The clever kitchen witch knows she need not look further than her pantry to find all the magical ingredients she could possibly need to whip up a spell for any occassion. There is magic in everything you eat and all you have to do to harness it is learn about it and prepare it with intention. Every food item, from the exotic to the mundane, has alchemical and magical properties. With knowledge of these properties, you can create a meal that's perfectly in balance, a meal that brings things into balance, or a meal that draws magical energies to help you acheive your goals.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is highly nutritious and makes a soothing tea great for soothing stressful situations and calming nerve pain.
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Alfalfa Sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts added to any meal increased the physical strength of all foods with their strong Earth energy. They are ruled by the planet venus. Alfalfa can be added to meals prepared to enhance workings aimed at increasing money and psychic awareness.
Allspice
Allspice adds the advantage of luck to any enterprise. It resonates strong male energy and is aligned with the element Fire and the planet Jupiter. Use allspice to bring health to yourself and wealth to your household. It can also be burned as a money drawing incense.
Almonds
Almonds are nuts that are popular in baked goods and nut & fruit mixes. It is ruled by the planet Mercury and the element Air and is useful in preparations aimed at increasing devotion, love, money and self-sufficiency. Also for matters related to overcoming addiction, communication, intelligence and mental and psychic powers. They stimulate the third eye chakra and help stimulate intuition. Almonds are associated with Cybele and Attis, Artemis, Chandra, Hecate, Thoth, Hermes, Mercury and Zeus.
Amaranth
Amaranth is an ancient Aztec grain and a strong source of Earth energy. Amaranth seed has a spicy flavor and is best cooked in combination with other grains.
Amaretto
Amaretto is an Italian liquor flavored with almonds and/or apricot pits. Amaretto is often used as an ingredient in desserts such as marzipan and tiramisu and is also delicious over ice cream and in chocolate concoctions. It is also delicious in a variety of mixed drinks.
Anchovies
The anchovy is an oily saltwater fish abundant in the Mediterranean area where they are heavily utilized in the local cuisine. They are also found in African, Asian and Indean seas and cuisines. Anchovies have been harvested and preserved in salt or oil or dried for centuries and were an important trading commodity in ancient Rome. They were also once believed to be a powerful aphrodesiac if eaten raw. The curing process gives them a very strong flavor, so preserved anchovies are most often eaten in small quantities as a flavoring agent.
Anise
Anise, Pimpinella anisum has a strong licorice flavor and is tasty in teas and cakes. It is soothing to the nervous system and contains plant estrogens. The male energy of Anise is aligned with the planet Jupiter and the Moon and the Air element. Use anise in preparations for purification, blessing and increasing energy or drink anise tea prior to meditation to acheive a deep meditative state.
Apple
Apples are versitile fruits steeped in magical lore. They are great plain, raw in salads and cooked into breads and desserts. Apples are associated with the planet Venus and the element of Water. They are useful in dishes used to support love, health and inner vision and support liver health. Apples are a sacred fruit used at many harvest festivals including Samhain. When cut horizontally, an apple will reveal a pentagram.
Apple Cider
Apple cider is a non-alcoholic, unsweetened, unfiltered beverage made by pressing fresh apples. It has a limited shelf-life and is best enjoyed seasonally, in autumn. It is a traditional beverage for many harvest and winter festivals. Many prefer it warm and spiced. Apple cider can be used to good effect in place of wine or beer for most ritual purposes.
Apricot
Apricots are delicious and contain vibrant feminine energy. Use it to increase passion and romance or to sweeten someone's disposition. Apricots also strengthen the immune system. Apricots resonate with the energy of air and the planet venus.
Artichoke
Artichoke is a large thistle bud said to bring protection from negative energies and helps encourage personal growth. Artichoke hearts are aphrodesiac and associated with the element air.
Asparagus
Asparagus is an early springtime vegetable. It is phallic in shape and known for its aphrodesiac affects. It is very rich in nutrients. It has diuretic properties and is helpful for treating stomach and intestinal issues. Asparagus is associated with the element Water.
Avocado
Avocado carries feminine energy and is associated with the element Water and the planet Venus. It is useful in workings related to beauty and love. It is also useful for enhancing female fertility.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is associated with the element Air.
Bamboo Shoots
Bamboo shoots are popular in Asian and Polynesian cuisine. Bamboo shoots are lunar and feminine in nature and associated with the element water. Eat them to ensure protection from harmful magical forces and to bring luck. Decorate with bamboo to bring luck and protection to your home.
banana
Bananas are phallic fruit which resonate with water elemental energy and is ruled by Venus or the Moon. While they are charged with male sexual energy it is a more sensitive energy. They also represent the futility of clinging to material possessions and yet they are a playful fruit. Perhaps they contain within them the wisdom of children. Sliced atop cereal or oatmeal, bananas feed the inner child and encourage him/her to come out to play. Cooked bananas are wonderful comfort food that also resonate with delicate childlike energy and help us find the joy and magic in the world, unburdened by material cares. Eat a banana before or after your Yoga or other spiritual excercise practice to recharge.
Barley
Barley resonates with the energy of Earth and is associated with the planet Venus. It can be used in magical meals supporting money, fertility and sex.
Basil
Basil is a wonderful herb popular in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. It is best used raw and pairs delightfully with tomatoes. Basil is a sacred herb in Greek tradition and resonates with Fire energy. It is a harmonizing herb, useful for bringing about peaceful resolutions to disagreements, especially with lovers and family.
