Mulling typically involves the use of spices (cinnamon, clove, star anise, nutmeg, allspice) and orange peel. I prefer a more savory version that seems to be a little less common:
Cider
Peel of one orange
2 sprigs rosemary
2-3 stems of fresh sage and/or thyme
2-3 bay leaves
Roughly ½ tsp whole peppercorns
Nutmeg, grated
Honey or brown sugar, if needed, to taste
This is a more savory, woodsy tasting cider and I find it can be a welcome break from pumpkin pie/chai spice that’s so prevalent in the fall. The method is the same: throw the ingredients into a crock pot or deep sauce pan and bring up to a simmer on low heat.
One important tip: always, always, always remove the pith from the peel. Whether you’re making a cocktail or mulling a wine or cider, the pith adds an unpleasant bitterness that becomes more noticeable the longer it steeps. The easiest way to do this is to cut the peel from the fruit in inch wide chunks. Lay it flat, white side up, and slowly slice away the pith. Stop when you start to see the “pores” of the peel.
If you like to experiment, I recommend trying your own selection of these:
A collection of categorized links for your Samhain needs! What is Samhain? [X] Samhain is celebrated between October 31st to November 1st (April 30th to May 1st in the S. Hemisphere) and is also called: Samhuinn/Samhainn, Sauin.
– Question your reaction to things, why did you react like that; what triggered you; why was that your trigger;
– Question your choices, why did you make that choice; were you running away from something, avoiding something; are you trying to prove something; was the choice of rational or emotional nature;
– Question your desires, why are you attracted to that thing; what does it say about your life; what do you think about people who are attracted to the same thing; how are you different;
Carl Jung theorized the existence of three levels/spheres in the human psyche: the Ego, representing the conscious mind, the Personal Unconscious where memories are contained and the Collective Unconscious, where all knowledge and experiences of the species are shared.
Each Sphere has in it a certain number of Archetypes, used to better describe the components of those structures, and the Shadow is one of them.
What is the Shadow
The shadow can be seen as a instinctual or primitive part of ourselves, it exists as part of the unconscious mind and is composed of repressed ideas, weaknesses, desires, instincts, and shortcomings.
It is this archetype that contains all of the things that are unacceptable not only to society, but also to one’s own personal morals and values, normally going against social norms and rules as well as what we personally consider right.
The Shadow is often described as the darker side of the psyche, representing wildness, chaos, and the unknown, and it is common for people to deny this element of their own psyche and instead project it on to others.
The Shadow in Witchcraft and Benefits of Shadow Work
Art: Unknown
The Shadow, in witchcraft, can represent The Unknown, hidden depth of ourselves. Speaking in terms of energy, this is an area that can be a deep source of energetic issues, because it’s locked up in the dark and always striving to reach the light.
To not work with one’s Shadow is to make it greedy and aggressive, as well as denying a big part of oneself, making everything a half of a whole.
Through that brief explanation, we can already establish the importance and role of the Shadow in witchcraft, and with that in mind, comes the concept of Shadow Work.
Shadow Work can be seen in a number of practices, meditation, trances, inner journey’s, lucid dreaming, astral travels, spells and divination.
The method can change, but the principle is simple: Centering your intent to self discovery, self knowledge and self acceptance.
Working with one’s Shadow is not only beneficial to one’s craft, as it allows one to get in touch with their intuition as well as allows for easier connection with one’s guide/guides, but it also allows for healing and acceptance of one’s feelings and needs.
Think of all aspects of life as a wheel. If there is one part bent, the wheel can turn, but with more effort. If the owner spends time fixing that bent part, the wheel will turn in a much more smooth manner.
That is what happens when you take the time to do Shadow Work, you have to put in effort, and most of the time it’s not easy, but once done, all other components on the wheel of your life will be relieved to move on without that obstacle that makes their job harder.
The Shadow is not evil, as evil is just a moral compass invented by humans. It is a part of one’s nature, and to deny it is to supress a connection with yourself.
Take the time to know and accept your shadow, and you’ll see that life will be a little easier.
References:
A Natureza da psique (Structure & Dynamics of the Psyche) by C.G. Jung
The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious by C.G. Jung
