How many of you say “God Bless You” or “GESUNDHEIT” as a wish for good health when someone sneezes? How many of you throw salt over your shoulder if you spill salt? How many of us still “knock on wood” in an ancient rite of asking for help or protection from the tree spirits? How many of us still walk AROUND a ladder rather than under it? How many of us gasp when we break a mirror? How many of us attach meaning to found coins? How many have thrown coins into water for good luck? How many of us skipped and hopped not to step on a crack and break our mother’s back? How many of us related to luck or horseshoes? How many of us relate to knowing about Black cats crossing our path or even shudder at Friday the 13th? How many of us cross our fingers? How many of us relate to itchy palms bringing money? How many of us wish on wishbones? And, how about 666, and not carrying an open umbrella INTO the house, and think bad things comes in threes? Oh, there are so many carry overs that we do but not even think of when we do. What does an itchy nose mean to you? What does a tick in your eyelid mean? How many hear about carrying a rabbit’s foot? Who has chills at the hoot of a gray owl at night? Have any of you heard that any work you do on a Sunday, you will have to undo with your nose in heaven? Would you kill a daddy longlegs spider and, if you did, were you afraid it would rain? Who of us wishes on falling stars? Who believes in counting sheep in order to sleep? Oh, my goodness there are too many to list, truly. All of these things have their origins with our ancient grandmothers. In fact, they would set up altars and add what they knew to be important, for protection, healing, etc.
Taurus, and its ruling planet, Venus, can be honored on an altar. I love doing mine by adding bits of symbolic things that fit the day or moon. To honor them you could use coriander in your cooking/baking. Coriander was used to prevent food poisoning and as flavoring in tobacco and medicines, cosmetics and soaps.
I love my altar and for a couple of days an altar cloth ought to be white, lapis lazuli and rose quartz stones could be used. Anything rose scented could be added. A small mirror and a beeswax candle should be used on your altar, as well.
When we set up our most sacred altars (or the altar we most keep sacred to us), it should be removed from everyday spaces and places and people. In fact, I have a ledge above my desk where I keep some things to remind me of the day. Or moon, but my main sacred altar is kept private in my bedroom. Come spring and summer and fall, I have small altars outside in my art space and garden.
I add flowers or herbs, stones, little statues, oils, smudging tools, stones, symbols of the time of year or moon or goddess. I might add candles using the colors symbolic of the time. I often use feathers. There is no right or wrong thing to add. Some of us merely put bouquets in our house or on a table as a centerpiece.
Why not set up a sacred area for yourself, it is personal and what you add to your altar will be totally unique for you.
https://disorient.co/build-an-altar/
BTW, tonight, I will be having Coriander Beef Stew, in honor of the day. So, our kitchen can represent an altar.
SLOW COOKER CORIANDER BEEF STEW
- 3 lb (1.5 kg) boneless beef chuck steak, cubed
- 2 cups sliced onions
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups sliced celery
- 1 can (14 oz / 398 mL) stewed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp coriander
- 1 tbsp ginger
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp thyme, crumbled
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup flour
1. Combine first 12 ingredients (beef through nutmeg) in a 5 - 6 quart (5 - 6 L) slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 6 - 7 hours or until meat is tender.
3. Increase to high heat setting. Whisk together water and flour until smooth. Stir into stew.
4. Cover and cook for 30 minutes or until stew is thickened.
Set up your altar in some way and share if you like.
©Carol Desjarlais 2.25.23
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