Welcome to the Year of the OX Chinese Tea & Astrology for 2021

Chinese New Year Tea traditions

Tea offering and well wishing is the first ritual of Chinese New Year.

First thing in the morning the eldest generation sit in the dominant chairs in the living room. Their next generation offer them sweet tea. If there is another younger generation, these grand children do the same to their grandparents and then parents. All properly dressed in the new clothes and and using ceremonial tea etiquette.

The younger generation faces their elders standing and slightly bowing. They address them properly when handing over the cup and fold their hands in front lightly while reciting traditional New Year wishes. When the tea is sipped and the well-wishing said, the elders gift the younger generation red envelopes (with money) and blessings.

Auspicious items in the tea for new beginnings

To make the tea a little special during this festive season, little sweet things are put in the teacups. Candied or dried fruits (such as dried jujube and candied coconut) are used for making Chinese New Year sweet tea. The tastes of black tea, classic style oolongs, and puerhs blend well with these candied fruits.

It does not matter whether it is hard times or good. As long as tea can be afforded, it becomes the medium to heal connections between generations or individuals. If there are resentments or misunderstandings that built up over the year, tea makes an easy ritual gesture to smooth out bad feelings and to renew connections going into spring. A time to offer tea with well-wishes gives everyone an opportunity to start again.

Chinese Tea Eggs

Cooked in a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, star anise, and cinnamon, these tea-stained eggs are a Lunar New Year staple and a favorite everyday street food in China.

Yield: makes 8

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup soy sauce

• 1⁄2 cup sugar

• 1⁄2 tsp. whole black peppercorns

• 1⁄2 tsp. fennel seeds

• 8 whole cloves

• 2 whole star anise

• 2 sticks cinnamon

• 1 tbsp. loose-leaf black tea

• 8 eggs

Instructions

1. Bring soy sauce, sugar, peppercorns, fennel, cloves, star anise, cinnamon, and 2 cups water to a boil in a 2-qt. saucepan; remove from heat and add tea. Let steep for 10 minutes. Pour marinade through a fine strainer into a bowl and keep warm. Place eggs in a 4-qt. saucepan; cover by 1⁄2″ with cold water. Place saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil; cover pan, remove from heat, and let sit until eggs are soft-boiled, about 5 minutes. Drain eggs. Crack shells all over but do not peel eggs; return to saucepan along with marinade. Bring to a boil and let cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add 2 cups ice. Let cool in marinade before serving.

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Astrology 2021 Year of the Metal Ox

Astrology by Susan Levitt.

NEW MOON in AQUARIUS
begins CHINESE NEW YEAR
& METAL TIGER LUNAR MONTH
Feb 11 – Mar 12

Feb 11 is a new Moon in Air sign Aquarius at 11:06 am PST that begins Metal Tiger month and Metal Ox year. The date is Feb 12 in China because Beijing China is 16 hours head of the time zone here in San Francisco. That is why if you research the lunar new year date online, it’s listed as Feb 12. Chinese New Year is the second new Moon after Winter Solstice.

So Ox year is the time to follow through and bring to completion what was started in Rat year. Establish a routine, use tried-and-true methods, and stay with a structure that can bring a bountiful harvest in autumn. Daring new concepts will not be well received. Save them for the following Tiger year.

The Element Metal

2021 is a Metal year of the five Taoist elements Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. In feng shui, the Metal environment is clean, pristine, pared down, and shiny like metal. So begin by cleaning your home, reduce clutter, and maintain tidiness all year round. The main focus is on the bedroom as hard-working Oxen do best after peaceful sleep.

The most favorable season in a Metal year is autumn. In Chinese medicine, Metal rules the lungs so take care of your lungs this year. If you smoke, this Metal Ox year is an ideal time to quit smoking. And the healing vaccine for Covid will systematically and in an organized manner be administered during Ox year, aiding economic and health recovery. The big change for Covid will be on the new Moon in Leo that begins Fire Monkey lunar month on August 8. In the meantime, maintain Covid precautions.

Your fortune in Metal Ox Year

Rat
Birth years of the Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.
Next year of the Rat is 2032.

Rat is in a very good position in the year of the Ox. Expect fewer hardships because Rat is Ox’s good friend and ally. Ox’s influence requires a larger contribution at work. Therefore, Rat benefits by putting forth increased effort to follow through because Ox delivers, and expects dedicated, consistent labor from others. The element Metal is firm and resolute, not flexible, so don’t seek clever Rat shortcuts. Strive to not overextend or take on too many commitments. Your luckiest month is April, and winter is your best season. The element Metal empowers Metal Rat born in 1960, and Water Rat born in 1972.

Ox (Buffalo)
Birth years of the Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937,1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021.
Next year of the Ox is 2033.

Ox year begins a new twelve year life cycle for you. Everyone benefits by increasing their efforts this year, but for Ox it can be a very positive and productive year when your hard work is finally rewarded. You can reap the benefits of the efforts you’ve made over time. You’ve paid dues, and are ready to enjoy the hard-won results. Be open to receiving help and advice from others, not just going it alone as is your pattern. This is also an excellent year for marriage, having a child, or purchasing a new home. The element Metal empowers Metal Ox born in 1961, and Water Ox born in 1973.

Tiger
Birth years of the Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010.
Next year of the Tiger is 2022.

Free-spirited and adventurous Tiger does best to adjust to the steady work ethics of the Ox. Ox year dynamics require Tiger to work hard and remain focused to successfully complete projects. You can build a solid foundation this year. Tigers who control their temper and aren’t too rebellious or independent should experience a good year. Rewards arrive in 2022 your Tiger year when you start a new life cycle. So keep your emotions in check, especially Wood Tiger born in 1974. The element Metal empowers Metal Tiger born in 2010 or 1950, and Water Tiger born in 1962.

Rabbit (Hare)
Birth years of the Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011.
Next year of the Rabbit is 2023.

Rabbit has a much better year after the challenges of the previous Rat year. Being more determined, aggressive, and persistent (all Ox characteristics) helps you succeed. Although at times Rabbit could feel challenged during an Ox year due to unrealistic work standards and expectations from others. So take care of yourself emotionally, be patient, and do not become frustrated if rewards are delayed or projects take more time than anticipated. It’s best to avoid making quick decisions because Ox year is not an auspicious time for big change. Spring is your best season. The element Metal empowers Metal Rabbit born in 2011 or 1951, and Water Rabbit born in 1963.

Dragon
Birth years of the Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.
Next year of the Dragon is 2024.

Ox year is your time to follow through with activities initiated in Rat year 2020. Dragon can be a high-flying dreamer, whereas Ox is realistic and hard working. So under Ox’s influence this year, Dragon might have to tone it down and be more conservative, or use different strategies and tactics. Appearances and great ideas are not what Ox values. Instead, if you create a solid structure or a routine to maintain stability, then anticipate a year of steady progress. It’s fortunate to work with others this year, not your usual independent self. The problems of those surrounding you need not effect you. So stay focused, grounded, and do not meddle. April, August, and December are your luckiest months. The element Metal empowers Metal Dragon born in 2000 or 1940, and Water Dragon born in 1952.

Snake
Birth years of the Snake: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013.
Next year of the Snake is 2025.

Anticipate a fortunate and successful year because Snake is in a harmony trine with Ox and Phoenix (Rooster). There will be opportunities for advancement, career goals can be attained, and relationships deepen. Snake’s work will be recognized and rewarded. Others admire your wisdom, insights, and resourcefulness. Just don’t allow Ox’s stubborn influence to make you unreasonable or too demanding. Be mindful of how you approach difficult subjects or manage certain relationships. Intelligent compromise benefits everyone. The element Metal empowers Metal Snake born in 2001 or 1941, and Water Snake born in 1953.

Horse
Birth years of the Horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014.
Next year of the Horse is 2026.

Rat year 2020 was a difficult year, especially for Horse because Rat is opposite Horse in the Chinese zodiac. Fortunately, Ox year can be less challenging. Expect easier and smoother circumstances, although Ox’s influence demands hard work, and work is not Horse’s favorite activity. Horse can succeed by maintaining more control in personal interactions, but romance could still be problematic so stay steady. Adapt to Ox traits of discipline and perseverance to succeed. Next year Tiger 2022 is your lucky time to race off to greener pastures or gallop after new opportunities, but not now. Your best season is summer. The element Metal empowers Metal Horse born in 1990, and Water Horse born in 2002 or 1942.

Sheep (Goat, Ram)
Birth years of the Sheep: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015.
Next year of the Sheep is 2027.

Sheep is opposite of Ox in the Chinese zodiac. Therefore, Ox year can be challenging for us Sheep. It’s not an auspicious time to create new opportunities. Instead, stay organized, reduce clutter, and maintain focus. Under the influence of Ox, at times Sheep must perform repetitive or mundane tasks. Just don’t allow finances or morale to be low, and avoid opportunities to overspend because “Sheep eat paper.” Others may not be available to offer emotional support, so we do best by being more resourceful and self reliant. Summer is our luckiest season; winter is not. The element Metal empowers Metal Sheep born in 1991, and Water Sheep born in 2003 or 1943.

Monkey
Birth years of the Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016.
Next year of the Monkey is 2028.

Ox year is a time of work and discipline, but neither are Monkey’s favored activities. Monkey is more devoted to play and creativity. Therefore, during Ox year there can be difficulties that force Monkey to restrain ambitions. Monkey can avoid Ox’s demand for hard work by teaming up with others to be their messenger or liaison. Monkey’s wit and winning personality does bring luck in avoiding tasks that Monkey does not want to do. But this is a good year for Monkeys to establish a solid foundation so it serves you to adapt Ox’s methods. The element Metal empowers Metal Monkey born in 1980, and Water Monkey born in 1992 or 1932.

Phoenix (Rooster, Chicken)
Birth years of the Phoenix: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017.
Next year of the Phoenix is 2029.

Ox year can be very fortunate and favorable for you because Ox’s values closely align with yours. Ox and Phoenix are highly compatible because they are both diligent and determined, and appreciate hard work and a job well done. Ox year energy offers the stability, faithfulness, and sincerity that Phoenix enjoys. Projects come together, and goals are attained. If you promote yourself, you will be respected and highly regarded. This is your year for success when you can recover from any previous Rat year challenges. All months are lucky. The element Metal empowers Metal Phoenix born in 1981, and Water Phoenix born in 1993 or 1933.

Dog
Birth years of the Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018.
Next year of the Dog is 2030.

Ox’s influence brings conservative politics and restraints. Dog fights for the underdog, so Dog’s revolutionary ideas and altruistic concepts might not be in favor this year. Ox prefers to stay the steady course, whereas Dog enjoys trying new methods. So there could be some minor problems or roadblocks due to differences in perspective. But Dog perseveres, is responsible, and does hard work that can be rewarded in an Ox year. Dog’s Ox year contribution lays a foundation for success in your lucky year Tiger 2022. The element Metal empowers Metal Dog born in 1970, and Water Dog born in 1982.

Pig (Boar)
Birth years of the Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019.
Next year of the Pig is 2031.

Ox year can be a harmonious year when Pig’s efforts are appreciated. There are opportunities for career advancement and good fortune in relationships, although Pig must comply with Ox’s strong work ethic and follow rules. But Pig is naturally realistic and goal oriented, and that fits well with Ox’s pragmatism. Others rely on you this year when your generosity and emotional support will be greatly appreciated. Remain diligent in your efforts, and anticipate an abundant harvest in autumn your lucky season. It’s also a good year for education and learning new methods. The element Metal empowers Metal Pig born in 1971, and Water Pig born in 1983.

Happy New Year! Leave a comment to let me know what you are looking forward to in the Year of the Ox!

Turn your 2021 goals into a life you love!

It’s the second week of January and already the resolutions we made might be feeling a bit shaky. The world continues its chaotic course and daily stresses pull at our old habits to reemerge and help us cope. Our brains are hardwired for survival and although this does tend to keep us alive- it doesn’t always lead us to our happiest and most fulfilled selves at the end of the day. To stay strong for yourself and your dreams here are some useful tips that work with your brain to keep you feeling calm (the place from which all good things flow!)

Slow Down

When everything in life is telling you to do more and pile it on your to do list. Don’t.

When it feels like there is not enough time in the day to get all the things done you are trying to do too much. You can’t win a fight with the reality that there are only 24 hours in a day.

Trying to pack more than you can do into a day is exhausting. To meet your goal of feeling more peaceful, having time for your journal, taking care of your garden, doing yoga, cooking healthy meals, diving into that art project, spending more time with your kids etc- you need to drop things to make room.

New resolutions to ourselves can’t just be added on top of the list of things we are already overwhelmed by, things will have to make way for a new reality to expand.

If 2020 taught us anything is that we can do much less and still survive- maybe even thrive! Commitments that we make out of feeling guilty and things we take on to make others happy can gracefully and lovingly be released.

What can you let go of to free up time for what you really want?

To get clues spend one day tracking your time. Create a paper with a list of each hour from midnight to midnight. Just observe with no judgement or changes. Note when you get up, and each hour or so take a minute to write down what you did on the paper.

Now see how much of your daily time actually lines up with your goals for the year? What you want to bring into reality needs space to grow, so what you can weed out of your day to make room for what your heart’s desire? If we spend our time first on all things we feel we need and hope we might have time later for our goals- they will never manifest.

Prioritizing time for what you want might mean that your house is a bit less clean or that you hire someone to help you out. It might mean that you spend less time on social media or answering emails each day. It might mean you go to bed sooner and rise earlier. Whatever your day looks like- if it isn’t filled with the life you want, ask yourself what you are waiting for? What needs to change to make room for your happiness?

Do Less

Maybe when you track your time you will notice your day looks like starting a thing and then switching to another thing and then sweeping the floor and then checking email and then running to get dog food and then seeing someone and talking for 30 minutes, then dealing with the next thing that comes at you etc etc until fall asleep.

Most of us spend our days reacting to life and spread so thin that we get into overwhelm mode- which leads to avoidance and procrastination of finishing much of anything- much less doing new things we want to try. At the end of the day we are exhausted but our to do list seems to have only grown. We have no time for ourselves but spend hours juggling the balls that other people throw us to deal with.

When your life feels like you are “getting through it” instead of enjoying it then it’s time to do less and enjoy more. Survival is the norm for our brains and so it avoids focus and trying new things and tends towards reacting and distraction which take less energy but never yields new results. The trick is to notice this habit, disrupt it and create a solid plan for having each day feel like a gift rather than a chore.

Schedule it

In order to create the life you love you have to plan for it. If you think that you’ll get to your new nature journal or yoga mat after you finish your “to do” list - your little sprout of a dream will struggle to survive. To avoid losing your deepest heart desires to the random chaos of the day- make a plan to get those dreams on your calendar first. Then keep those dates with your desires like they the most important meetings you will ever have.

It’s important to be specific about these dream dates to give your brain no excuses to back out on you.

• What time are you starting to write that new book exactly? On Tuesday from 9am-11am.

• Where are you going to do it? On kitchen table.

• What do you need to gather up and who do you need to notify not to bother you?

  • Computer charged and ready to go.

  • Shut off my phone and all notifications

  • Tell my partner that I need total concentration for 2 hours.

  • I need a cup of tea and and a little snack ready.

  • Goal of writing straight without edits for 2 hours.

  Don’t leave anything up to chance and keep it focused on one thing at a time. Piling too much on or not having a clear and focused goal and plan of action is a slippery slope for your brains to talk you out of it.

  Starting small and breaking bigger goals into easy do-able parts keeps our brains feeling calm and willing to participate.

Feel it all

We have the power to reprogram our brains to serve us in creating our heart’s desire. As we let go of things that have comforted us in the past- like eating sugar to soothe bad feelings- we find ourselves feeling the bad emotion with no way to make it better. That’s damn uncomfortable.

We have been taught since childhood that when we feel bad or uncomfortable to reach for a balm and to distract ourselves from the feeling. We are told “cheer up, don’t cry, don’t be mad, and to smile” But these bad feelings are just a part of being alive.

Normal life is about 50/50 feeling sad and feeling stoked- if we participate in the world around us we can’t help react to what is happening. Although ads and social media will only show you people living in their most happy and joyful expressions- the truth is life is ups and downs match our emotions.

Allowing yourself to feel bad or uncomfortable for a little bit is also allowing yourself to feel alive and to be present in the moment. Trust it, sit with it and honor it. For this I recommend a deep breath, some tea, a journal or just a hand over the heart and an inner voice to yourself saying “I love you. I’m listening”.

You will be amazed by what you learn from sticking with discomfort and the truths it can reveal just below the surface. Trust also that you won’t get stuck in discomfort if you allow for it. We get stuck in loops and habits by trying to avoid or numb our feelings but once we allow our emotions to be felt we can learn from them and move forward.

Drink Tea

Ok- tea is optional in this process, but I do believe tea is the perfect ally to help you slow down and to clear your mind so you can focus on what really matters to you. Sitting with hard emotions is helped by a cup of comforting tea. A little caffeine helps to get those essential projects on your calendar done throughout the day. At night a relaxing cup of herbal tea can soothe you and give you a great night’s sleep.

Unlike alcohol or even coffee- tea has a gentle effect on the mind and the body. It helps you to tune in rather than numb out or push through. For thousands of years tea has been used for meditation and to create harmony within and between people.

So Stay Calm, Do Less, Drink Tea and Live the Life You Love in 2021!

-xo

Ginger

2020 ways To celebrate Thanks & Giving

Yes we all know.. “things look different this year”! We have heard it a dozen times. 2020 has knocked normal on it’s butt and we are being asked to re-imagine our lives on the daily. In my opinion Thanksgiving was long overdue for a shake up. Here are some ideas on new ways to celebrate Thanks & Giving!

Get Creative and Have Fun

Cancelling your normal traditions can bum you out or you can embrace this rare moment and re-imagine what it is you truly want to celebrate and how.

Open a Jar of Gratitude:

• Join a Community Gratitude Tradition. My friend Adria created a community wide Gratitude Jar tradition in Manzanita. She places large glass jars in area businesses a week before Thanksgiving. Folks waiting in line at the register can write what they are grateful for on a slip of paper and add it to the jar. On Thanksgiving the papers are read out loud at a community gratitude gathering and everyone shares the love. This year the jar has gone virtual! You can to the community gratitude from wherever you are!

• Create your own group virtual gratitude jar. (This can be an email folks reply to instead of a webpage). It’s a great way to bring family and friends from afar together this year. You can gather the gratitude emails and jump on zoom call to read them aloud or share them back out in one group email on Thanksgiving day.

• Create your own personal gratitude jar that you add to daily. Decorate a pretty jar and place it where you see it daily. Add to it when you are feeling inspired and read from when you need a reminder.

Embrace small and cozy 

Go big or go home is now stay small and stay home. There is magic in simplicity and in having extra time to enjoy the moment.  

• Check out these recipes for chic Thanksgiving for two from Delish.

• Cozy up your space with these Danish Hygge tips to embrace winter!

• Play games. Here is my all time favorite (and celebrating Oregon weird) game pick for the holidays.

• Get out your Seed catalogs- replace television with the luscious act of imagining your spring plantings! Here is one of my favorites!

Get Outside the Box

Get outside and get off the screens. Nature is the best healer.

• Celebrate Get Outdoors Day instead of Black Friday!

  Go for a Nature Hike, Clean up your Garden, Ride your Bike, Hunt for Mushrooms

• Shop Local Saturday! If you gotta shop then go find your farmers markets, local independent bookstores, and small retailers. Amazon doesn’t need you but they sure do this year!

• Tea on the Trail. Take a thermos of your favorite tea and enjoy it in a special outdoor location! Our is the cliffs overlook at Oswald West state park!

  You get the idea! Keep it simple, local and fun.

If in doubt check in with your heart.

Do you feel expansive when you contemplate baking a pumpkin pie? Yes? Then go for it! No? Then skip it this year.

Give your stress a holiday and follow your bliss. You have permission to party like it’s 2020!

Guide to Planting Fall Garlic

One of the last planting tasks for the season is getting garlic in the ground. Garlic needs a cold cycle to perform well and time to set its roots into the ground so it is best planted from mid October to early November.

If you would like to produce your own seed stock and your own eating stock, plan to reserve the top 30% of your harvest for planting. Each pound of garlic can produce between 50-75 heads of garlic, since each clove can produce a full bulb.

Planting Garlic

Pick a sunny day in early - late October, when the soil is still warm. Try to leave enough time before the ground freezes solid for the garlic to set roots. (Garlic can be planted any time before the ground freezes solid, though, ideally 3-6 weeks prior.)

Begin by breaking apart the heads of garlic into cloves. Count the cloves and determine the amount of space you need.  Most hardneck varieties have 50-75 cloves per pound. Garlic prefers full sun, so choose a spot that will get full sun for the spring and early summer. Each clove will be planted at 6" spacing, in rows 12" apart. Weed and work a proper amount of garden space. After cultivating the space, mark the rows. Plant cloves root side down, 2" deep, at least 6" apart, in rows 12" apart. Water and cover with mulch. Your garlic will need to be tended to in the spring, once the ground warms and it begins to grow.

Spring growing conditions and care: Garlic begins to poke through the ground as soon as the soil warms. If you covered your garlic with a thick mulch layer, rake it back to help warm the soil faster.

Garlic prefers rich, weed-free soil and ample water. Beginning in the spring, pull weeds when small, taking care not to damage your garlic when pulling them out. Hardneck varieties produce garlic scapes in the spring. If left on the plant, the scapes will draw energy from the bulb, reducing size and quality. Once the scapes emerge, cut them off immediately to direct the plants' energy into bulb production. The scapes are an edible spring delicacy.

Fertility: Giving your garlic a nutrient boost in the early spring is highly recommended. Garlic performs well with a nitrogen boost in the form of alfalfa meal, or a light side-dress of compost.

Choose your Halloween style

Halloween is a magical night and a perfect time to get into a magical mood and have some fun!

Here are some ideas (and tea pairings!) to get you in the Spirit!

Cozy Home Halloween

Grab a good book or movie and get cozy!

What you need:

A good movie or book: (pick something spooky and magical!) I’m too wimpy for horror myself but there are plenty of options out there.

Movie & Book suggestions: Harry Potter series, Nightmare Before Christmas, The Witches, Hocus Pocus,What We Do in the Shadows and here’s a list of many more! or pick from this list of Halloween reads!

Snacks: Try some healthier Halloween twists on old favorites like these Peanut Butter Chocolate popcorn balls, Maple chili pumpkin seeds or indulge your inner child by getting a bag of mixed trick or treat candies and diving in!

Tea/Cocoa pairing: A mug of Beach Fire Cocoa will complement the salty popcorn and snacks perfectly or stand alone as warm and cozy Halloween treat!

Mushroom Hunt

The fungus is among us!

What you need:

A forested area to explore, hiking shoes, a small harvest bag, a sharp knife and a rain jacket.

Get outside and enjoy all the fall feels in the forest today. One of the creepiest (and most delicious) foods emerging from the underworld in October are mushrooms! Oregon is famous for mushrooms especially abundant in the fall and winter seasons.

My favorite one to hunt around Halloween is the king Bolete, a truly giant mushroom that tastes like steak when cooked. The Oregon forest also has chanterelles, lobster mushrooms, matsutakes and many more! Just make sure you don’t eat anything that you can’t 100% truly identify. When in doubt- toss it out. Because the other scary thing about mushrooms is that some of them can be deadly (for real).

Check out this beginners guide to Mushroom hunting to get you inspired to hit the trail this Halloween!

You can also hike just to enjoy spotting them and perhaps gather some up along with few clumps of spooky mosses and dead branches to make an all natural Halloween decoration for your house or porch!

Evening campfire would make the perfect ending to your day in the woods. You can roast your mushroom finds or simply enjoy the full moon by the fire white sharing scary stories!

Snacks: Try your hand at these mushroom recipes or warm up after your hike with this savory pumpkin soup topped with mushrooms!

Tea/Cocoa pairing: Hot CHAGAlate is a blend of CHAGA mushroom powder with cinnamon, vanilla bean and rich raw cacao. It will give you plenty of stamina and energy to hike those trails and keep you warmed up and cozy afterwards around the fire.

Mystical Halloween

What you need:

A cup of tea and a saucer. Candles. Sage or Incense. Soothing music.

The veil is thin between the worlds on Halloween- especially under a full moon. If you are feeling mystical then take some time alone this year to tune into your intuition and inner wisdom. Find a quiet spot and set up a sacred space by lighting some candles, burning a little incense and playing soft soothing music (if you prefer).

Then try your hand at the intuitive art of tea leaf reading. Simply add a pinch of tea leaves to a tea cup (a wide mouth classic shaped tea cup works best here) and cover with boiling water. Steep for about 3 minutes then slowly drink the tea while you calm your mind and ask whatever questions you are interested in. When the tea is gone cover the cup with your saucer and tip the cup upside down and then right side up again. The remaining tea leaf in the cup will form shapes and patterns that you can then seek meaning in.

I tried this with my chai tea grounds the other day and I was surprised by how clearly I saw the image of a skull and a trail leading from the bottom of the cup towards the rim (representing a journey from the past to the present). That very day we found out that Brigham’s step brother had passed away in Texas and he bought a ticket to fly out immediately for the memorial (visiting his past in the present!). More tea leaf reading info here.

Snacks: It’s advised to eat lightly before divination to keep the senses open and to eat a good snack afterwards to help ground back into your body. Try these vegan goji berry cacao balls to keep your energy light before hand and this hearty rooted soup to nourish you afterwards.

Tea/Cocoa Pairing: For tea leaf readings it’s best to use black teas. Breakfast Buzz or NeahKahNie Fog are fine choices for a tea leaf reading as the leaves will remains in the cup. For the perfect herbal tea to sip during the day give you a calm and centered energy for divination I recommend Nap & Nourish.

Witches Tea Party

Invite your best Ghouls over!

What you need: Some ghoul friends. Tea cups. Tea. Costumes. Treats.

No trick or treats this year? Then what about a witches tea party instead?

Dress up in your best witches attire and host a little tea party to celebrate Halloween in style. Include some cut up sand”witches”, pumpkin doughnuts, and of course tricks and treats! Hit Goodwill for some tea cups and saucers and you are ready to go!

Got kids home from school? Get them into the fun to by having them help make the decorations, treats and costumes before the guests arrive!

For easy tea party hosting basics check out this guide!

For a kids Halloween tea party with decor printables and recipes check out this site! and this one too

Snacks: Bite sized eyeballs, Graveyard Mouse Cups, Deviled Spider Eggs, Bloody Falafel Fingers

Tea/Cocoa pairing: Try Elderberry Cobbler herbal tea for your witches party. Add ice and sparking water to fizz it up or serve hot with cinnamon sticks. For adults you can also nip in a bit of brandy or whisky for a quick delicious cocktail. Pumpkin chai lattes would also be wonderful treats at this party as well as Blue Enchantmint for the kiddos!