A samhain apothecary
October 5, 1999
Merry Meet Everyone,
        Again, I'm doing something a little different. I'm using Samhain as
my focus for this edition. So while there's still plenty of time to run out
and get those last minute ingredients for your recepies........let's get
started.
    Once upon a time large turnips, yes I said turnips, were very much a
part of the Samhain festivities. The largest that could be found were once
hollowed out and used as candle holders. They were either carried around or
put by each window of the house to scare off evil spirits.
    Samhain is sometimes called  The Feast Of Apples. Apples are considered
Food of the Dead so of course everyone has to have apples for their Dumb
Supper. After the festivities end, while it's still considered Samhain,
apples should be buried outside so that those who will be reborn in the
spring have food during the cold winter months.
     Decorate your altars with mini pumpkins. You can paint decorations on
them such as pentagrams, rune symbols, or even write names of loved ones
passed over. You can also use small gourds, dried corn, or acorns to
decorate with. Use your imagination!
    If you carve a jack-o-lantern.....save the seeds, dry or roast them, no
salt please, for our birdy buddies. Don't waste them by throwing them out.
Our feathered friends could use a little help I'm sure, not to mention the
ever present bird feeder raiding squirrel.
    Before you put your candles in your Jack-o's, annoint the white candle
(should be this color for purity) with patchoulie oil (protection) saying
something like this:
      With this candle, and by it's light
      I welcome you Spirits this Samhain night
By using the combination above you're showing your intentions are pure but
you'e protecting yourself at the same time.
     Wear a little Cypress oil on Samhain to become aware of and to remember
those who have passed on.
 
    I've gathered a few recipes here that I think can be used appropriately
on Samhain....here they are.
Divination Incense                       Smolder during or directly before
using tarot cards,
   2 parts Sandalwood                 magick mirrors, crystal spheres, rune
stones, and
   1 part Orange peel                  so on.
   1 part Mace
   1 part Cinnamon
 
Spirit Incense #1                             Spirit Incense #2
   1 part Anise                                    1 part Sandalwood
   1 part Coriander                              1 part Lavender
   1 part Cardamom
Either of these are good to burn to invite good Spirits to gather
 
Spiritual Bath Salts
   4 parts Sandalwood                   3 parts Epsom salts
   2 parts Myrrh                            2 parts baking soda
   1 part Frankincense                   1 part table salt
   1 DROP Cinnamon essential oil
****NOTE**** use only 1 drop cinnamon essential oil as this can be
irritating to skin
Mix all ingredients together in big container that can be shut tightly for
storage. Label container for later use. Use between 2 tablespoons to 1/2 cup
of  bath salts depending on your own taste.
Use this to increase your awareness of the divine, especially before
rituals.
 
Spirituality Powder
    2 parts Wood Aloe
    1 part Frankincense
    1 part Myrrh
    1 part Sandalwood
Sprinkle in room prior to meditation or ritual to tune your awareness  to
higher things.
And that brings us to the end of this edition. Tune in next time for......
whatever strikes my fancy!
 
         Blessed Be,
                       Mishka
Return to Mishka's Apothecary