Hallowing: A Samhain Spread

The third and final harvest festival of the year, Samhain is the end of the bright half of the year – the roots to Beltane’s flowering branches. The part of our selves that has been slumbering since Beltane, awaken to the call of night, as we join the Spirits, Ancient Ones, Ancestors, Wild God/desses, and their horde as they clamber noisily throughout the land, welcoming in the new year. Our Samhain Tarot Spread glimpses forwards and backwards through the malleability of time and the veil which shapes and bends with greater ease during the Hallow's season. The spread is an attempt to connect us with our oracular inclinations, to notice the omens, and to become a better omen ourselves.

The spread also has a companion reversal spread to engage in a deeper working with your Ancestors for the coming year, explained below.

1. THE MOON. A source of guiding illumination for the death/birth of the year.  A look at the big picture influences in your life at the moment.

2. THE PATH. A glimpse into the very near future.  Pay attention to particular images, symbols, and signs on this card as they may very well be pathmarkings and roadsigns for your be looking out for.

3. THE LANTERN. The point that you use as your current primary guide.  What has captivated your attention and that you are drawn by?  Reversals of this card may speak to a guiding point that is either dim and hard to see or one that is particularly illusory and not of great benefit to the seeker.

4. THE MASK. What illusions are you maintaining for yourself or others?  These masks are not always meant to deceive, but often to protect, survive or adapt to the situation at hand.

5. THE BONES. A reflection of ancestry, family, culture, heritage, etc.  Pay attention to the relics that you keep as symbols of these various heritages.  What purpose do they serve?

6. THE BONFIRE. What needs to be cleansed and offered to the fire in order to move through to the new year?

7. THE VEIL.  What is being revealed?  The parting of the veil affects us in sometimes subtle, sometimes intense ways.  What is being revealed about your deep self that usually remains hidden (whether purposefully or unconsciously)?

8. THE ANCIENT ONES.  Guidance from Ancestors, Spirits, and/or Guides.

ANCESTOR COMPANION SPREAD

Flip the direction of the spread so that the point of the triangle points downwards or towards the reader.  Pulling new cards, the spread can be read for the coming year as guiding wisdom from your Ancestors for each season.

1. Samhain to Yule (Winter Solstice).

2. Yule (Winter Solstice) to Imbolc.

3. Imbolc to Spring Equinox.

4. Spring Equinox to Beltaine.

5. Beltaine to Midsummer (Summer Solstice).

6. Midsummer (Summer Solstice) to Lammas.

7. Lammas to Autumn Equinox.

8. Autumn Equinox to Samhain.

For my beauteous ones in the southern hemisphere, I have a Beltane spread for you! 

Looking for more magickally inspired Tarot spreads? 

You're invited to peruse my tarot + divination series. Or do you want to learn about herbalism and tarot? Check out The Tarot Apothecary. Find all the tarot spreads in my Wheel of the Year series via the links below:

• Hallowing: Samhain Spread

• Darkest Night: Winter Solstice Spread

• Quickening: Imbolc Spread

• Brightening: Spring Equinox Spread

• Fire + Fields: Beltane Spread

• Bonfire Offerings: Summer Solstice Spread

• First Harvest: Lammas

• Balancing: Autumn Equinox Spread

Blessed Samhain, sacred ones!

design by Alexis J. Cunningfolk | background image by Andrea Pol

Manifesting : The Waxing Quarter Moon in Capricorn

In the Lunar Apothecary we explore our relationship to both celestial and terrestrial cycles, including the phases of the Moon. 

As part of your inexpensive and in-depth year-long membership in the Lunar Apothecary, I send out bi-monthly newsletters exploring the upcoming cycles of the Moon as well as herbal practice and plant allies (all of this is in addition to your monthly study guides). If you're ready to deepen your herbal practice and study both the medicinal and magickal powers of traditional western herbal healing and the exciting world of astroherbology, you're invited to join our starry-hearted circle. I am also pleased to announce that payment plans are available for Lunar Apothecary memberships to those who are in financial need - find out more!

The following blog is a sneak peak from one of my latest Moonlight newsletters - enjoy!

It is one of my most favorite times of year, dear Lunas! It is nearing the season of Samhain in the Northern Hemisphere and in my own town we've finally had a slight break in the heat (I might even wear a sweater!). But as the Witch's New Year approaches I focus on living in a way that I want to live in the next year - a bit of manifestation magick! If I want my next year to be full of rest and time outside, for example, I might plan a camping trip or regular outdoor excursions during this time period for a bit of forest bathing. Generally, this is the time of year that I make sure to gather together with family and friends - especially those that live far away. It is a practice of how I want to live my life in the year to come (a mix of restorative retreats and joyful gatherings) and as well as working some manifesting or like-attracts-like magick.

bagby hot springs - photo by author

A question that I ask my clients (and myself!) a lot when they come to me for a wellness consultation is not just "What feels out-of-balance right now?" but "What do you want to feel going forward?"

It can be very easy to focus on everything that feels out of sorts, wrong or just plain crappy (or maybe fancy crappy if it's been that sort of year). While I don't believe that having "negative" thoughts will only manifest negativity in your life (that can lead to blaming and shaming of victims of trauma and further traumatization), I do know that our emotions and thoughts have a physical impact on our wellbeing. If you're interested in the current scientific explorations about the connection between our emotional and physical wellbeing check out the fascinating field of psychoneuroimmunology. As herbalists we've known about these interconnections for quite some time because herbs work in an interconnected way in our bodies. It is no surprise, for example, that many herbs that relieve digestive complaints are also fantastic nervines as so often indigestion can result from stress or bring on stress (usually a combination of both). Recognizing the inherent interconnections between our body and our environment, we begin to return home to ourselves.

Much of the energy of Capricorn is about coming home, but coming home in unexpected ways.

So when I ask folks "What do you want to feel moving forward?" it is not uncommon for them not to have an answer or to find the question very challenging. Feeling well and whole is feeling at home, so when we lose that feeling of wellness and wholeness it can be very easy to lose sight of where home is and how to get back there. Often what has worked for us before either no longer works or we've forgotten what has felt like home to us before. When we ask, and more importantly answer, the question of what we want to feel we begin to reconnect to our inner compass that will help guide us back to ourselves. It can be really friggin' hard work, Lunas, but I know that many of you know that already. It is still work that needs to done and it is so rewarding in the long run.

bagby hot springs - photo taken by author

What do you want to feel moving forward, Luna?

There is no one answer to this question and that is important to remember. I know that for some folks they want to feel "happy" whatever that might look for them, but I often find that first folks want to or need to feel really, truly, uninhibitedly sad or angry or wild first. Because it is acceptable to feel happy and to want to feel happy - but that is what is expected and we're dealing with the unexpected homecoming energies of Capricorn. Sometimes we need to feel angry and rage a bit in the process of coming home. Want it, Luna. Sometimes we need to grieve and let our heart break open. Call it to you, Luna. Be honest, be accountable, find what you want and to heck with the expectations of others and dominant cultural narratives that don't align with your values. Work your magick, Luna.

In the process, invite in green allies who help you connect with what you want by supporting strength and wholeness in all parts of your selves. It is not just Capricorn but all of the signs of earth that deal with concepts and experiences of home. I recently wrote about a Virgo herb, Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and the type of person that it best serves (Virgo is particularly good with coming home to community and healing spaces).

Fennel is not only excellent at offering aid to those folks who not only experience digestive complaints stemming from a dried-out digestive system, but also for folks who are stressed-out worriers who lack a sense of security in the world.

Fennel folk struggle to feel like they can move freely through their day and that there are too many restrictions placed on them (whether self-imposed, inflicted by relationships or a combination thereof). Fennel folks begin to forget things that they need to do, adding to their feeling of playing catch-up all the time. Fennel will help them to take stock of the stressors in their lives, release it, and digest their emotions instead of stuffing them down. They will learn how to find the core of their need and truth under the layers of worry, stress, and anxieties. Fennel helps to bring us home to ourselves by simply holding up a mirror to who we are and letting us see ourselves.

We have spoken about homecoming before in the Lunar Apothecary, dear Lunas, and we will continue to do so as it is such a central component of herbal healing. What herb will help you to come home to yourself and manifest that which you want to feel in the world? Be sure to check out the Waxing Moon in Capricorn Ritual and Recipe which are all about manifestation for help and inspiration in calling your desire to you (both are available in the Lunar Apothecary). Find your remedy, Luna.

Ready for more herbal healing + magick in your life?
Heck yeah!

Be sure to check out the rest of my Astroherbology series including other samples from my Lunar Apothecary Moonlight newsletters. In the meantime, clever ones, I wish you well in all your manifestations, co-creations, delicious destructions, and the wild-hearted way you bring wisdom to the world. ❤

Croaking Toad Cough + Sore Throat Elixir

Do you wake up wondering if you might be in a pond with all of the croaking sounds you're making with the uncomfortable predicament of a cough and sore throat?  Fortunately, our dark green elixir is a soothing blend of healthful herbs to tame the darndest of toads!

SAGE Salvia officinalis : The Latin binomial for Sage is derived from the word "Salvus" meaning "healthy" which is quite telling!

CHLORELLA Chlorella vulgaris : A sassy seagreen that is not only full of vitamins and minerals, but lends a nice green tinge to our elixir which I quite like. 

ELECAMPANE Inula helenium : A common name for Elecampane is "Elfwort" and let us reassure you that the Elves know a thing or two about coughs and sore throats (as they can often be the source of sickness cavorting through our dreams, shooting elfshots, and tying knots in our immune system and hair). 

MARSHMALLOW ROOT Althaea officinalis : Marshmallow root is mucilaginous which is a very good property to have as part of a soothing elixir.

LICORICE ROOT Glycyrrhiza glabra : A harmonizing resolution to our entire blend.

RAW LOCAL HONEY: Raw Honey is a golden treasure of wellness. Full of vitamins, minerals and living enzymes, Honey is a perfect medium to carry the medicinal powers of our Cough + Sore Throat Elixir.

RAW APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: Alkalinizing vinegar is chock full of vitamins and minerals rounds out our Cough + Sort Throat Care Elixir in healing qualities and taste. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar helps to bring the body back into balance while providing essential nutrients.

Begin by combining the following dried herbs:

• 1 part Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• 1 part Marshmallow Root (Althea officinalis)
• 1 part Elecampane Root (Inula helenium)
• 1/2 part Sage Leaf (Salvia officinalis)
• 1/4 part Chlorella Powder (Chlorella vulgaris)

Place them all in a glass jar with a tight sealing lid. Since we are using raw apple cider vinegar as our menstruum, you might choose to use a plastic lid or place wax paper between the metal lid and the blend to prevent corrosion. Cover your herbs with (preferably local) raw apple cider vinegar so that there is roughly 3/4 inch of the vinegar floating above or below the herbs. You can see an illustration and read more details about herbal extraction over here. Let your blend brew for a few weeks - I typically brew all of my extracts for one cycle of the Moon. 

Once ready, strain the herbs from the vinegar. Respectfully dispose of the herbal remains, adding them to compost, burying them, or in some way giving their contribution honor. Now it is time to mix local raw honey with your herbal vinegar. My weight ratio for the vinegar to honey was 1 part vinegar to 6 parts honey. That may seem like a lot of honey, but because I was weighing the ingredients and honey weights much more than vinegar it is far more balanced than the numbers suppose. Basically, add honey to taste. If you want a sweeter elixir or oxymel, that is less herbally potent, add more honey. For a more herbally potent elixir or oxymel, add less honey. Stir together the honey and vinegar until they dissolve into one another in a loving embrace of healing wellness. Bottle and store in a cool dark place. I store mine in the refrigerator since I tend to live in warmer climates and I want my elixirs to last for a long time.

A dose of 1 teaspoon - 1 tablespoon is recommended up to 3 times daily during times of cough + sore throat.  You'll want to refrigerate your Croaking Toad Elixir after opening and typically use within 6 - 12 months, though some elixirs have lasted quite longer with proper storage.

I hope you enjoy your Croaking Toad Elixir! Many a Worts + Cunning remedy-enjoyer has claimed that Croaking Toad has worked wonders where others remedies have failed. I was just happy to get to call something Croaking Toad inspired by folklore regarding toads and sore throats and a very memorable scene from the original Wicker Man movie...

Libra: The Astroherbology Profile

It's time to explore the sign of Libra! You're getting a snapshot into the ever expanding astroherbology magick of the Lunar Apothecary - amazing! 

I will be exploring all twelve signs from a medical astrology perspective with an emphasis on herbal healing. Learn more about the series and what all the correspondences mean check out the introduction to The Introduction to Astroherbology Zodiac Series. Missed the other signs of the Zodiac? Find out about the astroherbology wisdom of Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, and Virgo!

Element: Air
Mode: Cardinal
Guardian Planet: Venus
Direction: West
Season: Autumn (NH), Spring (SH)
House: 7th House / Angular
Lunar Mansions: 15th Mansion, 16th Mansion, + 17th Mansion
Solar Gemstone: Blue Aventurine

Tarot: Justice, The Empress, 2 of Swords (9/23 - 10/2), 3 of Swords (10/3 - 10/12), 4 (10/13 - 10/22) of Swords, the Queen of Swords

Tissue State: Dry Tissue State, Damp/Relaxation Tissue State (learn more about the energetic system of traditional western herbalism)

Body Systems: Kidneys and urinary system. Anus. Hormones in general. Endocrine system. Estrogen. Ovaries. Veins. Acid-alkaline balance. Lumber region of the back. Distillation and filtration systems of the body. Posture. 

Imbalances + Diseases: Kidney disease and imbalancesincluding kidney stones, renal colic, and the need for dialysis. Diabetes and sugar addiction. Urinary tract infections and urinary system imbalances including anuria, abscesses, and ulcers. Inflammation of the ureters. Bright’s disease. Skin complaints that cause disfiguration. Eczema. Lower back pain. Varicosities and hemorrhoids. Hormonal imbalance including lack or excess of estrogen. Sexually transmitted infections, especially topical ones. Wasting diseases and general weakness. Struggling to attain equilibrium. Indecisiveness from trying to be too diplomatic. Passive-aggressiveness. Confusion and gullibility. Co-dependent and afraid of conflict.

Disease Degrees: 1 degree: renal pelvis; 2 degrees: renal cortex; 3 degrees: adrenals, abscesses; 4 degrees: kidney surface, abscesses, goiter; 5 degrees: renal pyramids, goiter; 6 degrees: pubis, goiter; 7 degrees: nerve supply to kidney and renal pelvis, goiter, jaundice of the kidney and renal pelvis; 8 degrees: nerve supply to kidney and renal pelvis, jaundice of the kidney and renal pelvis; 9 degrees: nerve supply to kidney and renal pelvis, jaundice of the kidney and renal pelvis; 10 degrees: nerve supply to kidney and renal pelvis, jaundice of the kidney and renal pelvis; 11 degrees: nerve supply to kidney and renal pelvis, jaundice of the kidney and renal pelvis; 12 degrees: left renal system: 13 degrees: right renal system 14 degrees: left inguinal lymph nodes; 15 degrees: right inguinal lymph nodes, suicide, eczema, stroke; 16 degrees: renal arteries, eczema, abscesses, stroke; 17 degrees: suprarenal arteries, abscesses; 18 degrees: fatty capsule of kidney’s, chronic glomerulonephritis, Bright’s disease; 19 degrees: calyx major, Bright’s disease; 20 degrees: calyx minor; 21 degrees: renal hilum; 22 degrees: renal veins; 23 degrees: suprarenal veins; 24 degrees: blood vessels of renal cortex;  25 degrees: blood vessels of renal cortex; 26 degrees: vascular system of skin; 27 degrees: vascular system of skin, tuberculosis; 28 degrees: bladder, hair, tuberculosis; 29 degrees: right ureter bladder, bronchitis; 30 degrees: left ureter, bronchitis.

Remedies for Imbalanced and/or Weakened Libra: Astringent herbs that are also tonifying when there is too much laxity and indecision. Stimulating herbs as needed to counteract sluggishness. For those Librans needing more Venusian energies in their life (remember, they can swing out of their inherent need for beauty and Venusian healing), anything that is pleasurable and soothing, such as relaxing massages, aromatherapy, and gentle remedies such as flower and gem essences. Making firm choices. Goal-setting. Agreements of accountability around conflict. Establishing balanced relationships with others.

Gifts of Libra: Beauty, diplomacy, sensuality, adventure, a gift of mediation, gracefulness.

Rituals of Libra: Invoking beauty, justice and fairness, teamwork, cooperation, art-based magickal workings, romance, and self-awareness.

Libra Guardian Herbs: Damiana (Turnera diffusa), Violet (Viola tricolor), Rose (Rosa spp.), Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Jasmine (Jasminum spp.), Angelica (Angelica archangelica), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis).

Libra Remedy Herbs: Nettles (Urtica dioica), Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), Burdock (Arctium lappa), Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).

Flower + Gem Essences: Chicory (Cichorium intybus), Vervain (Verbena officinalis), Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium), Rose (Rosa damascena), and Rose Quartz.

The Sun in Libra

Lovely Libras! They are the keepers of beauty and the cultivators of pleasure in the zodiac, guarded by the sensuous planet of Venus. Libra folk generally place great emphasis on the interpersonal - whether romantic, familial, or in friendships. Libra folk can often be the most graceful of the zodiac if not physically, than socially and intellectually. The scale is the symbol of this sign and Libra folk place great emphasis on fairness, diplomacy, and that everyone getting their equal share.

The great strengths of Libra can also be their great downfalls. The impossible mission of complete impartiality and the belief in objectivity can keep them from recognizing that the path of wise relationships is built on empathy and effective boundaries. They can easily get caught up in bending over backwards in attempts to be fair, forgetting or not developing their own sense of what they want and who they are in the world. Such dissipation of energy and focus on others can lead to an ungrounded airiness that leads to indecision, lack of focus, and a muddled heart. Attempts to please others can be taken advantage of and their autonomy lost if a Libra folk’s sense of love is compromised. It is all too easy for Libra folk to doubt that they deserve to be loved as much as they love others. It is key for Libra folk to realize what healthy relationships look like, detox from codependent tendencies, and develop a fierceness of judgement. Their desire for fairness and diplomacy can then transform into something more powerful: harmony.

Since they are guarded by such a beneficial planet, Libra folks can be a bit lucky and a lot blessed. Sickness is rare for many Libra folks. They do tend towards the sweeter things in life and can be more prone to sugar addiction and complications including diabetes, unwanted weight gain, and compromised immunity. As they are pleasure-seekers who tend to get away with a lot of poor eating and health habits early in life, it is very important to know that later in life is when their bad habits will often catch up them. They can get caught up in cycles of addiction, especially in regards to sex and alcohol, in an attempt to find an outlet for their energy. Since they are a sign that can tend towards lack of self-interest, they can disregard the need for personal health practices, such as exercise, which is such an important activity for Libra folk to do in order to express their physical energy (even though they can sometimes come off as a low-energy sign). Find pleasurable movement to keep you healthy and well, Libra folks, and indulge! The gifts of Libra folk is that they are creatures of beauty, teaching us how to find and experience beauty in all parts of our lives. 

Libra Guardian Herbs

Passionflower by Oliver P. Quillia

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Passionflower is a lovely herb that has both Venusian energies (the Guardian planet of Libra) and energies of the Moon. The herb is primarily used as a relaxing sedative, calming the mind and soothing the nervous system. It cools the hot-blooded, including gently lowering blood pressure, and relieves migraines, tension, and asthma brought on by heat. Spasms, tremors, hiccups, and convulsions caused by tension and over-excitation are all remedied by Passionflower. Passionflower is a great remedy for overworkers and those who have difficultly taking a genuine break or rest - the herb helps them connect to the Libran desire for beautiful rest in their lives. Speaking of beautiful rest, Passionflower is excellent for those who struggle with insomnia, restoring us to restful sleep pattens and helping us to wake up refreshed. Similar to Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Passionflower helps relieve the constant chatter of a busy brain and at the same time can increase focused calm. Upset and teething children can be soothed by Passionflower’s anodyne qualities (consider using with Chamomile Matricaria recutita if upset tummies are also a problem) and it’s antispasmodic qualities relieve hacking coughs or asthma attacks in both adults and children.

Since it is cooling and dissipating, Passionflower can be used in cases of fever and inflammation of all sorts, including earache, eye inflammation, and toothache. The herb is useful for heavy menstruation and cramping, as well as easing difficult labor pains and contractions. Emotionally, Passionflower is a great ally to have around during nervous breakdowns and healing crisis where emotions are raw and anxiety is high. It helps to calm and re-balance through alleviating emotional confusion.

Enjoy a full profile on Passionflower and more Libran herbs in the Lunar Apothecary!

Libra Remedy Herbs

Ashwagandha by Wowbobwow12

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used for thousand of years within Ayurvedic medicine and is an excellent adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens in general, could fall under the umbrella of “Libran Remedy Herbs” because Libra guards homeostasis which adaptogens are so effective at bringing us back to. Since Libra has dissipating energies because of its planet Venus, the sign can tend towards general weakness and slow recovery time after illness. Ashwagandha is a supreme restorative, rebuilding strength and stamina in the body. Libra is also an air sign and when air is askew it can lead to muddled thoughts, poor memory, and difficultly learning. Ashwagandha restores mental clarity and prepares the mind for learning. It is useful in the treatment of learning disorders and conditions such as ADHD.

Additionally, Ashwagandha is a immunostimulant and is especially effective at increasing the effectiveness of a chronically underperforming immune system including conditions such as HIV, MS, lupus, and fibromyalgia. The herb can also be taken alongside antibiotics to protect the immune system and promote a healthy recovery from illness. Like other Libran herbs, Ashwagandha promotes fertility, balances menstruation, and has an affinity for the urinary system.

Want to learn more? Find more Libran herbs and herbs for the entire zodiac as well as tutorials, rituals, charms, and more in the Lunar Apothecary!

Sun in Libra Flower Essence

Chicory by Alvesgaspar 

Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

While Libra is a sign that can be the most magnanimous and desirous of love and a multitude of loving relationships, they are a sign that come become uncertain if they are loved when they fall out of balance. Balance is so important to our Libran folk, but sometimes the idea of maintaining balance is confused with always being fair or never experiencing conflict. Patterns can appear in their lives which have them questioning those they are in relationship with (wether a romantic, parental, or friend relationship), if they are really loved. Their need of reassurance becomes burdensome and problematic, which is when the flower essence of Chicory becomes indispensable. Chicory is the “unconditional love” essence. It is good not only for out-of-balance Librans but for folks who have truly experienced a lack of love and care in their life, which leads to being able to love oneself. Chicory helps us to connect to our self-love and to accept the love of others without the constant fear of love being lost. Chicory teaches us that, yes, love does transform and is transforming, but it can never be lost.

Ready to learn more?

• Check out the rest of my Astroherbology series including Starry-Hearted + Wild-Rooted: An Introduction to Astroherbology which includes additional study resources and the other posts in my Astroherbology series.

• Need a visual guide? Starmaps: The Astrological Body is for you!

• The Lunar Apothecary is a full length course using the tools of moon-centered herbalism and ritual to help you discover who you are as a healer.

Spiced Blood : Premiere Vampyre Tonic Recipe

We are headed as fast as the furious horde into the season of Hallows, clever ones, I can't wait!

I have always loved Halloween and when I was called to my Pagan path, Samhain became one of my most beloved of holy days. Maybe it is my Leo Moon that believes that we are all performing, some of us are just less aware than others, and Halloween is a time to try on different roles or better yet, be a bit more like we really are for all to see. While I celebrate Halloween as a cultural holiday, I look forward to the sacred sojourn of Samhain each year. I make sure to take time off around Samhain every year because it is such an important holy day and opportunity to connect with loved ones both living and of blessed memory as I start the new year (Samhain is, in part, a celebration of the New Year). 

The fall and early winter are also times of great creativity for me. I dream up more of my remedies during this time of the year than any other time, including all of the recipes found in The Haunted Apothecary. I am looking forward to an extra-special Hallows celebration this year with a bunch of friends and family gathering together - so my Halloween decorating dreams are in full swing. I love giving away little gifts, so I decided to make a tea for everyone to take home with them. In the spirit of gift-giving I'm sharing the recipe with you!

I wanted to make a warming, spicy blend that was caffeine-free and a delicious red color. Hence, Spiced Blood: Premiere Vampyre Tonic for all of my night-kin, fancy Hallows tea drinkers, and midnight dancers. 

If you're purchasing the herbs needed for this tea, I recommend checking out your local tea or herb shop if you are lucky enough to have one in your town. Otherwise, I recommend online sellers like Mountain Rose Herbs for your herbal needs. 

Blend together the following herbs in your cauldron pot:

• 4 parts of Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)

• 1 part of Roasted Carob (Ceratonia siliqua)

• 1 part of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.)

• 1/2 part of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

• 1/4 part of Rose (Rosa damascena)

The tea blend can be brewed immediately, but it is better bottled in a tight sealing jar and left to mingle and awaken in the dark for at least one weeks time. Brew 1 teaspoon per cup of hot water.

I hope you enjoy your Spiced Blood either on a solitary night under the moonlit sky or with a gathering of wild-hearted kindred. Happy start of the Hallows season, clever ones!