Blessed Summer Solstice/Midsummer to All! The Sun has reached it’s Zenith, and the magical energy is high! Those that have sunny skies, get out there and enjoy basking in it’s light, harness some power and manifest some ish!
What have I been up to?
I have to admit, I’ve been doing a lot of self care and “me” type things for a while and it feels great! Gathering the strength to fill my cup and get back to creating content and sharing food magic with you all! I have to give Lady Circe a HUGE shout out for creating magical space for all at her store, Skeleton Key Shop in Bayonne, New Jersey! I’ve also been enjoying all of the community love from local witches… it feels GREAT!
The Midsummer event was amazing, full of lore, a cool craft and incredible energy all around, I’m still buzzing from it!! Deam Lux Coven is about to turn 10 and I can’t believe how quickly time has flown by! Our coven has given us all so many blessings. It’s been the place I’ve felt the most comfortable in my own skin. It has provided creative space in so many ways. Working with Deam Lux planted the seed which was nurtured and has blossomed into the Food Magic I’m sharing with you all! This Blackberry Mint Tea was made for the Midsummer Ritual participants not only celebrating the Solstice but paying respect and homage to the Fae Folk!
What’s in the Tea?
Blackberries are delicious summer berries and associated with fairies and the Goddess Brighid. She is said to be the Daughter of Dagda and Danu of the Tuatha de Danann. A Celtic race of magical beings ( or fairies) that ancient peoples ( and folks now!) venerated as Gods and Goddesses.
The Blackberry plant ( Bramble fruit) is of the rose family. This makes them super tricky to pick as the bush has thorns, or large spikes that jut out from the stems. Simply reminding us to tread lightly, much like many do with the Fae and their mischievous ways!
The Mint brings in that heady aroma. Coupled with its sweet yet spicy nature, its an herb I love to use when groups of people get together for ritual. Mint is often used in money, healing and protection work. What I most enjoy is it’s high vibration. I feel it adds to the energy of the room when doing magical workings. Its an herb that brings people together! Often associated with Venus, I can’t help but to use it for solar things. For me, that’s where it aligns the best.
A tiny bit about the Fae
The energy of the Fae Folk were ever present at our gathering, bringing lots of cheer and merriment. Those that work with the Fae already know how it goes. Especially how easily things get turned upside down in a pinch! During the Summer where I feel that activity is super high, right around the solstice, you may feel compelled to give them offerings and I say, go for it!
Simple things that go over well are :
Milk – Especially Cream!
Honey
Sweet Pastries and Cakes
Juicy Fruits
Shiny trinkets or coins
May the Strength of the sun surround you with its brilliant light and recharge your battery, and I hope the Fae bring you much laughter and good times! Blessed Solstice to all!!
Blackberry Mint Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp loose black tea or 4 bags
- 4 cups boiling water
- 5 stems whole mint leaves if they are thin, add a few extra
- 1/2 cup sugar, honey or sweetener of choice you can add more if needed
- 16 oz. fresh blackberries or frozen pulp ( i have used goya brand)
- extra berries and mint for garnish
- Ice, as needed
Instructions
- In a medium pot , add the mint and water then bring to a boil. Add tea and sweetener of choice. Cover and let tea steep for 3 minutes
- In a blender, add the fresh fruit and puree, or use frozen pulp. Add pulp to tea and let stand another 3 minutes
- Strain into a large pitcher with a fine mesh sieve. Press down pulp, getting all the juice into the tea.
- Taste and add more sweetener if needed. Let cool, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Serve over ice with extra berries and mint sprigs as garnish
Made this tea? Please Tag us @GourmetWitch on Instagram and hashtag #FoodMagic or #WitchesGottaEat to share your creation!