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Offerings for Bast

July 1, 2019 by Andrea Maldonado 2 Comments
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In my previous Post Who is Bast? I mentioned that she had a duel nature like day and night. You can see a lot of that present in the types of offerings you can give her. She is a very friendly Goddess and I’ve noticed that she really just wants your time and attention, so if you want to say prayers to her, go for it. Have a poem or something you wrote to or about her? Read it aloud! Want to have a chat? Pour a glass of wine or brew some tea and sit with her energy. She has brought some memorable moments into my life, reminds me that we have to STOP and just ENJOY what’s going on around you and nothing screams BAST like a great party!

Below are some offerings you can put out in her Honor

Perfume bottles and (decorative) Jars made from materials such as glass, clay or ceramic 

Oil lamps (a great spellwork medium) 

Sun and Moon Symbols

Cat Statues 

Candles 

Daggers 

The Eye of Ra 

Incense – Kyphi ( ancient egyptian offering) or resins, burning Cannabis 

Musical Instruments : bells, windchimes, sistrums 

Stones : Malachite, copper, gold, lapis lazuli, gold stones, onyx , jet , 

 Flowers,Herbs and Scents : Roses, morning glory, honeysuckle, Ivy, catnip , mint , musk, lemon balm

Food Offerings for the Cat Goddess 

Beer, Red wine, Mead, Teas, Milk

Onions , Grains ( Barley, Oats, Wheat, etc) , lambs tongue (lettuce) 

Pastries, Chocolate ,Honey 

Beef (Raw, or a cooked dish) and Fish

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Reading time: 1 min
Blog•Writing Prompts

Day 5 : Cassandra’s Curse

November 5, 2018 by Andrea Maldonado No Comments

Andrea Maldonado | Gourmet Witch
Cassandra was in love with the God Apollo who showed her favor above all other human women. He gave her baubles and wrote her poetry all in the name of their love. Much time has passed in their relationship when Apollo approached her with a proposition. “I would like to give you something of more substance.” he suggested. “The gift of prophecy and sight could be yours, if you would just give me something else in return.” he purred. Cassandra knew what he wanted, he had pressed her for some time in subtle ways but was still unsure. “What could I do with this gift?”  She countered. You could be the greatest Oracle there ever was. Kings and people all over the world would travel just to speak with you. You would never want for anything in this life and would have the freedom afforded only to men, a choice. “I will consider it.” was all she said to him.

She prayed on this offer. Fasted and spoke to no one. He wanted to have her body, but what after that? They could never marry, and what man would want another’s spoils, even if they were Apollo’s , what would she do with her life? . The gift of prophecy though, now that would be a true blessing. She would know all that there was to be. She could help stop wars, warn the people of droughts, a bad crop year, anything they wanted to know, she would have the power to tell them.

Power. It was the greatest gift a woman could ever receive and yet she didn’t know a single woman to ever wield it. “Why me?” she thought. “He must not mean to keep his word.” she reasoned with herself “This is just a trick, I don’t deserve this. There must be something he is not telling me.”  She continued like this for weeks, brooding and turning the idea over in her head. Unable to figure out what he was planning she decided to go see him, and accept his offer, hoping that he would reveal the true reason for such a gift.

Overjoyed at the sight of her climbing the temple steps, Apollo flew down to meet his beloved. “Where have you been all this time?” he asked. “Oh, just thinking” she murmured. “I have decided to accept your offer.” she informed him.

Delighted, he lifted her up and flew into the center of the Temple, a place where only the Grand Cleric was allowed to enter, as this was the place where Apollo descended on to the Earth. In the center was a pool of water. It reflected the sunlight even though there were no windows. The ground was covered in green grass and the room was perfumed by the scent of flowers that did not grow anywhere else in the world. She was in complete awe of the place. He produced a seashell from his robes and dipped it into the water. “Drink this and receive my gift.”

She took the shell in her hands and then a deep breath. Opening her mouth, she swallowed all the water in one gulp, returning the shell to him. He kissed her immediately after and said “How do you feel?” “The same” she giggled. “ I knew it!” she thought to herself, nothing happened, everything is still the same. What he offered her was a lie because she was unworthy. “I feel the need to rest now” she told him. “Would you let me take you home?” he asked. “Sure” she replied.

Once in her rooms he put her to bed, covering her with a blanket. “Rest now, my dear, I shall return in a few days to receive my end of this bargain.” Drifting off to sleep she had terrible dreams. She saw the fall of Troy. A woman with a silver veil begged her to help her escape. She was afraid, repeating that she needed to escape or else everyone would die. She dreamed of her parents, murdered , her brother’s too. She saw burning buildings, fires that stretched all the way up to the sky, A giant horse galloping towards the city walls, trampling all under its hooves. Every night she dreamed more atrocities, thing to come? She wondered…. Should I say something?

When Apollo arrived, she was in a frenzy. Disheveled , pacing and talking to herself. “This can’t be” she repeated over and over again, shaking her head. “Cassandra” Apollo called. “I am here, come to me.” “No!” she shouted. “You are a liar! I don’t have the gift of sight, I have a head full of madness and things that make no sense…A Giant Horse!” she exclaimed. “What does that even mean?” “Calm down” he said softly. “Here, let me put your mind at ease.” “No!” she screamed again. “Get out!” she shouted. “You did this to me, you’ve tricked me!” she clamored. “Cassandra, there is no trick here” he said sternly. “Then why don’t I understand? Why am I having these nightmares?” she explained.

She pointed at him and said, “You knew that day in the temple I was having doubts. You knew somehow I would go back on my word and so, you’ve cursed me! Get away from me!” she shrieked.“Cassandra, stop.” Apollo’s tone was serious, scary even. “I did no such thing, you need time to adjust, to sort out what you are seeing, the information is rushing at you, it can be a lot to take in but do not accuse me of tricking you.” he chastised. “I will let some time pass and then return, when you are better.” He turned to leave when she shouted at him again “Don’t you dare come back! I want nothing to do with you, ever!”

“You don’t want to do that, a debt is left to be settled.” he reminded her. “I am aware!” she stomped. “ You can take back what you have given, I don’t want it, and I am not giving you anything.” throwing herself on the bed to weep, Cassandra felt the weight of the world crushing her all at once as he left.

She shut herself from the world again. This time, to heal and be renewed. Prayer helped keep her head clear as the messages flooded in. She learned with time how to interpret them and once she was comfortable with herself, she stepped back into the world, hoping to carve a place for herself. What she did not realize, was that the world had changed ever so slightly, the seed of those prophecies coming true.

She walked through the palace that night, taking in the beauty of her home, for it had been a while since she had seen it. Walking through the dark halls was a figure, covered completed but she could make out the shape of a woman. Cassandra followed close behind her, watching her dart in and out of corners, clearly unsure of where she was. Curious, Cassandra rushed up to her and the woman turned to face her. The veiled woman sent Cassandra reeling to the ground. “No” she whispered, “ It can’t be.” “please” the woman whispered. “Please help me escape, I need to leave this place and return to my home at once! You are all in -” “Silence” Cassandra hissed. “I know who you are, Helen” I will have you released at once, go to your rooms and wait for me there.

That morning Cassandra emerged from her rooms at day break, begging an audience with her parents who quickly ushered her in, having missed her during her isolation. Before they could say anything she quickly began “ You must send her home.”  “What?” the King said. “Helen, father. You must send Helen back home. Troy will fall if she remains here.” The King sighed, looking at his wife with sadness in his eyes. The Queen motioned for Cassandra to sit by her, “My dear, your brother will not be reasoned with. He loves her and wants to marry her. Helen has warned us about her husband temper and his pride. He sets sail here now, coming to reclaim his wife or go to war. We have tried but he will not give her back, so now we wait for the Greeks to invade our land.”

“Mother, Father, please listen closely to what I have to say…” Cassandra explained her new gift, which is why she isolated herself for that time. She told them all she had seen. All about Helen, the battle where Hector would fall because of Paris’ cowardice, how there was a giant horse, and how they would all die. Concerned, her parents called in the servants “You need to rest dear, we will send for the physicians” her mother said. “No! I know what I see, I know what is going to happen, you have to listen to me!” Cassandra begged.

in that instant she heard a voice. “They will never believe you” it whispered. “Not because I made it so, but because you don’t believe in yourself. Your curse will be to foretell the future of all around you and never be believed. The lack of conviction you have will shine through the most, making you look weak. You will be cursed to see all these things befall the people you love including your own demise, which I will turn a blind eye to, and you will not be able to stop it. I offered you power but instead you chose to doubt yourself, this is your self imposed curse, my beloved. “

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Reading time: 8 min
Blog•Writing Prompts

Day 3 : Cleopatra and Octavian

November 3, 2018 by Andrea Maldonado No Comments

Cleopatraseeking credit

Cleopatra

Upon the signal Cleopatra retreated from the naval  battle to her mausoleum where she was to meet Antony. She did not know he was told she had killed herself. He stabbed himself in the stomach to join her in death and then found out the truth. He was rushed through the streets of Alexandria fighting for his life just to look at her one last time….

Cleopatra held Marc Antony in her arms, feeling his breath become lethargic as the shadow of Anubis grew larger, she knew their time together was running out. “My Queen” Antony said weakly. “Plead for clemency, make an alliance, do whatever he says, please.” he begged. “Hush now, my love” she cooed, caressing his face. “Don’t concern yourself with any of that now, you are on your way to Elysium where you go to make a home for us.” kissing his lips gently, she laid a hand on his chest. “Close your eyes, my King, sleep… I will join you soon.” she prayed.

Outside, the mausoleum doors were being pounded by battering rams. Octavian had marched into Alexandria and had come personally for his spoils of war. He would not have her alive she promised herself.The last time they met was in Macedonia where she went to arrange safe passage for her children, forgiveness for Marc and the surrender of Alexandria if he would spare their lives and let them live out their days in Rome or wherever he chose. Octavian heard her terms and countered.

“Your children will be sent away but kept safe, sent to a school in Athens to receive the best education but you must relinquish the use of the name Caesarion and any rights he may have to the Roman empire. Also, they will marry according to my needs and wishes, for the advancement of Rome. Next you will cast Antony aside. He will be allowed back into Rome and reinstated as a senator though he will hold no higher seat. His original lands and holdings will also be returned to him and he must go back to Octavia. Lastly, you and I will marry. You were supposed to be with me, and not that loathsome fool.”

Cleopatra stared him right in the eyes, snorted and let out a cackling laugh that echoed through the room. “You think me some kind of prize, or possession? That I would agree to this is pure lunacy. Do you not remember the fate of the last boy king who tried to own me? “ she challenged. “I would never be with the likes of you, not even by force, I would rather die first!” she declared. “Then you will.” he said simply. Cleopatra began laughing again “ So you would go to war for being denied entrance to my golden delta?” she smirked.

Octavian’s face flushed a deep crimson. He was angry now, not the outcome she was looking for. “You have always looked down on me, a boy begging for your attention but you never saw the ambitious man inside of me. We could rule the world together and yet you refuse me. I am an intelligent, young and  viral man. I command legions of men ready to die for me, I could lay Rome at your feet and have the power to command the people to accept you as one of their own. Our children would have rights to Rule both empires, so again, I ask you, why do you refuse me? “

She knew he would never concede to any of her terms and would slaughter her family in an instant. There was no other recourse than to go to war, an agreement to this marriage would not be a guarantee, no matter what he claimed, she knew his heart. “Do you want to know why?” she said, seductively. “Indulge me” me he said curiously. “You are not Caesar, dear boy you are hardly a man yet! I knew you as a sickly runt, hanging off the robes of your now father, constantly groveling for affection and time he did not have to give you. I’ve even wiped the snot from your face when you cried because the other boys were better than you during combat drills. I watched you use your position and power to beat them instead of improving your skills, and I always watched you relish in their punishments for having upset you. Octavian if you didn’t get something you wanted, you cried and forced them to give it to you in the name of your father. You’ve never earned anything in your life, even the seat you hold now is because of Caesar. His supporters  still live on in the senate and believe that you might be able to carry on his legacy, again not by your hands.

What are you on now, your second or third wife? I am to discard my true and rightful husband to be just another one counted amongst your wives, and when you have no need of me, have used my body, taken my land and my power, will I too be discarded? No. My answer remains no and will forever be a no.”

Cleopatra storms off, not even giving Octavian a chance to say anything else. She boarded her ship, immediately setting sail for Alexandria. War would be on her doorstep at any moment and she had to prepare. She would separate her children, sending them off to different lands across her empire until this was over with orders on what to do next should she be killed. Feeling the hand of death at her back, she knew that she would not survive. She had let her heart lead her to decisions she shouldn’t have made and now there was no turning back. “I regret nothing” she prayed to the Goddess Isis. “My only wish is to die as I have lived, a Queen. I will not hand over Egypt to anyone.” she vowed.

Holding the now lifeless Marc Antony, Cleopatra said her final goodbyes and wished him well on his journey, again reminded him that she would see him soon. Kissing his lips for the last time, she got up to prepare for Octavian. Her maids quickly covering him, one final act of respect. She changed her bloody dress and wore a gown fit to receive any dignitary. Trembling she applied the Khol to her eyes, the mausoleum still holding up during the assault but it wouldn’t be much longer before the doors were breached. The rouge to her cheek was the last thing and then she sat on her throne, waiting. It wasn’t long until the doors were smashed to pieces. Octavian entered, flanked by his guards unsure of what awaited him. He saw the covered corpse on the floor, Cleopatra on her throne and knew immediately that he had won.

Now it was his turn to shame her , he began “Ah, Cleopatra, the Queen!” he jested, clapping loudly as he approached her. “You should have taken my offer” he reminded her. Silent and statuesque, she stared at him, unbothered. “I am here to collect my spoils” he said, licking his lips. “I will take you back to Rome,  parade you naked through the streets for all to see the grand slut of Egypt. You will be executed and burned, unable to enter into your afterlife, you will be nothing. Your maids will be given to the soldiers immediately. They will be raped,  repeatedly.Those that survive will be enslaved, also paraded naked through the street. Your children will be dragged behind your cage and brought to the arena where they will be torn to pieces by wild animals during the games held in my honor. I will erase you from history, you will cease to exist.” he hissed.

Unwavering in her resolve she answered “You will do no such thing. I will surrender all of Egypt to you in exchange for the lives of my children and a private execution.” Smirking he replies “Now why would I do that? I am here. My ships are ready to attack and my army will decimate your city, I have no need to bargain with you.”“Do you forget I am still a Ptolemy?” she questioned. “The people of Alexandria will rise at the disrespect shown to their queen. They will fight every last soldier you have. Do you think your men can survive an Egyptian summer under all that armor? If you agree, I will surrender all to you, peacefully. You will be welcomed as ruler and the people will obey you. No one else needs to die. Your men are tired and want to go home.”

He hated the fact that she was right. Though he could attack he was on unfamiliar territory and not properly equipped for a revolt or a long siege on the city. She was defeated and yet he had to agree to her terms. The people of Rome supported him but there were a few still who publicly supported Caesarion’s claim. His successful conquest of Egypt would no doubt force those senators to be silent, Rome would finally have a sole ruler,so, he agreed to her terms. She requested a day to draw up the treaty of surrender and to see her children one last time. He acquiesced on the condition that she remain in the mausoleum the entire time. Her maids, children and advisors would be the only ones to come and go. There would be Roman soldiers posted outside all doors to ensure that all went according to plan. She also agreed to this, so he left, to return the day after tomorrow. Cleopatra had no intention of honoring her side of this bargain, instead she used the time to keep her family safe. Her advisors were instructed to carry out her plans. She was to see her children one last time and they would quickly be carried off to the locations secured for them, unbeknownst to her in case she was tortured. She bade her maids to bring her cosmetics, perfumes, ointments and the dress she wanted to be buried in.

In the morning, she bathed, dressed, perfumed her hair and body. Her maid’s applied her make up through tears and pleas to leave the mausoleum and escape. Smiling sadly, she said “My children are safe and my lover is dead. There is no hope left for me, he will never stop hunting me until I am dead. I choose this of my own accord. I thank you both for your years of loyal service, now help me to my throne and then you must leave, I will not let him have you! “

They helped her up, arranged her dress and placed the Uraeus crown on her head. Please bring my tortoise shell comb, she requested. This was her favorite adornment. Simple but her most treasured possession. It was the first thing Marc Antony had gifted her. She kept it safe in box so that it would never be harmed. Once she held the box in her hands she urged her maids to leave, hearing the trumpets announcing Octavian’s return. “My lady, we will not leave you!” they cried. “Fools!” she screamed at them. “He will not take me alive, I will be dead before he walks through that door, leave!” she commanded. They would not listen. “We will remain here and watch over you. Once you are gone, we will depart this place, my Queen. Do not worry for us.” they said.

The fear began to rise in her throat like bile but there was no time to reconsider. She opened the box and lift the comb. The top was carved with two swans, eternal partners. and had two long teeth to hold her hair. Under the pillow that held the comb was a small vial. She opened it and dipped each tooth comb into the contents. Taking a deep breath she pierced the top of her left breast. The  poison was fast, she immediately felt her mind blur so she quickly pierced her right breast. In moments, she was gone. Her maids propped her up and placed the comb in her hair, out of sight. They used a hidden dagger to cut their palms and quickly rubbed the ointment on the wound. They died at the feet of their Queen as Octavian entered.

In his rage he started throwing her things around screaming and cursing at her dead body. “I will find them! I will destroy this city!” he said to her cold corpse. Kicking her trunks and baskets of food meant for the afterlife,  he jumped back, frightened. “Snakes!” he roared. Two black asps slithered out amongst the fruit towards the door, no one dared touch them, they were notorious for their lethal venom. “This is how she did it!” he yelled, turning to the guards. “You let things in here without checking them? What else happened here? I will have you executed for this !” he promised them, leaving her and her maids in the mausoleum. “Seal it off!” he commanded.

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Reading time: 11 min
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ABOUT ME

Andrea Maldonado

Andrea Maldonado is a classically trained chef,a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York. She worked in a variety of New York City restaurants and high end catering companies. Andrea is an Initiated Priestess of Ochun in the Lucumi Tradition, High Priestess of the Deam Lux Coven and the Minoan Sisterhood. . Andrea is an avid reader, a lover of 1950’s fashion, red lipstick, winged eyeliner, a strong cocktail, having a good cackle- I mean laugh! With friends and enjoying all that life has to offer. Currently working on a bigger cookbook on more food magic, seasonal recipes and Sabbat meals.

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Thank you @courtneyrandi and @liebehexxe from @the Thank you @courtneyrandi and @liebehexxe from @thelionthewitchandthepod for having me on your cast! Had a great time dishing about food, magic and storytelling ✨💖 click on their page and follow the link in their bio or mine to give it a listen ! 
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#witchywednesday #podcast #witchypodcast #foodmagic #witch #witchesofinstagram #witchythings
Happy April and a giant thank you to all who suppo Happy April and a giant thank you to all who supported me through this event! 💖 I learned a lot through all this and got super inspired ! Can’t wait to work on some new content!
Happy Wednesday! Spring is in the air and with it Happy Wednesday! Spring is in the air and with it comes the fulfilled promise of tomorrow. Bulbs personify that promise, so here is a little info on them. 🌷 
Link in Bio to a quick blog post titled “when tomorrow doesn’t seem possible”. We are approaching an anniversary many of us wish we could forget. My mind is crowded with so many thoughts over the last year but I’m trying to hold on to tomorrow one day at a time. Willing it all to go away just doesn’t work so breath in patience and compassion, exhale slow and steady ! 
🌷

#witchywednesday 
#witchcraft
#witch 
#witchesofinstagram
#witchyvibes
#witchery
#witchythings
#bigwitchenergy
#witchlife
#magicallife
#bruja
#brujasofinstagram
#kitchenwitch
#kitchenwitchcraft 
#magicalingredients 
#foodmagic 
#magicalfood
#blog
For the final cookie of the season, I leave you wi For the final cookie of the season, I leave you with this gem 💎💖💋 Had an awesome time making these and ruffling a few feathers 😂 spring is on the horizon and I’m so here for it! Happy Friday ! 
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#lovefood #foodpost #foodporn #amcooking #valentinesdays #loveinthetimeofcovid #seasonoflove #lovewitch #witch #witchesofinstagram #bruja #foodcraft #witchesgottaeat #kitchenwitch #foodmagic #kink #kinster #sub #dom #domme #bondage #whip #bdsm #conversationhearts
After care in any D/s dynamic is important not onl After care in any D/s dynamic is important not only for your physical health (especially if you engage in any rope or pain play) but also your emotional/psychological health. This of course can take many forms and is really catered to the parties specifically involved, meaning, there is no right or wrong, to what aftercare looks like for you!
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 I’m going to give a few examples where you can sprinkle in some kitchen magic for those witchcraft practitioners who are also kinksters! 
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Your aftercare may be a nap, a special show, s3x, a conversation or food, to name a few things. 
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Aftercare food can range from snacks to nibble on or a full meal. This is perfect for intention setting but also using the item's properties, for instance, antioxidant berries for circulation ( I’m talking to my rope folks!) boost energy ( green tea), or something soothing( comfort food), it all depends on the environment you’re creating!
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Baths are a great way to ease any sore bodies, help someone out of a sub/dom drop, or self care and self love needs! Beauty products or beauty routines may be part of what you need after a session and if so,look to your witchy makers that provide products which incorporate magical ingredients. I’m looking at you - @skeletonkeyshop ! 
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If your aftercare involves soothing balms for surface cuts, bruises or sore spots - look for companies that use healing herbs in their product, or make your own! ( please do your research, watch for allergens, toxic plants, things that are topical only etc safety first!) 
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Neutral massage oils can get a healing or extra loving boost with essential oils ( again, research, as a little goes a long way, we don't want to burn anyone or cause a reaction)
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What are your after care needs? Comment below !! 
I really would love to dive in some more so if you’re interested, like this post and comment “Tell me more!” 
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#loveinthetimeofcovid #seasonoflove #lovewitch #witch #witchesofinstagram #bruja #foodcraft #kitchenwitch #foodmagic #kink #kinkster #aftercare
You may not agree with someone else’s preference You may not agree with someone else’s preferences but guess what? You don’t have to!! Don’t put people in boxes, instead, why not try something new 😝 not a paid ad but if you want to sponsor me I’m open or more free gifts!! 
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#lovefood #foodpost #foodporn #amcooking #valentinesdays #loveinthetimeofcovid #seasonoflove #lovewitch #witch #witchesofinstagram #bruja #foodcraft #witchesgottaeat #kitchenwitch #foodmagic #safesex #condoms #lube #kink #kinkster #conversationhearts #cookies
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