitussive, expectorant, and alterative.

Correspondences: Moon, Water.

What It Means When Wolf Steps Into Your Auric Field Wolves are one of the most majestic and captivating animals in the kingdom-it's no surprise that they are also one of the most powerful spirit totems out there. But how do you recognize and work with wolf energy when it comes into your energy field? Here's everything you need to know.

First, how do you know if wolf is interested in being in relationship with you--or would even like to be your totem?

One telltale sign is encountering wolves in your dreams. These dreams can be clear or vague-but if you know a wolf was in there somewhere, there's a very good chance that wolf would like to be your totem.

Even if wolf has not visited you in a dream,

there are other ways to understand that wolf is calling to you. Perhaps you encountered a vision of a wolf during meditation or yoga. Or maybe you just keep seeing wolf images everywhere you go.

Another sign is if someone-or more than one person-gifts you something with wolf symbolism on it.

Bottom line: if you're getting the sense that wolf wants to communicate and be in relationship with you, it probably does. So what do you do then?

Since our beloved dogs evolved from wolves, we can learn a lot about what the wolf energy symbolizes by studying dogs-especially their wilder behavior.

animals. Wolves travel in groups and show remarkable care and respect for one another and the specific roles each wolf plays in the group.

If you encounter wolf spirit, you may be receiving information about your particular role in the greater scheme.

Wolf understands deeply that the alpha wolf is just as significant as the one at the edge of the packeach wolf has different responsibilities, but at the end of the day, each wolf is vital to the whole.

A wolf can teach us how to appreciate our place in our social and work circles.

The first thing to remember about wolves is that they are pack 37

Wolves, like dogs, are also extremely loyal, and can teach us a lot about devotion and focus. Ever heard the phrase-'like a dog with a bone'? This refers to the "dogged" tenacity that dogs demonstrate-that of course, evolved from wolves. All of us have passions and desires that burn deep in our hearts, but the world can just be so distracting, we can lose track of what we really want. Wolf may be coming into your field to teach you about how to maintain your laser-focus, staying devoted to what is most true to you.

strength from the fact that even wolf, the ultimate pack animal, sometimes has to go on a journey completely on his own. Wolf can remind us that we each have individual strength that is separate from our origin groups, and even when we go out on our own, we're never truly alone. Why not?

Because of our pack of animal guides and totems of course! www.spiritanimal.info/wolf-spiritanimal/ www.pure-spirit.com/more-animalsymbolism/320-wolf-symbolism

Finally, even though wolves are extremely devoted to their packs, there comes a time when a wolf must go out on his own and forge a new path for himself-hence, the story of the lone wolf. If you are feeling that lone wolf energy, find

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What It Means When Wolf Steps Into Your Auric Field

Pulling Down the Veil

By Monica Crosson I don’t know about you, but throughout my own life I have worn many emotional masks to appease the feelings of others.

Do any of these sound familiar?

My own have included the innocent covering of

What’s known as “imposter syndrome” is easy to

the obedient girl who understood children should be seen but not heard; the pious veil of the Christian youth who was told she would suffer eternal damnation for believing in her false Gods; and even the

get caught up in, and social media formats such as Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram make it simple to mask our identities (literally and figuratively), because goddess forbid, anyone know that everything isn’t

silent shroud of the faithful employee who was too intimidated to speak-out against her employer’s definition of ethics.

perfect in our lives.

Believe it or not, social media is another way we veil ourselves.

The most common reasons that we mask our true selves are due to fear, insecurity and

instability, but sometimes we do it to protect the ones we love- think of that false smile you may have worn when at a family event though you were dying inside.

Why do we pretend that our marriages are okay or that our jobs are fulfilling if they’re not? And at what point do we lose ourselves under our shrouds we wear in an order to be someone we’re not?

It’s time to rip off the shrouds and let the world (and ourselves) love us for who we are.

-Monica

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A Spell of Transformation

By Monica Crosson

You will need: A full-length mirror (or large hanging wall mirror) A bathrobe or other easily removed piece of clothing A dark blue or black candle 2 parts dried white sage (dispel negativity) 2 parts Dragon’s Blood (courage, protection)

For this spell we will call upon the Cailleach Bheare to help us pull off the veil and expose our beautiful imperfections- allowing us to live more authentic lives and embrace our full potential.

For this spell we are going to expose ourselves fully (skyclad) to the Cailleach and to ourselves. I know this may sound a little intimidating, but you can do it! So remove your clothes and put on the robe. Set up a small table with your candle and incense ingredients near a full length or large wall mirror.

Use your mortar and pestle to grind the sage, dragon’s blood, lavender

1-part dried Lavender

and thyme. Light your charcoal tab and place in your small cauldron,

(peace)

incense burner or heat proof dish. Place the ground incense material on

1-part dried Thyme (courage) Mortar and pestle Charcoal tab Fire-proof dish

the hot charcoal tab and as the smoke begins rise, move slowly with your cauldron or heat-proof dish in a clockwise direction around your working area fanning the smoke to dispel negativity and invite courage and peace.

As you light your candle, ask the Cailleach Bheare to join you, “Divine Old Woman, Crone of Winter Lend me your wisdom and reveal to me The truths I’ve hidden for all to see Hag Queen, Veiled one Who teaches of spring’s sweetness after winter’s rage Help me shed my veil- please join me Wild Woman and Sage” When you feel connected to the energy of Cailleach, turn to the mirror with your eyes closed. Take a few cleansing breathes and when you feel ready untie the robe and let it fall to the floor. Open your eyes and look at yourself in the mirror with the eyes of the Crone.

Let her wisdom speak to you of your inner warrior Goddess. See the person who is capable of dancing fearlessly on the mountain top and proclaim their own truth. Look at the curves of your own perfect vessel and know there is no one else like you. Accept and be proud of your uniqueness. Know that you have a voice worth listening to.

If you feel compelled to yell out or dance wildly- go for it! Embrace the Wild Woman inside you. When you feel ready, slip your robe back on and thank the Dark Crone for her guidance in your own way.

Interview with Photographer, Haley Brown of Obsidian Visions Welcome Haley! Can you tell us a little about you and your business?

Salve! Me nomen est Haley. That’s about all of the Latin I can remember of the 3 years I took in high school so about me- I grew up in a small town in Southwest Georgia and moved up to Atlanta 5 1/2 years ago with my husband and our 3 cats. I love to read, travel, and go to concerts. I work as a Junior Designer for a small company in downtown Atlanta for my day job. My photography venture, Obsidian Visions, is a rather new name for my creative vision.

However, I have been doing freelance design and photography for about 4 years now.

Wow, that’s great! What service or services do you generally offer?

While I mostly take landscape and portrait photos, I am really open to trying new things and would love to continually expand my creative pursuits, whether that be couple shoots, editorial/ lifestyle shoots, more graphic design work, or whatever else we can dream up.

What inspires you when taking your photos?

I love fantastical themes and getting WEIRD. I want people to step outside of their comfort zone and do something fun and unique with their shoot. Everyone can take a generic selfie. Want to dress up? Show some skin? Get spooky? Play with fire? I am down for all of that and I love coming up with new ideas to play with. While I do love to be on the dark side, I also throughly enjoy playing with harsh lighting via fire, neon, the golden hour, etc.

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Cover photography by Haley of Obsidian Visions @Obsidianvisions

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you and your business?

I would love the readers of Witchology to know that I am 100% open to explore, travel, try new things, discuss options or whatever else so that we can make a shoot or even graphic design work together. I want to work with YOU! Where can our readers connect with you?

The readers can follow me on Instagram @Obsidianvisions, check out my website: haleybrowndesigns.com, or email me at haleybrowndesigns@gmail.com.

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The First New Moon of the Gregorian Calendar The New Moon is the optimal time to set new goals and intentions for the future, and the first new moon of a brandnew year in the Gregorian calendar holds even more power.

With a monthly New Moon, intentions for the new month are set.

With January’s New Moon in Capricorn on the 5th, Pagans can set their intentions for the entire new year. This is akin to the way that some people set new year’s resolutions.

The best way to approach the immense power that this ritual can hold is to start planning a few weeks in advance. Really stop and think about what goals that you would like to reach, and remember the old adage

that you should always be extra careful what you wish for, because getting it may not be what you expect.

Once you have clear goals and intentions, it’s time to plan your ritual.

It’s best to make sure that all four elements are represented - earth, air, fire, and water - and sage is a perfect herb to help set the mood and the space and wipe away all negative energy.

If there are any symbols of your goals and intentions that can be brought into the space, it will help make your thoughts into physical manifestations.

The ritual can be performed either indoors or outdoors,

and with a group or alone.

Once you are in your ritual space and the circle is consecrated, declare your goals and intentions for the new year out loud. If you are with a group or don’t feel comfortable doing that, they can also be written down.

Pagans may choose to end their ritual with a symbolic releasing of their intentions into the world, which can also be physical.

Help your goals and intentions succeed by performing a New Moon ritual to boost the power behind your manifestation. Happy New Year for those who celebrate!

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C

old Moon

January

January comes from the Roman name for the god Janus, who had two faces. This deity ruled over beginnings and endings, the past and the future. It is an excellent time to work on putting aside the old and outdated in one's personal life and making plans for new and better conditions.

The Cold Moon is also called the Wolf Moon, Snow Moon, or Quiet Moon depending on your geographic location.

Correspondences: Colors: Black, white, silver, blue, violet Gemstones: Hematite, garnet, onyx, jet Trees: Birch Deities: Inanna, Freyja, Sarasvati, Hera, Sinn Herbs: Thistle, nuts and seeds, marjoram, holy thistle Element: Air During this Full Moon, work on magick regarding protection, developing your inner self, intuition, and wisdom.

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S

olar Eclipse

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Sun and the Earth causing the Sun to be fully or partially obscured by the Moon, as seen from Earth. This happens only during the New Moon.

A solar eclipse can only occur during the day, on a new moon. This means that you are working with new moon energy. Together in the sky, their energies are combined and supercharged for the energy of that sign.

Correspondences: Colors: Black, white, silver, blue, violet Gemstones: Hematite, garnet, onyx, jet Trees: Birch Deities: Inanna, Freyja, Sarasvati, Hera, Sinn Herbs: Thistle, nuts and seeds, marjoram, holy thistle Element: Air, Fire Solar eclipses are the perfect timing for a metamorphosis, change, or transcendence to a new state of being. It is also a good time to rid yourself of unwanted energies, bad habits, unhealthy patterns of thinking and acting, negativity, and other baneful things in your life.

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Cailleach, Daughter of the Little Sun

By Monica Crosson It is the persistent dark, damp and cold of January that can bring me to my knees. And no matter how many times I tell myself to embrace the darkness as a time of allowances and introspection and a time to embrace the dark element of nature and use its power to dig deep and reevaluate what my life’s journey is all about, more times than not, I end up sitting in the dark with a half-eaten package of Oreos, feeling sorry for myself, and trying to wish the darkness away.

I feel a bit like a spoiled child, who pouts because I can’t have my way, when I let the winter blues get me down- so I turn to the bringer of winter storms and daughter of the little sun- She, who by swallowing all that is warm and comforting to us, leads us into the cold and darkness for much needed re-

evaluation of our lives. Yes, her lessons can feel harsh- but sometimes we all need a little kick in the pants in order to grow.

the Hag Queen, the Veiled One, the Divine Old Woman and the Dark Crone of winter who was said to be terrible to behold:

During this time, known to ancient Scotts as Grianan or ‘little sun,” that begins at Samhain, as the last leaves fall from spidery trees and darkness begins to overtake the day, and ends at Imbolc, the Cailleach Bheare reigns.

“Her face was blueblack of the lustre of coal And her bone-tufted tooth was like rust red.

In her head was one pool-like eye, Swifter than a star in a winter sky.”

She strikes the ground with her slachdan (staff) causing the icy waves of winter to ripple across the terrain. It is the Cailleach who stirs the tempests and shapes the land, but she is more than just a Goddess who rules the weather- she is Goddess of wild spaces who dances freely atop the mountains and fiercely protects creatures of the forests from overzealous hunters. She is

It is said, by some, that as the light half of the year approaches, she hurls her slachdan at the base of a holly tree, where the power of winter resides until Samhain- others say she curls up- transforming herself into a boulder until the end of the warmer days or transforms herself to the Maiden Bride of Spring.

-Monica

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Goddess Cailleach Cailleach, pronounced “kye-luhkh” in Scotland, Ireland, and England is known as the Queen of Winter. She is the hag aspect of the Triple Goddess and rules the dark days between Samhain and Beltane. She appears in the late fall, as the earth is dying and is known as a bringer of storms. She is typically portrayed as a one-eyed woman.

The word Cailleach means “veiled one” or “old woman.” She is often called on for seasonal rites, wisdom, and weather magick. She ages in reverse from old and ugly (symbolizing winter) to young and lovely (spring.) She is also called Cailleach Beara.

To work with the goddess Cailleach, place a yellow cloth on your altar to represent the returning sun, a blue candle to represent winter, and anything else you would like to represent the changing season. You can also place a bowl of ice on your altar, letting the ice melt naturally. The melting ice represents the sun bringing warmth and light back into our lives.

Themes: Balance, cycles, rebirth, overcoming, and winter.

Symbols: Snow and items that are blue.

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C

eltic Tree Lore Birch - Beith The Birch Celtic Moon

December 24 - January 23 Latin: Betula alba

Birch is a fast growing tree that can grow up to thirty meters. The branches, angled upwards, tend to bow at the tips, leading to graceful curves to its shape. According to legend, the first ogham ever written was beith, written seven times to create a warning and magically

protective talisman on a sliver of birch, by the god Ogma to warn the god Lugh that his wife was taken away by the sidhe (the Irish for faeries).

Birch is often associated with light, particularly moon- and starlight, reflected in its silver bark. Birch twigs are also used as witches’ besoms (brooms) which are used for ritually

cleansing a space and are also used for “flying� in the pursuit of shamanic vision, due to the magical light that is believed to be in the wood. The Birch Moon is a time of rebirth and regeneration.

Magickal Properties: Healing, fertility, protection, banishing darkness, hope, and clearing.

Magickal Workings: Birch is great for carving symbols and burning the bark or dried leaves to create an incense.

Symbolism: Healing and Spring.

BLUEBERRY SPRUCE COOKIES AND ANCIENT ALCHEMY

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BLUEBERRY SPRUCE COOKIES AND ANCIENT ALCHEMY

By Miss Wondersmith

These beautiful cookies are a celebration of ancient magic; a marriage of animal, vegetable, and mineral encased in rich shortbread and juicy blueberries.

Spruce: The grandfathers of our forests gaze down on the underbrush below.

The most resinous and intense of conifers around here, spruces can be spotted from a ways off by their

find the one that speaks to me. Then I harvest gently, only taking a small amount. (If I need a lot of spruce needles, I’ll just keep wandering until I find another suitable tree.)

They get their colors completely naturally and taste of cold forests and summery afternoons. They're the grown-up version of shortbread: rich, flavorful, and extra fancy.

ethereal blueish tint.

Even better: keep your eyes peeled for fallen branches below. As always, make absolutely sure of your identification (the only poisonous look-alike in the Pacific Northwest is the yew tree.)

They were used by local First Nations people for everything from medicine to spiritual ritual.

The addition of matcha

Today they are often used by herbalists for respiratory complaints

and spruce needles tempers the sweetness with a bit of bitter - I personally love it, but those with more sensitive palates may want to omit the matcha or cut down on the spruce.

and colds, as well as a general immune system boost. Every tree has a slightly different flavor; my preferred method of foraging is to wander about, nibbling on a needle from each tree until I

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Lapis: Lapis lazuli speaks of some of the most ancient civilizations on earth. Its name means “blue stone” in a mix of Latin and Persian.

It’s been mined since 4,000 BCE in Egypt and has been prized by traders for centuries. It accompanied Egyptian pharaohs into the afterlife and graced their eyelids as some of

Periodic cicadas spend most of their lives as underground nymphs, only to emerge every 13 or 17 years. Because they seemingly raise from the dead, they represented spirituality

but take these cookies up a notch. Exercise your art muscles and spend a couple of hours crafting these beauties.

Even the transparent wings are edible!

the first cosmetics while they were alive.

or immortality to many civilizations all around the globe.

-Miss Wondersmith

Now lapis is said to stimulate wisdom and judgement- like the judgement that you should only eat one of these cookies, but this wisdom that you’re going to eat far more.

They may also seem immortal in another sense- fossils of their recent ancestors are millions of years old.

They have been on this earth far longer than

Cicadas: Cicadas have been featured in literature since the time of Homer’s Iliad, and in motifs in decorative art in China since about 1700 BCE.

anything even remotely resembling humans have.

For many, they are a symbol of survival and defiance against death.

These edible confectionary cicadas are completely optional,

BLUEBERRY SPRUCE COOKIES AND ANCIENT ALCHEMY 57

Transparent Sheet For Cicadas INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

Transparent Sheet: 2 packets of gelatin 1 Tbsp lemon juice 5 Tbsp water 1/2 tsp almond extract 1/2 c fondant, optional.

Transparent Sheet: -Prepare a non-stick cookie sheet for this technique. I find it is easier to get the liquid to spread out evenly if it has something around the edges to stick to - I use a bit of leftover fondant rolled into a thin snake and squished around the edges.

-Put the lemon juice and water into a small saucepan over low heat and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Stir gently until the gelatin is all dissolved and the liquid is clear. Remove from heat, and add the almond extract. Gently skim any bubbles off the top of the mixture, then pour onto the prepared sheet, tipping it carefully to spread the mixture out over the entire surface. You want it to be as thin as possible. It’s okay if there are a few holes where the liquid doesn’t stick to the sheet.

-Put the sheet somewhere with good air circulation to dry overnight.

Once it’s dried, trim the edges with sharp scissors. *The ratio is 1 packet gelatin : 3 Tbs. water, so if you’d like to adapt this recipe to make more or less you can easily do so. The lemon juice and almond extract add a bit of flavor, but are entirely optional. **This can also be bought online to shorten the process.

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Edible Cicadas For Spruce Cookies INGREDIENTS:

Edible Cicadas: white candy melts piping bag or squeeze bottle with a very fine tip toothpick matcha powder cocoa powder marzipan vodka or almond extract gold luster dust edible transparent sheet

DIRECTIONS: Edible Cicadas: *Before you make the edible cicadas, you’ll need to make the transparent sheet or buy.

This has to be made a day ahead of time.

-To begin, melt some of the white candy melts and stir in a bit of matcha to make a light green color. Transfer to a squeeze bottle or piping bag.

-Cut a small piece of your transparent sheet and pipe the wing design.

*I find it helpful to print off an image of a cicada, then place some waxed paper over the top of it, and then place the edible sheet on top of that. You’ll be able to see the lines as guides through the papers.

-Once you’ve piped the wing designs, carefully cut them out with scissors, being careful not to smudge the white chocolate. Keep all of the wings attached, leaving a bit of sheet between them for the backs.

-Knead a bit of matcha powder into your marzipan to the desired color of green. Break off a marble sized piece and roll it into a log. Pinch the top to form the head and taper the bottom to make the bodies. Use a toothpick to create the indentations in the abdomen. You can add little eyes with a small bit of brown marzipan, made by mixing cocoa powder into it.

-Flatten the thorax (upper part below the head) of the body just a bit, and place your wings on top. Take a small amount of green marzipan and form it into a disc, then place over the wings to secure them in place. Use a toothpick to add indentations where appropriate.

-Decorate your cicadas by mixing a small amount of vodka or extract with some cocoa powder to create thin paint. Paint around the eyes and in the indentations on the body. Then do the same with gold luster dust and use that to highlight anywhere on the body and wings that you think needs it. Let dry while you bake your cookies.

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BLUEBERRY SPRUCE COOKIES INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

Spruce Matcha Shortbread: 2 Tbsp spruce needles 4 tsp matcha powder zest of 2 lemon 1 c cornstarch 1 c icing sugar 2 c sifted flour 1 1/2 c butter

Spruce Matcha Shortbread: -Finely grind your spruce needles in a spice grinder. Add a bit of the icing sugar to the mixture and grind until you get a fine paste.

-Sift the matcha, cornstarch, icing sugar, and flour into a bowl. Add the spruce needle mix, lemon zest, and the butter and mix with your fingers or a wooden spoon until it is thoroughly mixed.

-Roll the dough out 1/4” thick and cut into shapes. Place on an uncreased cookie sheet and bake at 300F for 15-20 minutes. Let cool on the pan, then remove with a spatula.

Lapis Blueberry Icing: 1 Tbsp spruce needles 1/3 c blue cornflower petals 2 Tbsp granulated sugar 1/2 c blueberries (fresh or frozen and thawed) 1/2 tsp baking powder 3 c icing sugar edible gold leaf, optional

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Lapis Blueberry Icing: -Place the cornflower petals and the spruce needles into a spice grinder and grind them as fine as you can. Add in the granulated sugar and continue grinding, scraping down the sides occasionally. Note: The texture of the sugar helps everything break down more. Keep grinding until you have a fine powdery paste.

-Add the paste and the blueberries to your blender, along with the baking powder. Blend until smooth. The coloring in blueberries is pH sensitive, so adding a bit of baking powder keeps it blue. It’s not enough to taste in the finished frosting. If you’d prefer a more purple tone, you can add some lemon juice instead.

-Pour this mixture into a bowl and whisk in powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. You’ll need about 2 1/2 cups.

-Ice your cookies and sprinkle with a bit of edible gold leaf if you’d like. It’s easiest to do this by prodding at the sheets with a food-safe paintbrush (dry), then very very gently tapping the surface of the brush on the frosting while it is still wet.

Winter Three Bean Chili

By Deborah Mesdag This hearty three bean chili is perfect on a cold winter day! It is low in fat and has no cholesterol so it’s really healthy too! This recipe makes a big batch of 14 bowls. You can cut it in half if you want to, but the chili freezes beautifully and it is so handy to have for quick meals when you don’t have time to cook. I divide the chili into portions and freeze them individually in Mason jars.

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Winter Three Bean Chili

By Deborah Mesdag

INGREDIENTS FOR 14: 2 15.5 oz cans pinto beans 2 15.5 oz cans black beans 2 15.5 oz cans kidney beans 2 28 oz cans petite diced tomatoes 2 chunky salsa 3 Tbsp molasses 3 Tbsp brown sugar 1 1/2 Tbsp cocoa powder 1 1/2 c water 4 tsp onion powder 1 to 2 Tbsp chili powder 1 Tbsp granulated garlic 1 Tbsp cornstarch 2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp cumin 1/4 tsp back pepper 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper 2 Tbsp oil 3 c chopped onion 3 c grated carrot 1/2 c chopped celery 1 c chopped green bell pepper 2 12 oz packages Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo (or another minced faux meat product or two extra cans of chili beans)

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DIRECTIONS: -Add the tomatoes and beans (including all the liquid) to a large soup pot. Mix in the salsa and cover the pot, and heat it over medium heat. Stir every 10 minutes.

-Whisk the molasses, brown sugar, and cocoa together with the water. Set aside.

-Mix all of the spices and the cornstarch together in a small bowl. Set aside.

-While the bean mixture is heating up, heat oil in a large pan, then add the onion, carrot, celery, and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring often.

-Add the spice mixture to the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for 3 more minutes while stirring continuously.

-Add the liquid mixture to the vegetables and loosen any bits that are stuck to the bottom of your pan. Mix together and cook for 2 more minutes.

-Add the cooked vegetable and liquid mixture to the big pot with the tomatoes and beans. Stir well. Cover the pot again, and bring the chili to a boil, stirring every 5-10 minutes. Once it is boiling, give the chili a good stir, reduce the heat and put the lid back on a bit offset so some of the steam can escape. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes to make sure no beans burn on the bottom.

-While the chili is coming to a boil, prepare the Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo. You can substitute a plain minced faux meat product and cook it with a little oil and additional chili powder. Add the Soy Chorizo to the pan in which you cooked the vegetables. Cook for several minutes, then set the mixture aside to cool. Do not add it to the chili yet, or it will get too mushy.

-After the chili has been simmering for 45 minutes, add the cooled Soy Chorizo (or two cans of chili beans as substitute) and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes.

Your chili is done and ready to serve! Top as desired and enjoy! I like to add Tofutti vegan sour cream, So Delicious or Daiya cheddar-style shreds, and chopped green onions!

Chili Correspondences Chili Powder Element: Fire Gender: Masculine Planet: Mars Energies: Creativity, Fidelity, Growth, Hex Breaking, Love, Protection, Vitality

Beans Element: Air Gender: Masculine Planet: Mercury Deities: Cardea, Demeter Energies: Communication, Creativity, Decision Making, Divination, Money, Wealth, Wisdom, Sex

Tomatoes Element: Water Gender: Feminine Planet: Venus Deities: Aphrodite, Hera Energies: Love, Prosperity, Protection

Onions Element: Fire Gender: Masculine Planet: Mars Deities: Aine, Bastet Energies: Endurance, Healing, Money, Prosperity, Protection, Stability

Winter Butternut Soup

INGREDIENTS: 3 Tbsp salted butter 1 yellow onion, peeled and diced 1 butternut squash peeled, seeded and cubed 4 medium carrots. peeled and diced 3 stalks celery ribs 1 apple peeled, cored, and cubed 4 c vegetable broth 1 tsp salt to taste 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp black pepper 1 c heavy cream

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DIRECTIONS: -Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add in onion and saute for 5 minutes, until onions are soft and translucent.

-Add in butternut squash, carrots, celery, apple, and vegetable stock. Season with salt, nutmeg, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.

-Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until all vegetables are tender.

-Puree using an immersion blender, or transfer in batches to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Stir in heavy cream and serve hot.

Butternut Squash Soup is a creamy bowl of comfort and magickal goodness! It's easy to make, full of vegetables, and ready in under 30 minutes.

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