Botanical Name: Fragaria Vesca
Native Americans used Wild Strawberries in tea for stomach ailments, jaundice and profuse menses, and the botanist Linnaeus is said to have used the wild berries to relive gout. Until recently the plant’s medicinal uses were forgotten. They are also used in love rituals. If a double strawberry is shared with someone, the two will fall in love. The Strawberries are a symbol for Venus, the Goddess of love.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
6 large eggs, separated
3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2/3 cup granulated sugar - divided use
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup ground almonds
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon almond or cherry-flavored liqueur, optional
Chocolate frosting (about 2 cups)
Sliced blanched almonds, optional
Cinnamon candies, optional
Sliced green glace cherries, optional
Acupuncture is an alternative medicine in which fine needles are inserted in the skin at specific points along what are considered to be lines of energy (meridians) and is used in the treatment of various physical and mental conditions.
Acupuncture increases the immune response by balancing the flow of life energy throughout the body and alleviates pain. It is a complete system of healing and provides effective treatment for numerous conditions, from the common cold and flus to addiction and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is also effective as an adjunctive treatment for AIDS.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 to 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
12 jumbo pasta shells
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon minced dried garlic
1 1/2 cups chunky tomato sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
Salt and black pepper
Preparation:
Cook pasta shells for 10 to 12 minutes, drain. Rinse with cool water, drain again. (Set aside) Preheat oven to 350°F.
Happy Sunday, I hope you all had a great weekend!
Just a quick note to let you know, I won’t be around much this week. I’m going to be busy playing catch up and gearing up for Samhain.
There will also be some changes made to the site. I’m interested in hearing from you, what would you like to see added or changed? Is there anyone interested in guest blogging? I would like to have a weekly/monthly blog from people of different paths of paganism, explaining what it is you believe, why and what it’s all about.
(Echinacea Augustifolia)
Echinacea is a Perennial plant from the the daisy family, Asteraceae. Native to North America, it grows to a height of 2-3 feet.
It was widely used by the Plains Indians for its medicinal qualities as a treatment for symptoms caused by the common cold. In the 1930s it became popular in both Europe and America as a herbal medicine.
Echinacea is produced in a variety of forms:
This soup is excellent served in individual bread bowls. Buy small, round loaves. (I like Italian bread) Slice off the top piece, remove the inside of loaf. Leave 1 1/2 inch shell, and fill with soup.
Prep time: 35 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
3 medium red potatoes
2 cups water
1 small onion
3 tablespoons butter
Botanical Name: Myristica Fragrans
Folk Names: Jatiphala, Jatiphalam, Jatikosha, Jatipatri, Jatipatra, Jaiphal, Jayapatri, Javitri, Bicuiba Acu, Qoust, Sadhika, Wohpala
Mace is the the bright, red aril which surrounds the nutmeg seed. Nutmeg is known for it’s abuse as a popular recreational psychoactive drug. Based on human study, mace extract, when used as part of a chewing gum, is said to decrease plaque and gingivitis. Not well studied in humans, mace extract may also have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. It is also popular in India, for treating measles. Not only is it used for medicine, but also in the kitchen and magic.
Prep time: 28 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large baking potatoes
4 large carrots
12 cloves garlic
8 ounces small white mushrooms
4 chicken breast halves
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish, optional
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 450.
Lesson 3: Intuitive Tarot Certification Course
Welcome to the third installment of my Tarot Journal. I realize there are a few cards missing in the Fool’s journey, but look to the end for a brief overview of the cards in the Major Arcana. (This post is based on homework given)
The Fool is starting a journey, it may be new to him, perhaps a road he has been down before. He first meets The Magician, he learns about power, potential and not to be afraid of what is to come, and how to stay grounded. The Magician shows him how to carry out plans, but be sure that he knows what he wants and stay committed. He also learns to be creative and how to use his talents.
