Witchy Woman Walking

Have you ever felt like an imposter in your own life and practice? Do you find yourself waiting for permission to claim the identities you know to be true? Far too many of us are failing to fully step into our own lives. We make art, but are afraid to call ourselves artists. We write poetry, but never call ourselves writers. We engage in witchy practices but avoid the identity of witch, even when we wish to claim it. We forget that honest practice and intentional participation are often more important that mastery. You don't need to be an expert to engage, you must simply show up with honesty and integrity. As we wander through the sweltering summer woods, consider the areas where you have avoided taking up space. 

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What am I reading?
The First Witch of Boston by Andrea Catalano
https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781662526008
Outrageous Openness by Tosha Silver
https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781476793481

What’s playing on repeat?
Summer Ain’t Over (‘Til It’s Over) by Michael Franti 

What’s for dinner?
Roasted Tomato Eggplant Soup
Ingredients:
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 onion
Garlic (as much as you like!) 
1 red bell pepper
1 eggplant peeled and diced 
Mushrooms 
3 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil
Red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper 
4 cups veggie broth
1 can coconut milk 
Instructions: 
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Add two cans diced tomatoes to baking sheet. Add chopped pepper, onion, eggplant, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes to diced tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, mix together. Roast until veggies become soft and fragrant. Add veggies to soup pot with broth, simmer for a few minutes, blend with immersion blender. Add coconut milk to blended soup, stir, season to taste. 
Banana Bread
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, large
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3-4 medium bananas (or 2 large bananas)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line two 8x4 bread pans with parchment paper (or grease well with butter or baking spray).*
In a medium sized bowl, use a fork to mash the bananas until they are well mashed (I like them to be well mashed with small bits of banana pieces for texture). Set aside.
In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or standing mixer to cream the butter and sugar together.
Once combined, add in the eggs. Cream the mixture until well combined.
Next, add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined.
Lastly, add in the mashed bananas and the vanilla extract. Mix until all the bananas have been incorporated into the batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the two bread pans and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is puffed, brown, and a cake tester comes out clean when inserted in the center.

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Lammas, also known as, Lughnasadh is a time for appreciating the abundance of the season. It’s a moment to rejoice in the bounty before us. But what needs to happen to reach this point of abundance? All too often, we overlook the fact that current abundance comes from a period of past labor. We can’t enjoy the fruits if we don’t put in the work. Mother Nature demonstrates this process beautifully. Consider the journey a wheat seed must take in order to become a loaf of bread. Many small, incremental steps must occur in order for the bread to arrive on your table. It’s easy to forget this lesson when we embark on goals in our own lives. As we journey through the damp summer woods, consider the seeds you’d like to plant and tend this Lughnasadh.  

What am I reading?
The Ghost Women by Jennifer Murphy 
https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9780593474365

Wild Bread: Sourdough Reinvented by MaryJane Butters 
https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781423648185

https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalking

What’s playing on repeat?
A Tear in Space by Glass Animals 

What’s for dinner? 
Indian Butter Chickpeas 
Ingredients:

2 Tbsp coconut oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp garam masala
1 tsp chili powder, or use ¾ tsp sweet paprika and ¼ tsp cayenne
½ tsp each salt and cumin
2 15-oz cans chickpeas, drained cans
1 13-oz can full-fat coconut milk
1 6-oz can tomato paste
To serve: basmati rice and naan
Instructions: 
Heat 2 Tbsp coconut oil in a large sauté pan. Add onion (finely diced) and cook, stirring often, until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in 1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger and 4 cloves garlic (minced) and continue cooking for 1 minute. Stir in 1 Tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground coriander seed, 1 tsp chili powder, and ½ tsp each salt and cumin.
Stir in chickpeas, coconut milk, and tomato paste. Cover and gently simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally
Serve warm with naan and/or rice.

Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
Dry:
¾ cup + 1 teaspoon (95 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup + 1 teaspoon (125 g)bread flour (all-purpose can be substituted, see notes)
1 teaspoon (5 g) fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
Wet:
1 large egg
½ cup (125 g) sourdough starter discard
1 teaspoon (5 g) vanilla extract 
8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
½ cup (100 g) white granulated sugar
1 ½ cups (340 g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
https://littlespoonfarm.com/sourdough-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/#recipe

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What does a witchy practice look like? Are there a specific set of rules we must follow? These are questions that many witchy-leaning folks tend to ask, especially when they're in the early stages of crafting a practice. Depending on one's approach, a witchcraft practice might look highly structured and precise or down-to-earth and unfussy. You may be drawn to intricate tools used by many high magic practitioners. Or you may like the everyday items found in your environment often favored by low magic practitioners. Some individuals adhere to a traditional lineage, while others prefer the folk magic of their ancestors. You may find comfort choosing a specific niche; such as, green, kitchen, or elemental witchery. Or you might seek out a more eclectic path, mixing and matching rituals as you see fit. There's no one "right" way to craft a practice. As we listen to the chirping cicadas, consider the practices that speak to your soul, that is the path for you. 
What am I reading?
The Hidden Seasons: A Calendar of Nature's Clues by Tristan Gooley
https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9798893030105
Embracing the Old Witch in the Woods: Liberating Feminine Wisdom from Christian Patriarchy by Angela J. Herrington and Shannon Harris
https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9798889835233

https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalking

What’s playing on repeat?
Hot Goblin by Em Beihold 

What’s for dinner? 
Turkey & zucchini Meatloaf 
Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
2 zucchini 
Minced garlic (as much as you like!)
Drizzle of olive oil
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1 cup Trader Joe’s frozen Multigrain Blend with Vegetables (a hearty mix of brown, red, and sweet brown rice with black barley and vegetables) or similar equivalent 
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon green goddess spice blend - (mix of minced onion, garlic, black pepper, chives, green onion, parsley, and spinach powder)
Salt and pepper 
Glaze 
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon grainy mustard  
Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 F. Sauté diced zucchini and garlic in olive oil, add frozen veggie mix, cook for a few more minutes. In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. Add cooked veggies, mix thoroughly. Mix glaze together, set aside. Press mixture into loaf pan, bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, poke holes into top of loaf with a fork, spread glaze over top, cook for an additional 25-30 minutes. Cool slightly before cutting. Enjoy! 

Dark Chocolate Pistachio Bliss Bites 
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats or oat flour
1/2 cup pistachios
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 ounce finely chopped dark chocolate
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
lemon zest
Instructions:
In a food processor, blend oats to a coarse flour. Add the pistachios and pulse until finely chopped. 
Add the almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract and sea salt then pulse into a dough forms. You should be able to press the dough between your fingers and have it hold together. Transfer the dough to a large bowl.
Alternatively you can make these without a food processor by using oat flour and finely chopping the pistachios by hand. Place them in a large bowl with almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt then stir until a dough forms.
To the bowl, add the chopped chocolate, cranberries, coconut and lemon zest. Stir until evenly combined. Using a scooper, scoop out tablespoon sized portions and roll into balls. Seal in a jar and refrigerate for up to 1 week
https://www.makingthymeforhealth.com/wprm_print/dark-chocolate-pistachio-bliss-bites

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Why do we feel the need to play small in our lives? What keeps us from sharing our gifts and living in our fullness? It turns out that the nervous system impacts our expression more than we might have realized. We’re wired for survival and safety, so stepping outside of the box, even to take a healthy risk, feels deeply dangerous. Knowing this, is there a way to expand oneself while also acknowledging the human need to stay protected? As we wander through the forest, consider your own narrative. Have you chosen to stay hidden? If so, are you ready to emerge into the fullness of who you came here to be? 

What am I reading?
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness (Book 2: The All Souls Series)
https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9780143123620
The Black Bird Oracle Deck
https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9780593976227
The Book of Ritual Baths: A Guide to Spiritual Cleansing and Renewal by Chanda Parkinson
https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9780738780139

https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalking

What’s playing on repeat?
Tom’s Diner by Suzanne Vega 

What’s for dinner? 
Black Bean Burgers
 Ingredients
2 cans black beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion 
3 garlic cloves, minced 
1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup bread crumbs 
1/2 cup feta cheese
2 large eggs 
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons ketchup, mayo, orBBQ sauce
pinch salt + pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Spread beans evenly onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until slightly dried out.
Meanwhile, sauté olive oil, chopped pepper, onion, and garlic over medium heat until peppers and onions are soft, about 5-6 minutes. Gently blot some of the moisture out. Place in a large bowl or in a food processor with the remaining ingredients (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, bread crumbs, cheese, eggs, worcestershire, ketchup, salt, and pepper). Stir or pulse everything together, then add the black beans. Mash with a fork or pulse the mixture, leaving some larger chunks of beans.
Form into patties, about 1/2 cup of mixture each, about 3/4-inch thick.
Place patties on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 10 minutes on each side, 20 minutes total.
Serve with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Hibiscus Tea Cooler
Ingredients:
2 cups hot water
1 individual hibiscus bag tea
5 cherries, halved
1-2 leaves fresh basil
ice
non-dairy-creamer
Instructions: 
Add tea bag to hot water.
Let steep 5 minutes.
Place in fridge to let cool.
Take glass and add cherries and basil.
Add a handful of ice.
Pour cooled tea over ice.
Pour a little of your favorite nondairy creamer on top. Stir. Enjoy! 

Why Playing Small is a Modern Epidemic
https://www.catherineplano.com.au/why-playing-small-modern-epidemic/

Deborah Harkness: My "get through the season with joy" playlist 
https://deborahharkness.com/my-get-through-the-season-with-joy-playlist/

The Hearth: Join Today!
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Email: [email protected]
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The Universe has a unique way of communicating with us, but often we're too distracted to notice the signs we're given. Sometimes we do notice the signs, but quickly disregard them as mere "coincidence". But what if that repeated number, animal visitation, reoccurring symbol or song, or electrical occurrence isn't a coincidence at all? What if these are truly signs from the Divine? Is it possible that our passed loved ones, ancestors, guardian angels, and spirit guides really are working to get our attention each day? As we wander through the lush summer woods, consider the signs that have come into your life. Is it time to start paying attention? 
What am I reading?
The Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson 
https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9798217188819
The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again by Catherine Price
 https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9780593241424

https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalking

What’s playing on repeat?
One Way by Twenty One Pilots 

What’s for dinner?
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Ingredients: 
I lb orzo pasta
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumbers
Bell pepper 
Garlic
Pickled onions & juice 
Capers 
Juice of 2 lemons
Handful of fresh basil
Handful of fresh dill
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper 
Instructions: Cook pasta according to package. Chop veggies and herbs. Mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and pickled onion juice in a large bowl. Add cooked pasta, coat thoroughly. Add veggies, herbs, and chickpeas. Grate Parmesan over the top, mix again. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy! 

Lavender Brownies 
Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup unsalted butter
3 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
4 eggs 
1.5 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions:
Pre-heat oven to 350 F.
Line of 8x8 baking pan with parchment.
Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl and set aside.
Melt the butter in a small pot over very low heat.
When melted, add the dried lavender. Stir gently to cover all flowers.
On very low heat, allow the flowers to impart their flavour into the butter.
After about 8 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. Strain the butter into a medium sized bowl.
Stir in the cocoa. Blend in the sugar, eggs and vanilla.
Add the dry ingredients. 
Blend all together and spoon into the pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes. 
Enjoy! 

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