 1/2 cup sugar 2 Tablespoons fresh lavender blossoms I cup (two sticks) butter at room temperature 2 cups almond flour 1 cup flour Combine the sugar and fresh lavender blossoms using a food processor. Add the butter and combine. Next add the flours. Mix until thoroughly combined. The batter will be soft. Chill for 30 minutes. Flour both sides of the dough and place between two long sheets of waxed paper. Using a rolling pin, roll to 1/4 inch thickness. Work quickly. The dough will get soft again as you work with it. Cut cookies with a floured cookie cutter. Remove all the excess dough and return to the 'fridge. This will make it easier to move your shaped cookies. Gently lift cookies onto a cookie sheet lined with baking parchment paper. Chill the cookies on the baking sheets for 30 minutes Set oven temperature to 300 degrees F. Once the oven is preheated, bake for about 30 minutes. Begin checking at 20 minutes and don't let the edges of the cookies brown. Cool on a wire rack placed. Glaze 1/2 cup confectioners sugar 1 Tablespoon water. Mix thoroughly with a fork. Add a little more water if needed. Keeping the cookies on the wire rack, move them over the sink if your rack fits, or place waxed paper under neath for easy clean up. This can get messy! Use a spoon to lightly glaze the cookies. Top with lavender blossoms. Let the glaze set up and serve.  My last harvest of lavender and almond lavender cookies to celebrate the summer solstice.
 One of the simplest ways to use lavender is to simply gather the stalks of lavender and tie with a ribbon. It's best to cut them as soon as the flowers are in bloom in the spring. Cut them a few inches above the woody growth so you won't harm the plant. Gather first thing in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun becomes intense. Hang to dry in a cool dark place.  Lavender hearts You'll need 6 stalks of lavender Ribbon - I've been using 3/16 inch lavender satin ribbon for all my projects. It's not too large to over power the lightness of the flowers. Make two lavender braids using 3 stalks for each braid. When they are braided, bend into a loop. Put the two loops together to form a heart, keeping the flowers on top. Cut off the stems in the back and tie with a ribbon.  Lavender garnishes 12 to 18 stalks of lavender One egg white, beaten until frothy 1/3 Granulated sugar Waxed paper or parchment paper Dip just the flowers of the lavender into the egg whites to completely cover, then dip them into the sugar. Place on waxed paper or parchment paper and let dry away from heat or sun. Use as a garnish with fruit salad, lemonade, or iced tea. Stir some fresh lavender flowers into your favorite sugar cookie recipe, vanilla ice cream or lemon sherbet.
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 Say this prayer as you guide the smoke toward your heart, over and around your body. |  Gather your materials. A feather for directing the smoke and a brass bell to awaken the energy in each room are optional but lovely if you have them. |
The next step is to gather your materials. If possible, use natural materials.
- Smudge Stick
- Candle, preferably lit with a wooden match
- Shell to catch the embers, or you can also use a pottery dish
- Feather to direct the smoke - you can also use your hand
- Brass bell to wake up the energy in each room as you move through the house
It is best to declutter each room before you begin. Open all of the doors, closet doors and windows so you can move from room to room easily and without interruption.
1. Light the candle and set your intention. You may use the prayer above or something you have written or found that expresses your personal perspective.
2. Use the candle flame to light the sage. Once the sage has caught fire, blow it out and watch for glowing embers. When you see the smoke begin to roll off of the smudge stick, it is ready.
3. Guide the smoke toward your heart, over your head and around your body to purify yourself before you begin.
4. Go the the lowest area you will be smudging. You will be working clockwise in each room. Use your feather, or your hand, to direct the smoke from the lowest part of the room to the highest as you move in a circle around the room Be certain to direct smoke into the corners of the room. Direct the smoke out the door or windows before you move on to the next room.
5. KEEP THE SHELL CLOSE BY TO COLLECT BURNING EMBERS. I tap the smudge stick on the shell when I begin in each room and usually another time or two as the leaves burn.
6. After you have completed smudging each room extinguish the sage by rubbing it onto the shell or on sand or dirt. Check to see that there are no burning red embers.
DO NOT wet the sage. If you do, you won't be able to use the sage again.
After the smoke clears and the negative energy has been released, fill the space with love. You can say prayers, meditate or journal about love, have dear friends over, read inspirational materials or do what ever feels best for you!
DO NOT wet the sage. If you do, you won't be able to use the sage again.
After the smoke clears and the negative energy has been released, fill the space with love. You can say prayers, meditate or journal about love, have dear friends over, read inspirational materials or do what ever feels best for you!
  |   |
Viola spp.
Gender: Feminine
Element: Water
Planet: Venus
Violets delight me! They visit for such a short time in the spring, yet have numerous attributes and an extensive history. Violets will protect you from “wykked sperytis” and will bring luck and love. They are featured in mythology, folk lore, literature and poetry. They have been used to cure headaches, calm tempers, and induce sleep. They have been crystallized, used for syrups and jellies, and candied.
There are over 550 species of violets, found in temperate climates around the world. They have many folk names and most of them are reminiscent of sex or love. In addition, their leaves are heart shaped, giving them a place of honor with the romancing herbs!
Like the rose, the color of the violet has great significance in sending messages. Blue violets promise "My love will always be true", purple send the message, "I return your love." White signifies "I'm willing to take a chance on happiness". They also represents modesty and humility as they often hide their spectacular beauty under heart shaped leaves. In William Cullen Bryant’s poem The Yellow Violet, it symbolizes a lost love. In the language of flowers, yellow symbolizes friendship, happiness, joy and success.
They are highlighted in many myths and legends. One story comes from the goddess Venus asking her son Cupid if he thought she was more attractive than a group of maidens playing along the edge of the woods. He said he found the maidens to be more beautiful, so she beat them until they were blue. Since then, because of their association with Venus, they have been associated with love and romance. Huh?
Another legend suggests at one time violets were white, but Mary's grief at seeing the suffering of Jesus on the cross turned them all blue. They have been associated with the modesty of the Virgin Mary, the Angel Gabriel, the Holy Trinity, and Greek and Roman legends and lore. Athens has been referred to as the "Violet Crowned City”. Napoleon returned from exile in the spring and used the violet in a secret code to determine loyalty. This tiny, delicate little flower has had a powerful impact.
In addition, there are recipes for aphrodisiacs, love portions, and beauty products.
My favorite use for violets is sprinkled on a tossed green salad when she first appears in the spring. She is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. Add strawberries, orange sections, and avocado. My raspberry poppy seed dressing from an earlier blog post, 5-27-2013, is a lovely compliment.
There are over 550 species of violets, found in temperate climates around the world. They have many folk names and most of them are reminiscent of sex or love. In addition, their leaves are heart shaped, giving them a place of honor with the romancing herbs!
Like the rose, the color of the violet has great significance in sending messages. Blue violets promise "My love will always be true", purple send the message, "I return your love." White signifies "I'm willing to take a chance on happiness". They also represents modesty and humility as they often hide their spectacular beauty under heart shaped leaves. In William Cullen Bryant’s poem The Yellow Violet, it symbolizes a lost love. In the language of flowers, yellow symbolizes friendship, happiness, joy and success.
They are highlighted in many myths and legends. One story comes from the goddess Venus asking her son Cupid if he thought she was more attractive than a group of maidens playing along the edge of the woods. He said he found the maidens to be more beautiful, so she beat them until they were blue. Since then, because of their association with Venus, they have been associated with love and romance. Huh?
Another legend suggests at one time violets were white, but Mary's grief at seeing the suffering of Jesus on the cross turned them all blue. They have been associated with the modesty of the Virgin Mary, the Angel Gabriel, the Holy Trinity, and Greek and Roman legends and lore. Athens has been referred to as the "Violet Crowned City”. Napoleon returned from exile in the spring and used the violet in a secret code to determine loyalty. This tiny, delicate little flower has had a powerful impact.
In addition, there are recipes for aphrodisiacs, love portions, and beauty products.
My favorite use for violets is sprinkled on a tossed green salad when she first appears in the spring. She is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. Add strawberries, orange sections, and avocado. My raspberry poppy seed dressing from an earlier blog post, 5-27-2013, is a lovely compliment.
The legend states, "those who kiss under the mistletoe
will fall in love and stay in love."
Memories of mistletoe may be pleasant for some, but my most frequent experiences were sheer panic, as I realized, often too late, there was a cluster over head and the wrong guy standing next to me.
Romantic novels, and some friend’s stories, give a different perspective. They describe an opportunity to finally have an innocent kiss with your heart's desire and find out if there is a special spark. If the legend holds true, this is followed by a guaranteed happily ever after.
MISTLETOE Caution - POISON
Gender: Masculine
Element: Air
Planet: Sun
Element: Air
Planet: Sun
But this year, the coronavirus, masks, and distancing will eliminate what we have probably all thought of as mistletoe’s one and only role in holiday celebrations. We think of it as the ‘kissing herb” and further examination probably ends. When we apply labels, positive or negative, we tend to stop looking for other characteristics. 2020 has given us the opportunity to view almost everything from a different perspectives, and taking a closer look at mistletoe may be surprising and beneficial!
Mistletoe, like most herbs, has a variety of folk names. One is All Heal, referring to its long, historic role in providing protection and healing. It has been carried to prevent, or cure, plague. It also ensures safety from fires and lightning, and will bring about good luck and fortune. Some sources go so far as to suggest there are spells using mistletoe to help you obtain immortality!
If you see mistletoe this year, I suggest you abstain from kissing, but give some thought to attributes you might not have considered. We could all use a bit of protection and healing from the plague, and mistletoe, all heal, will serve us well.
You might want to use the same approach with friends and family. What gifts and talents have been hidden in others because they are over shadowed by a more dominant label? Holidays will be less hectic this year and we’ll have more time to hunt for previously unnoticed treasures. Are there people in your life who have gifts and talents you hadn’t noticed? Look beyond their most obvious talents and discover what you’ve been missing!
Have you discovered aspects in yourself that you have kept hidden? Do you have interests you’ve wanted to explore but haven’t taken the time to research or practice? You may have an affinity for music, but focused only on team sports. You might want to learn a language and study another culture so you’ll be ready to visit exotic lands when its safe to travel again. You might have considered writing a novel but never made the commitment to follow through. These long dark days of isolation can give us an opportunity to explore and develop new, or dormant, talents and skills.
Nature is filled with lessons. Being more aware of mistletoe’s role in lesser known virtues may guide us to insights about ourselves and others we might not have considered.
Mistletoe, like most herbs, has a variety of folk names. One is All Heal, referring to its long, historic role in providing protection and healing. It has been carried to prevent, or cure, plague. It also ensures safety from fires and lightning, and will bring about good luck and fortune. Some sources go so far as to suggest there are spells using mistletoe to help you obtain immortality!
If you see mistletoe this year, I suggest you abstain from kissing, but give some thought to attributes you might not have considered. We could all use a bit of protection and healing from the plague, and mistletoe, all heal, will serve us well.
You might want to use the same approach with friends and family. What gifts and talents have been hidden in others because they are over shadowed by a more dominant label? Holidays will be less hectic this year and we’ll have more time to hunt for previously unnoticed treasures. Are there people in your life who have gifts and talents you hadn’t noticed? Look beyond their most obvious talents and discover what you’ve been missing!
Have you discovered aspects in yourself that you have kept hidden? Do you have interests you’ve wanted to explore but haven’t taken the time to research or practice? You may have an affinity for music, but focused only on team sports. You might want to learn a language and study another culture so you’ll be ready to visit exotic lands when its safe to travel again. You might have considered writing a novel but never made the commitment to follow through. These long dark days of isolation can give us an opportunity to explore and develop new, or dormant, talents and skills.
Nature is filled with lessons. Being more aware of mistletoe’s role in lesser known virtues may guide us to insights about ourselves and others we might not have considered.
St. Lucy's Day is currently most often associated with Sweden, one of the celebrations of light in the midst of winter's darkness. Little Christmas, or the Feats of Saint Lucy, is a favorite advent celebration. In the early morning, the Lucia Bride, usually the youngest daughter, is dressed in a long white gown with a myrtle or bilberry crown and lighted candles. She awakens the family, often bringing coffee and tea, and braided Lucia twists, flavored with saffron and cardamon. After the family is served, she visits the barns, taking food to the animals.
In addition to the home celebration, the young girls attend services at the church dressed in their lighted crowns. St. Lucy represents the promise of the light in the darkness and the sun's return.
In addition to the home celebration, the young girls attend services at the church dressed in their lighted crowns. St. Lucy represents the promise of the light in the darkness and the sun's return.
Saint Lucy is the patron saint of the blind and those with visual challenges. Lucy was born in Syracuse, Sicily in the 3rd century. She was born to wealthy Christian parents and at an early age she secretly vowed to remain a virgin and serve God by helping others.
Her father died when she was young. When she came of age, her mother arranged her marriage to a pagan but Lucy rejected him. It was the time of the Diocletian persecutions and when her suitor denounced her as a Christian, she seemed destined to death by burning or life in the brothels. Her fate was to be martyred by a sword through her throat.
In another story she escapes the marriage by tearing her eyes out in frightful desperation. She is often depicted carrying her eyes on a tray.
Miraculously, her sight was restored and she was able to serve God and mankind as she has intended. She is celebrated for giving sight to the blind, food to the hungry, and light to the darkness. The name Lucy comes from the root word Lux, meaning light.
Her father died when she was young. When she came of age, her mother arranged her marriage to a pagan but Lucy rejected him. It was the time of the Diocletian persecutions and when her suitor denounced her as a Christian, she seemed destined to death by burning or life in the brothels. Her fate was to be martyred by a sword through her throat.
In another story she escapes the marriage by tearing her eyes out in frightful desperation. She is often depicted carrying her eyes on a tray.
Miraculously, her sight was restored and she was able to serve God and mankind as she has intended. She is celebrated for giving sight to the blind, food to the hungry, and light to the darkness. The name Lucy comes from the root word Lux, meaning light.
Herbs associated with St. Lucy's Day
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Saffron Myrtle Dill Goldenrod Bilberry
St. Lucia's Saffron Braided Bread
Bread
I teaspoon saffron, soaked in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. Let cool
2 packages dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
4 T softened butter
3 eggs
3 T sugar
1 teaspoon salt
I cup slivered almonds
1 cup dried bilberries (blueberries) or raisins
5 to 6 cups unbleached flour
1. Prepare saffron.
2. Dissolve yeast in water.
3. Mix the butter with eggs, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
4. Add milk to butter and eggs.
5. Add almonds and dried fruit
6. Stir in saffron mixture.
7. Add flour gradually and stir with wooden spoon until it is is smooth and forms a ball.
8. Place on floured board or counter and knead until smooth - about 5 minutes.
9.Put into a greased bowl, turn it over and cover with a towel in a warm place until double, about an hour and a half.
10. Punch down dough, divide into 3 sections. Braid and form into a circle shape.
11. Place on cookie sheet and let rise until double - about 30 minutes.
12. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
13. Bake about 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
14. Remove from oven, cool and ice.
Icing
2 cups confectioner's sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
Combine and gradually add water until it is the consistency of icing.
Drizzle on to bread.
Decorate with slivered toasted almonds and/or dried fruit if desired.
Top with candles
I teaspoon saffron, soaked in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. Let cool
2 packages dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
4 T softened butter
3 eggs
3 T sugar
1 teaspoon salt
I cup slivered almonds
1 cup dried bilberries (blueberries) or raisins
5 to 6 cups unbleached flour
1. Prepare saffron.
2. Dissolve yeast in water.
3. Mix the butter with eggs, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
4. Add milk to butter and eggs.
5. Add almonds and dried fruit
6. Stir in saffron mixture.
7. Add flour gradually and stir with wooden spoon until it is is smooth and forms a ball.
8. Place on floured board or counter and knead until smooth - about 5 minutes.
9.Put into a greased bowl, turn it over and cover with a towel in a warm place until double, about an hour and a half.
10. Punch down dough, divide into 3 sections. Braid and form into a circle shape.
11. Place on cookie sheet and let rise until double - about 30 minutes.
12. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
13. Bake about 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
14. Remove from oven, cool and ice.
Icing
2 cups confectioner's sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
Combine and gradually add water until it is the consistency of icing.
Drizzle on to bread.
Decorate with slivered toasted almonds and/or dried fruit if desired.
Top with candles
Pyrus communis
Pear
Gender: Feminine
Element: Water
Planet: Venus
Pear
Gender: Feminine
Element: Water
Planet: Venus
Asclepias syriaca
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Populus tremuloides
Aspen
Gender: Masculine
Element: Air
Planet: Mercury
Aspen
Gender: Masculine
Element: Air
Planet: Mercury
Inula helenium
Elecampane
Gender: Masculine
Element: Air
Planet: Mercury
Elecampane
Gender: Masculine
Element: Air
Planet: Mercury
Welcome!! I’m Mikell (pronounced Michael). If you love spicing up your life with herbs, recipes, decorating and crafts, symbolism and rituals like I do, I hope you’ll sign up for my newsletter and free Enhancing Your Life with Herbs e-book!
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Mikell
Mikell is a writer, artist and professional treasure hunter, finding the greatest treasures in the wonderful people who enter her life!
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