This week we
are looking into Apples!!
Apples
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| Magick, History and Legend of Apples |
A little
history & legend:
It appears
apples date back to about 328BCE, and were first cultivated in Turkey during
this time. It is also believed that this first variety was a dwarf apple called Malus.
Today we would consider this kind of apple a “Wild Apple” or “Crab Apple”.
In many European cultures the term or word
for apple was used for any unknown fruit, plant galls, and nuts. It appears that the use of the word "Apple" was used in this fashion as late as the 17th century. Tomatoes are a good
example. When first introduced to Europe they where called “Love Apples” and
cucumbers have been called “Earth-Apples.”
Apples (in
general) have been the center of many mythological stories and tales. A great
example is the infamous biblical tale of Adam and Eve. Many
scholars believe it was not an apple; rather it was a pomegranate originally
portrayed in this famous tale. The change may have been made because Apples carry the association with female deities,
femininity and sexuality. This initial portrayal of apples in the bible
causes some confusion, when you discover that apples are portrayed in a more
positive light in other areas of the bible, (i.e. "Apple of my eye")
As mythology goes, Golden Apples played a part in the Trojan War, a single
apple fed Conle for a year, and in other tales apples could give eternal
youth. It is no wonder this fruit shows up in mythology. Apples have been a
prized fruit since it can keep for a long time, giving longevity to winter food
stores.
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| Hand painted, dishwasher safe Pagan themed glassware by Elegantly Haunted |
As with every plant and even water, too much of
a good thing, is well too much. Ironically, apple seeds in large quantities are
fatal as they contain a sugar and cyanide compound called amygdalin*.
Not that too many of us eat apple seeds.
As we scratch
the surface of Apple, it is no wonder that this fruit is a valued Magickal
ingredient. I don’t know of any Kitchen Witches who do not use apple in
their workings. Apple has a rich history and many valuable aspects making it a
very versatile fruit.
To give Apples even more benefit, they are
easily accessible and widely available. Not to forget Apples, they are very tasty! Apple
can appear in main dishes, as well as desserts. They can even be used for
decoration and sigil.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the key aspects best related to Apple:
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| Magickal Correspondences |
Magickal: Aspects:
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Love, fidelity, fertility, marriage, sexuality, beauty,
vanity, wisdom, and immortality
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Associated Deities:
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In Season:
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July - October
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Medicinal properties:
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Magick:
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Festivals, Observances, and Ritual:
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Diana’s Festival
Mabon
Samhain
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Culinary Use:
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Apples can be used in a variety of dishes. Since many
varieties of apples tend to be sweet, apples most often show up in desserts. Apples
can also be used with meats such as pork. Apple Chutney is a delicious
addition to a roasted pork loin.
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Preserving:
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Apples are sturdy enough to withstand most preserving
methods. Canning and drying are the most common forms of preservation. Dried apples make great snack on the go, and will remain good for a
long time if dried properly.
Apples can also be frozen. It is recommended that
before freezing and drying, you place cut apple pieces in a slightly acidic
water solution to prevent oxidization.
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Storage:
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Almost any fresh apple, when stored properly, will keep
for about 3 months. The main causes of rotten apples are bruises, openings in
the skin, rotten spots, and time. So as with all produce, handle your apples
carefully. To extend the life of your apples wrap each apple in newspaper to
prevent them from touching. Store them in a cool place, like a cellar, between 30° & 35°.
Since most of us refrigerators to store our produce, wash and place your apples in the
crisper drawer with a somewhat damp towel over them.
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Home and Ritual Décor:
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Since apples dry well, they can be used in a various
ways to decorate your home, altar, and ritual space. Dry apple slices make
beautiful wreaths, candle holders. Dried slices can be added as embellishments to baskets,
gifts, and center pieces.
Fresh apples can be carved out and used as tea light
holders. Apple wood is excellent for
wand making.
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Apples are most abundant in the Fall, and are widely used in Autumn festivals/rituals, such as Mabon and Samhain. On my Mabon altar, I carve Apple Poppets and allow the poppets to dry then use them again at Samhain. I also use apples as my candle holders. If I have leftover dried apple slices, I will make wreaths.
If you want
to add some fun to your next seasonal celebration and ritual try playing games
with apples, like the old favorite, “Bobbing for Apples”. Another fun game is "The Apple Pass" or "Pass the Apple". This is where an apple is passed from person to person by
tucking the apple beneath your chin.
Another
version of bobbing for apples is “Apples on a String”. Tie several apples on long pieces of string, and hang them from tree branches. The object is to grab the apple with
your teeth without using your hands. This is a fun and tricky alternative to bobbing for apples.
A wonderful snack or light meal for your next harvest festival is a simple platter of apples, sliced meats, and cheese (i.e.Brie with Granny Smiths, and Romano with Gala). Serve this with a nice wine. Take some of the apple slices, cheese, meat & wine and place this in a designated area as an offering to patron deities.
As you can
see the versatility of Apple is amazing. Of course, I did not give up all my knowledge and secrets. Perhaps this Fall you will find your own uses for apples.
If you have
suggestions for future posts please send me a massage. If you enjoy my
musings, please subscribe to this blog, there will be more to come.
Bright
Blessings,
Leandra
Witchwood
© The Magick
Kitchen, 2014
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