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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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Omens of the Witch's Brew

Circe Invidiosa by John William Waterhouse

Omens of the Witch's Brew

If a Witch's brew continues to boil after it has been removed from the fire, it is said to be a sign that the Witch will live to be a ripe old age! This omen originated in Europe in the Middle Ages.

A quarrel with a friend or family member is portended if a Witch's brew should accidentally be spilled on the carpet. However, it is said to be a sign of good luck to accidentally spill some upon yourself.

It is bad luck to brew philtres (love potions) wen the moon is in a waning phase or during the time know as the dark of the moon. The ideal time is during a waxing moon, especially on Valentine's day.

If two Witches stir the same brew, they will be stirring up strife, according to an old superstitious belief from England. If they both drink it from the same cup, it will bring them bad luck unless they are married or handfasted to each other.

It is said to be extremely unlucky for any Witch to heat his or her own brews and potions in a tea kettle or cauldron belonging to another. (To avoid this, a good rule of thumb is to always use your own magickal tools.)

If a lady and a gentleman pour out a cup of brew from the same pot, this is an omen that a child will be born to them. If two women pour, one of them will give birth to a red-haired set of twins within the year.

It is an invitation to poverty and misfortune should you throw away herbs that are leftover from potions and brews. For good fortune to smile upon you, always dispose of used herbs by casting them into a fire.

A stranger will soon be arriving on your doorstep if you accidentally leave the lid of the tea kettle or cauldron off while preparing a magickal brew. This superstitious belief hails from Victorian-era England.

It is said to be unlucky to stir a Witch's brew in a counter-clockwise direction. To do so creates bad vibrations and attracts negative influences. Always stir in a clockwise direction.

If your left eye itches while you are brewing a potion, this is an omen that sorrow shall soon find it's way into your life. An itching of your right eye indicates precisely the opposite. How and where these originated is a mystery.
From Gerina Dunwich's Book "Magick Potions" </OBJECT></LAYER>

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