On a Cold, Winter Morning...

Is it a Soup Day?

The thermometers all say the outside temperature is in the upper teens. An excellent day to prepare soup for supper.

Yesterday we bought some beautiful leeks from Quebec. One beauty is now in the soup pot in a Colcannon Soup.

Recipe:

• 1 onion, diced
• 4 T butter
• Melt the butter in a soup pot. Add the onion and onion. Saute until soft. 
• Dice
• 4 med. potatoes
• Add to soup pot. Cook for 5 minutes 
• While that is cooking, thinly slice 
• 1 C cabbage
• 1 C kale after removing the stems
• Add 
• 3 C vegetable stock 
• Bring to a boil. 
• Add the cabbage and the kale
• Reduce the heat. Cook for 15 - 20 minutes.
• With an immersion blender, puree. 
• Now your soup can be left on the stove until it is time to heat for supper.
• Heat until warm. Add
• 1 C milk. 
• Heat but do not boil. 

PS:

• I am planning on using 
• 0.5 C Greek yogurt 
• 0.5 C cream 

 

 

In the Moonlight

 

Physical Effects

The influence of the moon extends beyond spiritual beliefs and has tangible effects on earthly functions.

1. Tidal Influence: The full moon is particularly known for its impact on coastal regions, where its gravitational pull causes significantly higher and lower tides, known as spring tides. This phenomenon affects marine ecosystems and coastal activities.


2. Sleep Disruption: Research indicates that the full moon can disrupt sleep patterns for some individuals, leading to reduced sleep quality and duration. Factors such as increased brightness during nighttime hours may contribute to these disturbances.


3. Historical Perspectives on Behavior: Traditionally, the lunar cycle was associated with mental disturbances, historically referred to as "lunacy." This connection highlights a long-standing belief in the moon's influence over human emotions and behavior.


4. Increased Emergency Room Visits: Some studies have suggested a rise in emergency room visits during full moon phases, with anecdotal reports linking heightened incidents of accidents or mental health crises to this time.

Coming soon... An opportunity to learn more about the effects of the moon on you. To join in the exploration click here to receive more information: AnnisquamHerbFarm.

About the Fire Ceremony

Full Moon Fire Ceremony

For more information

Fire Ceremonies Around the Global

The Universality of Fire Ceremonies

Fire is one of humanity’s earliest technologies and most enduring symbols. Whether leaping from a public bonfire or glowing in a carefully-guarded shrine, flame is repeatedly treated as:

• a purifier
• a messenger
• a mark of transition

Across continents and millennia, fire ceremonies converge on the idea of transformation is spiritual, social, cosmic. The sight, sound and scent of a living flame embodies intangible hopes into a tangible, communal experience, reaffirming both cultural uniqueness and a shared human fascination with the creative power of fire.

Click here for some of the world’s best-known fire ceremonies.

Shared Symbolism

Purification and Renewal

• Vedic yajñas that “feed” the gods
• Sweat-lodge steam that scrubs body and spirit
• Fire melts the old to make room for the new

Social Cohesion

• Large public fires bind whole communities
• Enclosed hearths solidify group identity around a single perpetual flame.

Contemporary Adaptations

• Modern societies continue to adapt these motifs:
• New Year’s firework “sky-offerings,”
• Eco-themed cleansing ceremonies at gatherings like Burning Man
• Climate-conscious “carbon-neutral” yajñas

All show that the elemental symbolism of fire remains both flexible and potent.

Information gathered from the WWW with the help of AI.

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Contact AHF

I would love to stay in touch with you. 

Stay informed about: 

• Scheduled Workshops
• Garden Tours
• Fire Ceremonies
• Other A.H.F. Events

Click here to add your email to the Annisquam Herb Farm group.

What is a Ceremonial Fire

Ceremonial Fires

The tradition of using ceremonial fires for purification and emotional release is found in many cultures.

To many the full moon represents fullness, completion and the culmination of energy. It is an ideal time to manifest intentions, “clear the air”, celebrate achievements. Rituals conducted on the night of the full moon focus on gratitude, reflection, releasing of grief and acknowledging progress.

If you would like to learn more about Fire Ceremonies, signin here

#annisquam #annisquamherbfarm #ceremonialfire

What is Beltane?

Ceremonial Fire in Ireland

Beltane is a fire festival celebrating the growing warmth of the sun and the return of longer daylight hours. To celebrate at home light a small fire in a fire pit or indoors, light a candle. The Beltane fire is believed to have protective and purifying properties. with your fire lit,  focus on a transformation you would like to manifest as your flames become brighter. Collect a small item, a bit of plant material or the transformation you would like on a small piece of paper. Place your item into the fire where the idea is released into the universe cleaning you of doubt, anger and fear.

#annisquam #annisquamherbfarm #ceremonialfire 

 

DIY Dog Paw Balm:

Dog Paw Balm: A Gentle Care Solution

This dog paw balm is mild and safe for daily application. 

Frequency of use: 

• For maintenance - apply the balm four to five times a week. 
• For acute issues, such as cracked or dry paws, apply two or three times a day.

Application: 

Massage a small amount of balm into the pads of your pet's paw. This balm is safe for your dog to lick it off. All the ingredients are safe to eat.

Supplies:

• Sauce pan
• Preserving jars & covers

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (by volume) Coconut oil
• 4 oz (by volume) Olive oil
• 8 oz (by volume) Shea butter
• 2.5 oz (by weight) Beeswax

Instructions:

• Add shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and beeswax in a saucepan
• Heat on very low until the beeswax is melted

• Pour the melted salve into preserving jars. 
• Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature uncovered. 
• Add a label with name, ingredients & date
• Store in a cool place, out of sunlight.

To receive additional information on using herbs, reply to this email and send me your name. We will be holding several Workshops and adding more posts in the coming year. 

Suzanne Brown, RP, MT

Annisquam Herb Farm

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Workshop: Gift Tags Galore

There is no Right Size, Shape nor Color

The Gift Tag Workshop will need a dash of imagination and a wonderful table full of supplies.

The end of year celebrations might have left you with some cards you do not know weather you should keep or recycle, some wrapping paper- to little to keep, too pretty the throw away, ribbons, string, and perhaps a few other items you have set aside. 

• Bring them to the Gift Tag Workshop!
• Supplies at your disposal:
• Scissors
• Paper cutter
• Several type of glue
• Paper
• Pre-cut tags
• Paper punch

Check out these tags for a bit of a head start. 

If you are not a member of the Annisquam Sewing Circle, drop me a line at AnnisquamHerbFarm@gmail.com for Workshop information. 

 

 

Clear the Air

Ceremonial Fires

The tradition of using ceremonial fires for purification and emotional release is found in many cultures.

To many the full moon represents fullness, completion and the culmination of energy. It is an ideal time to manifest intentions, “clear the air”, celebrate achievements. Rituals conducted on the night of the full moon focus on gratitude, reflection, releasing of grief and acknowledging progress.

#annisquam #annisquamherbfarm #ceremonialfire