Caléndula

Buscando henna, índigo y amla ecológicos para mi pelo de bruja, ya que en La Casa de la Henna hace ya meses que están de viaje sin retorno, encontré esta curiosa tienda en Barcelona:
http://www.hennamorena.com/es/product/henna--beer-henna-neutra-con-calendula-y-manzanila

Aquí te proponen una mezcla para tu cabello a base de 200 g polvo de henna triturada, una infusión de caléndula + manzanilla y un botellín de cerveza :) ¡Uhm... interesante!
Me llamó la atención, naturalmente (de hecho, hace ya meses que tengo claro que tengo que empezar a pensar en escribir en otro bloc, ya que brujita de cocina lleva a equívoco, pues este cuaderno no es, ni pretende serlo, un libro de recetas de cocina. Además, llevo muchísimos escritos. Muy variados, sobre todo al principio. Quisiera especializarme), la infusión de caléndula y manzanilla, y el hecho de que diferenciara las dos plantas.

Estudiando sobre la caléndula, encontré este otro bloc. Fantástico. Me anoto su dirección:
https://granjeronovato.wordpress.com/tag/plantas-medicinales/

caléndula

aceite de caléndula

Las imágenes son de aquí

Está claro que, como apunta el granjero novato, no hace falta recurrir a procesos industriales para secar las flores de caléndula o de manzanilla, y que basta con secarlas a la sombra. Si cuando toca guardar las flores desecadas en tarros de cristal, queremos elaborar aceite de caléndula o aceite de manzanilla, supongo que bastará con rellenar de aceite el tarro con la planta dentro, y dejarlo macerar como explica Evelyn Celma, una bruja verde que fundó la marca Matarrania (igual que otra con quien hablé por correo electrónico hace unos días, Lindsey Hedges, fundó su propia marca también de cosmética natural ecológica, Akamuti _pero sobre esto ya actualizaré otro día el bloc. Por el momento, mi tiempo es limitado). Si no recuerdo mal, aunque es posible y además me faltaría tener más información, se macera durante cierto número de días (ejem...), y no recuerdo si a la sombra o qué condiciones atmosféricas se buscan. A Evelyn Celma le encanta macerar plantas en aceites.
...
Aquí se explica un poco del proceso de maceración que se sigue en Matarrania:
http://ishiatsuzen.wordpress.com/category/cursos-y-talleres/ (una opción sería macerar durante 14 días a sol y serena, es decir, al sol pero tapado para proteger de los rayos directos del sol, que deteriorarían las propiedades de los ingredientes del preparado)
Evelyn realiza varios cursos y talleres. Quizá en alguna ocasión me apunte a alguno.

El granjero novato deja el tarro con flores secas de caléndula relleno de aceite de oliva en un lugar cálido, pero igualmente siempre protegido de la luz directa del sol (las estanterías de mi cocina pueden ser un buen sitio), durante 40 días. No está de más cubrirlo. Una vez transcurrido ese tiempo, se cuela el aceite, y se guarda en un frasco, que cerramos herméticamente y reservamos en un lugar oscuro y fresco (como el armario del baño).

Como extra, esta página de jabones artesanos: http://calendula-jabones-y-mas.blogspot.com.es/ Ya veo que la caléndula da para mucho...

Horse Tea

Horsetail, Equisetum spp., is truly a wonder from another age. The Equisetum family are known as a ‘living fossils’ as they are the only living examples of the Equisetopsida class which formed the major part of the understory of the great Paleozoic forests. These covered the land for over 100 million years, roughly 542 to 541 million years ago, a time which saw the first large reptiles and an explosion in marine life. Now Equisetum arvense usually grows between 20-40 cm high, but at that time, its relatives grew up to 30 metres tall, giant green skeletons which stroked the heavens with their feathery branches. This era ended with the Permian- Triassic extinction event, or the Great Dying as it has become known, the largest mass extinction in the history of the Earth. It took the Earth 30 million years to recover. Horsetail however endured and, as a result, holds in its dreaming more than we humans, as relatively new species on Earth, can possibly imagine.  Fossil records show that Horsetails made up a large part of the coal forest swamps and are therefore powering much of our current lifestyle.

Horsetail Dance by Barry Buman

There are a variety of species including Marsh, Water, Great and Wood Horsetails, several of which have been used for medicine, though the most commonly used is Field Horsetail, Equisetum arvense, as the others are thought to be more toxic. Even Field Horsetail can cause problems to livestock if they eat a large amount as it contains an enzyme which depletes thiamin (Vitamin B1) levels. This enzyme is deactivated by heat though so teas or decoctions will be safe long term for humans and animals alike. It’s best avoided in pregnancy however as it contains high levels of selenium. Horsetail is a gymnosperm, or non-flowering plant, which spreads through spores released by fertile stems. These grow up in spring to be replaced later in the season by the distinctive, segmented sterile stalks which are used in medicine.

Field Horsetail (Lat. Equisetum arvense)

The capability of absorbing silica from the earth is quite unique in plants so this extremly important mineral is hard to find in the plant world. Yet large amounts of silica are deposited in the stems of the horsetail.

No other herb from the entire plant kingdom comes even close to horsetail in terms of silica content.

Silica facilitates the absorption of calcium by the body. Both silica and calcium are components of teeth, bones, joints and connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments. Hence horsetail is used to stimulate healing broken bones and strenghtening bones in osteoporosis, to treat bone and joint inflammation as well as connective tissue injuries. Also collagen, an important constituent of the tissues, is built with silicon. It also nourishes nails, hair, eyes and skin and is known for its anti-aging effects and eliminating exess oil from hair and skin.

Horsetail is a powerful diuretic used in the treatment of kidney and bladder diseases and because of its antibacterial and astringent effects, horsetail tea may be used externally to treat wounds, prevent infections and stop bleeding. It’s ability to stop bleeding makes it a remedy for heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding hemorrhoids, nasal or gastric bleeding.

Horsetail has also been traditionally used to treat respiratory inflammation, bronchitis, cough and tuberculosis, water retention, rheumatic diseases, gout, swelling and frostbite. It is generally considered safe. CAUTION: Yet the Marsh Horsetail (Equisetum palustre) is toxic to horses. Horses reading the blog might find this information useful. I have found many sources advise NOT to take Horsetail whilst pregnant or breastfeeding. If you experience nervous sensitivity or urinary irritability after use, discontinue.

Use: Tea - Steep in hot water, strain and drink at least one a day. Vinegar - This can be made by steeping Horsetail herb in apple cider vinegar for a month to six weeks, straining, then enjoying added to salads, diluted in water for compresses or added to the bath water – about 1/2 a cup. Vinegar is a particularly useful method for extracting minerals from a wide variety of herbs.

Collection and Drying

Tea preparation

-Sources: 

http://whisperingearth.co.uk/2010/06/12/horsetail-ancient-wonder-modern-medicine/

http://nativequotesandbrilliance.ning.com/profiles/blogs/plants-horsetail

http://warriorself.com/blog/2010/07/30/clausthal-zellerfeld-germany-2/

http://www.searchhomeremedy.com/home-remedies-for-kidney-stones/

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/february04/menopausal.htm

http://wildomen.com/horsetail-harvest/

As Seen Through Our Horses Ears

Akamuti

 

Akamuti: natural organic skincare from Wales
Reconozco la propia pasión que llevo y que me lleva en la de esta otra mujer, Lindsay Hedges... Las Antiguas Brujas no somos sino Yerbateras, Mujeres de Poder, Magia y Conocimiento Ancestral. Wise Wild Women. Wicce. Pharmakis. Saga. Venefica. #plantsandherbcraft  #herbalwisdom   #oldewitchesgarden 
Copio algunos pasajes de la entrevista.. Está claro... los que más me han gustado :)
"Akamuti grew out of my passion for plants! I’ve always been interested in their role in tree medicine, herbalism and aromatherapy so it feels very natural to work with all these wonderful ingredients. Akamuti began in 2003 when I was only 20 years old and keen to start my own business [...] Our combined enthusiasm for a holistic way of living, eating and healing keeps our creativity focused, ensuring that our products reflect our ethics [...] When I was 17 I did a herbal medicine course that taught me how to make balms and macerated oils, which was great fun to do in the kitchen. I loved drying herbs, hanging them from the airer so that they made a mess on the floor. I experimented, researched and got my hands dirty until I found a recipe that I was happy with. I’ve also worked in aromatherapy for many years so I know my ingredients inside out[...] I really love gardens and I’ve been trying my best to grow veg for years. This year I managed to coax some lovely potatoes out of the ground as well as salads, tomatoes and a million cucumbers. Sadly, my onions and garlic didn’t even get chance to see the sunshine this year (slugs!) but I plant them every year because it feels wrong not too. We have plenty of space so it’s been a dream of mine to grow our own ingredients for a few years now… I just need to find the time. I’m hoping to plant a lavender and rose garden at some point so that I can make a small amount of my own rosewater. [...] We work from our workshop in a beautiful valley in south west Wales overlooking the Brechfa Forest. We have a smallholding so it’s not only home to us but a few unruly animals as well. It’s a truly inspirational place to live, with nature literally on the doorstep and natural beauty around every corner. I love the peace and quiet here, it really nourishes the soul [...]
What is the first thing you do when you want to invent a new product?
I make myself a coffee, find a comfy spot, get my notebook out and start writing. I think of what I want to achieve with the product and what I would like to go in it and then I start putting them together. I also brainstorm with everyone else. A bit like planning a garden, the best part is picking the plants!
Why should people buy your products?
Because they are good for the skin and the soul!"

http://www.ameliasmagazine.com/earth/akamuti-natural-organic-skincare-from-wales/2010/12/01/

Oh La La!

foal horse

Sophie’s Story: The Healing of Horses and Hearts

When we made the decision to open the K2 Equestrian Center and provide equine assisted growth and learning, we wanted it to be a place of safety and rescue for all living things. We had been actively participating in horse rescues for several years; keeping some of the horses we rescued, and finding quality homes for others.

This image of Sophie has become the logo for K2 Equestrian Ranch…

The Spirit of the Healing Horse.

One rescue was particularly disturbing for us.  The information we received stated that multiple horses had been abused and starved.  Horse rescues can be dangerous and one really never knows what they are getting into when a call for a rescue comes in.

With our trailer in tow, we arrived at a ranch where the horses were being kept. It was clearly visible that the horses had not been fed for quite a while; and several of them had whip marks on their flanks.  One horse had an old halter so tangled in its mane that it had to be cut out.  We had already made a vet appointment for the next day to have the horses examined, but as we loaded the horses on to the trailer, it was obvious that one horse was very ill.  One mare had explosive diarrhea and was showing signs of being dehydrated. We called our vet, Dr. Bob, who suggested we get her to his clinic  immediately.

The mare was a beautiful, caramel-colored, Palomino quarter horse, with white blaze down her nose and the longest eyelashes. My son thought she was incredibly beautiful and had already fallen in love with her. Even with the deep wounds on her body, she was gentle and receptive to our touch. On the way to the clinic our boys named her “Sophie.” I knew we had crossed the line in naming her and we were now committed to keep her.

When we arrived at the clinic, I didn’t like the look is saw on our veterinarian’s face.  Dr. Bob was concerned and worried.  As he did his exam, he continued to look up at me,  but never utter a word. My youngest son was standing next to Sophie, petting her head. He looked up and said, “Please save her.” Bob looked over and walked me out of the stall.

“It doesn’t look good,” he said. “She is extremely sick, undernourished and dehydrated. It will be a miracle if she makes it through the night.”

“We have to try to save her, I know she’s not ready to die,” I responded to him.

Sophie loves kids and loves getting pets.

The vet said that her treatment would have to be aggressive and that her recovery could take a long time.  Deep in my heart I felt that she was going to live and I didn’t care what we had to do to help her survive. The look in her eyes told me she wanted to live and be part of our family. After two hours at the vet clinic and giving her lots of love, we left. I knew that we would see her again.

The phone rang at 6 am the next morning  — my heart stopped when it rang. It was Dr. Bob, but his voice was upbeat and the news was good! Sophie had made it through the night.  The diarrhea had stopped, she was still on I.V. fluids, but she wasn’t so lethargic. While she wasn’t out of the woods, he was encouraged.  She had to stay at the clinic for several days and we went to visit her everyday. I wanted to bond with her and let her know that she was safe and loved.

The other horses remained at our ranch and we treated their wounds and fed them supplements to get their weight up. All of the horses had to be de-wormed, but were generally in good health considering their weights.

It was several days before we were able to bring Sophie home. We were told that it would be a long journey for her; that she would require a lot of time and many extra feedings. At the time of the horse rescue we were working with a group of women at the ranch, who were in recovery from domestic violence. These ladies were part of our equine assisted learning group.

They all thought Sophie was gorgeous. These women, who had been through horrific trauma in their own lives, wanted to help this wonderful horse. They knew that she had to be fed every two hours and knew that my husband, Keith, and I were teachers and could not be at home during the day.  So, they made a schedule among themselves and came to the ranch every day at 10 am, 12 noon and 2 pm,  to feed and love on Sophie.

The women were fabulous! They fed her and groomed her.  In addition to helping heal Sophie, it also helped them to heal, build confidence and self-esteem. Both the ladies and Sophie thrived. It was an amazing end to a horrendous beginning.

Today, Sophie is beautiful, healthy and strong. She is the showcase to our ranch and logo. She knows she is safe and is in a place that will never let anything awful happen to her again.

As for the women who helped her survive, they are all doing well. They have picked up their lives and moved on. Several of them still come out to the ranch to continue our friendship and love on the horse.

Sophie is healthy, strong and beautiful!

K2 Equestrian Center Horses | Sophie's Story

http://k2equestriancenter.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/sophies-story-the-healing-of-horses-and-hearts/

The Soul of a Horse

There is something about the soul of a horse and the soul of a woman – the deepest secrets can be shared, the most painful scars healed, the purest joy found, the most profound freedom felt. A woman’s place is on a horse. Life didn't give us wings, so we were blessed with the Horse companion. The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse’s ears. When you count your blessings, count your horse twice. The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and fire.

- Source: http://terraverum.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/hoofbeats-on-my-soul/

Donkey Ears

Kalanchoe or Donkey Ears is a plant that is native to Madagascar.

Neddy's ears at The Donkey Sanctuary

Mule Ears

Ohh, surprise! .. Mule Ear is a plant in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) that loves sunshine and volcanic soil. Sometimes, mule ears cover entire meadows or slopes. Mule ears are also named woolly mule's ears (orejas de la mula lanuda), mountain mule's ears and, scientifically, Wyethia mollis , Wyethia helenioides ... all of them belonging to the genre Wyethia (orejas de mula). The reference to the mule, whose ears lend the plant its name, is always present. Mules are obviously inspiring animals.

Niveles de pH y el cáncer, los alimentos alcalinos y ácidos

- Fuente: http://elnuevodespertar.wordpress.com/2011/08/04/niveles-de-ph-y-el-cancer-los-alimentos-alcalinos-y-acidos/

La Molinera y su Asno

Entendí al fin que hace tiempo que de mayor quiero ser molinera .. Me encantan los Trabajos del Alfarero, rodeada de harina, entre los quehaceres de mi Oficio de Bruja .. Y me doy cuenta ahora de que si hay un animal ligado al molino es precisamente mi burrito .. Encontré el título de un cuento infantil, "La Molinera y su Asno", en Miniclásicos por María Pascual, Ed. Toray, Tomo 12. No encuentro ilustraciones del cuento.

En casa habíamos leído el Tomo 7. Ahora quisiera toda la colección.

Panadería y bollería. Variedades de pan y especialidades dulces y saladas. Molino, piedra y horno. Fuego. Mis Manos. Rústico. Artesano.

Ésta es una foto de mi asno favorito. Se llama Apalache, y es un superviviente en El Refugio del Burrito (Málaga).

Cuando yo tenga mi burrito, será una burrita .. y la llamaré Rosalinda .. que no viene de "rosa", flor, sino de los elementos Germánicos hros (horse) y linde (suave o tierno) .. o Rosaura, de hros y aura (soplo, brisa, efluvio), por la semejanza verbal entre Aura y Aurora (Dawn, Eostre), diosa del amanecer de Ostara.

6 Effective Skin Care Face Mask With Egg Whites

http://homemademasks.net/beauty-tips/6-effective-skin-care-face-mask-egg-whites/
http://healthmunsta.hubpages.com/hub/DIY-Egg-White-Face-Mask-Recipes

Té de ortiga, escaramujos y canela

rosal silvestre

El rosal silvestre o Rosa canina (que no es lo mismo que la rosa mosqueta o Rosa eglanteria, procedente de los Andes) es la forma primitiva de todas las rosas cultivadas, y su fruto, el escaramujo, destaca por ser uno de los mejores antioxidantes naturales y ser rico en vitamina C (contiene 10 veces más que el limón). Es muy importante destacar que, si bien el escaramujo es comestible y se emplea en repostería, sus semillas son tóxicas, por lo que debe controlarse su ingesta si se consumen los frutos enteros.
Para el té de escaramujos, si nos hacemos con frutos enteros, la cantidad sería de 2 o 3 frutos enteros, vertiendo sobre ellos agua caliente -no mucho, porque el calor destruye la vitamina C- y dejando infusionar durante al menos 15 minutos, tapado. Si conseguimos escaramujo sin semillas, añadimos un puñado (4-5 cucharaditas de escaramujo seco) por 1 L de agua embotellada. En este caso, podemos romper los escaramujos con un mazo o mortero, añadir el agua, y dejar destilar durante la noche. Colar con colador de tela (porque el escaramujo tiene "pelitos"), y calentar un poco la infusión. Añadir miel o mielato (el mielato de encina y yo).
http://potiholic.blogspot.com/2012/07/el-escaramujo-y-yo.html
http://flor-decanela.blogspot.com.es/2011/02/un-arma-secreta-escaramujo.html
A partir de los escaramujos, se puede elaborar oleato, vino, licor, sirope o una fantástica mermelada. Debido a la presencia de taninos, el escaramujo resulta astringente, y por lo tanto, es un remedio tradicional contra la diarrea. Si queremos beneficiarnos de los efectos de los taninos, la decocción de los frutos en infusión no debe superar los dos minutos. Además de vitamina C, contiene muchas vitaminas del tipo B, vitamina K, vitamina E, calcio, magnesio, hierro y zinc. El hierro es un oligoelemento que se absorbe mejor en combinación con otros minerales (calcio, cobre) y con vitaminas (vitamina C y vitamina B12) (la vitamina C optimiza la absorción del hierro en el organismo, por lo que tomar alimentos que contengan hierro de fuentes vegetales junto a alimentos ricos en vitamina C es la mejor opción nutricional) (la vitamina B12 junto al hierro interviene en la formación de nuevas unidades de glóbulos rojos).

cosmética bio matarrania aceite de oliva escaramujo pieles grasas y sensibles

Nettle + Rose Hips + Cinnamon Herbal Tea Infusion (Iron + Vitamin C Tea)

Encontré una fórmula magistral (#herbalwisdom #cauldronlore #plantsandherbcraft #kitchenwitch) que garantiza el aporte de Hierro, y optimiza la absorción de este mineral.

Recipes to Nourish: Nettle Cinnamon HerbalTea Infusion (Iron + Vitamin C Tea)

Herbal tea infusions are awesome.  They’re nourishing, hydrating (they count towards your daily water intake) and they’re loaded with readily available vitamins and minerals.

I started making this iron-rich herbal tea infusion during my 3rd trimester when I was pregnant with Tiny Love.  I was close to being anemic at that point and I wanted to boost my iron intake with herbs and food (instead of taking a iron supplement).  Luckily, this did the job.

The stars of this infusion:

Nettle + Rose Hips + Cinnamon

Nettle: (Urtica dioica) Medicinal herb. Highly usable vitamin K, high in minerals iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium, potassium and zinc.  Amazing herb, promotes kidney function, excellent for pregnancy (should be in a pregnant woman’s daily diet), helps prevent anemia and boosts milk supply in breastfeeding moms.

Rose Hips: (Rosa canina) Medicinal plant. Very high in vitamin C.  Also contains vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc.  They have a wonderful sweet taste.

Cinnamon: (Cinnamomum verum) This spice has medicinal properties, and is known for it's warming effect and aids in digestion.  It adds a wonderful sweet and spicy flavor to teas.

Iron is best absorbed when combined with vitamin C, so the addition of rose hips is perfect for this tea.

Equipment: Medium-Size Saucepan w/ Lid (or steeping teapot), Medium-Size Mixing Bowl, Airtight Glass Jar/Container w/ Lid, Fine Mesh Strainer

·      2 parts nettle

·      2 parts rose hips

·      1 part cinnamon chips

·      4 cups filtered water

·      Ice (optional)

·      Raw honey or fresh fruit juice (optional)

1.    Combine all dried herbs in a medium-size mixing bowl, store herb mixture in airtight glass container.

2.   Boil water in medium-size saucepan or in a steeping teapot.  Remove from heat once boiling.

3.   Add 4 tablespoons of herb mixture to water (1 tablespoon per 1 cup of water). COVER, this ensures that you receive all of the nutritional benefits from the herbs.

4.   Steep 30 minutes to 4 hours for maximum benefit.  The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor will be.  If you don’t care for a stronger flavor, reduce the steeping time to 30 minutes.

5.    Strain tea.

6.   Sweeten with small amount of honey or fresh fruit juice if desired.  If you want to retain some of the beneficial properties of raw honey or fresh juice, add after tea has cooled some.

7.   Store extra tea in the refrigerator up to a week.

Enjoy iced or hot.

Dosage: Drink 1 to 4 cups daily.

Storage: Store herbs in an airtight glass jar with lid for up to a year.

Where to Buy Bulk Herbs & Spices: I buy all of my dried spices and herbs in bulk from Mountain Rose Herbs.

En España, una tienda que recomiendan donde se pueden comprar todo tipo de hierbas y especias a buen precio es La Casa de las Especias (Sevilla). Y concretamente en Catalunya, Herbes del Molí ~ Artemis comercializa bolsas de frutos escaramujo ecológicos.

El Refugio del Burrito

¿A dónde van las palabras? A veces me lo pregunto... ¿Se preguntará el burrito adónde va su rebuzno? ¿Se queda anclado en el valle, como un barquito sin rumbo? ¿Vuela surcando paisajes para dar la vuelta al mundo? ¡Quién sabe, buen borriquito, hasta dónde tus rebuznos llegan cuando les das vida y se marchan como humo de chimenea encendida! Adónde irá tanto verbo y tanto adjetivo junto, tanto sonido engendrado en los adentros de un burro que llama, que vive y siente, aunque se crean algunos que no es más que un mal ruido su fabuloso rebuzno... ¿A dónde irán las palabras que cada día produzco, para dar más dignidad a estos hermosos peludos? ¿Tendrá, me pregunto a veces, mi palabra efecto alguno? Aunque no lo tenga, amigo, seguiré, como acostumbro, cantando sin presunciones a mis amigos los burros... FELIZ FIN DE SEMANA - Rafael Benjumea, El Refugio del Burrito.

el dinero que se recauda con la venta del libro se destina integramente al refugio

Fruto de su contacto matutino con la naturaleza y con los burritos y mulos que viven en el refugio, surgen las pinceladas, impresiones, pensamientos, reflexiones o rebuznos, que son pura prosa lírica, y que el autor recoge a modo de bitácora en el Facebook del Refugio del Burrito. En noviembre del año 2012, Rafael Benjumea presentó su libro "Rebuznos mañaneros" de la mano del ilustrador de la obra, Pachi Idígoras, que también ilustró una edición de "Platero y yo", y de la editora, Inmaculada Benítez, y que conocieron a Rafael Benjumea en el Refugio del Burrito, su lugar de trabajo como responsable.

P.S. cuando en Roma se inició la costumbre de castigar a los niños en la escuela poniéndoles unas orejas de burro, no era porque fueran tontos, como se malinterpretaría posteriormente, dando lugar al tópico de que este sensible, inteligente y hermoso animal que es el burro es un ser duro, terco y zafio, que sólo entiende y aprende a palos. Nada más lejos de la realidad. De hecho, el burro puntúa más alto que el caballo en el test de inteligencia. Y cuando los romanos ponían a los niños las orejas de burro, no era para mofarse, sino para transmitir su inteligencia.

Apothecary

In days long past, the kitchen witch was the herbalist of the town. Truth be told, there is a magic about plant medicines. Jars of herbs and boxes of teas fill the cabinets and shelves, little brown bottles sit in neat rows or cluttered bunches on the counter, and fresh roots await their fate in the fridge. Perhaps they will be boiled for tea, or grated and chopped into healing stews. A kitchen apothecary is a magical and powerful place.

- Source: 

http://www.redrootmountain.com/the-kitchen-witch-medicine-cupboard-part-1/193

The Elemental People, the Gnomes and the Faeries

http://www.faeriemag.com/collections/jewelry

Cauldron Lore

At its very essence the cauldron is made of metallic earth, heated by fire, cooled by air and tempered by water. It is a vessel of the elements.

“Every hollow holds a hallow.”

Cauldron Lore

More than just a symbol of the goddess, the cauldron and its contents have specificallyrepresented abundance, poetic inspiration (i.e. knowledge, wisdom and eloquence), physical restoration, regeneration, alchemical transformation, spiritual or psychic awakening or vision and the ability to discern truth.

Indestructible Life

#ostara #maidenspringgodess

Burrito

Ooohh.. ¿se puede ser más bonito? Color, otro burrito adoptado de la Asociación Defensa Équidos de la que somos teamers. Es un burrito preciooooso, y su nuevo hogar es un lugar idílico que yo también quiero visitar jeje!

Venefica (Venus)

venefica.sage.pharmakis.witch.

Wild horse or mustang

http://www.kimerleecuryl.com/index.php#mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=0&p=3&a=0&at=0
http://www.kimerleecuryl.com/
http://www.kimerleecuryl.com/index.php#mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=19&p=5&a=0&at=0
http://www.wildhorsephotoworkshop.com/

Magic Magic of the Moons

http://petalandmoss.com/making-magic-of-the-moons/

Nadie diga al borriquito...

"Nadie diga al borriquito cómo ha de vivir sus días" - El Refugio del Burrito.

Inside of Amelie's World...

Easter Bunny Shaped Rolls

Ingredientes:

2 1/2 - 3 tazas de harina

2 cucharadas soperas de azúcar

1 sobre levadura

1 cucharadita de sal

1 taza de crema agria (de leche fermentada)

1/4 taza de agua

2 cucharadas de mantequilla

1 huevo

¡El truco está en darle forma a las orejas! Usa las tijeras de cocina.

How adorable are these Easter Bunny Shaped Rolls? The secret to shaping the ears is Kitchen Shears! Use your favorite roll recipes to bake these bunnies or try the one below. Your family will love to see these cute bunnies on the Easter dinner table this year.

Please note that you will probably want to practice the ear shaping technique ahead of time because the photo above is from a professional chef. Your results may vary. Also please note that the recipe below is NOT the recipe used in the picture you see above.** Edited April 2014: The original recipe has finally been located (thank you, Pat!) and is linked at the bottom of the blog post. The original recipe uses a pastry dough instead of a bread dough.

Ingredients:

2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons butter

1 egg

Directions:

1. Put the butter, the sour cream and water in a small saucepan and heat, but do not cook. Cool to tepid then add the remaining ingredients. Put in a kneader (or use your kneader attachment on your mixer if you have one). If thick add more water.

2. Let it rise double and cut into 16 equal parts.

3. Baking tray lined with baking paper or a silicone baking mat and cut the ears with kitchen shears. When the dough is STILL SOFT, Make sure you smooth the edges around, so you do not end up with gremlin shaped horns.

4. The eyes can then be put in, use pepper grains or similar.

5. Bake at 375º for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.

- Source: http://www.momalwaysfindsout.com/2013/02/easter-bunny-shaped-rolls/

Hare pounding mochi on the moon. Happy Ostara! x