So you already know that spells are not only the ritualized, prescribed actions taken at midnight with candles and crystals that the books talk about. Spells are any time and any action in which energy and focus are directed to a specific end. This opens up a wide vista for the caster to explore and still be working real, potent magic.
What better way, then, to bring this to your daily life than through comestibles? In general, every one of us eats 3 times a day so this is something we can work with simply and immediately. To that end, I would like to present to you 10 traditional spells using nothing but the food on your plate. Bon apitite!
Long Life
An old English saying goes "Who eats sage in May, shall live for aye," that is to say, forever. While I may not be able to promise you eternal life, I can offer extension of life into extreme old age.
Seek out the new growth of sage plants and make a place for them in your meal to receive longevity. The vitality present in the magical month of May as well as everything which is fresh and fecund can help you come alive after a long, weary winter.
Not One Bite
Place a sprig of basil under the plate of a woman (and, presumably, a man) who you wish to prevent from eating. This is a weird little nugget from a distant past where this must have served an important purpose. Do you want her to be unable to enjoy your cooking? Is she on a diet? Or maybe you've seen her messy eating habits in the past and decide that it's not gonna happen at your brother's wedding. Whatever your situation, this is definitely a power play. Play it as you will.
The Enchanted Apple
How can we not think of the chipper little apple when we're talking about magic food? In art and fairy tales it has the twin associations of innocence and temptation. How could Snow White have foreseen the wickedness in the apple the old woman gave her? Here, however, author Valerie Worth (in her gorgeous "Crone's Book of Magical Words") bewitches the apple for love, not hate. Whether you think it is wicked to cause a person to fall in love with you is up to you.
Pick your apple
When the moon
Has waned three days;
Breathe upon
It's green cheek,
Rub it with
A scarlet cloth,
Saying:
Fire sweet
And fire red,
Warm the heart
And turn the head.
Put it later
In another's hand--
Who holds it shall weaken,
Who eats it
Shall be yours.
Spice of Desire
Following the last spell comes this European bit of magic to cause a person to steal a kiss. Before you approach the person you desire, slip a whole clove under your tongue. As you talk, your words and breath will entice him/her to the boiling point and they will be compelled to kiss you.
Protect Me and Quick!
Eat a handful of blueberries to instantly guard yourself against the hostility of your enemies. This makes sense when you consider that blueberry leaves are good for cursing those same troublemakers.
Power Up Your Potions
Add a dash of ginger to any drinkable potion to make it work extra fast. The spice turns up the heat on anything you're working on, so feel free to sprinkle it over anything for which you want to see speedy results.
Pot of Luck
Eat beans when you need a dose of good fortune and prosperity. Any variety of bean works for this, as well as for wish-making, so you can name specific requirements for your luck while enjoying only the kinds you like best. This is a great food to serve at family or coven gatherings.
Warrior's Might
Before going into a fight, whether literal or figurative, or any kind of confrontation, do as the ancient Romans did and eat whole onions to give you physical strength. If you're not quite that tough of a warrior to eat them raw, you can certainly cook them first.
Daily Drink for the Day You Want
Many of us start our days with tea or coffee, but it's important to note that magically speaking they have opposing effects. Coffee ramps up energy and creates mental focus, while tea regulates the thought process and calms anxiety. What kind of day do you want?
This is one of my favorites of Scott Cunningham's formulas (from his great reference "The Complete Book of Incense, Oils, and Brews") because it's potent both when consumed and when kept--unused--in plain sight. Add a spoonful to drinks, breads, cakes, or any recipe containing honey, and keep the jar on a shelf in the main hub of the home. Whoever comes into contact with this formula will be instilled with feelings of love and compassion. (Note: a vegan option is to make this formula with agave nectar, as it corresponds with abundance)
To 1 Cup of honey in a decorative glass jar, add the following and stir well to combine:
2 broken Cinnamon sticks
1 tsp. whole Cloves
1 dime-sized piece of candied Ginger
1 inch-long piece Vanilla bean
1 pinch ground Cardamom
For myself, I make this with larger amounts of the last three, but that's just because I like it strong. If you're going to be adding this to tea, toast, and treats of your house guests (as you should!), you might like to keep it a bit more mild.
There are, of course, many more examples of food and magic overlapping, combining, and using one another as a vehicle for their own purposes, but this brief list should be enough to get you started. If you have been looking for a simple way to bring your witchcraft into closer communion with your daily life, edible magic is it!
Check my photo sources for more information on this topic!
Images from:
rebloggy.com/post/rustic-magic-tea-cooking-rose-witch-garden-kitchen-witchcraft-magical-lavender-a/74846828284
innatthecrossroads.com/2012/04/11/snow-whites-candied-apples/
teawitchtea.com/shop/crimson-coven
Also see Lucky Mojo for more instant food magic!
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