Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Cider, Pumpkin dishes, Cranberry Muffins, Corn, Hazel Nuts, Herbal Teas, Beef, Pork, Poultry

 

 

 

Cornhusk Dolls

If you use fresh corn husks from farm or garden, tie them up to air dry and store them loosely in til you're ready to use them. Craft stores also sell husks, for us city folk ;)

Corn husks can be softened by soaking them in a pan of water with three teaspoons of glycerin. Soak them for a few minutes, and lay on a towel to soak up the excess water.

To make a doll, lay about six husks on top of each other. Gather them together about an inch from one end and tie twine/ribbon/yarn/string tightly around them. To form the head, you pull the ends back over the tied area and fasten with another string of your choice ;)

Roll two husks together lengthwise in a single tight roll. Fasten two strings near the ends. This arm section is tucked inside the body, below the neck. Wrap your string of choice in a crisscross across the body to fasten the arms.

Trim the bottom of the husks to create a dress or cut into two even sections to create legs. Wrap each leg section tightly at the ankle. You can glue corn silk, twine, yarn, moss or other material to the head for hair. Add other features to create unique dolls.

Jack O' Lanterns

The traditional jack o' lantern is a fun tradition to carry out, whether by yourself or sharing it without family or friends. Think outside the box, rather than carving a face, try carving several smaller pumpkins with magickal symbols, think protective/abundance. Or use gourds and place them throughout the home.

After cutting up the squash of your choice rub vaseline around the raw edges to seal him and he'll stay "fresh" long. Dry the seeds from pumpkins and you have a snack in the days to come ;)

The Crone Meditation

Find a spot where you won't be disturbed, out in nature, in your bedroom, wherever. Clear your mind and imagine you are walking through a beautiful forrest. The sun is gently setting on the horizen in vivid purples and violets. The trees are ablaze in autumn beauty.

You breathe in the crisp fall air as fallen leaves gently crunch beneath your feet carrying you along a path.

You come to a mist filled clearing as you walk into the mists a soft breeze pushes it back and an elderly woman sits upon a throne carved of stone. She raises her eyes to meet yours and they fill with joy as she reaches out her hand to take yours. She is the crone, reach for her hand and listen to what she has to teach you for the new year.

Apple Garlands and Wreaths

Slice apples and soak them in lemon juice if you don't want them to brown. Bake the slices @ 200 degrees for 5 hours or until completely dried. You can dust them with cinnamon or nutmeg prior to baking for some extra yummy scents.

Once you have your slices ready the creativity starts. String them with cinnamon sticks on ribbon, or feed the centers through florists wire and make a wreath. Add dried bay leaves for prosperity and alternate between the slices and leaves. Drape garlands across your altar or hang wreaths upon the door.

Yield: 8 servings
Gerina  Dunwich, The Pagan Book of Halloween

Pentacle Pies

This is great, and shouldn't be reserved for Shadowfest only!

When making your favorite pie, cut the top crust in strips and form a pentacle. Be sure to use tin foil to protect it from burning and remove 15 to 20 minutes prior to the pie's final baking time so to keep it golden and crisp.

(Yes you can cheat and by the crusts premade and the pie filling in the can, we won't tell!)