Apple Cider or Pumpkin Spice?

Fall is a whole vibe and I'm in the mood to bake all the things. Simmer pots sit on the stove filling the air with the cozy scent of citrus peel, cinnamon and clove. Leaves outside turn from the lush green of summer to golden, amber, russet and crimson as temperatures strike the perfect balance. Everywhere it's #gilmoregirls #flannel #cinnamondolce #appleciderdoughnuts #pumpkinspice and #sweaterweather.

By day, I'm a nutrition coach, helping clients eat more plants, so it makes sense that I dabble in kitchen witchery. The fall harvest is brimming with amazing produce that pack a powerful nutrient punch and a sprinkle of magick. The top two seasonal picks for me are apples + pumpkins. I'm all about the symbolism and healing properties of food. From goddess mythology to folk medicine, food does more than fuel our body. It supports and nourishes us emotionally, spiritually and energetically. You truly 'are what you eat!'

APPLES

Apples are one of the most iconic symbols in lore and literature. They represent temptation, love, friendship, purity, fertility, abundance, immortality, power and of course, knowledge. Unfortunately, apples got a bad rap in Judeo-Christian myth and so did Eve. Even still, they are entrenched in world mythology as the embodiment of the divine feminine, offered to deities and gifted as rewards for accomplishing heroic quests.

Goddesses the world over are associated with this luscious fruit. In the Greek Pantheon, Gaia, Aphrodite, Athena and Hera are goddesses that love apples. Likewise the Roman goddesses connected with apples are Venus, Juno, Diana and Pomona. In Norse mythology, Idunn, and in Scandinavian myth it is Freya, who serve as the keepers of the apples of immortality. In Arthurian myth, 'Avalon' means the 'Isle of Apples'.

Whether you prefer a tart Granny Smith or a sweet Fuji variety, apples are rich in vitamins, minerals and polyphenols. The skins contain pectin, a powerful wound healing agent. Apple cider vinegar is basically the elixir of the gods that contains an ingredient, literally called mother. These strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria serve as a potent antifungal, antibacterial, immune booster, provides support for insulin sensitivity, and heart health, too. Apples are good for your teeth, gums, gut microbiome and digestion. They can be added to savory dishes and sweet treats alike, or sliced into a simmer pot for their fragrant aroma. Not only are they delicious, but at the core of this mystical fruit, you will find a five pointed star that contains the seeds, which can be used in spell jars or mojo bags to imbue their properties into your craft.

PUMPKINS

Pumpkins are the sacred fruit of the Yoruba goddess Oshun. If you wish to invite more love and wealth to your life, you can't go wrong with this fall favorite. Because of their prolific nature, pumpkins are also used in fertility magic. When opened, the ample seeds offer proof of the fruit's abundant blessings. Various world traditions carve pumpkins to ward off evil spirits and bring truth to light.

From a nutrition standpoint, pumpkins are full of powerful antioxidants, like vitamin C, that boost immune system function and assist in wound healing. Pumpkins also contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid which boosts mood, fiber, to support healthy digestion and Vitamin A to enhance eyesight. They also help regulate blood pressure and offer phytonutrient benefits against heart attack and stroke. All in all, a pretty + powerful gourd.

SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE

Cinnamon pairs perfectly with both apples and pumpkins offering properties of purification, protection and prosperity. You can blow some cinnamon across the threshold of your home or business to invite good fortune to enter and bless the space. Ingested in tea form or in foods, cinnamon can offer clarity and insight, too.

Another popular spice of the season is nutmeg. Remember, a little goes a long way. This intense, warming spice helps relax the body and mind, relieving chronic pain and stress. Used during meditation, nutmeg can aid in clairvoyance, attuning the mind's eye to sacred sight. Nutmeg also promotes justice, adventure, sensuality and truth.

Allspice got its name from containing the flavors of cinnamon, clove and ginger in a single berry. Use wisely. This powerful spice is known for amplifying the potency of any spell, especially money magic.

The combination of apples and pumpkins, feminine fruits, and the fiery masculine energy of the spices they pair with, create a balance in mind, body and spirit whether used in spells or in cuisine.

So the question is, are you #teamapplecider or #teampumpkinspice?