DIY High Vibes Cleansing Spray

Let’s talk a minute about energy. It’s the primary ingredient used by witches when conducting rituals or spellwork. The energy you put into workings is the act of setting intentions, so when you hear the term ‘set your intentions’ that really just means to align the energy you’d like to be infused into your spell or ritual.

Energy is highly influential. Have you ever walked into a room where an argument has taken place? The air always seems thick and tense with emotion. If you’re empathic, then you especially know how this feels. If you’re not careful, you can absorb those negative energies which in turn will lower your vibrations and make you feel drained or even irritable.

Let’s talk about the number one place where energy can affect you on a personal level -- your home! Energy is constantly flowing in and out of your home, and not all of it is positive or uplifting. When we leave our home to go somewhere, we are picking up energy from other people, places, and things. So if we have an encounter with a cranky store clerk at the grocery store, their energy can rub off on your groceries which in turn leaks into your house when you bring the groceries home.

This is why regular cleansing is vital for your home, and especially your kitchen! The food that we consume nourishes us with both its nutrients as well as its energetic essence. But who has time for all of that cleansing after an exhausting grocery trip? We sure don’t! But what we do have time for is super simple mundane magick.

Our resident kitchen witch is sharing her very own recipe for a magickal spray that can be used on any surface. The magickal properties of the ingredients used in this spray raise vibrations and enhance feelings of love and abundance.

Items Needed

• Glass spray bottle (do not use plastic - the oils in this spray can break down plastic over time)

• Orange Essential Oil

• Peppermint Essential Oil

• Rosemary Essential Oil

• Moonwater (tap water will work as well)

• Tigers Eye chips

• Rose quartz chips

Instructions

• Add your moonwater to the spray bottle leaving a little space at the top

• For every 12 ounces of water add 5 drops of each oil to the spray bottle

• Drop in your crystal chips

• Shake to combine and activate

• Spray on a clean surface such as a kitchen counter or dinner table and wipe off with a towel in a clockwise motion to attract positive energy

• Repeat as often as you deem necessary!

Creating Your Astral Home In The Faery Realm

*Written by our resident fae witch, Jen*

I’ve always had what some would call an “overactive imagination”. When I was a child, I used to see faeries in the garden every day, have conversations with the owls that lived in the barn, and create my own potions out of creek water and honeysuckles. I was always barefoot and searching for something out of this world. On windy days I would sit under a pine tree, close my eyes, and envision myself in the faery’s land. Using my imagination, I found a home in my own mind that was fantastical and full of faery spirits who would take me on adventures through their moss-covered world. It wasn’t until I was much older that I realized my imagination as a kid was actually my unbridled intuition at work. Whether I knew it or not, I was creating an astral meet-up spot with the Fae. My imagination unlocked the door to their world. At some point on our way to adulthood, we were taught that using our imagination is “childish”. But if there’s one thing that my imaginative childhood taught me, it’s that we have the power to create our own worlds if we’re just willing to believe. Are you ready to create your own sacred space in the Faery Realm? Here’s a few tips to get you started:

What Is A Faery Realm Home?

To start, you’ll need a good understanding of what an astral home can be and what they’re used for. Magickal residences or “mind palaces” can be created within the etheric plane through meditation. It’s extremely similar to the process used to create astral temples, which is practiced widely by many traditional witches around the world. Despite it commonly being referred to as an astral home, you do not need to know how to astral project in order to create or use a home in the Faery Realm. Any witch can learn to create sacred space within the etheric realm, which is the land of the Fae. Homes within this realm are created through clear visualization and powerful intent, but they are every bit as real as our “real life” homes! Your new residence can be used to commune with the Fae, invoke deities and spirits, perform ritual spellwork, explore shadow work, and summon a personal faery to help with your magickal workings...among so many other things. The truth is, there is no end to what you can use your home for or what it should look like. It’s not just for work, either! Retreating to your home in the Faery Realm is a great way to relax and ground yourself; it’s a place of renewing energy and healing powers. I often go to my astral “den” with my fox spirit when I need to unwind and get away from the day’s stress. By powering up your imagination and letting your mind do it’s magickal creative thing, you can build an astral home in the Faery Realm which will give you a space to safely explore their world and meet up with the Fae in a neutral space. This home can be completely controlled and shaped by you; for example, mine is more of a ruin in the forest than a home, but as long as it feels like home to you and your Fae that’s all that matters. It doesn’t have to be a traditional home or cottage, just let your imagination run wild.

How To Claim Your Space

Meditation, deep breathing, and visualization. That’s it, that’s all you need to get started! To build your home in the etheric realm, get comfortable and light some candles and incense before getting into a meditative state. If you’re allergic to smoke cleansing methods, dab a small amount of your favorite essential oil onto your wrists and third eye before starting. Basically, build that ambiance babe. While meditating, infuse your energy into each piece of the “puzzle”, letting your creative self take hold. Spend time on the small details of your astral home, such as placing a kettle in the corner for tea with the Fae or planting a magickal herb garden in this new realm. This will make your bond with this realm stronger and the home more “real” to you. It took me a long time to learn how to meditate in a way that worked for me, so just try out different techniques until one clicks. Don’t worry if you don’t meditate the same way as someone else -- do your own thing! The more you practice going to this Faery home through meditation, the stronger your connection will be with it and the easier it will be to travel there. Pretty soon you’ll be able to pop in and out of your residence like a pro. Don’t forget to visualize what the surroundings of your home look like. Is there a stream? Perhaps a forest with a small natural altar just outside your door? Are there caverns nearby to explore? Can you see the mountains from your home? Clearly envision the landscape and create your mental map. This kind of “programming” will help you further explore the Faery Realm as you get more comfortable within the etheric world. When you start to feel more at ease here, you can venture away from your astral homestead and explore more of their world. You can even ask some of the helpful Fae to show you some of their favorite spots.

One last thing: When creating your home, be sure to visualize it just outside of the Faery’s cities and towns. You don’t want to build it too close to their territory, partly out of respect and also so that you can maintain clear boundaries. I found it easiest to imagine an old, beaten path that connects your space to the Fae’s gathering spots, so that you can always see who is coming and going from your home. This is essentially building a protection spell into your astral workings, to ensure that you are in control of your own space. Alternatively, you can visualize a large shield of energy surrounding your home, which will keep you safe during your time here.

Offering Residence To Your “Personal” Fae

One of the best things about building a home in the etheric realm of the Fae is that you can ask certain faeries to take up residence in your space! They will not only protect you from ill-intentioned spirits, they can lend their energy to your spellwork if you’re willing to spend time building a relationship with them. A lot of Fae will happily respond to invitations within the etheric realm, while others will need to be approached more slowly before they are willing to go into your astral home. It all depends on the type of Fae you want to invite over! Keep in mind that faeries cannot be controlled and are sentient, feeling beings who are very sensitive to slights. They don’t appreciate feeling used or being looked at as simply another nature spirit. They are each individual and unique, so take the time getting to know each Fae that pops up while in this realm and never demand that a Fae work with you. Treat them with the same respect and hospitality that you would treat your loved ones, and they will reward you with their blessings in return. I try to pop into my astral home each day to leave offerings for the different Fae who are working within my sphere right now as a show of thanks.

I’ve found that one of the most effective ways to attract the Fae in this realm is to simply observe. They’re curious folk who will absolutely show up to check out the astral architecture you’ve built, so you’ll see different ones come and go. If you’re looking for a specific Fae to work with, simply leave out their favorite offerings each day until they show. If they don’t show up, they’re not ready to work with you and that should be respected. However, if you’re consistent and they consent to being talked to, you can ask the Fae that you feel particularly connected with to stick around and make themselves at home. Take the time to create a meaningful relationship with this Fae and they will aid your magick not just in the Faery Realm, but in our realm of existence, too!

What type of etheric home will you create? What type of Fae will you invite? I’d love to hear about your magickal adventures in the Faery Realm 🧚 Imagination is our greatest superpower. Use it to create your etheric home and watch your magick grow.

A Kitchen Witch’s Lammas Ritual

Taking place on August 1st in the Northern Hemisphere, Lammas, or Lughnasadh, has long been celebrated as the ‘First Harvest’ of the year and is generally the time that the first crops that were sown in the Spring are ready to be reaped. Traditionally, this is a time to be grateful for all that the Universe has provided and to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

In many cultures, festivals were held to celebrate grain gods and goddesses during Lammas. Offerings of wheat, corn, and barley were very common among communities, and rituals were held to show thanks for an abundant crop and to ask for an even heftier yield for the second harvest that happens during Mabon. Lammas is also the time when harvested crops were stowed away to prepare for the cold winter months that often came with a scarcity of food.

One extremely common and sacred ritual for Lammas that has been around for centuries is the act of baking bread. There are so many spiritual aspects that go into preparing and baking bread. The energy and intent that goes into the stirring and kneading makes bread one of the most magickal foods you can make! Add in some freshly harvested herbs and veggies for flavor and you have yourself a loaf that makes for the perfect Lammas offering.

In true kitchen witch fashion, baking bread is one of my favorite ways to practice kitchen magick, especially on Lammas. I want to share with you my very own Focaccia bread recipe and the ritual workings that I partake in while preparing this yummy dish. In this recipe, I like to use fresh herbs and vegetables harvested from my own garden but if you don’t have a garden of your own then buying local is perfectly fine. Try to buy organic if you can!

First Harvest Focaccia Bread for Gratitude

Fresh Ingredients:

• ½ Cup Olive Oil

• 3 cloves minced garlic

• Fresh thyme

• Fresh rosemary

• 1 Cup warm water

• 1 packet of Active Dry Yeast

• ¼ teaspoon honey

• 2 ½ Cup Flour

• ½ Teaspoon salt

• Fresh veggies of choosing

Magickal Ingredients:

• Yellow or orange candle

• Dried rosemary and basil

• Paper

• Pen

• Fire-safe bowl

Start by energetically cleansing your kitchen. You can do this by smoke cleansing, using sounds, or another method of your choosing. Make sure to clear and dedicate a space to set up an altar for your offering.

Once you’ve cleansed and set up an area for your altar space, get a small bowl and combine the olive oil, fresh herbs and minced garlic and set aside

In a separate bowl, combine the cup of warm water, honey, and yeast. Stir until just combined then let sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.

Next, stir in 1 cup of flour and half of the oil mixture you made at the beginning and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.

Add in the remaining flour and salt, then mix together until a dough ball is formed. Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth. As you’re kneading, begin listing the things in your life that you are bringing to harvest. You can choose to say them aloud and ‘speak’ them into the dough, or lift them up in thoughts to the Universe. Whatever works for you is magick.

Get a large bowl and drizzle a bit of olive oil into it and evenly spread the oil all over the inside of the bowl. With your finger, draw a pentacle into the oil at the bottom of the bowl. Place the dough ball in the bowl and cover with a warm towel to let sit for 1 hour. Envision the protective energies from the pentacle encasing the dough ball, sealing in your gratitude that was kneaded in earlier.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. While you wait, gather your dried rosemary and basil and mix together on a small plate. Next, take your candle and apply a bit of olive oil all around the outside. Then roll your candle in the dried herbs until a generous amount is stuck to the candle.

Take your dressed candle and set it in the center of your altar along with the fire safe bowl placed in front of it. On your piece of paper, write a short paragraph about gratitude and what it means to you. Make the last sentence about what you would like returned to you for your show of gratitude and appreciation.

Feel free to adorn the rest of your altar space with items that correspond to Lammas such as crystals, dried grains, statues or pictures of deities, or anything else that resonates with you this time of year.

Next, cover a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil with olive oil. Toss the dough ball on the pan and spread out the dough using your fingers until the dough is evenly spread to roughly ½ an inch thick. Then take your fingers and push down on the surface of the dough to create dimples all throughout the dough. As you’re doing this, envision it as an act of ‘planting’ your desires that you want to sow for the next harvest.

Slice your veggies thin and decorate your dough with them along with any remaining herbs. I personally like to do this in the shape of a rune or sigil that corresponds with my intent. A word works just as well!

Brush remaining oil mixture on top and let rest for 20 minutes then bake for 15 minutes and let cool.

Take your bread and cut off a slice (sizing is up to you - follow your intuition!) and take it over to your altar space. Place the bread in front of the fire safe bowl, then take your paper and fold it into a square. Light the paper on fire, dropping it into the bowl to burn. As you’re doing this, state your intentions and desires out loud - or in your head if you prefer - letting it be known that the slice of bread is to serve as an offering of gratitude for all that has been provided to you for this first harvest.

For the remaining bread, you can choose to eat it throughout the week to preserve its magickal properties within you, or you may leave it outside for woodland creatures and other wildlife to enjoy.

We'd love to hear how your Lammas Loaf turns out! Let us know in the comments below 🍞

What Is Lughnasadh?

It’s time to celebrate...the first harvest is finally upon us 🌾

On August 1st, we’ll be celebrating the ancient sabbat of Lughnasadh, a time to reap the rewards of our hard work and appreciate the abundance around us. But do you know the backstory behind this magickal day or where its name came from? We’ve got all the details you need to know about the first harvest festival of the year!

Celebrating Lughnasadh

Lughnasadh is mentioned in many of the earliest Irish texts, marking the beginning of Fall and the harvest season. As such, it is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals, corresponding with other harvest festivals such as Lammas and Gŵyl Awst. In the Northern Hemisphere, this sabbat is traditionally celebrated on the first of August; in fact, the month of August is known as Lúnasa in Modern Irish! In previous centuries, Lughnasadh celebrations revolved around festive gatherings on hilltops and mountains, ritual athletic contests, feasting, visitations to holy wells, marriage rituals, and trading amongst different clans. Many of the pagan rites that were conducted during this sabbat involved an offering of the “first fruits”, which was a grand feast made of the new foods being harvested. The giving of the first fruits is still observed during our modern celebrations, as we gather with our friends and family to celebrate the abundance of the harvest season by eating a fresh meal together.

The custom of trading is also still alive and well in modern times, with many large fairs taking place around Ireland at the beginning of August. One of the most famous of these festivals is Puck Fair, which has been held in county Kerry since the 16th century. This three-day celebration involves dancing, crafts, parades, a cattle fair, and an animal market.

While we celebrate in the light of the Sun and give our thanks, we must also remember that it will soon be making its descent into the dark half of the year, and as such we should be thankful for the bounty that we have now. Lughnasadh is a time of tremendous joy and celebrations, a time to reap the benefits of all of your hard work, and yet it is also a time to start planning for the cold winter ahead and begin storing away some of our “fruits” for leaner times.

Now that you know what the general meaning behind Lughnasadh is....do you want to know about the god who made it all happen? What are we saying? Of course you do!

How Lugh Created An Entire Sabbat

Lughnasadh gets its name from the Celtic god Lugh, who is the patron of craftsmen, warriors, and scholars. Honestly, he’s the whole package when it comes to Celtic gods and a true jack-of-all-trades. There’s not a craft or skill that he can’t master! Like his Greek counterpart Mercury, Lugh was traditionally worshipped on high elevations such as hills and mountaintops, which is why so many Lughnasadh celebrations take place in these sacred areas. He is a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, an ancient race from Ireland who eventually became what we know as the Fae. In Irish mythology, he is portrayed as a very handsome warrior, king, and master craftsman who knows how to use his wit along with his might to get what he wants. He carries with him a fiery spear, a symbol of his powerful might.

Lugh was the son of Cian, who belonged to the Tuatha De Danann, and Ethniu, whose father was the king of the Fomorians. These two races were at constant odds, however, and Lugh’s life was in danger the moment he was born. As the legends go, Ethniu was locked in a tower to prevent her from marrying, as her father had been told by a druid that her son would try to kill him. Despite this, Ethniu birthed triplets after a faery found her in the tower and seduced her, resulting in the birth of Lugh. Ethniu’s father attempted to kill the triplets as soon as they were out of the womb, but did not succeed in taking out Lugh. As such, he was raised in near-secret by Tailtiu, queen of the Fir Bolg – yet another ancient Irish race. It’s safe to say that Lugh was meant to do great things!

After he matured, Lugh traveled to Tara to join the Tuatha De Dannan and take down the Fomorians. In order to gain entry, he was asked to present a special skill to show that he was worthy of joining the Fae race, such as smithing, swordsmanship, poetry, crafting, or sorcery. He surprised them all when he asked if they had any member within their ranks who could master all of those skills at the same time, as he was confident in his abilities as a jack-of-all-trades. With this show of uncanny mastery, the Tuatha had no choice but to let him in. They wouldn’t be disappointed, however, as he quickly impressed them and led them in their efforts to overthrow their oppressors. With Lugh at the head of their army, the Tuatha De Dannan won the battle against the Fomorians. He chose to spare the Fomorian leader’s life, however, after he promised to teach the Tuatha how to plant and reap crops. Lugh then created the Tailteann games and the first Lughnasadh fairs to celebrate the first successful harvesting of the tribe’s crops. It was also to mark his triumph over the malicious spirits of the Otherworld, who showed up to steal the bounty from the Tuatha and keep the harvest for themselves.

In many stories from Irish mythology, Lughnasadh is also said to have been created by the god Lugh as a funeral feast and athletic competition in honor of his foster-mother, Tailtiu. After she cleared the Irish lands for agriculture and gave them the gift of fertile lands, she died from exhaustion and became a representation of the crops which feed mankind. This happened not too long after the defeat of the Fomorians, when the Tuatha were taught the ways of agriculture, so it only seemed fitting to honor Lugh’s foster mother during this time. During Lughnasadh, athletic funeral games were held in her honor and were very similar to the Ancient Olympic Games. The best warriors and athletes in Ireland would gather for the festivities, which included running, hurling, spear throwing in honor of Lugh, archery, wrestling, and chariot races. Celebrations also included horse racing, storytelling, and matchmaking. Marriages would often take place during Lughnasadh, which has carried over into modern times as August is still a popular month to tie the knot.

After Lugh’s death, his feast became a widespread tradition and has lived on for centuries as a way to commemorate his life. Although this is a time to celebrate the first harvest of the year and the abundance we are given by the Earth, we feel it’s also important to remember that Lughnasadh is a celebration of Lugh's triumph over the oppressors of the Fae.

Witchy Ways To Honor Lugh During Lughnasadh

Lugh can be honored during this time of year with corn, grains, and other symbols of the harvest. The making of bread from the freshly harvested grains was a popular activity during Lughnasadh, and we fully believe it’s a tradition that should continue. Try baking a delicious loaf of bread as an act of ritual (such as this one!) and imbue the bread with thankful vibrations while you bake. Offer the first slice of bread to Lugh, and as you eat the rest of the loaf, reflect on the feeling of gratitude for all that you have and everything you’ve accomplished this year, as well as the blessings that the Earth has given.

Colors of yellow, gold, orange, brown, and green are used to decorate sabbat altars during Lughnasadh, so lighting a candle in one of these colors then placing it onto your altar is a great way to honor Lugh. As you light the candle, take a moment to connect with Lugh’s energy and ask for his blessings. You can also offer gifts to the Fae on your altar, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, late summer flowers, corn cobs, and baked goods. Try adding motifs of spears or Celtic symbols to your altar as well to further connect with his spirit and the energy of the Fae. Since Lugh was known as a god of “many skills”, he can be celebrated in all sorts of ways, and just about any type of ritual activity will please him. Spend time crafting, exercising, or tending to the plants in your garden!

Even if you don’t center your celebrations around Lugh, it’s important to thank him for his contributions to this beautiful sabbat and for lending his name to the festivals we love so much today. No matter how you plan to spend the day, we hope you all have a bright and bountiful Lughnasadh! ☀️

A Summer Solstice Luncheon

The Summer Solstice is just around the corner, so our resident kitchen witch is sharing a magickal luncheon that’s packed full of summer freshness and flavor. The best part about this luncheon? It requires minimal cooking! With the exception of a little sauteing and baking, each recipe being shared today is made with fresh ingredients that can be eaten raw, making this Summer Solstice Luncheon an easy way to celebrate even if you aren’t the best cook.

Before we jump in, let’s talk a little about the Summer Solstice and what it represents. It's the official start of the summer season and the longest day of the year. Many cultures spend the day honoring the Sun since it is at the height of its power and influence.

It's around this time that crops and herbs are in full bloom, marking the Summer Solstice as the prime time to celebrate abundance and fulfillment. Traditionally, people would use seasonal produce and local honey to prepare feasts for the community, and as an offering to the God and Goddess! Bonfires have also been a traditional part of Summer Solstice celebrations, in honor of the fiery energy of the sun.

Now that you’ve had your crash course on the Summer Solstice, let’s get to kitchen witchin’ to celebrate this magickal day!

Honey Lime Fruit Salad

**Please note that you can use any fruit of choice for this dish. The list of fruits below is just my preferred choices for both taste and magickal properties**

Ingredients:

• Banana

• Granny Smith Apple

• Red Apple

• Strawberries

• Grapes

• Oranges

• Lime

• Honey

Chop your banana, apples, and strawberries and place in a bowl.

Peel and slice the oranges and add to the bowl along with the grapes.

Squeeze the lime over the fruit and drizzle honey on top. Mix well.

Chill for 30 minutes and serve with yogurt or whipped cream.

Summer Garden Spread

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup green onion, thinly sliced

• 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil

• 8 oz. spinach, de-stemmed

• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced

• 1/4 cup chives, sliced

• 1 Tablespoon freshly chopped dill

• Fresh lime juice from 1 lime

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• ½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)

In a non-stick skillet, saute the green onion and garlic in the olive oil for 2 minutes to soften.

Add the spinach and continue to saute until the spinach just wilts. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool completely.

Transfer the spinach mixture to a food processor or blender. Add the remaining ingredients, except the sour cream, and process/blend until smooth.

Add the sour cream and process well to combine.

Taste and add additional salt or lime juice if needed.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and chill for 30 minutes.

Lemongrass Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Butter or margarine

• 2 cups Sugar, divided

• 2 large Eggs

• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 cups Flour

• 2 teaspoons Baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

• 1/3 cup Lemongrass, finely chopped

Cream the butter and 1-3/4 cups sugar.

Add the eggs and vanilla. Beat well.

Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and herbs. Add to the creamed mixture and mix.

Drop dough by teaspoonfuls, 3 inches apart, on a greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with a spatula. Sprinkle lightly with the remaining sugar.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until barely browned.

Cool slightly, then remove to a rack until ready to serve.

Sunshine Wraps

Ingredients:

• 10” Flour Tortillas

• Fresh romaine lettuce, arugula, or spinach

• Yellow Bell Peppers cut into strips

• Red onion, chopped

• Cucumber, chopped

• Tomato, chopped

• Carrot, shredded

• Banana Peppers, sliced

• Summer Garden Spread

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Start by laying a tortilla flat on a surface and spreading roughly 1 Tablespoon of the Summer Garden Spread in the middle of the tortilla.

Next, assemble the veggies in layers. Make sure to only use enough of each for a single wrap. You don’t want it overstuffed when it’s time to wrap it!

Top with cheese and then fold over the tortilla as if it were a quesadilla. Using your fingertips, gently tuck the top of the tortilla around the fillings, slowly rolling it up.When you have roughly 2 inches of the tortilla unwrapped, take the ends and fold towards the center. Finish rolling and secure the seam with a toothpick.

Repeat this process until you run out of ingredients.

Arrange your wraps on a platter (you may opt to cut the wraps in half when doing this) and cover until ready to serve!

When you’re ready to celebrate, gather your prepared dishes and present them to those celebrating with you. You can choose to light yellow or orange candles to welcome fire energy to your luncheon. As you’re preparing a plate, focus your energy and intentions on all that is abundant in your life and what you wish to grow over the coming weeks. Make sure to prepare a separate plate to serve as an offering of thanks to the Universe for all that it provides!

Celebrating Summer Solstice With The Fae

The Wheel of the Year has finally rolled back around to one of our favorite sabbats...the Summer Solstice! ☀️ Also known as Midsummer or Litha, it’s one of the most powerful days of the year to perform spells and rituals, especially those concerning health, love, passion, protection, and purification. During this time, we honor the life-giving energy of the Sun and gather with our friends and family to celebrate on the longest day of the year. The Summer Solstice is an abundant time where we should show gratitude for all the blessings that we’ve received throughout the first half of the year, taking in and appreciating the growth of the seeds that we planted during the Spring. Now is also a great time to use the peak energy of the Sun to burn away old, negative patterns that have held us back — just as the forest sometimes needs controlled burning to prevent more disastrous wildfires, our soul sometimes needs a ritual burning to cleanse the debris of energy blockages before we “implode” from the stress. What better time to purge what doesn’t serve you than Summer Solstice? All of that isn’t what makes this sabbat so special for us, though. The Summer Solstice is not only the longest day of the year, it's a bright day of worship and celebration for the Fae when the veil between our worlds is thin and they can easily cross over to say hello! During the Summer Solstice, it’s easier to see the Fae and receive their messages, making it the prime time to strengthen your relationship with them and build a solid rapport. They thrive in the greenery of summer, and many are even happy to join in on your sabbat celebrations by dancing and singing their ancient songs. All you have to do is invite them!

So...how do you do that? Here are a few ways you can invite Faery energy into your Summer Solstice workings:

• Light a bonfire or large gold or yellow candles to celebrate not only the Sun, but the royal court of the Fae who take their yearly stroll during the Summer Solstice. Read some Celtic mythology by the fire and listen out for the hooves of the Faery's steeds. While there are myths that warned of the Faery’s wild ride through the woods, I’ve found that there’s nothing to fear. They don’t want to steal you away...they just want to celebrate the powerful Solstice with a banging parade. Light your fires to help illuminate their path!

• Decorate your altar with faery crystals, seashells, potted plants, fresh summertime berries, and colorful candles to honor the Fae and give them a special indoor space to celebrate. Make sure to leave some milk on your altar, as well -- it’s a favorite of the benevolent faery spirits and you’ll quickly gain their favor this way.

• Fill your outdoor space with handmade flower wreaths, bells, shiny ribbons, and suncatchers. Spend time in this space during the day to soak in the Sun’s energy while showing gratitude for the abundance that the Fae have gifted you. You can even use this space as a sort of “portal” to the Faery Realm, where you can go to meditate and journey to your home on the other side, or as a space to leave offerings for the Fae in a more natural setting.

• It’s common in many cultures to bless the animals during the Summer Solstice! Ancient herders would designate one animal from their herd to serve as the “token animal”, which would be walked through the Midsummer fire (safely!) to ensure the protection and prosperity of the herd. Similarly, you can ask the Celtic god Cernunnos for protection and blessings for your own pets, livestock, and the natural wildlife without having them jump through a ring of fire.

• Host a Faery Feast to share the wealth of the season with the Fae. Not to brag, but our resident Kitchen Witch has an amazing Summer Solstice Luncheon that is always a big hit with the Fae! They’re also big fans of sweets and grains, so you could also make a loaf of lavender-rose bread if you’re feeling extra generous. If possible, take your luncheon or feast outside and enjoy it in the warm sunshine. Be sure to share the first plate of food with the Fae and thank them for joining you to nourish yourselves in the Sun.

• Faeries love herbs, so if you planted any in your garden during Ostara or Beltane, collect some and offer them to your Fae. Our resident Fae Witch likes to collect flowers and herbs from her plants during this time and save them in little jars so that they can be used in spells throughout the dark half of the year. You can also use these fresh herbs in your Solstice meal to further soak in the Fae energy. Just be sure not to clip too many of the plants and always ask before making a cut -- the Fae definitely don’t like to see the garden bare. They’d much prefer if you left some to continue to grow until harvest season.

• Dance, dance, dance...and then dance some more! This is a pretty simple tip, but it’s more important than you think. Sometimes inviting the Fae into your magickal workings really is as easy as shaking what your momma gave ya. They are especially playful during the Summer Solstice, so use this time to blast some of your favorite tunes and dance around the bonfire...or your bed, whatever works!

• Last, but definitely not least, try writing a letter to the Fae telling them what you are thankful for and what you want to manifest during the rest of the year. Ask them for their guidance and blessings as you walk this path, then fold the letter up and burn it in your Summer Solstice fire. Let the Fae carry your message to the Otherside while the veil is thin, and believe in their ability to make these intentions a reality in this realm.

Whatever way you choose to celebrate, we want to wish each and every one of you a blessed Summer Solstice! We hope the Fae bless you with all the abundance you can possibly handle ✨

Celebrating Beltane With The Fae

Bright Beltane Blessings, witchlings! 🌞

And so another turn of the wheel brings us to the sacred day of the Fae. It’s no surprise that this day ties in so well with Faery Magick. Beltane is a joyous sabbat full of fertility, play, and new growth; basically all of the things fae love. The sun is out, plants have sprouted, flowers are blooming, animals are mating — Beltane is the quintessential celebration of life at its fullest. It also represents the union of the Maiden Goddess and the Horned God, so fertility, sex, and fiery passion are some of the big themes that witches focus on during this day. If you have a particular goal you’re reaching towards or dreams you'd like to manifest now is the time to do it!

Fire rituals, music, and dancing are all standard ways to celebrate this day, but there are plenty of other things you can do to welcome the Fae into your home and honor their presence during Beltane. Here are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate:

Get Outside

To sum it up perfectly: connecting with the Faerie Realm means connecting with Mother Nature’s cycle of life. The best way to do this is to go outside and soak in Spring’s energy. Beltane is the peak of the season, and with everything blooming outside it’s hard to resist going out for a walk -- as long as you’re properly distanced and staying safe, of course. We need time outside to recalibrate and ground ourselves, as it's all too easy to become disconnected with nature these days. If you can, find a calm place outside to meditate or do a guided journey to the Faery Realm. Take in the scenery, tend to your garden or potted plants, and show gratitude for all of the new growth of Spring. Pleasing the Fae really is that simple sometimes.

Build A Faery Altar

Creating a sacred space for the Fae in your home is a perfect way to celebrate Beltane. Your Fae Altar can be almost anything — a windowsill, bedside table, bookshelf, or even your bathroom counter will work just fine. You should place items on the altar that remind you of the Fae or hold their energy, such as warm crystals and fresh flowers. The Fae love decor, so feel free to add potted plants, small paintings, or handmade crafts onto the altar as well. You can also add touches of color that correspond with Beltane, such as red, pink, green, and yellow. The most important aspect of the Faery’s Beltane altar, however, is a candle. Get any candle you resonate with and set it in the center of your Beltane altar. Whenever you light the candle, thank the Fae for the blessings and ask them to gather around your homemade hearth to celebrate.

Be Artsy

The Fae love art. They want you to create and express your imagination, whether that be through painting, crafting, or music making. Whatever gets you in your artsy pants, make it happen during Beltane and ask the Fae to join in on your celebrations. We make a lot of handmade crafts, so we like to create small maypoles and spell jars during Beltane for the Fae to enjoy. The maypole is a symbolic union of the God and Goddess, representing the perfect balance of male and female and was traditionally danced around after sunrise, when frisky couples would return from their passionate adventures in the forest, often carrying flowers that they had picked along the way. If you want to create your own maypole, it’s super easy to do with stuff around your house! We like to make our own with sticks from the backyard and recycled t-shirts that we've cut up, but you can make one out of anything cylindrical, such as a hollow paper towel roll.

Offer The Fae A Beltane Treat

If there’s one thing almost any Fae will go crazy for, it’s fruit. A lot of the Fae that visit our resident fae witch during Beltane enjoy blueberries, pomegranates, and strawberries, but go with your intuition and choose whichever fruit resonates with your energy during this time. While leafy greens are a popular dish during our human Beltane feasts due to their associations with fertility and Spring, the fae like something a little sweeter. Offer them chocolate or small cakes and watch the Faery Magick start to pop off!

Another popular faery offering during Beltane comes from Celtic folklore, when Bannock would be left out for the fae at night in order to win their favor. If you're looking for an easy ritual recipe that you and your household fae can enjoy during Beltane, our resident kitchen witch created a brand new Beltane Muffins recipe in honor of the traditional bannocks recipe used in older celebrations:

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup blueberry granola, plus ¼ cup for topping

• 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Start your preparation by enhancing the energy in your kitchen. You can do this by putting on your favorite playlist, lighting your favorite candle, or burning some incense — basically any act that will liven up your mood and encourage positive vibes around you.

After the energy is raised in the kitchen, combine the milk and granola in a bowl. Give it a stir or two holding the intention of longevity and happiness. Set aside for 20 minutes so the granola soaks up some moisture. This part is crucial to the recipe! If you find the granola hasn’t soaked up any moisture after 20 minutes, give it a stir and wait 10 more minutes.

While you wait on your granola to soak, preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or use cupcake liners. If using cupcake liners, you can add a bit of extra magick to your preparations by drawing sigils, symbols, or words of affirmations on the bottom of each liner. This will further enchant your muffins with the specific intentions, just make sure to write your sigil on the outside of the liner and make sure the ink is dry before adding to the pan.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together in a large bowl until combined. As you’re whisking, reflect on what makes you the happiest and brings you the most joy in life. Set aside.

Whisk the melted butter, honey, egg, and vanilla extract together in a medium bowl until combined. As you’re whisking, reflect on what ignites your inner flame and sparks the most motivation for you.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stir a few times, then add the soaked granola and milk. Fold everything together gently until just combined. As you’re doing this, imagine all the intentions and reflections you’ve held swirling together creating an infusion of inspiring joy and passion.

Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling them all the way to the top. Top with granola and a light sprinkle of brown sugar for a sweetened, magickal boost. Bake for 5 minutes at 425 then, keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Bake for an additional 16-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan, then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling.

Once the muffins are cool, take one and place it on your altar. Get a second muffin and plate it for yourself, taking it with you to sit in front of your altar space. Take a moment to call upon the Fae spirits, asking them to join you in this Beltane feast. Hold the intention that the additional muffin serves as an offering to the Fae to show thanks for their presence and influence in your life. Fae spirits will value this respect and return it with their bountiful blessings. Enjoy eating your muffin and leave the offering on your altar overnight to allow the Fae to feast upon its essence. The next day, take your muffin outside and bury it close to your front door as a way to symbolize the continued welcome of blessings you wish to receive from the Fae and thank them for their visit.

You may eat the rest of your muffins over the remaining days. You can offer a piece of each muffin before you consume it either by placing it on your altar, or leaving it in the area where you buried the other muffin. Each time you eat a muffin, take a moment to recognize its essence and take in all the energy you baked into it. This will allow you to carry those vibrations with you throughout the day!

We hope these tips help you honor the fiery passion of the season and embrace your inner fire. Whatever way you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a bright and blessed Beltane! 🔥

Faery Pleased Lavender Rose Bread

What happens when you put a kitchen witch and a fae witch in the same room? Why, they make some truly magickal fare of course!

Fae magick and kitchen magick truly complement each other in the most marvelous ways. Aside from their complete compatibility, fae magick and kitchen magick offer a way to connect with your intuition and unlock your magick from within. Let's not forget that the results of our spellwork can be quite delicious!

We decided to get together and throw down some magick in the kitchen by baking loaves of our very own Faery Pleased Lavender Rose Bread, and WOW - it packed a serious punch for both our taste buds AND our witchy practices!

Even if you’re new to your path, or you don’t work with the Fae, this bread recipe is loaded with high vibrational energy which can raise your own frequencies. And what do high vibrations do? Attract more blessings, that’s what! As long as you infuse this bread with your positive intent and powerful innate magick, opportunities to grow and prosper will show themselves.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup milk

• 1 1/2 tsp. Dried lavender

• 2 tsp. Dried roses

• 1 tsp. Dried Cornflower

• 1 tsp. Dried Jasmine

• 6 Tbsp. butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 eggs

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

• 1/2 tsp. salt

For the Glaze

• 1/3 cup sifted powdered sugar

• 2 Tbsp. heavy cream (or milk)

• 1 Tbsp. lavender rosemary infused honey*

• For the Lavender Rosemary Infused Honey

You can either buy some from a local bee maker, or make your own by mixing together 8oz of honey, 1 teaspoon of lavender, and 1 teaspoon of rosemary over low heat for 20-25 minutes. Strain and enjoy!

How To Make the Faery Pleased Lavender Rose Bread

Set the mood. Burn incense of jasmine or vanilla to invite friendly Fae into the kitchen while you’re preparing the dish. You can also light a small white candle or tealight if you don't have incense on hand (or don't want to use it!). We placed our candle near the dish of mixed flowers to infuse them with the Spring Faeries' energy.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. If it’s sunny and warm where you are, you can soften the butter needed for later in the recipe by placing it outside in the sun for about 20 minutes. This will invite strong fire energy into your recipe.

Combine the milk and dried flowers in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat to a simmer, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

If you placed your butter outside for some sunny rays, go ahead and grab it now. In a medium bowl, cream together your butter and sugar until smooth.

Beat in the eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy. If you have a specific intent you'd like the loaf to embody, feel free to draw sigils or words of intention onto your eggshells before cracking them. This is how we did ours:

Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt then stir into the creamed mixture alternately with the milk mixture until just blended. Make sure to reserve a small amount of the milk to offer to your Fae once you have everything prepared!

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-50 minutes.

To prepare the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and heavy cream. Spread it over the bread and sprinkle dried flowers on top. Do this quick before the glaze hardens.

Allow to cool for 20-30 minutes. Offer the first slice to your Fae spirits as an act of gratitude for their past, present, and future blessings. They will definitely appreciate the side of lavender-rose milk if you managed to save some!

Welcoming Abundance - A Kitchen Witch’s Imbolc Ritual

Imbolc holds a special place in the Solstice Sisters’ hearts. It was the first seasonal pagan ritual that the witchy duo took part in together and it really illuminated the path that the two witchy friends were destined to travel down. How fitting is it that we started our journey together during a period of new beginnings and under the inspiring energy of Imbolc? It’s hard to believe that was 8 years ago!

Our resident Kitchen Witch, Ash, decided to put together an Imbolc ritual that can be conducted by solitairy practitioners and covens alike. Using kitchen magick, Ash offers an easy recipe to follow that you pair with a meditative ritual to bring abundance and prosperity in the coming Spring.

A Kitchen Witch’s Imbolc Ritual

To start, gather the following ritual supplies. Keep in mind that these are just suggestions. Follow your intuition and feel free to make substitutes or exclude items you don’t have on hand! The true magick is in you; the ingredients are just amplifiers of your natural energy.

Ritual supplies:

• One yellow or white candle (We used our Unlock Your Abundance Spell Candle)

• Chalice or teacup (a plain coffee mug will do as well)

• Small plates (for serving)

• Crystals: Moss agate, selenite, moonstone, or any other crystals that call to you for this ritual

• Incense of your choosing

Take your ritual supplies and adorn your sacred space or altar with them. This will be where you conduct your meditative Imbolc ritual.

Next, it’s time to stir up some kitchen magick!

Tips From Our Resident Kitchen Witch:

Inscribe sigils with a marker onto your eggs before cracking them to add extra magick to your meals.

If you’re dairy-free, opt for using oat milk in your recipe.

Cleanse the energy in your kitchen after each preparation by lighting a candle near your stove and wiping your counter with vinegar water or an Energy Mist.

Money Making Milk Tarts

• 1 cup Sugar

• ½ cup Flour

• 2 Eggs

• ¼ cup Coconut Oil, melted

• 1 ⅞ cups Milk

• ½ tablespoon Cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon Sugar

• Greased muffin tin

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a bowl, stir together the flour and sugar. Use this time to set your intentions, welcoming abundance and prosperity.

In a separate bowl, whisk in the eggs, then the melted coconut oil, then the milk. As you’re whisking, envision the element of fire forming in your whisking hand, flowing into the batter. Think of the Sun and thank it for its returning light, welcoming the life it brings.

Carefully pour the wet mix in with the dry mix and stir until well blended.

Then pour your batter (it’ll be runny) into the greased muffin tin and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispy.

You’ll want to remove the tarts from the pan while they are still hot and allow them to cool. Mix together the remaining sugar and cinnamon. Top the tarts with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Set aside.

Abundant Milk Tea

• 1/2 cup of milk

• 2 teabags black tea (or 2 teaspoons of loose tea)

• 1 teaspoon of honey (or other sweeteners of choice)

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Ground cinnamon

Bring a pot of water to boil. While you’re waiting for the water to boil, prepare your chalice/teacup with the teabags. Hold your hands over the top of the cup and speak your intentions into your cup so that it is infused with your desires. Do the same over your shot glass.

Pour the boiling water into your cup and allow the tea to steep for 4-5 minutes

While tea steeps, add vanilla and cinnamon to the milk and heat on the stove or in the microwave.

Remove the tea bags from your tea.

Add sweetener to brewed tea and stir until dissolved. Make sure to stir clockwise to bring positivity into your beverage!

Add milk mixture to sweetened tea and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon for an extra boost of abundance energy. Set aside.

Ritual Instructions

Take your prepared tea and milk tarts to your sacred space and set them down next to each other on your altar.

Light the yellow or white candle and incense. Settle in front of your sacred space and take 3 deeps breaths to settle your energy and ground. This is a good time to cast a circle if you so choose.

Say (out loud or quietly in your mind) an invite to Brigid to join you for this magickal meal. If you do not work with deities, you can simply invite the energy of Imbolc. Let it be known that the tea and milk tart is to serve as an offering to invoke a prosperous and abundant Spring.

Take your tart and begin to eat. As you’re eating envision the magickal properties enveloping you, filling every crevice of your aura/spirit. It may help to close your eyes and reflect on the feelings that overcome you. Release any negative thoughts or feelings that come up, asking Brigid (or the energy you invited) to disperse them equally into the universe.

Drink your tea while repeating the same process.

Once you have finished your tart and tea, sit quietly with your eyes closed and enter a state of meditation. Sometimes light music in the background can help achieve this. You’ll want to quiet your mind and listen for any messages the universe wants to send you. It’s possible you may be visited by a deity or an energy source during this meditation, but don’t let it startled you! Take the opportunity to converse, vocalizing your desires for the coming season.

After you feel you have meditated long enough, softly bring yourself back to the surface. Thank Brigid/the energy you invited for joining you and hearing your intentions. Allow the candle to burn down safely. You can also leave out an extra milk tart and cup of milk tea overnight as an offering.

To dispose of the offerings, take them outside near a tree. You can either bury them (minus the dishes!) or leave them out for wildlife to consume.

The ritual is done! You may experience intense dreams in the coming days or feel more drained than usual. This is all completely normal. Ensure you are staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest and you’ll ‘recover’ just fine.

The important thing to do following this ritual is to take notice of all forms of abundance that come into your life, and being grateful for them. This could be a simple utility bill that’s $50 less than what you budgeted, or finding your favorite food on sale at the grocery store. Even getting an extra fried cheese stick in your order is a form of abundance! The more you recognize and show gratitude for, the more these things will manifest in grander scales.

So practice this all through Spring! You’ll be surprised how your mindset can raise your vibrations and attract all that you desire.

A Kitchen Witch’s Fall Equinox Feast

The Fall Equinox, also known as Mabon, is the time of the year when day and night are at a complete balance marking the first day of the autumn season. It also marks the approaching darkness of winter as daylight hours get shorter and nature goes into deep hibernation. Because of this, Mabon is considered a time to harvest the abundance in our lives and celebrate life in all its bounty.

Traditionally, Fall Equinox feasts were held to honor the changing season and show thanks for the gifts both Earth and the Universe have provided. Our resident Kitchen Witch is sharing her very own Fall Equinox feast menu to help make yours all the more magickal!

Starters and Snacks

Apple Cinnamon Chips for Health & Happiness

• 3-4 Red Apples

• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

• 2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

• ¼ C. + 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar

Wash, core, and thinly slice apples

Place apple slices in a bowl and toss with lemon juice and 1 Tbsp. sugar

Let sit for 45 minutes at room temperature

While you let the apple slices sit, preheat oven to 200 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Using a slotted spoon, transfer apple slices to a clean bowl and toss in the remaining sugar and ground cinnamon

Arrange apple slices in a single layer on the baking sheet

Bake for 1.5 - 2 hours, or until a single apple chip is crispy after setting out for 2-3 minutes (total baking time will vary depending on how thick the apple slices are and what type of apples were used)

Remove baking sheet from oven and let cool completely before serving

Pumpkin Ricotta Flatbread for Spiritual Protection

• 13.8 oz Refrigerated Pizza Dough

• 1/2 c. Pumpkin Puree

• 1/2 c. Part Skim Ricotta Cheese

• 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder

• 1 1/2 c. Part Skim Finely Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

• 3 tbsp. Fresh Chopped Sage

• Cooking Spray

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Take your dough and roll it out to fit the size of a 13" x 18" non stick sheet pan

Combine pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese and garlic powder in a bowl until blended

Spread pumpkin mixture over the dough leaving a 1-inch border.

Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and sage

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly brown.

Serve warm

Soup & Salad

Potato Corn Chowder for Grounded Prosperity

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 small carrot, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium potatoes, diced

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• ½ teaspoon thyme

• ½ teaspoon salt or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)

• 1 cup heavy cream

Melt butter in a large skillet and add onion, carrot, and garlic. Saute until onion is translucent

Add potatoes, seasonings, and broth. Bring to a boil then lower heat to a simmer. Cook covered for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender

Add in corn and heavy cream, simmer for about 5 minutes

Using potato masher, mash the soup until desired consistency is reached

Serve with fresh bread and a side salad

Kale Salad

• 1/2 cup Edamame beans

• 1 inch Ginger

• 1 Jalapeno

• 7 oz Kale, roughly chopped

• 5 Radishes, thin and julienned

• 1/4 cup Almonds, sliced

• 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

• 3 Tbsp Lemon Juice

• 1.5 Tbsp. Maple Syrup

Toss all ingredients in a bowl. Serve with soup and fresh bread.

Main Course

Vegetable Pot Pie for Honoring the Harvest

• 1 cup butter

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• 2 small yellow squash, peeled and diced

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (other potatoes will work too)

• 2 medium parsnips, diced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 1/2 cup flour

• 2-1/2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup whole milk

• Pie Crust (Either homemade or store-bought)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Melt half (½ cup) the butter in a large bowl. Once the butter is melted add all vegetables and seasonings, stirring to coat the vegetables in the butter and seasonings. Once the oven is preheated, place the vegetable mixture in a large casserole dish and please it in the oven. Allow the vegetables to roast for about 30 minutes, stirring them every 10 minutes.

While the vegetables roast, melt the other half (½ cup) of butter in a large pan. Once melted, add the flour while stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to brown, about 3-4 minutes, and then stir in the broth and milk. Continue to simmer over medium heat until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency.

Remove vegetables from the oven and slowly stir in the gravy. Roll out your pie crust, shaping it to fit over the top of the casserole dish.

Place pie crust over the top of the casserole dish, covering the vegetable mixture the best you can. Make small slits on the top of the dough.

Bake at 400 degrees F for about 20-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.

Dessert

Baked Pears for Longevity

• 4 medium pears

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup oats

• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Cut pears in half (longways) and scoop out the core using a spoon. Line them on the baking sheet

Mix together the maple syrup and vanilla extract in a small bowl

Brush the tops of the pears with the mixture

Sprinkle cinnamon over the pears

In a small bowl mix together the walnuts and oats. Fill each pear with the mixture. Drizzle with any leftover maple syrup mixture.

Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges of the pears are brown and curled

Serve warm

Springtime Veggie Bowl For Renewing Energy

Spring is such a lovely season. It’s when flowers are blooming, fresh veggies and leafy greens start to become ripe for the picking, and the weather is blissful and warm. Even the energy shifts from slow and dark to lively and bright! If we had to take a vote, spring would hands down come in a strong second place here at Solstice Sisters (two of the sisters have sensitivities to pollen which comes in droves in the southeast where they live, so fall definitely wins first place for our favorite season!)

Because of the vibrant and lively energy that spring brings, our resident kitchen witch loves to use this time to refresh her home and craft together a magickal meal that honors the return of spring. And we don’t mean some big eggs-travaganza either. This springtime recipe is fit for witches of all experience levels, kitchen witches and non-kitchen witches alike. You won’t need a chef’s hat for this delightfully witchy meal!

Veggie Bowl for Renewing Energy

Start by opening the doors and windows in your home. Try and do this on a clear and warm day when there is a slight breeze. Allow the fresh air to waft through your home, clearing out any stagnant energy. As you’re doing this, you may choose to turn on some uplifting music - something that gets you moving and makes you happy!

What you’ll need:

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 2 Tablespoons of butter

• 2 Tablespoons of cream cheese

• 1 Teaspoon of salt

• 3 Tablespoons of olive oil

• 2 Teaspoons minced garlic

• 3-4 medium stalks of asparagus

• 3 large mushrooms

• 1 medium carrot

• 3-4 broccoli florets

In a small saucepan, begin heating the cream over medium high heat. When the cream starts to bubble, add in the butter, cream cheese, minced garlic, and salt. Slowly stir in a clockwise motion while envisioning the bright, vibrant light of spring swirling into the sauce. Once the butter and cream cheese have melted turn the heat down to low and stir occasionally.

In a separate pan, begin to heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While it is heating up, begin to chop all the vegetables. As you’re chopping, imagine bright sparks of lively energy infusing into each vegetable piece. Think of all the areas of your life that currently feel stagnant and imagine them being brought back to life, fully renewed.

Once the oil is hot, add all of your chopped veggies to the pan and saute them for around 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently so that the veggies do not burn or stick to the pan.

When the veggies are finished sauteing slowly add in the sauce stirring clockwise, still envisioning the bright, vibrant light of spring swirling into your meal.

Serve yourself a hearty bowl and if the weather is permitting, sit outside in the fresh, spring air while enjoying your veggie bowl!

*Please note that you can use any vegetables you like for this meal. The vegetables in this particular recipe have been paired for both taste and magickal intent to invoke refreshing and rejuvenating energies.

Creating Abundance With Cinnamon Waffles

One of the beautiful things about kitchen magick is how easily you can incorporate it into everyday meals. Every ingredient used in the foods you eat carry energy that influences your personal vibrations. Tapping into those energies and connecting them to specific intentions is one of the easiest ways you can practice kitchen magick!

Since breakfast tends to be our first meal of the day, it makes for the perfect time to cast a little kitchen magick to influence your day. This can be something as simple as drinking a glass of orange juice to help encourage a promotion at work (oranges attract prosperity, after all!) or making light and fluffy cinnamon waffles to attract all forms of abundance.

In this recipe, we'll be walking you through not only the preparation of these delicious waffles, but also the intentional practices you can do so that your breakfast is magickally charged to attract abundance in all its forms!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 Tbsp baking powder

• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 ½ cups milk

• ⅔ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

First you will need to preheat your waffle griddle. While it’s preheating, you can cleanse your kitchen space with incense and begin to set up your ingredients and any other tools you will be using while preparing your cinnamon waffles, such as crystals or spell candles.

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. Then in a small bowl whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and whisk until combined. As you’re whisking focus on your intentions and what it is you’re wanting to attract an abundance of. Remember to be realistic with your wishes — don’t ask to win the million dollar lottery that day — instead, be sincere and humble with your intention setting. Make sure you stir in a clockwise motion to attract these intentions into your waffle batter.

Spray your waffle iron with baking spray. Slowly pour in the waffle batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook until golden brown. Remove your cooked cinnamon waffle from the waffle iron and repeat until you’ve used all the waffle batter.

Prepare a serving of the cinnamon waffles and lightly sprinkle with brown sugar and powdered sugar to further sweeten your intentions. Top with fruit, whipped cream, syrup, or whatever other toppings you prefer with your waffles, then enjoy!

Take notice of the areas in your life that start to receive abundance through the day. Sometimes abundance has a way of showing up in the most unforeseen circumstances, but in the areas that we need them the most. For instance, if you set your intentions to receive an abundance or prosperity and a stranger pays for your coffee while on your morning coffee run, take note to that bit of abundance. The more you bits of abundance you take notice to, the larger they will become!

Candle Magick For New Witches

When it comes to “beginner-friendly” spells for new witches, it doesn’t get much better than candle magick. In fact, almost everyone performs candle magick once a year when they blow out the candles on their birthday cake and make a wish. Sometimes magick really is that simple...but that doesn’t mean it isn’t powerful.

Candles are considered an essential in almost every witches’ practice for a reason; they can be used to amplify your intentions and send that focused energy into the Universe where it can multiply and manifest. Candle magick is easy to learn, doesn’t require any kind of grand ritual, and can be customized in almost any way to fit your spellcasting needs — making it our number-one pick for witches just starting out. All you need is a candle, a flame, and confidence in your innate power.

Are you ready to start casting? Consider this Candle Magick 101 🕯️

The Basics of Candle Magick

Candles are truly one of the most versatile tools we have as witches. They’ve been used for centuries in many different cultures, religions, and metaphysical practices to connect with the divine and raise energy. Candle magick is powered by the transformative energy of the fire element, which is what you’ll be channeling to jumpstart your manifestations. By focusing on the flame and feeding it with your intentions, you can raise the vibrations needed to turn your “wishes” into a reality. You can also use candle magick to bless a sacred space, honor a deity or ancestors, and when your spirits need a little lift.

One of the best things about candle magick is just how customizable and accessible it is. You can use any kind of candle to perform the spell; whether it’s a pillar or a pack of birthday candles, all that matters is the flame and your intentions. You can also incorporate carvings, herbs, oils, and crystals into your candle magick to match the energy you’re manifesting. We’ll go into that more in just a minute.

At its core, candle magick is about honoring the sacred flame and using it as the vehicle for our spellcasting. Fire is ancient and powerful; it can burn and consume, but it can also provide us with warmth and safety. When working candle magick, it’s important to honor this duality and trust in the flame’s ability to transform your vibrations into something amazing.

Candle Types and Colors

If there’s one thing we love, it’s versatility, and candle magick delivers just that. You can use any color or shape of candle that you want when it comes to this type of magick. For quick spells that require you to burn the candle all the way down, we would suggest tea lights or chime candles. We like to get packs of white tea lights and small taper candles at the Dollar Tree for these types of castings. Pillar candles are better suited for spells that are performed over several days or as dedicated meditation candles that you can relight each day when it’s time to focus on that particular intention.

Color magick can also play a big part in your candle castings. Wondering what color is best suited for your witchy needs? Here are a few associations to keep in mind when choosing your spell candle:

• White - Purifying, Cleansing, Protection, Clarity, Healing, and Connection to Your Higher Self. White is also an all-purpose candle and can be used to replace other colors when they’re not available.

• Black - Absorbing, The Afterlife or Otherworld, Banishing, Binding, Endings, Justice, Release, Psychic Protection. Black candles are great for protective spells and cleansing negative energy from your home.

• Red - Courage, Assertiveness, Desire, Love, Passion, Motivation, Romance, Strength, Action, and Power. Red candles can be used in spells where you need an extra boost of confidence or ambition.

• Yellow - Communication, Friendships, Prosperity, Happiness, Inspiration, Intuition, Wisdom, and Travel. We like to use Yellow spells to open up the lines of communication and to encourage harmonious energy.

• Pink - Acceptance, Self-Love, Compassion, Reconciliation, Healing, Kindness, Love, and Sensuality. Pink candles can be used in your self-care routine to raise loving vibrations and help you be more compassionate with yourself.

• Green - Abundance, Agriculture, Change, Fertility, Harmony, Luck, Grounding, Longevity, Partnerships, Peace, and Prosperity. An obvious choice for money-based spells, green candles are great when you want to channel abundance into your life.

• Purple - Astral Projection, Psychic Powers, Enlightenment, Spiritual Development, Psychic Protection, Emotions, Imagination, Power, Spirituality, Truth, and Wisdom. Purple is the color of witches, after all, so it makes sense that purple candles are often used in spells involving astral projection or opening your third eye. They’re also great for sacred spaces and meditation!

• Orange - Abundance, Adaptability, Confidence, Creativity, Courage, Vitality, Freedom, Goals, Positivity, Pleasure, and Strength. Orange candles are great to keep on your work desk or around your crafting station so that you can keep that creative energy flowing freely.

• Blue - Honesty, Trust, Communication, Dreamwork, Sleep, Wisdom, Leadership, Justice, Career, and Healing. Blue is calming and increases spiritual awareness, making it a great choice for spells involving dreamwork and healing.

• Silver - Healing, Intuition, Divination, Psychic Powers, Purification, Feminine Energy, Success. Silver candles are perfect for Sea, Moon, and Star Magic. They can also be used to honor The Goddess.

• Gold - Abundance, Fortune, Ambitions, Positivity, Happiness, Creativity, Divination, Power, Influence, Masculine Energy. Gold is often used in candle magick that involves the Sun or God energy.

Simple Candle Magick Ritual

Candle magick doesn’t have to be difficult. If you have a candle, something to light it with, and clear intentions - you’re ready to go. The most basic candle spell is to simply visualize your goal, light the candle, and focus on the flame to raise your energy. That’s the kind of ritual we’ll be working on here.

Start with focusing on what you want to bring into your life. Be as specific as possible while also remaining realistic and positive. If you’re not specific with your intentions, there might be some wonky results from the casting. Whether it’s finding a new job or asking for general blessings, the number-one thing to remember is to be clear with your focus. For some witches, it helps to create a chant or mantra that can be used in their candle spell to channel their intentions. Everyone practices differently, though, so do whatever resonates with your spirit. Just be confident in your casting.

The next step is to “dress” your candle. This will help tie your psychic vibrations into the wax while also amplifying the energies that you’re going to manifest. To dress your candle, start by rubbing it with oil. You can use olive, coconut, or even almond oil for this part. The direction you rub the oil onto the candle will change depending on what the purpose of your spell is — top to bottom will draw energy towards you while bottom to top will send energy away. Visualize your intentions and goals clearly. Pour all of that energy into the candle with each swipe of oil.

Now that the candle has been anointed with oil, you can choose herbs and crystals that correspond with the energy you’re manifesting. For instance, if you’re casting a self-love spell, you could crush up roses and jasmine then roll the anointed candle into the herbal mix to embody those loving vibes. You can also carve names, runes, or symbols into the candle if they’re relevant to your spell. Carve or cover your candle in whatever calls to you; trusting your intuition during this part is crucial.

After dressing your candle and imbuing it with your intentions, it’s time to cast your spell. Take a few deep breaths and clear your mind. Light the candle and picture your goal as if it has already happened. How do you feel at that moment? What does it look like? Focus on your intentions and keep this clear mental image at the forefront as you focus on the flame. Visualize the flame getting bigger and bigger, surrounding you with transformative light. You’ll start to feel the energy in the room rise. If it resonates with you, say your intention out loud or repeat your mantra as you focus on the flame.

Now picture the light of the flame expanding beyond your room, beaming out into the universe in full brilliance. Call your blessings to you and invite positivity into your space. Remain open-minded and confident in your casting, trusting in the Universe to manifest those blessings into your life. Hold this vision in your mind’s eye for as long as you can. When you feel your energy starting to dim, put the candle out or let it burn down to completion. Congratulations, your spell has been cast!

When it comes to candle spells, there really is no right or wrong way. Practice in whatever way calls to you, and use the magick of fire to transform your intentions into a reality. Happy casting, witchlings 🔥

Honoring The Tomte During Yule

It’s the most wonderful time of the year...the time of the Tomte! ❄️

If you’re anything like us, you love gnomes. We regularly work with these spirits throughout the year to connect with the Earth, stay grounded, and to remind ourselves of the joy that can be found in the simple things. They help us within the garden and the home - often without a word of thanks! But did you know there is a specific gnome spirit that is directly tied to Yule? We’re here to explain the origins of the Tomte spirit, what they represent to us today, and how you can honor them in your home during the holiday season.

What is a Tomte?

Hailing from Nordic/Scandinavian folklore, the Tomte are solitary (and sometimes mischievous) domestic spirits who are responsible for the protection and well-being of the home and any animals that their chosen family keeps. Traditionally, the Tomte are believed to stem from the soul of the first farm owner, who then became a spirit dedicated to the farm’s never-ending care. At their core, they are ancient fae who demand respect and are intrinsically linked to the wintertime and Yule. In fact, presents were originally thought to be brought by the Yule Goat (or Jólblocker) directly through the door and to the children, but gradually the Tomte took over this role, perhaps because of its similarities in appearance to Santa. The Tomte was essentially the "soul" of the house, the spirit of your ancestor who would make the harsh winter a lot easier to bear for farming families. They helped care for the house and the farmland and the animals — as long as you also did the same and left it porridge with butter on top on the night before Yule. If you were lazy or mistreated your animals, they would grow angry and could do anything from mild mischief, such as tying or braiding the tails of cows together, to actually harming you or the animals with their “poisonous bite”. It’s safe to say that their image has softened over the years.

They’re often invisible to the naked eye, mostly due to their quiet nature, but when they do manifest in physical form they are similar in appearance to the average garden gnome. Standing at about two feet tall and depicted as an elderly man, the Tomte has a long beard, wears tattered clothing in muted colors, and dons the iconic cozy cap that we know today. From our Fae Witch’s work with her family’s Tomte spirit, she believes they take this form so that we can more easily relate to them — after all, as humans it is easier for us to connect with a spirit or energy if it is anthropomorphized.

One thing to keep in mind is that you do not need to have a traditional farm or homestead in order to host a Tomte spirit - since they are ancestral faery beings, they will take up residence in all kinds of spaces. Don’t worry if you’re in an apartment in the city...the Fae don’t discriminate! They’ll also go along with the homeowners if they ever move, as the spirit is tied to the family and not to the home itself.

What does a Tomte do?

While they have many, MANY roles, Tomte spirits traditionally guard the home, protect the animals, attract good luck, and generally work to enhance the prosperity of those residing in the household. In exchange for all of their hard work, you’re expected to leave offerings for Tomte every Yule. Although they’re often given these offerings once a year, our Fae Witch likes to put out gifts for the Tomte throughout the year as thanks for all of their hard work in the home — even if they are taking a much-deserved break in the Spring and Summer! It’s believed that they slumber under the floorboards during these months, only waking up when the days get long and cold around the winter solstice.

The Tomte has an enormous capacity for work, but one thing they will not tolerate is rudeness. Not keeping up with your home, not treating creatures, and not honoring your ancestors often enough are all things that incur their disapproval. They’re doing so much to keep the energy of your home clear and assisting in the care of our furbabies...the least we can do is handle our share of the responsibility in the physical realm! For instance, if anyone spills something on the floor, you should shout a warning to the Tomte so that they don’t fall into the puddle and then promptly clean up the spill so that you’re not making a mess of what the Tomte has already cleaned. This is a good way to acknowledge the Tomte while also showing your respect for the home. If they are ever offended, you’ll usually know right away as they’ll start playing pranks such as turning objects upside down or breaking things. You know how the Fae can be! These actions of disapproval are not meant to be harmful or aggressive, however — they are simply a way for the Tomte to let us know that we’re slipping and need to pay attention.

How to honor the Tomte during Yule

The traditional offering for the Tomte is a bowl of porridge with butter on top, left on the Tomte’s altar or stool during Yule. They ask that once a year on the Winter Solstice, they have a bowl of their favorite food (julgröt) as thanks for their protection throughout the year. A Tomte considers porridge his due and loves butter, and so every bowl of porridge offered to the Tomte absolutely must have a big helping of butter on top. In the past, butter was a luxury that was consumed only on special occasions, so offering so much of it to the Tomte was an act of pure respect and sacrifice.

There is an old folktale of the Tomte who got no butter on his Yule porridge, which is one of Fae Witch’s favorites. Legend has it that one Yule eve, a farmer decided to play a trick on the Tomte. He hid the butter for his porridge at the bottom of the bowl instead of placing it on top as tradition stated. When the Tomte arrived, they saw there was no butter and in turn, killed the farmer’s best cow. The Tomte wanted to show the family that it did not appreciate being disrespected and not given its due. Despite this perceived slight, the Tomte returned to the barn to eat the porridge anyway. When they discovered the butter at the bottom of the bowl, the Tomte felt so bad that he walked to the neighbor's farm, took their best cow, and led her back to the stable of the cow they had killed.

With that said, we generally prefer to talk to our spirits and find out what they prefer. Every winter solstice, our Fae Witch will leave a fresh bowl of Scottish oatmeal with a very generous helping of butter on top, but her specific Tomte also likes to have a daily mug of ale or beer set on his altar along with a few cookies. It’s his daily treat after a hard day’s work. If you have spirits in the home, we suggest regular meditation to connect with them so that you can ask what offerings they’d like to receive — just like humans, every Tomte is unique and they may not want the traditional offerings such as porridge. Use that intuition, baby! For instance, if you feel a sudden urge to put a bunch of cheerios or a block of cheese on your Tomte altar, just do it. Questioning the Fae is futile.

Aside from physical offerings, the Tomte can be honored through your everyday actions such as minding your manners, displaying teamwork around the house, respecting the Tomte’s space, and treating your animals well. Being mindful and considerate is extremely important to the Tomte, so take a few minutes each day to tune into the energy of your home and ask where you can better contribute or take care of things. And no, everything doesn’t have to be spotless for the Tomte to be happy. They really just want to see us honoring the home, our families, and our responsibilities as best as we can.

The tradition and magickal spirit of the Tomte is still alive today, not just in Sweden but all over the world. They are a welcome, comforting companion when the nights draw darker and preparations for Yule start. So put up your holiday lights, make it cozy in your home, and set out some porridge — you might just attract one of these wondrous spirits into your life 🎅🎄

What Offerings Should I Give The Fae?

“I want to work with the Fae, but I’m not sure what to offer them!” We hear this all of the time, and it’s easy to see why picking out offerings for the Fae might be tricky. The fae are often mysterious beings — it’s not always easy to pin down what makes them happy because there are so many different kinds of fae, all with unique tastes and interests, and many of them avoid contact with humans due to their mistreatment in the past. This has left some witches scratching their heads over what to leave out for their faery friends, and no one wants to offer up something that might offend them!

Thankfully, there are a ton of offerings (both physical and energetic!) that are almost universally loved by the beneficial Fair Folk.

Fresh Food & Drink

The Fae love a good party...and what party would be complete without a feast? The next time you pour a glass of wine (or your drink of choice), pour a small cup for the Fae and offer it to them first. Alternatively, you can pour the wine directly onto the ground as an offering. The same goes for food — you can leave out a dish for the Fae, who will consume its essence and leave behind the physical remains, which can then be buried as a way to give it back to the Earth. On an everyday basis, you can give them a portion of whatever you make for yourself. For instance, if you make a sandwich you could offer the Fae the first slice of bread out of the bag. If you bake a pie, offer the first slice to the Fae. Our resident fae witch likes to offer the faeries a small bowl of milk when they make cereal in the mornings, so really anything goes. Here are some more suggestions on fae-approved food:

• Bread

• Cakes

• Honey

• Wine

• Milk (or cream...or butter...basically, if it’s dairy they’re gonna love it)

• Wine and Spirits

• Mushrooms

• Berries (of all kinds!)

• Fresh Fruit

Art & Music

Offerings don’t have to be physical. Faeries love musical offerings, especially if it’s live! As a gift to the Fae, offer a song you’ve made specifically for the Fae. You don’t need to sing on-key or harmonize…the Fae will still have a great time! They also like it when you play instruments for them; the Fae we work with are obsessed with bells, but you could try out instruments such as singing bowls or recorders to see what sound your Fae gravitate towards. That’s a musical recipe for magick right there 🎶

The Fae enjoy all forms of art, so if musical offerings aren’t up your alley, try painting them a picture instead. Doodles work, too. Use your imagination, be creative, and draw whatever comes to your mind when you think of the Faery Realm. Offer this gift to them on your dedicated altar as a sort of backdrop for your magickal workings with the Fae. This also applies to handmade crafts, particularly ones that involve wildcrafting or natural materials. Really, the Fae just like it when we spend time crafting in general. They thrive on that creative energy, so don’t be afraid to offer them gifts that you’ve made out of construction paper and glitter - trust us, they will love it.

Charms & Trinkets

Do you have any old jewelry that you don’t wear? Gift it to the Fae! As long as it isn’t straight-up black iron, the Fae will generally enjoy it. A habit our resident fae witch recently got into recently was gifting the Fae some of the beads and charms when they make jewelry, for instance. If certain objects in your home are repeatedly going missing, take notice of what the items are and try offering something similar or an extra to the Fae. Sometimes it really is the small, seemingly mundane things (to us) that they’re attracted to.

Natural Items & Herbs

Get wild with your offerings. Gift the Fae natural items that you’ve found on your adventures, so long as you were respectful when gathering them. Going to the beach? Bring back a few feathers and shells for the Fae. Take a few fallen sticks and craft a small chair for your faery garden, or create a potion made out of wild berries and offer it to the Fae in a small outdoor ritual. We love to offer them the first clippings from our gardens when we harvest, or any flowers that have fallen off the plants overnight. They also seem to enjoy herbal offerings, such as the leftover herbs from tea or dry herbs sprinkled around their altar. Here are a few of the herbs (and trees) that we've had the most luck with when it comes to Faery magick:

• Roses

• Bluebells

• Oak

• Cowslip

• Foxglove

• Lavender

• Mint

• Clover

• Thyme

• Mugwort

• Willow

• Elder

• Birch

Follow Your Intuiton

As always, and we cannot stress this enough, use your intuition and gift the Fae whatever you feel they’d like. All of them are so different and you really can’t anticipate their every desire, so just roll with it. You can offer them physical gifts or energetic; make them little cakes or just spend time meditating on their messages. If you gift them something and you’re not sure if they like it, we would suggest taking time to visit your home in the faery realm and see if they’ve left any messages for you. The more offerings that you leave and visits that you make to the Faery Realm, the more feedback you'll receive and the more natural the gift-giving process will feel. If you’re looking for more ideas on how to attract the Fae into your magickal workings, be sure to check out our other blog posts on Faery Magick Crystals and 5 Plants To Please The Fae.

5 No-Cook Ways To Practice Kitchen Magick

Kitchen magick isn’t just about baking bread or cooking up a pot of soup — it's about using your kitchen as the epicenter for crafting your magick so that it fills your home and creates an atmosphere filled with your intent. A lot of people may think that the only way to do this is to whip up a recipe and cook, but we're here to tell you that there are so many other ways to practice kitchen magick than by cooking!

Any act that takes place in your kitchen that has a magickal intent IS kitchen magick. That’s what makes kitchen magick such a beautiful craft; it’s something ANYONE can do. While it’s true that a lot of kitchen witches do practice kitchen witchery through cooking, that’s not to say that you can’t practice kitchen witchery without it.

If you’re a witch who has been interested in kitchen witchery but you’re not quite confident in your cooking skills, have no fear! Here are 5 simple, mundane, no-cook ways to start practicing some kitchen magick today:

• A signature item here at Solstice Sisters, herbal blends are an intentionally chosen mix of herbs, flowers, and other natural materials that harness specific energies when simmered on the stovetop. Just sprinkle some herbs in a pot of water and set to a medium-low temperature so that it simmers and puts out magick throughout your home.

• Making a sandwich? Smear on those condiments in the shape of a sigil or other magickal symbols. When you eat your sandwich you’ll embody the energy and intent of your sigil/symbols, thus making you a beacon capable of manifesting that intent into reality. Whether it be a protection sigil to keep you safe from harm during the day or a symbol for abundance to help you get a raise at work, spread some magick on that bread!

• Though this sounds more like a chore than magick, sweeping has actually been a magickal practice used by witches for centuries. The act of sweeping can be done with a regular broom or with a broom dedicated to magickal use. But how do you sweep magickally, you ask? Just as you’d normally sweep but with a touch of intention! Starting in the northern part of your kitchen, begin sweeping like normal except as you’re sweeping, envision your broom lifting up negative energies and moving it out of the room as you sweep it all away. Scoop the dust up and discard it outside so that it is no longer affecting the inside of your home.

• So simple yet so magickal — lighting a candle that corresponds with that intent is a quick and easy way to practice magick in your kitchen without turning on the stove. We like to keep a general white candle near the stove so that anytime we're preparing something in the kitchen, the candle can be easily lit so that its energy infuses with whatever is being prepared. Making a glass of water? Heating up leftovers from the night before? Infuse it all with magick just by lighting a candle and focusing your intentions!

• Everything that Earth provides is enchanted with certain magickal energies, and that includes fruit! When you make a fruit bowl you’re essentially pairing all the magick of those fruits in a single space which can attract energy to manifest what it is you desire. So the next time you’re out shopping, try picking out fruit with intention. Apples for love, bananas for luck — the possibilities are endless!

The Magickal Art Of Spellcasting

So, you want to cast a spell ✨

If you’ve ever made a wish while blowing out your birthday candles or tossed a penny into a fountain for good luck, guess what? You’ve already cast a spell! These seemingly innocuous actions might not seem very magickal, but it’s really just the act of focusing your energy on a specific intention, and then pushing that energy out into the universe where it can grow and manifest.

But...how exactly do you cast a spell and what method of casting is right for your spiritual practice? Here's some info and advice we’ve gathered over our own magickal journeys to help you get started:

What Is It?

Before we talk about how to cast a spell, let’s get a basic understanding of what it means to do so. Spellcasting is rooted in the belief that we can raise and direct our energy to manifest real change in the physical world. Essentially, you are made of divine, universal energy that can be channeled to achieve the desired result...that’s badass! Spellwork is usually done by cleansing your energy field, setting an intention or desire, and then focusing your energy on that thought until it is released into the etheric realm. The magickal art of spellwork looks different for every witch, so don’t feel bad if you don’t cast spells in exactly the same way as someone else. Your practice is deeply personal and should be molded to fit what suits you best.

When starting out, the best advice we could ever give you is to clearly set and define your intention before casting any spell. Be specific; vagueness is not your friend and although the spell might work out, it probably won’t be what you envisioned. You need to believe in the spell you’re casting and be able to envision exactly what you want to manifest.

With all of that said, spells can be as simple or elaborate as you want them to be. Some witches do their best spellwork when they’re conducting elaborate rituals and using specific correspondences. Other witches (like ourselves) choose to follow a more fluid and intuition-based magickal practice where spells aren’t written down and you choose how to cast based on your feelings rather than an ingredients list. There’s no one right way to cast a spell -- do whatever feels right to you. And if you feel like you can’t cast a spell yet because you don’t have all of the tools or crystals or herbs you need, I have news for you: you don’t need all of that to cast a spell. All you need is your magickal intent and personal power. Yeah, we know. It really is that simple to be honest.

Raising Magickal Energy

There’s a ton of different ways to raise the energy needed for a spell, but we have to stress that an important part of all spellwork is cleansing and grounding before you start. Take a moment before you start casting to cleanse your sacred space and yourself, then set up your protections or wards. This can be done simply by sprinkling salt water around and imagining an orb of golden, protective light surrounding your space. This way, your energy can be released from this shield but unwanted or negative influences cannot penetrate your workings. If you work with deities or ancestor spirits, ask them to watch over and guide your spellwork while keeping you protected.

Once you’ve cleansed and set up “shop”, you’re ready to roll. Raising energy is basically the act of shifting your consciousness away from the mundane everyday and into the mystical. This can be done in any number of different ways, and often changes depending on the type of spell you’re trying to work. Some of our favorite ways to raise energy during spellwork include:

• Meditation and Yoga

• Dancing

• Chanting

• Singing

• Playing Instruments or Listening to Music

• Lighting Incense & Candles

Heck, even the act of setting up your altar or sacred space is a way of raising energy. Same goes for dressing in outfits that make you feel especially witchy while casting spells, or holding objects that have a magickal aura to them. Basically, any activity that gets you out of the mundane mindset and into the mystical is a good way to raise energy. Don’t worry if you think you look crazy doing it; go with the flow of the energy and act as crazy or subdued as you want to. After some time, you’ll find different ways of raising energy that resonates with your practice or specific spells.

Once the energy surrounding you feels uplifted and roaring, you’re ready to cast the spell.

The Different Methods Of Casting

Everyone casts differently and many witches use different types of spells depending on what they want to manifest. If one method of casting doesn’t work for you, don’t be afraid to try it another way. The main thing to keep in mind is that any activity can be considered spellwork if you do with your specific intention in mind. Here are just a few ways you can channel the energy you’ve raised into a spell:

• Candle Magick: Using specific colored candles to cast a spell is a great way to cast your spell with the help of all four earthly elements. These are typically done by setting your intention and pushing energy you’ve raised into the candle, then lighting the candle to release the energy into the universe.

• Spell Jars: A folksy tradition, using spell jars in your casting is the act of filling a container with herbs, crystals, and other items that harness the magickal energy of your intentions. You can then leave this jar on your altar or carry it around with you as the spell works its magick. Our fae witch even creates spell jars you can use in your own practice in case you don’t have the time or materials to craft your own! You can check them out here.

• Using Sigils: Sigil magick is the art of using symbols and imagery to manifest your intentions. These images can be drawn intuitively based on what you’re feeling, or specially designed to capture a specific phrase or word.

• Tarot Spells: Tarot cards aren’t just for readings...you can use them in your spellwork to focus your intentions more clearly and get a better picture of what you want to manifest. Some witches even have specific decks that are used solely for spellcasting.

• Magickal Brews: Brew mixes are blends of herbs, spices, and other magickal ingredients that correspond with your intentions, which can be added to a pot of water and brewed to lift your spellwork into the universe. Our resident kitchen witch makes some truly amazing brew mixes if you want to give this type of casting a shot without having to worry about what ingredients to use.

• Burning: These are some of the simplest spells to perform, and honestly, they’re just as powerful as any other. You start by raising energy and then writing your intention on a piece of paper. Burn the paper to release the energy and begin manifesting. Easy-peasy!

These are just a very small sampling of all the ways you can cast a spell. And remember: you can always keep it simple by focusing on a particular intention without any tools whatsoever, instead directing your energy through your own body. No matter what you choose, it’s a valid way to spellcast so don’t let anyone else tell you it’s not. You don’t have to do an elaborate ritual to manifest what you want.

You’ve Gotta Believe!

Whatever you do, believe in your magick and the fact that you are capable of casting. Grow your confidence and don’t be afraid to try different things. Trust in the spell you’re casting and know that the energy you’re sending out will return to you in kind. You’ll find a way of spellcasting that works for you, and you’ll do it flawlessly. We believe in your power; you should too 😉🔮

The Magick Of Stovetop Brews

Centuries ago, witches relied heavily on the cauldron to brew magickal potions and other concoctions. In today’s modern world, having a bubbly, cast iron cauldron in the middle of our kitchen isn’t quite as common. But that doesn’t mean we’ve lost the ability to brew up some magick!

Everything Is Magick

Before we dive too deep into the magick of brewing, let’s talk about the magick in ingredients. Every living thing on this planet harnesses some form of magick. From the ancient wisdom of trees to the grounding energy of dirt itself, everything has a purpose and meaning. As witches, we tap into the magickal attributes of Earth’s elements to manifest our desires. Some choose to do this through the act of rituals and spellwork while others find magick in the mundane. If you’re like us, you do a little bit of it all!

That’s where stovetop brews come in handy - it can be as ritualistic or as simplistic as you’d like. There are no set steps in making the magick happen and you can strictly go off what resonates with you. Your intent is what truly matters in all of your magickal workings.

Making Magick On Your Stovetop

You’re probably familiar with the act of burning herbs and candles to infuse the air with magickal energies, but did you know you can do the exact same just by simmering a pot of water and herbs on your stovetop? Instead of the magickal energy being released in the form of smoke, it gets released in the form of steam.

Have you ever made a pot of soup and let it simmer for an hour or two? Have you noticed how the smell of the ingredients permeates your kitchen? Believe it or not, the magickal energies of those ingredients lingered right along with the heavenly aroma. And that’s how stovetop brews work!

As mentioned earlier, making a stovetop brew can be as ritualist or as simplistic as you’d like. I typically like to take the scraps from my veggies and toss them into a pot of boiling water with the intent of releasing their magickal properties into the air. When I’m feeling a little more ritualistic, I’ll light a candle and use one of our herbal brew blends to fill my home with magickal intent. I’ll even strain the mix and reserve the water to use when watering my garden to infuse magick into my plants as well!

You Don’t Have To Be A Kitchen Witch

Don’t let the idea of you needing to know how to cook intimidate you from using a brew to craft magick. In fact, you don’t have to cook at all in order to concoct a magickal brew! You can go outside right now and pick some leaves from a tree to throw into a pot of boiling water and get the full magickal effects.

Alternatively, you can purchase herbal mixes that were crafted with specific intentions. For instance, our Happy Home Brew Mix can be brewed on your stovetop to welcome happiness and loving energy into your home while our Prosperity Brew Mix will increase your vibrations to attract abundance.

5 Uses For The Witch’s Cauldron

A witch’s cauldron is one of the most versatile tools a witch can have on hand. Aside from it dating back centuries as being the center point of a witch’s hearth for both warmth and cooking food, it has been used in modern years as a vessel for magickal workings. Commonly recognized for its womb-like structure, cauldrons are connected deeply with the Divine Feminine and represent creation, alchemy, and transformation making it the perfect tool for any spell or ritual.

Traditional cauldrons are usually made of black cast iron and form the shape of a round bowl, but in modern days we have other vessels that can be used as cauldrons just as well! Take a regular cooking pot for instance. It has the womb-like structure to place items and ingredients in for magickal workings just like the traditional cauldron. A tea kettle is another great alternative to the traditional cauldron along with crockpots, dutch ovens, and even coffee cups!

So now that you know what a cauldron is and what it symbolizes, you’re probably wondering how you’d use one in your magickal practice. You’re in luck because we're sharing 5 uses for the witch’s cauldron, all of which can be accomplished by beginner witches and experienced witches alike.

1. Burning Candles

Many witches use their cauldrons as candle holders when casting candle spells. Not only does it keep the melted wax contained but it also invites in transformative feminine energy into your spellwork. You can also add crystals and herbs to the bottom of your cauldron to amplify the magickal properties of your candle spell.

2. Magickal Brews

Brewing herbal concoctions in your cauldron is a wonderful way to cast spells or increase certain vibrations in your home. Simply simmer herbs on your stovetop to emit their magick into the air. We especially like to brew our Happy Home Brew Mix every week or so to keep the vibrations lifted and positive.

3. Divination

There are multiple ways to use your cauldron for divination purposes, but it also depends on the type of cauldron you’re using. Coffee cups are great for tasseography - tea leaf reading - while a traditional black cast iron cauldron filled with water would work well for scrying - gazing into a reflective surface to see messages from the Divine.

4. Fire Spells

If you’re using a fire safe cauldron then you can easily cast fire spells using your cauldron. A simple fire spell you can do while using your cauldron is to write a petition on a scrap piece of paper and fold it up then cupping it in your hands, infusing the petition with your will and intent. Strike a match and let it burn in your cauldron to cast the spell!

5. Kitchen Magick

Using your cauldron for cooking magickal meals is likely the most obvious way to use your cauldron, but it’s worthy of noting! Simply using your cauldron for its intended purpose such as brewing tea, making soup, or even simply to boil water are all things that can be done with magickal touches. Placing your intent into your cooking is the purest and most powerful way to practice kitchen magick.

Now that you have some ideas on what you could use as a cauldron and how to practice magick with it, it’s time you get started!

Making Magick With The Elementals

As witches, we work with the elements every day — that’s nothing new. But have you ever stopped to think about the fae who guard those elements? These elemental beings have always existed, and although we may not always see them, they are constantly working behind the scenes to protect nature and all of its beings.

To break it down simply, elementals are personifications of the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. They each have a “representative” fae or spirit that is tied to whose purpose is to bring balance to the world as we know it and protect the elements, but these spirits can also be summoned to assist in spellwork. Elementals are found in everything; trees, rocks, crystals, blades of grass, flames from a candle...even the wind has its own guardian fae!

Are you ready to start building your relationship with the Elementals? Here’s a quick guide on the four main spirits you should know about:

Gnomes

As guardians of the Earth element, Gnomes are powerful healers and messengers of Mother Nature. Brownies, dwarves, kobolds, and goblins are all considered Earth elementals but they each have vastly different looks and qualities -- showing just how varied this group truly is. While these Elementals do tend to live in gardens and around homesteads, the vast majority of them live deep in the forests or underground where they can safely protect our natural resources and wildlife, as well as cleanse negative energies that pass through the Earth. Every time you’ve ever buried something to cleanse it, you have a Gnome spirit to thank for that!

Gnomes are great to work with if you need stability or deep spiritual cleansing, and I always seek the Gnomes when I need to ground. They might look like a relaxed and stern bunch, but when Gnomes appear to us it often feels like you’re being watched by a very playful, small shadow that likes to dart and hide behind things. They don’t want to directly interact with us but they do love to people-watch. That’s a whole mood if you ask me.

A lot of Gnome and Earth spirits like to go unseen and are quite reserved, but they do enjoy gifts! To further your relationship with the Earth elementals, decorate with greens or browns and offer them gifts such as crystals, seeds, new plants to care for, and vegetable snacks of all kinds. You can also dance if you don’t have physical gifts for them; the Gnomes are surprisingly agile when it comes to cutting a rug and love it when we honor their spirit through movement.

Salamanders

Fire Elementals were originally classified as salamanders, which comes from the Greek word “salambe”, meaning fireplace. As the faery guardians of Fire, these spirits embody transformation and purification. Dragons, djinn, and will-o’-the-wisps are all considered Fire Elementals, with the ability to help us ignite the spiritual fire within. Like fire itself, they are passionate and wild but not inherently destructive. Contrary to the “volatile” nature of fire, Salamander spirits actually work behind the scenes to keep our realm peaceful. Their main purpose as an Elemental is to promote self-healing and the control of our emotions.

Fire Elementals exist within every flame and are the personification of the Sun. They represent Divine will and nurture the creative fire we all have inside. If you’re stuck with writer’s block or suffering from procrastination, the Fire fae can help spur you back into action. They can also be called upon to burn away and purify what is no longer serving us so that we can rebuild on more fertile ground, or if you’re in need of a confidence boost.

A great way to honor the Salamander spirit and invite them into your magickal workings is through...well, fire, of course. It doesn’t have to be a bonfire -- any type of ritual burning, such as a tealight candle, will resonate with the fire spirits. You can also decorate your altar or sacred space with colors such as yellow, orange, and red to create a warm, inviting vibe.

Sylphs

These fluid Elementals are responsible for guarding the element of Air and are some of the most receptive fae when it comes to human contact. They live in every breeze, spreading seeds and causing leaves to fall, dancing as they go. They’re incredibly helpful Elementals, known to raise the vibrations in the air and help us connect with divine energies. They’re mostly invisible but they have a very calming presence, enhancing mental clarity, giving us inspiration, and lending their magick to communication spells. Sylphs also love to interact with your spiritual animal guides, so they are excellent spirits to work with if you are still searching for your power animal. On occasion, they may manifest as rapidly moving tiny sparks of light or wisps.

These Air Elementals work on the etheric plane to keep us on our spiritual paths, gently guiding us towards our true selves. Their purpose is to cleanse the negative energies that may be clouding your mind and blocking your path. They blow away clouds of doubt and fear to help us see our magickal abilities more clearly and feel more mentally balanced overall.

Sylphs love offerings of incense, feathers, and anything yellow or white. They also enjoy windchimes, as it is a great way for them to communicate their presence to us. I love to honor the Sylphs with breathwork meditations and yoga, which also gives me the time to focus on just how vital their spirits are to our wellbeing.

Undines

Undines are Elemental protectors of the Water, helping us tap into our subconscious and let go of the past. Their name comes from the Latin root word unda, which means "wave." Although Undines are their own beings, fae such as mermaids and selkies are also included in this category due to their deep similarities. They mostly like to avoid humans and live in all bodies of water. Yes, every body of water -- oceans, rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams. They work hard to combat the pollution that we put into the water, which is a big reason why they are so wary of the human race these days.

Undines can be summoned when we need to get in touch with our emotions and release everything that is holding us back. These spirits are incredibly healing in this way, because when emotions are allowed to flow freely we are able to consciously shift our attachments and move on. We all need this kind of flexibility to grow, and since we are made mostly of water, Undines are particularly adept at connecting with us so that we can learn this lesson.

Undines are highly connected with the Moon, so they make excellent companions when performing rituals associated with the full or new moon. As a water Elemental, Undines speak most loudly to those with water-related placements in their chart, however, they will show themselves to anyone who needs them. Once you’ve built a relationship with them, they are very giving and ready to help. They love gifts of seashells, saltwater, and crystals such as moonstone, but you can also honor the guardian Water spirits by taking a ritual bath or pausing to enjoy the rain. They also love all shades of blue, so incorporating those colors into your wardrobe is a wonderful way to take their energy everywhere you go.

Elementals are usually more than happy to help us in our spells and rituals...as long as they’re approached with honest intentions. Elementals are ancient beings, after all. They deserve our respect, especially in regards to their boundaries and customs. As with any deity or spirit, always do your research before petitioning them and never push them to work with you. Just be open to their messages and willing to build trust; your time to meet them will come! 💫