SABBATS, The WHEEL of the YEAR, ELEMENTS & RITUALS

THE EIGHT SABBATS / The Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year celebrates the duality at the heart of many pagan beliefs. Life and death. Growth and decline. Light and darkness. The ever changing cycle of natural renewal as reflected in the seasonal changes of nature moving from Spring to Summer to Autumn to Winter and back to Spring are reflected and celebrated in relation to solar and agricultural events. This cycle of renewal is reflected in the legends of the Wheel of the Year which is first divided into four segments defined by the midpoints of each of the four seasons, known as the Winter Solstice, the Vernal Equinox, the Summer Solstice, and the Autumnal Equinox. These seasonal midpoints would be the solar events observed in the Wheel of the year and can be pretty much celebrated anywhere as they relate to the position of the Sun relative to the Earth. This particular Wheel of the Year is based upon North American climatologically influences and assigns the agricultural celebrations to dates occurring around February 2nd (Imbolc), May 1st (Beltane), August 2nd (Lammas), and October 31st (Samhain), combined, these eight divisions, or spokes of the wheel of the year, are known as the Quarters and Cross Quarters of the year. I am listing these Sabbats in the specific meaning for the Pagans and Celtic beliefs.  Most people I know celebrate these holidays (Sabbats) during the day, but for the work itself, they meet in the darkness and at night (12 midnight to be specific - witching hour).  Always mark these holidays in your journal or calendar and celebrate either alone or with another witch.  (I prefer alone)

December 20 - 23:     WINTER SOLSTICE:  (Yule)
Rebirth as the Wheel turns anew.  Overcome depression and despair. Celebration of the return of the Light. Return of the Sun God. The Goddess gives birth to a son, the God, at Yule. Yule is a time of the greatest darkness and is the shortest day of the year.  Since the God is also the Sun, this marks the point of the year when the Sun is reborn as well.  The Goddess, slumbering through the winter of Her labor, rests after Her delivery. Fires or candles are lit to welcome the Sun's returning light, and with it, a reminder that the ultimate product of death is rebirth. Beginning of the regeneration of the Crone into the Maiden for Imbolc. Transition from the Waning Year of the Holly King to the Waxing Year of the Oak King. Rest. Winter Solstice is associated with the colors gold, green, red and silver.  The moon is in its New Moon lunar phase. (refer to my Moon page)! This is a great time to have a bonfire with friends, It’s a good idea to dress in purples and reds. Have a bath with a cup of chamomile flowers or tea. Burn a Yule (oak) log in the center and throw herbs such a sage or rosemary on the fire and watch the smoke swirl towards the sky. Altar decorations are bayberries, holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and a sprig of evergreen. This is also similar to the idea of Christmas, while most Witches do exchange gifts at Christmas many also do at Yule and Litha. The real "12 Days of Christmas", Yule begins on "Mothers Night" and ends 12 days later on "Yule Night". Typically starting on the 20th or 21st of December to December 31st.Yule is a time when the waxing sun overcomes the waning sun. The Holly King which represents the death aspect of God, is overcome by the Oak King who represents the rebirth of the God. It is the time when an individual concludes the chapter of their life for the year and prepares for the rebirth of the New Year's lessons and opportunities. The festival is associated with fire, and the Yule log. The fire is the tool that returns all to it's beginnings, "ashes to ashes". And prepares the soul for rebirth, the "rise of the Phoenix from the ashes".  The season is also represented by the colors red (for the fire) and green (for the rebirth) process. The season includes the cutting of the Yule tree, decorating the home with a holy wreath (natures red and green bush) and decorating special cookies for celebrating the sweet joys of the year past and the sweetness for the year to come.   Finally the season includes the reindeer stag to represent the horned God, the Pagan God of death and the final chapter of the year.  The feast of the Winter Solstice was called Yule and took place about December 21; it marked the longest, darkest night of the year. Hot apple cider and, sweetened cakes, filled with dried fruit saved from sunnier days were favorite treats at Yule; and homes were decorated with holly and pine boughs; mistletoe, sacred to the Great Mother was hung--kissing is a mild token of her Fertility Rites. Yule was a celebration of waxing solar light, and in honor of the divine Sun child an Oaken Yule log decorated with holly was burned. The old Holly King gave up his Life to make way for the reborn Sun Child: Yule celebrated the sleep of death of the old King, and the womb-sleep & birth of his newest incarnation. Because the exact date of the birth for Jesus Christ-the King of Light to all Christians- is unknown, the Church assigned it to this time, a date already sacred to ancient peoples.  It is a time to let go of all fears, all doubts, all outworn ideas, all projects finished - anything in our lives that holds us away from the new beginnings that will lead to new growth. It is a time to let go of the past and walk toward the light. Some witches light a gold candle in the cauldron and jump the cauldron of rebirth making a wish for her to be a better person in the coming year. On this longest night, we renew and rebirth our bodies and spirit self. This is when we plant our seeds of change, whether it be truth, love, friendship, etc.

Symbols of Yule:   (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Symbolism Section)
Yule log, Lights, Strings of dried flowers, Apples, oranges or small Yule log with 3 candles, evergreen boughs or wreaths, holly, mistletoe hung in doorways, gold pillar candles, baskets of clove studded fruit, a simmering pot of wassail, poinsettias, Christmas cactus.
Herbs of Yule:    (Refer to Vampyress' 550 Magickal Herbal Section) more listed below!
Bayberry, Blessed thistle, Evergreen, Frankincense, Holly, Laurel, Mistletoe, Oak, Pine, Sage, Yellow Cedar. Ash, Bay Laurel, Arborvitae, Chamomile, Juniper
Foods of Yule:          (Refer below for more and to Vampyress' Solids or FOOD Page)
Cookies and caraway cakes (or cookies) soaked in cider, fruits, nuts, pork dishes, turkey, mulled wine, eggnog, ginger tea, spiced cider, wassail, or lamb's wool (ale, sugar, nutmeg, roasted apples).
Incense of Yule:    (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Incense Section)
Pine, cedar, bayberry, rosemary, juniper, cinnamon.  (more listed below for your convenience)
Colors of Yule:  (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Colors  Section)
Red, green, gold, white, silver, yellow, orange.
Stones of Yule:        (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Crystals and Stones Section)
Rubies, bloodstones, garnets, emeralds, cat's eyes, diamonds.
Activities of Yule:
Caroling, burning the Yule log, decorating the Yule tree, exchanging of presents, kissing under the mistletoe, honoring Kris Kringle the Germanic Pagan God of Yule.
Spellworkings of Yule:    (Refer to Vampyress' SPELLS PAGES (all 3))
Peace, harmony for the future, unity, respect, tolerance,  love, and increased happiness.
Deities of Yule:   (Refer to Vampyress' GODDESS Section)
Goddesses-Brighid, Isis, Demeter, Gaea, Diana, The Great Mother. Gods-Apollo, Ra, Odin, Lugh, The Oak King, The Horned One, The Green Man, The Divine Child.
 

February 2:     CANDLEMAS:   (Imbolc)
The older Pagan names were Imbolc and Oimelc. 'Imbolc' means, literally, 'in the belly' (of the Mother). For in the womb of Mother Earth, hidden from our mundane sight but sensed by a keener vision, there are stirrings. The seed that was planted in her womb at the solstice is quickening and the new year grows. 'Oimelc' means 'milk of ewes', for it is also lambing season.  This is also the day of initiation, the RITE of passage for WITCHES. This is a time to plant the seeds of short term goals for the new cycle and new energy. The candle procession symbolizes the Feast of the Waxing light celebrating the Rebirth of the Sun.
The first stirrings of life in darkness beneath the Earth. The Sun God is increasing in strength. Festival held on Feb. 1. One of the 4 Celtic "Fire Festivals. Commemorates the changing of the Goddess from the Crone to the Maiden. Celebrates the first signs of Spring. Also called "Imbolc" (the old Celtic name). This is the seasonal change where the first signs of spring and the return of the sun are noted, i.e. the first sprouting of leaves, the sprouting of the Crocus flowers etc. In other words, it is the festival commemorating the successful passing of winter and the beginning of the agricultural year. This Festival also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Crone to Maiden. *Decorate your altar with a sprig of evergreen or a homemade besom made of dried broom to symbolize the "sweeping out the old".  Celebrated on or around February 1, Imbolc is also known as Oimelc or Brigid's Feast. This mid-Winter feast day symbolized the first stirring of the Earth from its icy sleep and was the time for caring of the sheep in ancient Ireland. Brigid was an incarnation of the Great Mother--reborn each spring at the navel of the earth, the sacred Oimelc, or Well--she was patroness of poetry, healing and metal work: she rekindled the fire in the Earth, preparing it for new life, which was manifested by the first milk of the ewes, a few weeks before the lambing season. Brigid was seen as a young Virgin, and Celts came to associate her with the Virgin Mary, leading to such names for the feast as Gwyl Mair Dechrau'r, "The Feast of Mary of the Beginning of Spring", also known in the Church as Candlemas, when candles-in ancient connection with the fire goddess-were brought to Church to be blessed. At this stage, she celebrates the growth of the Sun God in a ceremony of Light. The Earth is starting to stir. This is the time when the Spirit begins to be restless, desiring growth and increased activity. Harbinger of Spring, and good for "seedlings" of all sorts, including projects.  CANDLEMAS is associated with the color white.  The moon is in its Crescent Moon lunar phase (refer to my MOON PAGE). Now is the time for new beginnings, now’s the time to clean out and get rid of things no longer needed. You should make a list of things that you wish to achieve by next Sabbat, when you’re at home wear white and light white candles. Now is also a great time to buy a pentagram and Goddess necklace.  It is a time for changes below the surface of things, when solstice birth first begins to manifest. It is the time of year to make a commitment or recommitment to your spiritual growth. It is a time to look ahead in hope and joy for what is to come. It is a time of divination, looking into the coming year. It is a time for cleaning and purification. Self dedication. It is a time for looking for early spring. Crossroads figure prominently in this Sabbat. This is a night that spirits of the dead are said to walk among the living. The Crossroads also represent an equal-armed cross which is seen as a symbol of balance and protection. On the eve before this Sabbat, go to a crossroad and bury negativity so it cannot escape.
Below are some Oils to use during this Sabbat:  More OILS and HERBS are Listed in my other pages ~ So Enjoy...

Incense:      (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Incense Section)  more listed below!
Frankincense, myrrh, jasmine, camphor, cinnamon and lotus, basil, wisteria.
Candles:     (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Candle/Colors  Section)
Red and white.
Gemstones:     (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Crystals and Stones Section)
Amethyst, garnet, onyx, turquoise
Ritual Herbs:
Angelica, Basil, Bay, Benzoin, Blackberry, Coltsfoot, Celandine, Heather, Iris, Tansy, Violet, Myrrh, Frankincense.

Imbolc Oil #1
1/4 oz. almond oil
10 drops orange oil
9 drops Siberian fir oil
5 drops frankincense oil
5 drops carnation oil
5 drops primrose oil
5 drops ginger oil
5 drops lavender oil
4 drops nutmeg oil
To the bottle add: dried orange flowers, garnet

Imbolc Oil # 2
2 drops jasmine oil
2 drops rose oil
2 drops chamomile oil
2 drops lemon oil
2 drops lavender oil
1/8 oz. base oil    

Imbolc Oil #3
1/2 dram pine oil
1/4 dram lavender oil
4 to 5 drops cinnamon oil
1/4 dram sandalwood oil
1/4 dram frankincense oil
          1/4 dram myrrh oil            

Imbolc Oil #4
10 parts clove oil
20 parts dragon's blood oil
5 parts wisteria oil
5 parts lotus oil
5 parts musk oil 

March 20 - 23:     SPRING EQUINOX: (Ostara)
Equal day and equal night, equal female and equal male. The Sun God's strength increases. The Maiden celebrates her fertility. The fertility of the Earth is apparent. This is the time when the developing soul begins to prepare for future activity. Since day and night are equal at or around this time, the soul also strives to balance the male and female within its consciousness. Spring cleaning aids in this preparation. Good for sex magic and for balancing.  The Spring Equinox is associated with all the colors of the rainbow.  The celebration of new life is sacred at this time. *Decorate your altars and circles with springtime wildflowers. 
The moon is in its First Quarter Lunar phase. Now is the time for celebrating Spring and the Witches Easter which has nothing to do with Jesus, most Pagans celebrate the idea of the Easter bunny which was originally a Druid creation. the Easter rabbit used to bring children colored (not chocolate) eggs. All things at this time are blooming and all the animals are out and about. Spring Equinox represents the rebirth of life, many Witches do paint eggs and sit them on their alters, to be an offering to the Goddess. The chains of winter are broken, Spring has arrived, This is the time when all of life burst forth in joyous celebration. As at IMBOLC this is the seed time but for long range goals. Day and Night are equal bringing balance. Persephone rises from the Depths of the Underworld and brings forth new life. Hair is adorned with flowers, Eggs are decorated as they are a symbol of rebirth, This is considered the true MOTHERS Day.  The ancient Celtic Year began with the coming of the Vernal Equinox in Springtime-- "equinox" referring to that time of the year when the Sun crosses the plane of the Earth's equator, making night and day equal length all over the planet. Crops were typically sown at this time, known as 'Lady Day' or Eostre, which took place on the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox and marked the fullness of the Earth and the triumph of the Sun over Winter. The Church's feast of Easter, celebrating when Jesus Christ arose triumphant over Death, is named after this feast. Prior to Easter, the Church prepares with the Lenten season, a time of meditation and sacrifice. The white rabbit, an animal representing fertility, and the decorated Egg, symbolizing the Sun's triumph & the wheel of eternity, fit well with this holiday.

Altar Decorations:
Hard boiled eggs colored and painted with Magical symbols for fertility, stuffed animal chicks or rabbits, pastels, flowers, jellybeans.
Ritual Herbs: (Refer to Vampyress' 550 Magickal Herbal Section)  more listed below
Honeysuckle, iris, jasmine, rose, strawberry, tansy and violets,  Acorn, celandine, cinquefoil, crocus, dandelion, dogwood, daffodil, dogwood, lily,  ELDER TREE is associated with Ostara.
Incense:   (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Incense Section)
Violet, jasmine, rose, sage, strawberry
Gods & Goddesses:   (Refer to Vampyress' GODDESS Section)
Kore, Eostre, Ostara, the Green Goddess and the Lord of the Greenwood
Colors:     (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Colors  Section)
Pastels, pinks, lt. blues, yellows, green,  Gold, peach
Gemstones:     (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Crystals and Stones Section)
Amethyst, aquamarine, bloodstone, red jasper
Food:
Hard boiled eggs, honey cakes, first fruits of season, waffles, milkshakes, Flower foods, seeds, and leafy greens.

Ostara Incense Recipe
2 Parts Frankincense
1 Part Benzoin
1 Part Dragon's Blood
1/2 Part Nutmeg
1/2 part Violet flowers
(or few drops violet oil)
1/2 Part Orange peel
1/2 Part Rose petals
Chop all fresh ingredients into small pieces, then grind all ingredients together until a fine paste.
Burn upon lit charcoal blocks in a fire proof container.
 

May 1:     BELTANE: 
Celebrate the flowering and fertility of the GODDESS. The lusty Sun God has matured and seeks a wife. He courts and marries the Maiden at this time. May Eve festival. One of the Ancient Celtic "Fire Festivals." on this night, the cattle were driven between two bonfires to protect them from disease. Couples wishing for fertility would " jump the fires" on Beltane night. Also the traditional Sabbath where the rule of the "Wheel of the Year" is returned to the Goddess. This Festival also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Maiden to Mother. *Decorate altars with a chain of daisies and springtime wildflowers. Blackthorn and hawthorn are traditional trees of this Sabbat.  The Earth is vital and growing. The human soul may seek a mate at this time, or may simply develop plans and prepare for new projects with increasing fervor.  Good for conception (birth) magic.  The colors related to Beltane is dark green.  Marriage is very sacred at this time.  The  moon is in its Gibbous Moon lunar phase. (refer to my moon page) Now is a great time to eat fertility fruits such as Peaches, Mangos, Strawberries & Raspberries, it’s also a great time to write poems which you see as relevant at this time in your life. Be sure to share them with a friend or family member. This is also the Witches New Year just the same as the Chinese and Christians have their own New Year.  Beltane is a celebration of the return of life and fertility to the world which takes place on the first of May. The word "Beltane" means "brilliant fire," and refers to the bonfire lit in honor of the Celtic god known as Bel, the god of light, fire and healing, another form of Cernunnos. The bonfires were the "tein-eigin", fire made from the friction of two pieces of sacred wood. In ancient Ireland, no one could light a Bel-fire until the Ard Ri, High King, had lit the first on Tara Hill. Cattle would be driven between these two fires to protect them from disease, ensuring a high milk yield. A May Pole fertility dance also took place. Usually made from a Yule tree, its branches were stripped and red & white ribbons were attached to its top-men and women danced around the pole, holding onto the ribbons and interweaving them as they went round. The Witches' Sabbat of Beltane officially begins at moonrise on May Day eve. Beltane is a fire festival and is opposite Samhain on the Wheel of the Year. Samhain is the time when the veil between the worlds is the thinnest and Beltane the time when the worlds are furthest apart. On this day we celebrate the May Queen of fertility and passion, a time when the Maiden of Spring comes of age and celebrates the fullness of her sexuality. The Maypole, symbol of the Tree of Life, or Moon Tree, is decorated with flowers and ribbons. The Great Rite is sexual license, "When we act out the lovemaking of nature by loving each other". It is the celebration of youth, of love and fun. It is a time of jumping through the Beltane bonfire. You can also light a fire in your fireplace. If you do not have a fireplace, you might light thirteen dark green candles to symbolize the Beltane fire. Dress in springtime colors.
Tarot Cards:
Wands specifically 4 of Wands
Altar Decorations:
A small May Pole and/or phallus shaped candle to symbolize fertility, a daisy chain, wildflowers.
Herbs: (Refer to Vampyress' 550 Magickal Herbal Section)  more listed below
Almond, Angelica, Belladonna, Bluebells, Daisy, Clover, Marigold, Frankincense, Lilac, Rose, Rowan, Yellow Cowslip,  ash tree, cinquefoil, hawthorn, ivy,  primrose, woodruff,
Incense:     (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Incense Section)
 frankincense, lilac,  musk, civet, ambergris, jasmine, sandalwood, myrrh and myrtle and rose
Gods & Goddesses:   (Refer to Vampyress' GODDESS Section)
Flora, Diana, Artemis, Pan, Faunus, and all fertility deities.
Colors:      (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Colors  Section)
dark green and the colors of the rainbow
Gemstones:      (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Crystals and Stones Section)
 emerald, orange carnelian, sapphire, rose quartz
Food:
Red fruits such as strawberries and cherries, green herbal salads, red or pink wine punch, large round oatmeal or barley cakes (known as Beltane cakes)

June 20 - 23:     SUMMER SOLSTICE:   (Litha)
The Horned God is at the peak of is manifest Power and the flowering Goddess welcomes Him. Celebration of the Fire at the peak of the Sun God's strength. In the past, bonfires were leapt to encourage fertility, purification, health, and love. The fire, once again, represents the Sun, feted on this time of the longest daylight hours. The Maiden is now a mother-to-be, pregnant with the harvest to come. The human soul is full of activity. All that is needed for future growth has already been given. Good for sex magic: the female takes in and is nourished by the male and therefore the male is reenergized by the female.  The Summer Solstice is associated with the colors green and blue.  The moon is in its Full Lunar phase. Scatter roses petals and place Roses on your alter and in your circles. Burn Lavender incense for protection, this is also a great time to give gifts. The God has reached the peak of his strength so we give thanks to him for the great harvest throughout the year. This is also one of the longest days and from now on they will continue to get shorter as we get close to summer. Litha was the feast which took place on June 21 and marks the shortest, brightest night of the year--it is the beginning of the Sun's waning toward Yule. The Summer Solstice marked the Earth's full-flowering, when the crops had reached the height of maturity, and the lands of the Celts glowed with new green. Also called Midsummer's Day, it was traditionally celebrated out in the forest and involved masquerades, picnics, games--such as a reenactment of the Holly & Oak King's great duel for the hand of the Virgin Goddess--she who would become the fruitful Mother of Autumn, and, at night, bonfires and dancing--Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream" gives one an idea of the riotous kind of atmosphere this time provoked. The Sun King and the Mother are at the fullness of power and strength. To celebrate the Power of Love and the Magic of the Earth. As is the tradition to burn nine woods for Beltane fires, it is also customary to throw nine kinds of herbs into the Midsummer fire. They are: St. John's Wort, rue, vervain, mistletoe, lavender, thyme, fennel, plantain and mugwort. The nature of Litha as a "day outside of time" is vastly different from that of Samhain. Litha has an upside down quality about it; that is, things often reversed or mixed up, i.e., candles are floated on water and wishes made on them. It is a time of festival, merriment, making of wishes and of rejoicing, as the Earth Mother who receives that energy blooms with the beauty that will become the fruits of the harvests. However, the time for waxing is at an end and the time of waning is at hand. The energy of the sun must go into the form of the Mother - the corn, the grain - and die in order to feed Earth Mother's children, to become the seed of a new cycle. It is a time that we must look within ourselves for inner enlightenment and meaning of our times of fulfillment, for without meaning, growth and purpose, fulfillment is emptiness.

Incense:    (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Incense Section)
Frankincense, lemon, myrrh, pine, rose and wisteria.
Candle Colors: (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Candle/Colors  Section)
Blue and green
Gemstones:     (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Crystals and Stones Section)
All green gemstones, especially emerald and jade.
Ritual Herbs:     (Refer to Vampyress' 550 Magickal Herbal Section)  more listed below
Chamomile, Chickweed, Cinquefoil, Chicory, Delphinium, Dogwood, Elderflower, Fennel, Figwort, Hemp, Lavender, Larkspur, Male Fern, Mugwort, Meadowsweet, Mistletoe, Pine, Rose, St. John's Wort, wild thyme, wisteria and verbena.
Needful Things:
A candle to represent Yourself. A candle to represent your Trouble. A candle to represent your Desire. A tea candle for your cauldron. Summer fruit and Iced Tea or fruit juice for the simple feast. Summer flowers and fruit blossoms for decorating.
Decorations:
Summer blooms in vivid and rich colors.
Cleanse:
With rich floral scents.

August 2:     LAMMAS:   (Lughnasadh)
Lughnasadh (pronounced loo-nus-uh) is the holiday traditionally celebrated as the time of the first harvest on July 31st and August 1st every year. Its more modern Irish name is Lunasa. Celebration of the first Harvest. The Sun God continues his decline. Mother Nature begins giving birth to the Harvest. August 1st. Witch Festival. The Old Celtic name for this festival is Lughnasadh. It is the Festival of the First Fruits, and is the first of the 3 harvests. This festival also marks the change of the Threefold Goddess energies from that of Mother to Crone. A time of gathering what one has sown. The Sun God is in his decline, even as the Sun continues to warm the Earth and encourage the ripening of the crops. At this time, he may be known as the Grain God. Mother Nature begins to deliver the fruits of her mating with the Sun God at Beltane. The Earth is producing its fruits and beginning to rest. The human soul is likewise beginning to receive the fruits of its labors. This festival that is celebrated to give thanks to the Lord for the new harvest. *Bilberries, stems of grain, and red poppies are the altar decorations, as are the seasonal flowers. Many make corn dollies to symbolize the Mother Goddess of the harvest.  Name goals for the next harvest too.  Lammas is associated with the color gold and all harvest colors.  The moon is in its Disseminating  lunar phase. To celebrate this Sabbat you can give offerings of Wheat, fruit, barley or oats to the Lord and the Lady. It is also great to eat fruit and freshly baked bread with a friend or family member also share your successes, failures and what you have learned over the last year.  Lughnasadh, or the Feast of Bread belonged to the god Lugh and was celebrated on August 1: it coincides with the beginning of the harvest and signifies the death of Bel, the Corn King. In Ireland, Lugh also is referred to as Lugh of the Long Hand, prince of the Sun. Circular Harvest Dances were held where the chieftains of the tribe wore horned headpieces--this was to honor the god Lugh, who loved games and competitive sports to keep up the physical vigor of his worshippers. Corncakes were made in the shape of the Corn King's body, and a special ale produced from the first harvested ears of corn--these were consumed in a ceremony to honor the King who gave his life so that the people could have food--a prehistoric Communion rite. We celebrate this time of year by celebrating summer. Summer is heat, growth, abundance and the work and play that naturally accompany these themes. Long hours of sunlight, tending gardens, harvesting fruits, vegetables, herbs, canning, freezing, drying the harvest. We celebrate summer with one eye on the winter ahead. At this time of the year, Mother Earth begins offering us some of the early fruits and vegetables. The celebration of Lammas is a pause to relax and open yourself to the change of the season so that you may be one with its energies and accomplish what is intended.  In Wiccan tradition, this is the time of the aging or waning god. Rituals are enacted that celebrate the first harvest and to give thanks for the abundance of the season. All this is with the knowledge that the dying god will soon make the ultimate sacrifice of his death at Samhain only to be born again at Yule.  Challenge yourself by introducing a new physical or mental skill into your life. Is there a craft you have always wanted to try but told yourself you never had the time? Meditate on the things you have to be grateful for, great and small, and acknowledge the part you have to play in the cycles of your own life and of those around you.

Candles     (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Candles/Colors  Section)
Dark green, yellow, gold, orange
Ritual Herbs:     (Refer to Vampyress' 550 Magickal Herbal Section)  more listed below
Acacia, Aloes, Berries, Corn, Fenugreek, Frankincense, Myrtle, Oat, Hollyhock, Oak Leaves, Sunflower and all red or seasonal flowers, especially poppies.
INCENSE: Wood aloes, rose, rose hips, rosemary, chamomile, eucalyptus, safflower, corn, passionflower, frankincense, sandalwood
Wheel Legend:
The Sun King sacrifices himself for the benefit of the community.
Purpose:
 To celebrate the sacrifice of King Harvest, lay fear to rest, and empower hope for the future.
Needful Things:
 A crumbly cracker to represent your fear. A piece of bread spread with honey to represent your hope. Earth and Salt to bury your fear. A tea candle for your cauldron. A food Shelf Coupon to seal your own sacrifice to benefit the community. Harvest flowers and blossoms for decorating. God figures made of bread or cookie dough, phallic symbols.
Decorations:
 Red, Yellow, and Gold. The Rich Full Colors of Harvest. Corn, cornucopias, red, yellow flowers, sheaves of grain (wheat, barley, oats), first fruits/vegetables of garden labor, corn dollies, baskets of bread, spear, cauldron,
Cleanse:
With simple oatmeal soap.

September 20 - 23:     AUTUMNAL EQUINOX:  (Mabon)
Equal night and equal day, equal male and female. Mabon is the completion of the harvest begun at Lughnasadh. Once again day and night are equal. Nature declines, draws back its bounty, readying for winter and its time of rest. The bounty of the harvest is celebrated in wine festivals, knowing that soon winter will bring uncertainty. Celebration of the second Harvest. Beginning of the sacrifice of the Sun God. Balance between the male force of the declining Sun God and the maturing Earth Mother. Balance. The Sun God is in his decline, and will symbolically die at Samhain. The Autumn Equinox divides the day and night equally, and we all take a moment to pay our respects to the impending dark. We also give thanks to the waning sunlight, as we store our harvest of this year's crops. The Druids call this celebration, Mea'n Fo'mhair, and honor the The Green Man, the God of the Forest, by offering libations to trees. Offerings of ciders, wines, herbs and fertilizer are appropriate at this time. Good for sex magic and balancing. Give thanks as above and name goals to build toward the next.  The Autumn Equinox is associated with the colors brown, orange and yellow.  The moon is in its Third Quarter lunar phase. Now is a great time for you to look back on the year and see what you have done and what you still have to do. 
Activities of Mabon: Making wine, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods, walking in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields, offering libations to trees, adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns, and pine cones to honor those who have passed over. *Use pomegranates to symbolize the goddess Demeter's (refer to my GODDESS SECTION), descent into the underworld. Many use red fruits to decorate their altars. Other decorations include pinecones and ear of wheat. Red poppies and all autumn flowers, leaves and fruits are good too.  Write down the what you have done which you are proud of and throw it into the fire with a handful of sage as an offering to the Lord and Lady. Mabon, the time of the Autumn Equinox, takes place on September 21 and marks the last harvest before Winter claims the Earth, to cover her in a blanket of whiteness and silence. The ancient Celts saw this as a time of celebrating the bounty the Earth had given them. The giver was personified as the Mother Goddess, who with the fruitfulness of the womb, had made a great Gift to mankind of wheat, corn, oats and all the fruits of field and tree. One of the Goddess' incarnations, Bridget, had 19 priestesses who kept alive a sacred Fire at Kildaire in Ireland, as a shrine to her. Sacrifices of a part of the Harvest was given to the Grain Lord--he who would be laid in the Earth to arise again-- bonfires were lit, honey-mead was drunk and the Harvest stored for the coming Winter. A Sabbat of balance. Day and night are again equal as nature declines and preparations are made through the final harvest of the season for winters rest.  You can take an apple to the cemetery and hold it in front of you and say "Ancient symbol of life, death and rebirth, take away my mourning and assure me that death is not a permanent parting, but a new and joyful beginning" and then placed at a love one's grave for hope of rebirth or if you cannot get to a cemetery, after the prayer, bury the apple in the earth to symbolize your hope for the rebirth of all life. The theme is balancing polarities, so do some thinking about the balance within your life. The female and male elements of your personality - do they have equal respect and expression. This night, when the hours of light and the hours of darkness are equal is a night to honor the balance of the Goddess and the God and the balance of matter and spirit because the Craft religion celebrates not only spiritual life of the next world, but also the physical life of this world. This is a true family holiday: be certain that you touch one another in a closed circle, symbolizing the power of the God and Goddess. Display the Green Man in circle and be sure to offer him libations in places where he lurks. Thanksgiving offerings can be left for the nature spirits sprinkle new cider, freshly harvested herbs, or bits of compost in garden beds. Dress in all your finery for this sabbat use crystal, china, and silver for feasting to create sympathetic magic for the abundance of another harvest. Meditate on the prosperity in your life.

Incense:   (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Incense Section)
Benzoin, myrrh and sage, pine, frankincense, jasmine, cinnamon and clove
Candle Colors:     (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Colors  Section)
Brown, green, russet, maroon, orange, red, deep gold, scarlet, purple, violet, indigo and yellow
Gemstones:     (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Crystals and Stones Section)
Carnelian, lapis lazuli, sapphire, yellow agate, yellow topaz, and amethyst.
Ritual Herbs:     (Refer to Vampyress' 550 Magickal Herbal Section)   more listed below!
Acorns, asters, benzoin, ferns, honeysuckle, marigold, milkweed, myrrh, oak leaves, vines, passion flower, pine, roses, sage, Solomon's seal and thistle. Grains (Barley, corn, oat, wheat),  Vegetables (Carrot, celery, cucumber, lettuce, onion, radish) .
Spell workings of Mabon:
Protection, prosperity, security, and self-confidence. Also those of harmony and balance.
Deities of Mabon:
Goddesses - Modron, Morgan, Epona, Persephone, Pamona and the Muses. All Fruit and Vegetable Deities.
Gods - Mabon, Thoth, Thor, Hermes, Dionysus, Bacchus and The Green Man. All Wine Gods and Gods of Fruit.
Wheel Legend:
The Harvest King becomes the Sage, the Hermit, the Lord of Shadows and travels the land with his lamp of wisdom to light his journey into Summerland. In his pack he bears all sorrows and woes which he will leave in the Land of Shadows. The Mother turns now into the Crone tending hearth matters in readiness for the coming winter.
Purpose:
To give thanks for the harvest which will sustain life through the coming winter and balance the joys of the year by releasing all regrets and sorrows to the Hermit.
Needful Things and Activities of Mabon
A candle carved with "Health" "Wealth" "Wisdom" "Happiness". A Thanksgiving offering of your harvest. Making wine, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods, walking in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields, offering libations to trees, adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns, and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.
Decorations:
In rich, dark autumnal colors with colored flowers and  leaves, acorns, and pinecones. A small statue or figurine representing the Triple Goddess in her Mother aspect and other corresponding deities.
Cleanse:
With mature, earthy herbal scents of rosemary, sage, clove, etc.
Quarters and Aspects:
 Those aspects associated with ancient, powerful, eternal forces.

MABON FOOD ~ CARROT HONEY CAKE
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups honey
1 cup oil
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup walnuts (optional)
powdered sugar
Beat eggs. Add honey and oil and mix well. Add dry ingredients. Stir in carrots and nuts if used. Grease and flour a 9 inch by 13 inch pan.
Pour batter into pan and smooth it out. Bake at 350F for 45 to 50 minutes.

 Mabon Wine Moon Cider
4 cups apple cider
4 cups grape juice
2 cinnamon sticks, 4 inches long
1 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. whole cloves
additional cinnamon sticks for cups
In a 4 quart sauce pan, heat cider and grape juice. Add cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Bring it to a light boil, then lower heat, and
simmer for 5 minutes. serve with a ladle from a cauldron. makes 8 cups.

Fresh Apple Pound Cake
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3 cups firm apples, diced
3 cups plain flour
1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
1 teaspoon baking soda
Mix together sugar and oil. Add eggs and beat well. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to oil mixture.
Stir in vanilla, apples, nuts, and mix well. Pour batter into a greased 9 inch tube pan
Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until cake is done.

Icing:
1 stick margarine
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Heat margarine and sugar together over low heat. Add milk and let
come to a full boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Drizzle over the cake.
 

October 31:      HALLOWEEN:  (Samhain)
Celebrate the triumph of eternal life over physical death. Samhain is the "Feast of the Dead." The Celts would celebrate by placing food on doorsteps and tables to honor the spirits of the dead. On this night, the veil between the realm of the living and the realm of the dead is lifted, making communication with spirits easier. The Sun God is symbolically dead. The Earth Mother, having given birth to all, is the Crone, mourning the loss of her husband. Mourning and divination. The Sun God has symbolically died, and will be reborn of Spirit at Yule. Mother Earth has aged and become the Crone. She mourns for her lost husband.  The festival of remembrance for the dead, held on the eve of Nov. 1st. It is the last of the three harvests. This festival also marks the transition of ruler ship of the "Wheel of the Year from that of the Goddess to that of the God. 
A good time to work for reincarnation with loved ones, always for the free will and for the good of all!  Divination, Drying Winter Herbs, Meditation, Past Life Recall, Spirit Contact are a list of some activities to be performed during Samhain. This is the third and final Harvest of The Wheel of  The Year.  Give thanks, and know that the harvests repeat Threefold through all the years.  Samhain is associated with the colors black and orange. *Apples, traditionally used in Samhain divinations, are placed on altar and around the circle. Carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns is also an ancient Pagan custom. Many uses an orange or black candle at each of the four directional points of the circumference of the circle. Homemade herbal candles scented with apple or mint are used as altar candles or to light jack-o-lanterns. The moon is in its  Balsamic lunar phase. (refer to my Moon page). Dress in black and come together with friends and family each bring a picture of a loved one who has passed from this life to the other realm and share your feelings and memories about them with others. When the last apples were picked & the last ears of corn harvested, the Earth rested so that her fertility could be renewed. Also called Halloween, this festival began on October 31, and was used to remember the Dead, and to fertilize the earth with animal sacrifices--it was a clear distinction between the joys of Harvest and the hardships of the approaching Winter. Samhain was a time when the veil between the world of the Sidhe-the Fairy folk-and humankind grew thin, and so grew up traditions of casting fortunes on this night, hoping for a clear view into the Future. The assemblies of the five Irish provinces at Tara Hill, the seat of the Irish king, took place at Samhain, marked by horse races, fairs & markets, political discussions and ritual mourning for the passage of Summer. An eerie time, full of power, partaking of both the first and the second half of the year, yet belonging to neither. It is akin to dawn and twilight. Samhain was probably originally celebrated on the full moon closest to the now customary date of October 31. The full moon lends its light to the returning spirits who traditionally revisit the scenes of their lives. Samhain, signifying awakening, letting go, when the seed falls to the earth from the mother plant. It is the CRACK OF TIME, the boundary-point between the worlds, a time belonging neither to the old or quite yet to the new. Any ending is also a beginning of a new phase and at this time, memories and thoughts of the past mingle with hopes and fears for the future. It is a spiritual cleansing of those aspects of our life which we have grown out of or no longer need. It is a time for divination and looking into the future and a link with the dead. We have come to a place of rest and reward, all our labors and harvest complete for the time being. This is a time of Thanks-Giving for all that you have accomplished, been gifted with, brought to completion so far this year. Keep a votive candle lit all through this month as a symbol of the eternal blessings of the Goddess in your life.
Candle Colors:   (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Colors  Section)
Black and orange. White, Silver and Gold.
Incense:     (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Incense Section)
Cloves, myrrh, sandalwood, mint, heliotrope, camphor, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, gum mastic (oil), acacia, copal. Using equal parts, make incense to be burned on charcoals.
Gemstones:     (Refer to Vampyress' Magickal Crystals and Stones Section)
All black gemstones, especially jet, obsidian and onyx.
Ritual Herbs:
Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage and Straw.
Wheel Legend:
The Lord of the Shadows parts the veil between the worlds and as he passes through the gates between life and death they are opened to one another. The veil between the worlds is thin. On this night of most magical transformations, all may wear the many guises of all they have been, are, and have yet to be, Child, Father, King, Sage, and hermit.....Maiden, Mother, Queen, Enchantress, and Crone. Third harvest, dark mysteries, rebirth through death.
Purpose:
To renew the magic of Spirit within as the Wheel of Life turns magically renewing all things.
Needful Things:
A charged candle inscribed with "is to be". An empty plate for honoring the dead. A crystal ball or some other tool for scrying.
Decorations:
In deepest colors with dim candlelight. Place all your tools on or around your altar.
Cleanse:
With richest scents of patchouli, Ylang Ylang, etc... Anoint the five points of power (Third Eye, Lips, Heart, Belly, and Pubis).
Quarters and Aspects:
hose aspects associated with the magical totality of birth, growth, death, and renewal. The most magical images are appropriate.
Food of Samhain:
Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork and Poultry.

 ADDITIONAL HERBS, OILS TREES and INCENSE OF THE SABBATS:
 

BELTANE - Honeysuckle, St. Johns Wort, Angelica, Cinquefoil, Daisies, Frankincense, Almond, Belladonna, Clover, Hawthorn, Ivy, Marigold, Meadowsweet, Bluebells, Ash Tree, Orchid Root, Rose, Rowan, Sorrel, Woodruff, Yellow Cowslip, Birch Trees, Rosemary, and lilac. Also included are Ash Trees, and Satyrion root. For Beltane incense, you could make a blend from any of the following scents or simply choose one... frankincense, lilac, passion flower, rose, or vanilla.

LITHA - Lily, oak, Ivy, Yarrow, Wild Thyme, Daisy, Carnation, Chamomile, Chickweed, Chicory, Cinquefoil, Delphinium, Dogwood, Elderflower, Fennel, Figwort, Hemp, Larkspur, Lavender, Male Fern, Meadowsweet, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Pine, Rose, St. John's Wort, Verbena, Wisteria, Vervain

LUGHNASADH - Grains, Cornstalks, Grapes, Cyclamen, Acacia, Aloes, Benzoin, Honeysuckle, Fenugreek, Frankincense, Berries, Myrtle, Heather, Hollyhock, Mistletoe, Oak Leaves, Oat, Sunflower, Wheat 

MABON - Hazel, Corn Aspen, Asters, Mums, Oak, Pine Cones, Benzoin, Myrrh, Sage, Acorn, Benzoin, Fern, Grains, Honeysuckle, Marigold, Milkweed, Myrrh, Passion Flower, Rose, Solomon's Seal, Thistle, Vegetables

SAMHAIN - Mums, Broom, Thistle, Acorns, Apples, Heather, Mandrake, Mint, Nutmeg, Sage, Straw, Oak Leaves, Arborvitae, Corn, Dittany of Crete, Ferns, Flax, Fumitory, Hazel, Mullein, Nightshade, Pumpkin, Turnip, Wormwood 

YULE - Ivy, Rosemary, Bayberry, Cedar, Chamomile, Evergreen, Frankincense, Juniper, Sage, Arborvitae, Ash, Bay Laurel, Blessed Thistle, Holly, Mistletoe, Moss, Oak, Pinecones 

CANDLEMAS - Snowdrop, Rowan, Angelica, Basil, Bay, Benzoin, Heather, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violet 

OSTARA - Woodruff, Olive, Peony, Crocus, Easter Lily, Daffodil, African Violet, Jasmine, Sage, Acorn, Celandine, Cinquefoil, Dandelion, Dogwood, Honeysuckle, Iris, Jasmine, Rose, Tansy, Violet

THE ELEMENTS:
The most common elements used in Wicca and witchcraft are earth, air, fire, and water. Spirit is often added to acknowledge the spiritual component of them all. When invoking the elements, they are often associated with the cardinal directions. often with Air in the East, Fire in the South, Water in the West, and Earth in the North. However, this is by no means the only possibility. The elements themselves may vary as well. For example, some Celtic traditions use earth, sky, and water, and others use the cosmological realms of Underworld, Earth, and Sky. Thus, the correspondences listed below provide only one possibility among many.

ELEMENTAL BATH BLENDS:

Air Bath Salts = Yellow
1 part Bergamot
1 part Mint bouquet
1 part Peppermint
3 parts Lavender
3 parts Rosemary
Use to attune yourself to the powers of divination and to the powers of Air. Aides clear thinking, concentration, memory and visualization.

Earth Bath Salts = Green
1 part Vetivert
3 parts Cypress
4 parts Patchouli
Use to help attune yourself to the powers of Earth. Can also be used in spells intended to draw creativity, fertility, money and stability.

Fire Bath Salts = Red
1/2 part Orange
2 parts Basil
2 parts Juniper
3 parts Frankincense
Use to attune yourself to the elements of fire and for rituals intended to draw courage, lust, passion and strength.


Water Bath Salts Color = Dark Blue
1 part Palma Rosa
1 part Ylang-Ylang
2 parts Chamomile
2 parts Yarrow
Use to attune yourself with the elements of water. Use for spells and rituals intended to draw love, friendship, healing and psychic awareness.

The elemental correspondences I mentioned above are not a complete list of correspondences. They can represent many more things, and may represent different things to different people. Earth may represent peace to some, while Air may represent peace to someone else. Water may correspond with problems at work for someone, but Earth may be the corresponding element for another. Experience the elements, learn their powers for yourself. Then decide what they represent to you.

RITUAL POWER IDEAS
Want to add some extra power and effectiveness to your rituals, spells, and celebrations ? Here are a few very simple suggestions for making your next ritual or spell a little better. Try a few of these simple techniques before your next ritual !

* Clean your altar: A cluttered Altar or work area can end-up as cluttered and misdirected energy

* Purify: Your altar area, yourself, and your surroundings. Try using a sage smudge-stick on yourself and around the house. Don't forget anything that might affect your ritual ... this includes a spouse or pet.

* Align: Your chakras. Sit down with a piece of Blue Kyanite or Aragonite and balance yourself.

* Remove: anything negative from your mind or surroundings.

* Soak your body: Taking a bath before a ritual will allow you to concentrate on your goals in a relaxing manner. If you desire - add bath salts to your bath to get the energy flowing in the right direction.

* Run some water: The simple act of watching flowing water will increase your magickal energy flow and help you direct that energy. Find a nice stream, beach or at the least ... the kitchen sink.

* Food: Unless you are one who likes to fast on and around a ritual day - it is usually a good idea to eat something before your ritual. Try foods that contains "magickal properties" that are the same as your goal - for example, add cloves to a ham if you will be doing a protection or wealth ritual . Try a good energizing herbal tea - maybe one with citrus, ginseng, or cinnamon.

* Plan: Before any ritual ... take the time to really truly think about what you want to accomplish.

* Go Below: When working a ritual to solve a problem ... try to solve the underlining situations that create the problem - not just the problem.

* Turn Off: The TV, radio, computer, phone and other items. This will not only give you freedom from distraction, but these items also send-out and receive radio waves, electronic pulses and the like, that might interfere with your ritual.

* Ask For Help: If you need it ... ask a good friend for help. Since many are solitaries, we tend to forget this simple act.

 Add The Following Items To Your Ritual For A Power Boost:

* Amethyst (stone) - Increases mental powers
* Ametrine (stone) - Large increase to magickal powers
* Bloodstone (stone) - Increases effectiveness of spell
* Prehnite (stone) - Increases power of any other stone or herb
* Optical Calcite (stone) - Doubles the power and effectiveness of the ritual
* Satin Spar Selenite (TV Rock) - Will bring a problem to the surface for easy identification and solving.
* Dragon's Blood (herb) - Increases Magickal Power
* Myrrh (herb) - Increases the power of other herbs during a ritual
* Spearmint (herb) - Mental powers increase when smelt
* Gold Candles - Adding a Gold candle to your ritual can increase the power
* "Power" Spell Votive or "Power" Spell Column Candles
* "Dragon's Blood", "Spearmint", and/or "Tangerine" Base Oils
* "Energy" and "Red Ginger" Stick Incense
* "Magickal Powers" Oil Blend
* "Malachite" and/or "Green Aventurine" Gemstone Oils
* Blessed "Power" Oil
* "Magickal Powers" Bath Salts

  
COOKING FOR RITUALS

This section will be set up like my MAIN RECIPE SECTION.  The difference being I am going to list recipes pertaining to the above Sabbats.   -Vampyress

Biscuits (for Imbolc)
2 cups              flour
1/2 tsp                  salt
1 cup                 milk
3 tsp                       baking powder
3 tbsp                     butter
Mix dry ingredients together thoroughly.  Cut in butter with a knife and add milk.  Mix with a large wooden spoon.  Turn dough on to a floured bread board and roll it out to the thickness of 1/2 in.  Cut with biscuit cutter.  Place these on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.

Candied Violets (for Beltane)
1                         egg white
                          granulated sugar
                          Violets  (fresh)
Whip egg white until it is frothy.  Gather violets and wash quickly in cool water  then drip dry.  Then dip ach violet in the egg white and roll the flowers in the sugar to coat them evenly.  Finally, put violets on waxed paper to dry for 1 day. 

Corn Bread (for Mabon)
For this use your grandmother's recipe.  It works better if it stays in the family!!

Mint Tea Cakes (for Spring Equinox)
1 quart                    flour
6                                    eggs - beaten
1 quart                    milk
2/3 cup                       butter softened 
                             Fresh or Dried Mint or mint extract (pure)
Flour and milk should be mixed well.  Stir in the eggs at a very light speed (your wooden spoon) and then add butter and mint, mix until smooth.  Pour into greased pan and bake.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.

Apple Ginger Beer (for Samhain)
1 gallon              apple juice or cider
1                       lemon - sliced
2 ounces           ginger root - fresh and bruised
1/2 package         active yeast
4 cups               sugar
1                                orange - sliced
1 1/2 ounce            cream of tartar
Boil all the ingredients together, except the yeast.  Allow to cool to lukewarm (74 degrees)  and add yeast.  Stir slowly to mix the yeast in mixture then cover pot with a thick towel and let it sit. It will begin to bubble in 3 hours.  Strain off the orange and lemon the next day.  Allow to sit for another 24hrs.  Then get your supply of  screw top bottles and start straining the beer into the bottles. 

EGG NOG (for Yule)
8                        egg yolks
4 cups                 milk
1/4 cup                brandy
1 cup                    sugar
3/4 cup               heavy cream
1/3 cup                rum
                           nutmeg to taste
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks, adding sugar a little bit at a time.  Slowly add warm milk.  Return the entire mixture to a saucepan and continue to cook until it reaches 175 degrees on a candy thermometer.  Pour into a bowl and chill.  Whip the cream until it peaks.  Fold this into the cool  mixture, then put it into the freezer until it begins to harden.  Finally add the brandy and rum, stirring well, then whip for another 30 seconds.  Top with nutmeg.

CRESCENT CAKES: 
2 cups                  almonds
1½ cups                 flour
½ cup                   granulated sugar
1 cup                     softened butter
1 teaspoon              vanilla extract
1 cup                      powdered sugar
In a blender, finely grind 1½ cups of the almonds. Finely chop remaining almonds and set aside.
Mix flour, granulated sugar, and ground almonds. With fingers work in butter and vanilla extract until mixture cleans the bowl. Chill 1 hour. Roll dough into balls (1&½ inches), then into rolls (2&½ inches long), then form into crescents. Press tops into chopped almonds. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius, 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool on pan about 10 minutes. While still Warm, roll in powdered sugar. Makes 25-20 crescents

TOASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS:
2 cups pumpkin seeds
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon salt
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Wash pumpkin seeds in a colander under running water. Wipe off excess fibers. On a cookie sheet, combine pumpkin seeds with remaining ingredients. Bake approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until seeds are dry and golden.

SAMHAIN SPICE APPLE CAKE:
1                        spice cake mix
1 small                package of vanilla pudding
1 can                  apple pie filling
2                       eggs
1  1/2 cups         milk
1 container of caramel apple dip (optional)
Mix all of the ingredients together except for the dip, they do not have to be mixed until the mix is smooth. Pour into your microwave type pan and cook on 70% for 16 - 18 minutes or until done (dry on top and pulling away from the sides). Let it cool slightly and pour the caramel apple dip over the top and Enjoy!

Ultimate Caramel Apples
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
10-inch square piece of Styrofoam
6 popsicle sticks or small wooden dowels
6 Red Delicious or Golden Delicious apples
3 ounces white chocolate
3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped nuts
In heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine water and sugar. Over low heat, stir mixture gently until sugar is completely dissolved. Increase heat to medium low and cook, without stirring, until mixture is a dark amber color. Remove from heat and carefully stir in heavy cream (mixture will bubble up and spatter a bit, then subside.) Set aside to cool and thicken. Cover Styrofoam with waxed paper to catch caramel drippings (this will be a stand for caramel apples). Insert popsicle sticks into bottom center of apples. Dip top half of each apple into thickened caramel. Insert bottom of Popsicle sticks into Styrofoam, allowing apples to stand upright so caramel runs down sides of each apple. Refrigerate to harden. Meanwhile, melt white chocolate in top of double boiler above gently simmering water; stir until smooth. Transfer melted chocolate to pastry bag fitted with small writing tip. Drizzle thin, random strips of white chocolate over each caramel apple. Repeat melting and drizzling with semi-sweet chocolate. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.

SAVORY SAMHAIN BUTTERS:

Autumn Butter:
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 cup butter, softened
Mix all ingredients until well blended. Spread onto your favorite muffins, quick bread, sweet crackers, or drop a dollop onto morning pancakes.

Cinnamon Butter
2 sticks butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Serve over sweet bread, muffins, or morning waffles. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Butter
4 tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 tbsp canned pumpkin puree
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp freshly grated or dried nutmeg
1/8 tsp salt
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Keep tightly covered in the refrigerator up to three weeks.
* 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice can be substituted for cloves, ginger and nutmeg.

Raspberry Butter
1 cup raspberries
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon blackberry liqueur
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
Boil raspberries, water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until syrupy, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Strain through sieve to remove seeds. Cool. Process with remaining ingredients until smooth and well mixed. Can be prepared one day ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature and stir before serving.

YULE BREW:
4 parts               cinnamon
4 parts               allspice
2 parts               nutmeg
2 parts               lemon peel
2 parts               clove
1 part                  bay
2 parts               chamomile
50 parts             black tea
Stir together and serve hot or cold. Blessed Be

WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN A WITCHES CABINET?
I have listed some Magickal Tools/Items of the Witch. Many people own a few of these items but do you know what there uses are? Throughout my BooK of Shadows you will find the answers!

  I have more recipes listed on my SOLIDS and LIQUIDS page located on my Index or 1st page, there are drinks and a variety of wonderful foods listed there...