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The REAL Christmas/Yule Mascot

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While many a creature can be associated with the Christmas season (reindeer, polar bears, penguins etc) there is one that may actually deserve the spot as Christmas Mascot more than the others.   Yes, more than Rudolph.  That animal is the Goat, or Julbock. The Yule Goat has been dropping off presents during the Holiday season years before Santa. Even before Nativity scenes and Christianity became what we think of with Yuletide traditions.   The Yule goats origins came from Pagan Scandinavia.  A popular theory is that the celebration of the goat is in connection to the Norse god Thor, who rode through the sky in a chariot drawn by two goats who were named Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr, similar to Santa and his reindeer.  It's said that in Sweden, people thought the Yule goat was an invisible spirit that would appear some time before Christmas to make sure that the Yule preparations were done right. The story of the Julbock aren't always merry and bright.  During the ancient Yule
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DIY Yule Ornament Tutorial

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 In my last post I mentioned Yule ornaments made from oranges. I got a couple of messages on Facebook asking how I made them so I thought I'd give a quick tutorial. They are SUPER easy to make and will make your home smell amazing in the process.  You will need:  Oranges Star Anise Confectioner Sugar Ground Cloves Twine Parchment Paper Cookie sheet A knife to cut oranges *Cinnamon and Ground Clove optional) Instructions: Preheat oven to 200 Degrees Slice oranges to about 1/4" and try to make them even. (As you can see I'm not great at that) Place orange slices on parchment paper on the cookie sheet. Sprinkle both sides with sugar.  Bake at 200 Degrees for 2-3 hours. If you plan on adding the cinnamon or ground clove take them out at about the 90 minute mark to sprinkle and flip.  Let oranges sit for about an hour, if they seem too moist when you pull them out you can leave them in a bit longer. The orange peep should turn a dark orange and start to crinkle, the thicker you
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Preparing for Yule in 2020

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  This year will be the first year for many witches that they don't spend it with their friends, family, or coven. 2020 has been difficult for most of us, but lucky for you I am used to doing this alone and am here with some tips. Decorate One of the simplist ways to celebrate the season is to decorate your space. Whether it's your whole home, an alter, or just a little space you've set aside. Pine cones, cinnamon sticks, oak, holly, misteltoe and ivy are all traditional Yule decorations and are pretty easy to get your hands on even if you're in the Broom Closet.  Traditional orange pomanders and orange slice ornaments are another great way to add a little Yule flair to your home this season.  Yule Ornaments/Gifts Much like Christmas, Yule is a time of sharing and gifting. I have been making Yule ornaments for friends and casting a spell for prosperity and protection for them and their kin. It gives me time to focus on my craft, think about the people I love, and give t
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  Merry Meet! Welcome to my own little corner of the internet.  It's been a hot minute since I've had a blog so have some grace while I refigure this all out.  My name is Kerri. I guess you could say I'm a Kitchen Witch, or maybe an Eclectic Witch. I like to put modern spins on traditional practices. I source materials from my yard and surrounding lakes as well as from Amazon and Dollar Tree. I like to work with my hands but living in a digital world I do my best to make my practices accessible to all.  I'm a Spiritual Counselor and Minister of the Universal Life Church. I was born and raised Catholic but have always been drawn to the Old Gods and Nature. I'm Irish and many of my beliefs and practices can be traced back to Celtic and Druid traditions. I have found comfort in my dealings with the triple Goddess Brigid who I learned of growing up as Saint Bridget.  I've been in the broom closet for far too long and it's time to step out of the shadows and into
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