Witches Brew
Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses by John William Waterhouse
Witches Brew The offering of wine, ale, water and cider or other fruit juice used for religious symbolism dates back to Paleopagan times. As an example, in Scotland on Samhain Eve (relating to the Isle of Lewis) inhabitants would take a chalice of ale brewed for the occasion and enter the sea up to their waists. There, they would speak the words of the invocation to the God and Goddess of the sea, asking for blessings and protection and then pour the contents of the chalice into the waters. Even during the early Christian Era, this practise remained alive--the priest offering the mysterious power of the ocean and of course unto the God whom they believed created those seas.
If you would like to design a ritual for yourself along the lines of scared communion, you may wish to make the brew listed below. Apple cider has long been used as a libation to the Earth Goddess and deity in general. The apple (prized food of the unicorn) brings health, love and wisdom to those who taste its enchanting juices.
1 gallon apple cider (love)
1 orange (love)
1 apple (love)
3 cinnamon sticks (love and psychic powers)
1/8 tsp. nutmeg (fidelity)
1 handful rose petals (love)
1 large pot (personal note...or a iron cauldron)
Pour the apple cider into a large kettle. Peel orange and squeeze its juices into the cider, discarding the pulp. Tear the orange peel into 1 inch strips and add to the mixture. Core apple and cut into 1/4 inch slices and add. Break the cinnamon sticks in half and add. Add nutmeg. Warm over low heat for 2 hours. Do not bring to a boil. Stir often saying:
From the moon to the vine
From the vine to the fruit
From the fruit to this brew
May the Lady send her blessings
May the Lord grant your desires
~source unknown
Witch's Daily Brew Long ago I read Sibyl Leek's book "The Complete Art of Witchcraft". I think that was the book that started my daily herbal brews. She drank red clover tea every day as a body/energy strengthener. I tried that, but later switched to instant ginseng tea for convenience and as a daily ritual. This is the most recent development, and a recipe that friends can't get enough of, I've even sold/traded it occasionally. The proportions are rather intuitive and dependent on what's on hand, but basically mix all of the following and use about a teaspoon of it in 6-8 ounces of very hot water, let steep for 5 minutes. I'll add botanical names and attributes of each ingredient as soon as I can. If you don't have all the ingredients, no problem, make it without them! This makes 2 of my friends VERY SLEEPY, so use at night if that happens to you too. Personally I feel energized by it.
1 handful lemon verbena
1 handful lemon catnip or regular catmint
1 handful red raspberry leaves
1 handful red clover blossoms
1 handful spearmint leaves
1/2 handful peppermint leaves
1 large handful chamomile flowers
1/2 handful chickweed
1/2 handful dried nettles
1 handful lemon balm
If you live in a country where it is legal, and have glaucoma, are under chemotherapy treatments, or for Sabbats, 1/2 handful of cannabis (sativa preferably, or indica if desired or for severe illness) leaves, NOT flowering tops can be added. Otherwise this addition may not be wise for a daily brew!
~source unknown
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