I mean, one man's curse could be another man's blessing, right?
Here's the thing, okay? I would be so absolutely remiss to not mention a way to put a curse on others in the realm of psychic power. Because not all of us are love and light, and not all of us abide by the "harm none" Wiccan shtick. In this case, we're looking at psychic power that specifically induces madness.
When I thought of this dish, I thought of those witchy types who gloat about their power. The ones who boast about how much magic they do and how spiritually in tune they are. The ones who wouldn't really even make you take notice if they weren't coming into your space and telling you things like:
They got a message from your deities that said deities are upset with you about something or other (bonus points if they claim to be a high priestess or something)
All of the crystals and other tools you use are so full of negative energy and you clearly aren't in tune enough to see it
They've been doing witchcraft for x amount of years, and therefore if yo don't listen to them about how to do rituals exactly the way they tell you, then you'll fail
If you ever do anything that they personally disagree with, you'll get "bad karma" (LOL)
I feel like we've all met someone like this—if not in person, then at least online. These kinds of people I would absolutely target with a bit of Frenzy imbued in this drink (and if I couldn't get them to drink it because I don't know them IRL, then I'd take it on myself or fill a tag-locked poppet with it to let it rot inside). Then all of their precious psychic skill can become a door to delusion, madness, and inevitably, a complete and utter loss of credibility.
But that's only if I were feeling really mean. Don't worry: you can absolutely spin this dish in a positive way. After all, if you want to gain some wisdom that's otherwise inaccessible to a mind trapped by ration, this can help you stretch the bounds of sanity while protecting you from totally losing it during your rituals and evocations. You may also bring it to a coven meeting or otherwise magical party to release some inhibitions and be more open to spiritual experiences that some folks maybe wouldn't be otherwise. This can break down the rational or fearful barrier between you and your magic—that doubting, worrying part of you that can't help but think all of this is made up or useless or even scary. It'll give you psychic courage, and that's worth quite a bit depending on what you're trying to get out of your comfort zone to do.
Specifically today, we're looking at the ingredients grape (including in wine), plum, cinnamon, clove, and star anise for this working.
Magic in Grape and Plum Compote
Are these foods exactly purple? No. But they are a shade of purplish-red: a deep burgundy grape, a blackish red plum. The extra red in such fruits means you have more chances for weaving in those protective—or aggressive—elements of magic in here. Beyond that, we all know the associations of grapes (and wine): partying, celebration, jubilation, and even madness. Just look at Dionysus, and his Roman counterpart Bacchus: there were some instances of the god inducing madness on a person or group of people, and we see him depicted with grapes.
The elements water, air, and fire, as well as the planets Venus, Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon, make for a blend of pretty volatile energies—ones that can help or hurt. The moon, for instance, is one commonly referenced for its associations with the subconscious and emotional realm, but if we remember its function in tarot, it's also the card of illusions, deception, and dreams. Whether you're looking to fortify your courage in the face of psychically terrifying stunts or overinflate the ego of an enemy into a maddening downward spiral, all you have to do is get creative in thinking of the ups and downs of these associations here.
Grape and Plum Compote
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Makes 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
10 plums, pitted and quartered
1.5lbs grapes off the vine
3 sticks of cinnamon
4-5 pieces of star anise
A small handful of whole cloves (or 1 tsp of ground cloves)
1 lemon's worth of juice (about 1-2 Tbsp)
1;/2 cup Merlot
1-2 cups packed light brown suar (depending on how sweet you want it)
*Optional: a shot of brandy or cognac for your own mug.
Directions:
Add grapes, quartered plums, and spices into a pot with wine and lemon juice.
Heat on medium-low heat until the fruits begin to break down, stirring occasionally, about fifteen minutes.
Once boiling, reduce to a simmer on low heat and let thicken for another 15 to 20 minutes.
Towards the end of the simmer, add your brown sugar and stir until fully melted down.
Remove from the heat, take out any solid spices, and use a potato masher to break down any large chunks of fruit.
Serve as a drink either alone or with a bit of brandy, or drizzle over pancakes, ice cream, yogurt, or any sweet bread.
I know it's a bit early for autumn dishes, but.. we're already in the autumn headspace here, and you'll smell those familiar scents as you cook this up. This is, unlike apple cider, something great for late fall, like November, when the grapes are finally ready for the last harvest. So get your psychic skill ramped up (or drown an enemy in their own) with a good mug of compote!
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Sara Raztresen is a Slovene-American writer, screenwriter, and Christian witch. Her fantasy works draw heavily on the wisdom she gathers from her own personal and spiritual experience, and her spiritual practice borrows much of the whimsy and wonder that modern society has relegated to fairy-and-folktale. Her goal is to help people regain their spiritual footing and discover God through a new (yet old) lens of mysticism.
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