To Make Anointing Ointment

Take a glazed pan half full of grease or olive oil. Put in sweet mint leaves bruised. Place pan in hot water bath (or double boiler). Stir occasionally. After four or five hours pour into linen bag and squeeze grease through into pot again and fill with fresh leaves. Repeat until grease is strongly scented.

Do same with marjoram, thyme and pounded dried patchouli leaves, if you may have them (for they be best of all). When strongly scented, mix all the greases together and keep in a well-stoppered jar.

Anoint behind ears, throat, breasts and womb. In rites where Blessed be ... may be said, anoint knees and feet, as also for rites connected with journeys or war.

Source Unknown

Doorway Blessing

An inscription to be written over a doorway:

Who comes to me I keep,

Who goes from me I free

Yet against all I stand

Who carry not my key.

From: Crone's Book of Magical Words

Window Spell

An inscription to be written on a windowpane:

Darkness lies

Where it is born,

But Sun flies

To light this room.

From: Crone's Book of Magical Words

Banishing Grief

This spell is said to help one let go of painful feelings of grief. It is for those times in life when it seems impossible to feel joy again, such as after losing someone close to you.

Items Needed:

• A smoky quartz gemstone
• Bowl of water
• Three tablespoons of sea salt

Begin by holding the stone in your power hand. See your grief in your mind's eye. Visualize the grief moving from within yourself and through your hand to the stone. As you do this, say:

Banishing stone,

Fill yourself with my grief,

so that I may feel joy again,

So be it, blessed be!

Stirring counterclockwise, mix the sea salt into the bowl of water, then add the smoky quartz stone. Swish the stone around three times in a counterclockwise motion. Leave the stone in the water for a few minutes, then take the stone outside and safely throw it as far as you can away from yourself.

Found at: The Gay Mage

The Volturnalia

Volturnalia was the Roman festival on August 27 dedicated to Volturnus, 'god of the waters,' god of fountains. Volturnus was a tribal river god who later was identified as god of the Tiber river. The Volturno River, in southern Italy, is named for him. Volturnus was the father of the goddess Juturna, who was first identified with a spring in Latium near the Numicus River and later with a pool near the Temple of Vesta in the Forum of Rome. They were both honored on this day with feasting, wine-drinking, and games.

About Volturnus:

Little is known about Volturnus, although scholars have attempted to reconstruct his myth and role in the cultus deorum. Volturnus is known to have been an agricultural God, and surviving fragments show he was specifically a river God.

Like other ancient Gods, his cult was overshadowed and obscured by a religious reformation, probably in the 4th century BCE. By the time of Varro (116 BCE - 27 BCE), a scholar who collected the surviving materials, there were only traces left of Rome's earliest religion. He reported the survival of a Flamen Volturnalis, but found the God to be "obscure". 

No myths concerning Volturnus have survived. A minority view among scholars is that Volturnus was a generic God of rivers, and gave his name both to the Tiber and the Volturno. Also it has been theorized that the Romans might have equated Volturnus with Vulturnus, as evidenced by this passage from Lucretious:

Inde aliae tempestates

ventique secuntur,

altitonans Volturnus

et Auster fulmine pollens.

And other Winds do follow: the high roar

Of great Volturnus, and the

Southwind strong

With thunder-bolts.

Vulturnus' Greek analog was Eurus (Εύρος), the God of the east wind, and a son of Eos, possibly by Astræus. In Italy, the Vulturno, now called the Scirocco, blows from the southeast. The Vulturno takes its name from Monte Vulture (anc. Vultur).

Those who equate Volturnus with Vulturnus believe that the Volturnalia was a festival to avert the drought caused by these drying winds.

However, most contemporary scholars separate Volturnus the river from Vulturnus the east wind, and point to the timing of the Volturnalia at harvest time as evidence that it would have been offered in thanks for the irrigation water drawn from rivers rather than as a supplication to avert drought.

Sources: Wikipedia and NovaRoma

Cobwebs and Magick

Picture a traditional Witch's cottage and the chances are that you will imagine cobwebs. Now this could be because the folklore image of the Witch is as a poor old woman, possibly no longer able to clean her home.

But I like to think it may have something to do with the uses of cobwebs, for not only are they brilliant works of art and nature's highly efficient fly traps, they have been used in healing and in healing magic.

Even when I was a child it was common to be told to place a clean (i.e. not dusty) cobweb over a cut or bleeding wound to help stop the bleeding, and if the wound is not too deep it will work.

It used to be said that, for every cobweb you see on walking, you will receive a kiss that day. But if you find one across your door, it indicates that your love is with another.

Cobwebs in the kitchen are said to indicate a house without kisses. If y ou can collect a cobweb with dew on it, without breaking it, place it on a dish of water to attract love into your life.

Cobwebs are frequently used in spells to promote communication, perhaps after a disagreement. Name two objects after the "warring" parties and wrap them in a cobweb. Place in the light of the Sun for seven days.

Note that it is unlucky to kill a spider or to disturb it on its web, but it is permitted to remove old, or unoccupied, webs.

From: The Real Witches Year

Cobweb Cures and Folklore

Here we have an impressive collection of old folk remedies using cobwebs (spider webs) to cure everything from Ague to Warts. As with all old remedies and cures, some actually work really well, others are ineffective and harmless, while some are downright dangerous. So, please use common sense before trying any of these.

In General: Cobwebs are so commonly prescribed for bleeding that I think they must work fairly well as a sort of "natural" bandaid. Most of the cures are quite simple and read like this: To stop bleeding, apply cobwebs. Others are more specific:

• Bind a cut finger in cobwebs, and it will get well and stop bleeding. (Reportedly, a cobweb acts as a disinfectant).
• A fresh cobweb will staunch the flow of blood.
• If a person had a cut or abrasion, someone would rush under the house and procure some cobwebs which would be applied to the wound to stop the flow of blood.
• Cobwebs stop nose bleeds.
• You can also apply soot and cobwebs, suet and cobwebs, blackened cobwebs, cobwebs and/or cotton lint for bleeding.
• This one comes with a testimonial: Make a mixture of cobwebs and ashes and apply it to the wound. This is Becky H’s grandmother’s remedy for cuts. Mrs. Ed. H. (Becky’s grandmother) learned this from her mother who lived on the Conway Pike between North Little Rock and Conway. Becky says it really works -- that her grandmother put it on her son’s upper lip which had been split in two by an flying ax head. He had only a thin scar left and the mixture sealed the wound, stopped the bleeding, and it healed very quickly.
• To stop bleeding, apply a cobweb from the corner of the kitchen.
• If an artery is cut, sear it with a hot iron. If it is a vein apply a mixture of charred feathers and cobwebs and bind it on the cut.
• If you are really desperate there's this: To stop bleeding - put cobwebs on the wound. Put the wound in kerosine. Bleeding can also be stopped by reading Ezekiel 16:6
• To stop a wound from bleeding, take the dry “snuff” from a Devil’s Snuff-box, and mix it with cobwebs. Apply to bleeding part.
• Cobwebs were an effective cure for badly bleeding cuts or wounds. They were wrapped to the wound with a soft cloth.
• Mash up mushrooms and apply to the cut, or apply snuff. Also apply cobwebs or soot.
• Pills made of cobwebs were believed to stop hemorrhages.
• Cobwebs are used in three ways to stop the bleeding of a cut: first, after they have been applied, wrap tightly about them a piece of brown paper as a bandage; second, first cover the wound with sugar, then soot, then cobwebs, and then a cloth bandage; and third, apply a mixture of cobwebs and soot. Some only use the soot, which has a reputation for healing qualities; but other reject it, separately or in combination with cobwebs, for it is said to leave a black scar. Cobwebs almost always means dusty spider webs, usually gathered from a dark cellar, and rarely clean ones.
• In times gone by, cobwebs and brown sugar were pressed on wounds to stop bleeding. Don't have cobwebs on hand? Sugar alone is said to be a good substitute. It causes the blood to coagulate more quickly.
• If you accidentally get cut, the quickest way to stop the blood is to use cobwebs to the wound and cord (tourniquet) the arm or leg between the wound and your heart When you cord the arm, that closes up the blood veins so that it can’t flow to the wound, and that gives the cobweb time to seal up the hole in the wound, and that will stop the bleeding.

Last but not least, we have the following recollection:

As a small boy I remember a colt that had been castrated, when one of the splints used to control the hemorrhage became detached. This was before veterinary surgeons, so a very old man, said to be part Indian and of whom it was said had a working knowledge of Indian medicine, was called. He began walking slowly with bowed head forward and backward behind the bleeding colt, repeating in an almost inaudible voice magic words, which had a marvelous effect on the bystanders, but the colt continued to bleed, until either the wizard Indian doctor or a bystander had the practical sense to clap a hastily collected pad of cobweb to the bleeding wound.

The rest of the cures are as follows:

• Ague: This remedy was given by John Wesley, in his Primitive Physic, which also advised six middling-size cobwebs for ague!
• Babies: If you put a cobweb over a newborn baby’s navel, it will be protected from illness during infancy.
• Blood poisoning: To cure blood poisoning drink the boiled brew of a mixture of the white of chicken droppings, cobwebs, and water. (Yowsers!)
• Boils: My grandfather had a maiden aunt Giaccomina whom the family went to for cures. She used cobwebs and discarded snake skins for curing boils.
• Burns: Find some thick clusters of cobwebs, lick the burn, then wrap your hand in a thick coat of cobwebs. Or, simply apply fresh cobwebs.
• Chills: Make cobweb pills and take them for chills.
• Colds: Railroad grease and cobwebs applied to the chest will get rid of a cold.
• Earache: To cure earache, gather cobwebs and boil. Pour the cobweb tea into the ear.
• Erysipelas: Cobweb is placed upon erysipelas and tied about with a red kerchief. If you are looking for something a little more complicated, you can always try the application of this "healing" smoke: Cobweb is taken crosswise from the stable (and added to) three twigs of an old broom, crab scales, starry cerastium, dry wild-briars, and used in smoking out of erysipelas.
• Eyes: Here is a prescription that uses the cobweb of the fly hunting spider which was to be applied to the forehead in such a way as to reach to both temples in some sort of compress as a cure for defluxions of the eyes. We are assured that it will work wonderfully well, provided it be a boy who has not reached the age of puberty who secures it and puts it on with his own hands. But he must have taken care not to be seen by the patient for three days during which neither of then should have touched the ground with his feet unshod.
• Cancer: An old-timer declares that cancer can be healed with an application of cobwebs (1920-1929).
• Cuts: To heal a cut, put cobwebs and mud on it.
• Fever: If you have a fever, wrap a piece of fresh linen around your wrist. The linen should contain salt, a cobweb, and a piece of onion and must be left on the wrist for 12 hours.
• Fractures: For fractures of the cranium, cobwebs are applied, with oil and vinegar. Application never comes away until a cure has been affected.
• Freckles: Wash your face with cobweb dew to take away freckles.
• Goiter: To cure a goiter, place a cobweb over the surface of the growth.
• Itching: Cobwebs rubbed on an itching caused by a crack behind your ear will cure it.
• Headaches: Cobwebs across the bridge of the nose were supposedly good cures for headaches. Railroad grease and cobwebs applied on the forehead are also said to end a headache.
• Kidney problems: To make kidneys act place cob webs in the groin of the patient. Cobwebs wet in hot water and applied externally will cure diseases of the kidneys and bladder.
• Kissing: In Hampshire, if a cobweb is seen, it’s a sign that the housemaid wants kissing.
• Luck: If you find your initials in a spider's web you will be lucky all of your life
• Nosebleed: Cobwebs will stop a nosebleed. One reported method is to snuff up Cobwebs and Sugar, other methods require that the cobwebs be made into a ball and applied to the nostril.
• Malaria (tertian fever): John Wesley states that he never knew “six middling pills of cobwebs” to fail in curing a tertian ague, and they are to be repeated in a week to prevent a relapse. (If you don't believe it, see the story below!)
• Mental clarity: Sneezing blows the cobwebs out of your brain.
• Poisoning: My grandfather had a maiden aunt whom the family went to for cures. She used cobwebs, discarded snake skins, oil, and various leaves and herbs for curing cuts or boils or for guarding against poison.
• Puncture wounds: When my paternal grandfather was small, he punctured his foot on a rusty nail. His mother immediately packed the wound with cobwebs and it healed cleanly and without infection.
• Scalds: In Norfolk, England, cobwebs are used for scalds and burns.
• Scarlet Fever: Cure scarlet fever by the administration of cobweb pills.
• Scrapes and abrasions: Place cobwebs on scraped knees, and they will heal quickly.
• Spider bites: If eyes and lips are damaged by liquor discharged from spider, a cure can be made with a preparation of plantain leaves and cobwebs applied to eyes and taken inwardly two or three times a day.
• Stye: If anybody had a stye in the eye, at night they would go into the barn or shed and pick the cobwebs off. When you were sleeping, they would put it on your eye, and it would cure the stye.
• Travel: Seeing a spider run down a web in the afternoon means you'll take a trip.
• Warts: To cure warts, wrap a small cobweb around each, and burn the cobweb. (Ouch!!) Here's another cure: When a cobweb is well filled with dust, roll it up in a ball and pile it over wart. It will burn slow, and will burn the wart out. (I'm not clear if that means to burn the cobweb, or if the cobweb itself will burn the wart out.) Alternatively, you can collect stump water at midnight. Then collect a number of cobwebs, ants, spiders and bird feathers and place them in a bag; bury the contents in the ground, and when it rots, the warts will go away
• Wounds: Put cobwebs on wound to help it heal. A cobweb from a barn is an excellent remedy for wounds. Bind brown wrapping paper or flour and cobwebs over the wound. Brown sugar is also effective.

Finally, here's an interesting bit of folklore:

Cobwebs and spiders have long been in use for medicinal purposes, usually for external application, as mentioned by Pliny.

Another curious remedy, said to be very successful, is the web of the black spider, which inhabits barns, stables, and cellars. This substance has been tried on a tolerably large scale, and the testimony to its influence in curing agues is very strong.

Dr. Craigie has given this account of it. In the year 1760, a number of prisoners from the vanquished squadron of Thurot having been landed in the Isle of Man, Dr. Gillespie, who was practising there, found that many of the agues which came to prevail, both among the prisoners and the inhabitants of the island, obstinately resisted bark and such other remedies as he had recourse to. He was informed, by an old French physician belonging to the squadron, of the alleged efficacy of cobweb, in certain forms of the disease. He therefore made trial of cobweb, and found it to answer admirably. He was successful with it in more than sixty cases of different types in the Isle of Man, and he had further experience of its utility subsequently in Ayrshire.

"After this, the same remedy was tested in the West Indies by Dr. Jackson, to whom Dr. Gillespie had recommended it. Dr. Jackson's observations were made in the hospital of the army depot, in the West Indies, in 1801. Several cases of ague, on which bark, arsenic, or mercury, single or alternately, had made either a very temporary impression or none at all, were selected for experiment. In four of these cases, two pills, containing each five grains of cobweb, were given at intervals of two hours, commencing six hours before the expected time of recurrence of the paroxysm. The fit did not return.

On subsequent trials it was found not only to arrest the course of agues, but to remove various symptoms, such as pain, delirium, vomiting, griping, in ague, and in continued fever, when these symptoms were unconnected with inflammation.

"We have employed the spider's web in this manner in a number of cases, and in many of them found it very promptly to suspend the paroxysms - as effectually, certainly, as the quinia; in a few cases, however, it failed." - From Condié’s Watson's Practice of Physic, Philadelphia, 1858

Robert Burton, in his Anatomy of Melancholy ingenuously confesses how little faith he had in amulets made of spiders inclosed in nutshells, as recommended by his mother, until be found that Dioscorides prescribed them. The amulet is as follows: A spider is a repellent against plague when worn around the neck in a walnut shell.

Source: UCLA Folk Medicine Database

Sesame Seed Desperation Spell

This spell allegedly produces a fast quick fix; however, it may only be cast infrequently, not on a regular basis, so save it for emergencies.

1. Put a pinch of sesame seeds in a closed jar every day.
2. Do not remove any unless very badly in need of a cash infusion.
3. In moments of desperation, remove a pinch of seeds with your left hand.
4. Spit on them, while concentrating on your dilemma and then immediately toss them onto the earth.

From: Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells

Ops - Goddess of Opulance

Origin: Italy (Sabine)
Consort: Saturn
Element: Earth
Festival days: August 25 (Opiconsivia) and December 19 (Opalia)

Ops is the goddess of abundance and assistance. Her name means "wealth" and derives from the same source as opulance. Ops is associated with peace, plenty, and an abundant harvest.

She was regarded as the wife of Saturnus, and was honored and celebrated with Saturn during the Saturnalia. She was the protectress of every thing connected with agriculture. Her abode was in the earth, and hence those who invoked her, or made vows to her, used to touch the ground. And as she was believed to give to human beings both their place of abode and their food, newly-born children were recommended to her care. Ops was also invoked to extinguish harmful, dangerous fires.

Her worship was intimately connected with that of her husband Saturnus, for she had both temples and festivals in common with him; she had, however, also a separate sanctuary on the Capitol, and in the vicus jugarius, not far from the temple of Saturnus, she had an altar in common with Ceres.

Found in: Encyclopedia of Spirits

The Opiconsivia

August 25th is the Opconsivia, the harvest festival of Ops, the Roman goddess of wealth.

• Themes: Opportunity; Wealth; Fertility; Growth
• Symbols: Bread; Seeds; Soil

About Ops: This Italian goddess of fertile earth provides us with numerous "op-portunities" to make every day more productive. In stories, Ops motivates fruit bearing, not just in plants but also in our spirits. She also controls the wealth of the gods, making her a goddess of opulence! Works of art depict Ops with a loaf of bread in one hand, and the other outstretched, offering aid.

To Do Today:

On this day, Ops was evoked by sitting on the earth itself, where she lives in body and spirit. So, weather permitting, take yourself on a picnic lunch today. Sit with Ops and enjoy any sesame or poppy breadstuff (bagel, roll, etc.) - both types of seeds are magically aligned with Ops's money-bringing power. If possible, keep a few of the seeds from the bread in your pocket or shoe so that after lunch, Ops's opportunities for financial improvements or personal growth can be with you no matter where you go. And don't forget to leave a few crumbs for the birds so they can take your magical wishes to the four corners of creation.

If the weather doesn't cooperate, invoke Ops by getting as close to the earth as you can (sit on your floor, go into the cellar). Alternatively, eat earthy foods like potatoes, root crops, or any fruit that comes from Ops's abundant storehouse.

From: 365 Goddess

To Make Yourself Bold

Here's an old old spell to Make Yourself Bold and Amiable:

The stone called Actorius is to be found in the craw of any old capon (rooster). He who wears such a stone on his neck, will always remain bold and beloved by all mankind.

Found in: Encyclopaedia of Superstitions, Folklore, and the Occult Sciences

The God Freyr

Also known as: Frey, Fro, Frothi; Frodis, Yngvi; Ing
Titles: Lord; Master; The Generous One; Wise Fruitful

• Origin: Norse
• Classification: Vanir
• Animal: Boar
• Colors: Brown; Gold; Green
• Favored people: Seafarers; Lovers; Brewers
• Runes: Ehwaz, Fehu, Ingwaz

Freyr is the Lord of Peace, Plenty, Prosperity, and Pleasure. Worshipped as a phallic fertility god, Freyr "bestows peace and pleasure on mortals". He rules over the rain, the shining of the sun and the produce of the fields.

 He is one of the Vanir, the son of the sea god Njörðr and brother of the love goddess Freyja. The gods gave him Álfheimr, the realm of the Elves, as a teething present, and so he is the Elven King, ruler of the land of the light elves, "Alfheim". He rides the shining dwarf-made boar Gullinbursti and possesses the ship Skíðblaðnir which always has a favourable breeze and can be folded together and carried in a pouch when it is not being used. He has the servants Skírnir, Byggvir and Beyla.

He dispenses wealth, love, and fertility to adults and good luck to children.

In comparison to Thor and Odin, relatively little is known regarding Freyr. Later chroniclers of Norse myth were less interested or identified less with Vanir spirits, or perhaps the Vanir are just innately more shadowy and mysterious.

The most extensive Freyr myth relates Freyr's falling in love with the giantess Gerðr. Eventually she becomes his wife but first Freyr has to give away his magic sword, that would on its own, rise from its sheath and spread a field with carnage whenever the owner desired it ("if wise be he who wields it"). Deprived of this weapon Freyr defeats the giant Beli with an antler.

Freyr is a divine ancestor, a spirit of growth. He is venerated as a hallic deity. Although Freyr is a lover, he's a fierce warrior, too. His nature may be epitomized by the fierce, virile boars that are his sacred animal.

Freyr's shield bearer and servant is Skirnir, to whom he gave his sword, which Skirnir requested as a reward for making Gerd his wife. On the day of Ragnarok, Freyr will battle without a weapon (having given his sword away to Skirnir), and will be the first to be killed by the fire giant Surt.

Freyr was especially popular in Sweden where, in ceremonies similar to those dedicated to his mother, Herta, his sacred image was carried from farm to farm annually in a wagon. It was expected to stimulate abundance, fertility, prosperity, and good fortune. Freyr was considered an ancestral spirit by the kings of Uppsala, who may have used his name as a title. (Freyr literally means "Lord" and is a title.) Some Icelandic chiefs bore the title "Priest of Freyr."

Place: Freyr was especially associated with Sweden and seen as an ancestor of the Swedish royal house. His center of veneration was in Uppsala, Sweden, where it continued long after most of Scandinavia had converted to Christianity.

Iconography: An image thought to represent him depicts a man in a pointy cap, holding his beard in his hand. In his shrine at Uppsala, Freyr was represented as a virile man with a large, erect penis. An alternative image portrayed him as a young boy traveling across the sea. His image was featured on armor and weapons.

Attributes: A sword, which emerges independently from its scabbard, creating a field of carriage wherever its owner directs; a ship whose sails always attract favorable winds but could be folded up and carried.

Mounts: A golden boar named Golden Bristles. Freyr's chariot is drawn by two boars. He also rides a horse named Bloody Hooves.

Appropriate offerings: The Yule boar, or male pig, commemorates the annual sacrificial boar offered to Freyr in winter. Serve Freyr libations of fresh water, barley wine, ale, or mead.
 
From: Encyclopedia of Spirits and various other sources

Golden One - A Song For Frey

First part: Corn and Grain, Sun Must Fall, Open Hand, Seed to Corn to See.

Second part: Rain and Sun, All to Grow, And to Feed, Horn and Need.

Would you give your life for love? Would you die to feed them all?

Would you go a-willing as the man to his bride?

Would you do what must be done? Would you hold back nothing,

not your breath, not your body, not your fear, not your pride?

Would you bring light to the dark? Would you sing the summer´s song?

Would you speed the growing, rushing toward the coming pain?

Would you do what must be done? Would you be the Golden One?

Would you spring up laughing, trusting fate like the grain?

© Raven Kaldera
This poem is from Frey's Shrine, Golden One MP3,  Sheet Music

The Freyfaxi

Freyfaxi or Frey's Blot occurs on Aug 23.  This is when Wotanists ponder and reflect upon the fruits of their labor. Frey is the Norse God of Peace, prosperity, the world, and King of Alfheim (home of the Alfs, or Elves). The celebration is in honor of the harvest and of the Frithkeeper himself (Peacekeeper).

The God Frey is also the God of fertility and has spent the warmest part of the year spreading his seed and now stands ready to enjoy a bountiful harvest. Golden grain will soon overflow its vessels. The rune Fehu associated with wealth bespeaks of well deserved reward and encourages us that our toil has not been in vain.

Suggested meditation: If you have worked hard for something, rest on your laurels today and admire your success. If not, admire the success of others who worked hard this year.

~Collected from various sources.

Frey's Blot

• Colors: Green and golden
• Element: Earth
• Altar: Upon cloth of green and gold set a sheaf of grain, a golden cup of mead, a plate of bread and honey, the figure of a carved phallus, the figure of a boar, and an empty sheath.
• Offerings: Mead. Those who partake in ritual sex should do so tonight, in his honor.
• Daily Meal: Mead. Bread and cheese. Vegetables from the garden.

Invocation to Frey

Hail Frey, Lord of the fields!

Lord of the Vanir,

Golden of hair as the fields of wheat,

Bringing riches of heart and hearth

To noble and common folk alike,

We hail you with the corn that springs forth

And falls again to nourish us.

We hail you, mighty boar in flight,

Lord of the phallus that gives life,

Lord of Love that is bound to land,

Love that is bound with commitment,

Love that does not come easily,

As one must toil for the harvest.

Teach us that love is worth working for,

And that work is worth loving,

And that neither lives long without the other.

Lord Frey, Corn God,

Husband of Gerda the etin-bride,

You who can warm the cold heart,

Warrior without a weapon

Who gave your sword for love,

You who make the grain spring forth,

Show us faith in every springtime.

Pass the mead around, and pour the remainder out as a libation.

From: Pagan Book of Hours

The Vulcanalia

The Vulcanalia was a festival celebrated in ancient Rome in honour of Vulcan, on the 23d of August with games in the circus Flaminius, where the god had a temple. The sacrifice on this occasion consisted of fishes which the people threw into the fire. It was also customary on this day to commence working by candlelight, which was probably considered as an auspicious beginning of the use of fire, as the day was sacred to the god of this element.


From: A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities

Vulcanalia: Day of Hephaestos

• Color: Red
• Element: Fire
• Altar: Upon a red cloth worked with flames set four red candles, a flaming brazier, a wooden crutch, a black rock, an anvil, a hammer, and many things worked of metal.
• Offering: Fish. Nail parings and hair. Make something.
• Daily Meal: Pie.

Vulcanalia Invocation  

Lord of volcanoes,

You who understand submerged wrath,

Help me to keep mine in check.

Lord of work,

You who understand its balm to the soul,

Help me to learn the joys of focused labor.

Lord of craft,

You whose fire tempers iron into steel,

You who understand what it is to be crippled,

Beat my will strong and straight again

That the sign of your hammer

May be imprinted in everything I make.

Lord who is the strong iron of competence

And the driving blows of manifestation,

May your hands guide us into honorable work.

Hail Vulcan Mulciber, Charmer of Fire!

Hail Vulcan Quietus; may your gift of tame fire

Stay tame enough not to harm our house!

May your flames warm us, inspire us

And never burn beyond their borders,

So long as we give you the proper respect.

(Each comes forth and places something into the brazier, be it a bit of hair or nail parings, or some of the fish, which is given as an offering because fish is normally safe from fire. Those who wish to be blessed for their crafts may give an offering of craft today, or simply kneel and contemplate the craftwork on the altar, perhaps holding it and praising Hephaistos.)

From: Pagan Book of Hours

Morning Glory Love Spell

You will need:

• White or pink candle
• A length of morning glory vine - long enough to weave into a circle
• Small mirror - preferably round
• A morning glory leaf
• A morning glory flower
• Small magnet or lodestone

Light the candle. Take the piece of morning glory vine and weave it into a circle.  As you weave the vine, chant the following:

 Mighty Cosmic Guardians of Love and Goodness

I call upon thee.

When the circle is complete, place in the center of it a small mirror. If your mirror is larger than the circle you made with the vine, place it on top of the mirror. Put the flower in the center of the circle, on top of the mirror. As you do, say the following:

My Magic Circle of Love is complete.

I now create the New Self-Image

of charm and charisma

that I wish to Project to the Whole world.

I now Overcome and feelings of self-consciousness

or inferiority

and I condition my Inner Mind

to thoughts of Self-Confidence,

Poise and Charm.

I send out thoughts of Love to All People and I Know

that people will Love Me in return.

I Know there is that within me which

all people recognize as Worth-While and Desirable,

and everyone whom I meet

Loves this self of Mine recognizes its worth.

Next to the flower place a leaf from the morning glory vine, and as you do say the following 3 times:

I know there is a Perfect Lover

waiting to Love and Cherish me.

Place a magnet, or lodestone on the mirror next to or on top of the leaf and flower. Say the following:

My Circle of Love is Complete

and I now Invoke the law of Magnetic Attraction and

Draw this Perfect lover onto me.

As I have said, so shall it be.

Allow the candle to burn down completely. The mirror, botanicals, and magnet can be wrapped in velvet and placed under your pillow, or carried with you.

Note: Thrift stores often have wonderful little compact make-up cases complete with mirror. Something like that would be great for this little spell, and will allow you to keep it intact and to carry it with you as well and also simple to slip under your pillow at night. Be sure to clean a used make-up case thoroughly and give it a dip in salt water to purify the energies. Also, if you do use a compact make-up case, press and dry the flower and leaf before the spellwork. Not sure your magnet will fit inside? Lightweight craft magnets come in many different thicknesses and sizes - some are 1/16" thick and should fit nicely into any case.

Spell by Madame Fortuna

Morning Glory Babies

In the early 1900's children were told that babies are found under morning glory vines. Fertility charms can be charged by leaving them overnight under a morning glory vine, and requests for children can be written on morning glory leaves. For example, "My name is Sarah, please send me a child. Thank you." The more leaves you write on, the more powerful the spell.

Note: Morning glory vines love water, and an offering of water as a "thank you" is recommended when the spellworking is complete.

Spell by Madame Fortuna

Morning Glory Tea

To cure dysentery or diarrhea, take the blue flowers of the “corihuela” (morning glory), make a tea, sweeten with sugar, and take a cupful every morning.

From: Popular Medicine, Customs, and Superstitions of the Rio Grande

Morning Glory Magick

• Ruler: Sun, Apollo
• Type: Plant
• Magickal Form: Flowers, Vine, Leaves, Seeds

With it's lovely flowers, heart shaped leaves, and clinging vine, the morning glory plant is definitely something to consider when constructing a love and/or relationship spell.

In the language of flowers, the morning glory represents affection. As a gift, these beautiful flowers can be given in nearly any way imaginable – from the traditional bouquets to pressed or dried single blossoms. When given as an arrangement, you might also take color into account. That is to say, your message may generally express a feeling of affection, but that affection might be tinted with the fiery passion of a red blossom, the calm of a blue one, or the spirituality of a purple one.

In some cultures the ipomoea aquatica variety of morning glory is considered a delightful green that can be used in a number of dishes. They are frequently placed in salads, stir fries, mixed with noodles, or simply used as a garnish.

Although morning glory seeds are considered to be mildly toxic and have side effects such as hallucinations, nausea and drowsiness, many people still consider them to have powerful medicinal effects. The Aztec narcotic ololiuhqui, derived from a wild morning glory, was spread on surface of affected parts for gout, and the seeds were eaten by the Aztecs to bring visions. Their molecular structure resembles that of LSD. The seeds are sold in nurseries for planting.

NOTE: Using the seeds as a hallucinogenic is not only illegal but they are harmful when ingested.

In China, the morning glory was once considered a highly effective laxative; to the native Indians of Mexico, both ipomoea tricolor and turbina corymbosa were frequently used in rituals and medicine for their supposed soothing properties.

In folk medicine, the boiled leaves of certain species are used as a diuretic; the seeds are chewed to aid in soothing stomach pains, while the whole plant may be cooked and turned into a topical ointment to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Morning glory tea was said to be good for dysentery and diarrhoea.

According to Scott Cunningham (Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs) the morning glory or bindweed (Ipomoea spp) are masculine plants, classified as being under the influence of the planet Saturn; the element water, and with powers over happiness and peace. Cunningham indicates that one can "Place the seeds beneath the pillow to stop all nightmares." And also that grown in the garden, blue morning glories bring peace and happiness. The root of the morning glory, according to Cunningham, may be used as a substitute for High John the Conqueror root.

Grind morning glory seeds to a fine powder and add to flying incense to gain psychic sight.

From: Encyclopedia of Magickal Ingredients and Flower Info

Sign of the Morning Glory

"I bring you clarity."

If you were born between August 22 and September 22, you were born under the sign of the Morning Glory. Morning glory zodiac flower signs are thoughtful and reflective. You tend to think and plan first before you take any action. You are organized and very observant. You have a natural eye for detail, and can be very analytical. You love to help people, and often use your organization skills to help others who struggle in “getting their act together.” You bloom beautifully right where you are planted, and you have a neat way of making things right and tidy. People come to you for guidance and healing. 

Source: What's Your Sign

Sun in Virgo

The Sun is in Virgo from approximately August 21 to September 20, depending on the year.

Symbol: The Virgin
Ruler: Mercury
Element: Earth
Season: Summer
Modality: Mutable
Zodiac Placement: 6th Sign
Metal: Mercury
Stone: Sapphire
Color: Blue, Beige
Flowers: Aster; Morning Glory
Anatomy: Intestines, the nervous system

Keywords: analytical, intelligent, reserved, critical, helpful, conscientious

It is rare to find the stereotypical nitpicky, exacting, "clean freak" in modern-day Virgos. Although the sign of Virgo has evolved with the times, there are some unmistakable traits that remain. Virgo people are generally respectable, hard-working individuals who have a love of knowledge and know-how.

Virgo's symbol, the Virgin, shows itself in the lives of Virgos through a love of all that is "natural" and a certain purity of spirit that keeps Virgos self-sufficient and self-contained, at least on the surface. Virgos are sensitive to their surroundings, and they tend to embarrass easily. They are generally reticent when faced with anything or anyone new. However, once they feel comfortable, they can talk up a storm. Many Virgo Suns are not too comfortable in the limelight. These types are just fine living in the background, as long as they feel useful and appreciated. Solar Virgos have a strong sense of responsibility. Even when they've convinced themselves to be irresponsible about something or the other, they worry about it.

Not all Virgos are workaholics. However, when Solar Virgos are not involved in some kind of project, there is generally a vague feeling of discontent. Even when their lives are filled up with work, they are restless and somewhat nervous creatures. The fear of under-performing is often strong. Virgos want to do things well. Some are exacting and thorough, and those Virgos who have convinced themselves to do a less-than-perfect job will generally feel incomplete.

Virgo, as an Earth sign, has a notable connection to the body. Solar Virgos are generally very body-aware. In some cases, this shows up as some form of hypochondria, but, for the most part, Virgo is simply quite concerned with health matters and nutrition. Virgo is attracted to all that is natural and pure, but is generally unafraid to explore all that is not. In fact, Virgo is an intensely curious sign. Still, there is a strong desire to remain pure on some level, despite all of Virgo's curiosity and drive to know things. Those Virgos that find a true interest or "calling" easily become connoisseurs--their attention to details and enormous observation powers give them the ability to learn all of the ins and outs of any subject. These people love to do research, in addition to analytic or detail work. They'll happily pick apart practically anything, although they are less adept at putting things back together, and often have trouble grasping the big picture.

Virgo Suns who are stuck in the practical, material world may learn a lot about themselves if they are brave enough to try placing their lives on automatic pilot once in a while. Letting some things go will do wonders for their spirit. Virgos tend to be too hard on themselves. They worry about their health, their performance at work, all the things they haven't done, and the emails that might be waiting for them while they are away from their computer. When they're not feeling well, they can be overly critical and nervous. They fuss around, have a whole slew of assorted little complaints, and throw small tantrums.

Solar Virgos are perfectionists--there's simply no escaping it. They dream of mastery; they long to do something really well. Some Virgos are so scared of their own perfectionist qualities that they tell themselves they don't care. Others will forever dabble into one thing or another, leaving a string of incomplete projects behind them. However, the happiest Virgos accept their need to get things right, without overdoing it. Probably the best advice for Sun in Virgo people is to find something that interests them--however small or large--and master it.

Most Virgos can be rather private and fussy about their work, or their personal workspace. They get nervous when others look at their unfinished work, and they are quite protective of their methods of doing things. Despite an overall lack of confidence, Virgos can be mighty proud--even arrogant--when it comes to their work, routines, or hobbies. Secretly, they think their methods of doing things are the best. Often, they are! They do take pride in the little things they do, even though, in a broader sense, Virgos can be rather self-effacing and self-critical.

Solar Virgos often confuse people when their curiosity is mistaken for passion. The surprising part is that Virgo, although knowledgeable, doesn't always get its hands dirty. Their willingness to explore is often kept at the intellectual level. However, Virgos are often well-respected and valued in their circles for their loyalty, research skills, willingness to lend a hand, and their excellent powers of observation. They are generally kind and helpful souls who, when appreciated, do everything to make things work.

There's an odd combination of the intellectual and the practical in Virgo that is sometimes mistaken for coolness. In fact, Virgos are often self-effacing and shy. They'll brush off your compliments quickly and, sometimes, critically; but don't let that fool you. They need your respect and appreciation. In fact, the happiest Virgos are the ones who feel appreciated and useful. Add plenty of worthwhile projects to keep them busy, and Virgos can be some of the sweetest, kindest people around.

Source: Cafe Astrology

Festival of Consus

On August 21, the ancient Romans celebrated the Consualia, a festival, with games, in honour of Consus, the god of secret deliberations.

It was solemnised every year in the circus, by the symbolical ceremony of uncovering an altar dedicated to the god, which was buried in the earth. This was because Romulus, who was considered the founder of the festival, was said to have discovered an altar in the earth on that spot.

The solemnity took place on the 21st of Augusta with horse and chariot races, and libations were poured into the flames which consumed the sacrifices. During these festive games, horses and mules were not allowed to do any work, and were adorned with garlands of flowers.

This festival is associated with the "Rape of the Sabine Women." When after the building of Rome the Romans had no women, it is said, and when their suit to obtain them from the neighbouring tribes was rejected, Romulus spread a report, that he had found the altar of an unknown god buried under the earth. The god was called Consus, and Romulus vowed sacrifices and a festival to him, if he succeeded in the plan he devised to obtain wives for his Romans. According to legend, it was at the first celebration of the Consualian Games that the Sabine maidens were carried off. The purpose being to populate the newly built town of Rome.

Note: Consus was eventually identified with Neptunus Equester, the alias and counterpart of Poseidon Hippios (Neptune), who was the founder of Atlantis, where, according to Plato, horses (hippos, equus) originated. Hence the connection with the animal.

Found in: A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities

Spiced Wine Love Potion

Pour red wine into a pot or cauldron and add anise, cloves, rosemary, grond cumin, honey, and orange zest. Add two candied rose geranium leaves. (Substitute candied violets, angelica, or ginger if the geranium isn't available.)

Stir the pot, let the wine come to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently while you focus on your desires. When it starts steaming, turn off the heat and let the potion cool off.

Strain the solids out using a fine sieve. Warm up the wine once more. When the aroma is arousing, pour it into glasses and serve it to the one you love.

From: Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells

Grape Molasses Spice Cake

Here's a recipe for Grape Molasses Spice Cake, or Petimezopita, in Greek: πετιμεζόπιτα (pronounced: peh-tee-meh-ZOH-peetah). This recipe calls for petimezi, a molasses-like syrup made with grapes, dates back to the Bronze Age. Petimezi can also be made from grape must, and may also be available in Greek markets. It gives a unique flavor to this spice cake which tastes like a cross between carrot cake and gingerbread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of water
• 4 sticks of cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• juice and grated peel of 2 oranges
• 2 cups of olive oil
• 2 cups of petimezi
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of Cretan Raki or brandy
• 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 4 cups of flour
• sesame seeds

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Boil the cinnamon in 1 cup of water until the water turns brown. Discard cinnamon. Dissolve the baking soda in the orange juice.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the olive oil, sugar, and grape molasses (petimezi) until well blended. Add orange juice (with dissolved soda), water from the cinnamon, orange peel, raki or brandy, and ground cloves.

Add the flour slowly until the batter is smooth.

Lightly oil the bottom of one or two cake pans and pour in the batter. Sprinkle the top with sesame seeds and bake at 350°F (175-180°C) for about one hour or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

From: Greek Food

Moustalevria - Grape Must Pie

Grape must is the juice from pressed grapes before fermentation, and is often used as a sweetener in traditional bread recipes, as well as in the preparation of desserts and candy. This grape must pie is a favorite, especially popular at grape harvest season when the must is fresh. You can make your own grape must or buy it.

 

Ingredients:

• 5 cups of grape must
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon of semolina
• 3 tablespoons of cornflour (cornstarch)
• 3/4 cup of crushed walnuts
• ground cinnamon
• sugar (optional)

Preparation:

Day 1: Bring grape must to a boil in a pot, and skim of foam as it rises to the top. Allow to boil for another minute, then remove from heat, cover, and allow to settle overnight.

 

Day 2: Carefully transfer grape must to a clean pot without transferring the sediment that settled to the bottom. Bring to a boil and taste for sweetness. Add a little sugar if needed. Add the semolina a little at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon to blend thoroughly. When the grape must begins to thicken, dissolve the cornflour (cornstarch) in a little cold water and add to the mixture. Stir constantly until it thickens to a creamy texture.

 

Transfer to individual bowls or a mold or pan, and allow to set. Sprinkle with crushed walnuts and cinnamon before serving.

 

Source: Greek Food

Simple Sapa Recipe

Sapa is Concentrated Grape Must. Since its peculiar flavor is necessary in some dishes, sapa, which is none other than a grape syrup, has many uses in the kitchen. It's also always popular with children, who, during the winter, can improvise sherbets with it by mixing it with freshly fallen snow.

Ingredients:

• •5 1/2 pounds (2 1/2 k) perfectly ripe grapes

Preparation:

Crush some superior quality white grapes (ideally they should still be on the bunch), put the grapes and their juice in a bowl, and when the whole has fermented for about 24 hours, press and filter the must though a fine muslin bag into a pot. Set the must on the fire and boil it down for many hours, till it has reached the consistency of syrup, and bottle it.

From: Italian Food

Petimezi - Ancient Roman Sweetener

Petimezi (Greek: πετιμέζι, pronounced peh-tee-MEH-zee) also called grapemust or grape molasses is a thick, non-fermented grape juice, which was used by ancient Romans. It was a specialty on the Greek island of Crete. It is produced by cooking down must or moustos (Greek: μούστος, pronounced MOO-stohs) for hours, until it becomes dark and syrupy.

Petimezi keeps almost forever, and it was one of the ancient sweeteners, together with honey, used as a sugar substitute when sugar was too expensive for the average Greek to afford. Its flavor is not just sweet, but much more complex, with slight bitter undertones. It is used in deserts when cooking and also as a sweet topping for some foods. It is still used today, and can be homemade but is also sold commercially under different brand names. There are light colored syrups and dark colored ones. Both are dependent on the type of grape that is being used.

Grapemust (petimezi) should not be confused with the term "grape must" (moustos). Grapemust is what is made when you reduce the must from grapes.

From late August until the beginning of December, you will find the dark crunchy and fragrant petimezi cookies Moustokoúloura (Greek: Μουστοκούλουρα). Most Greek bakeries sell moustokoúloura, and each baker has its own recipe for the cookies, that can be either small and hard, or large and crumbly.

Moustalevria is grapemust jelly. As its name implies – moustos means "must," and - alevri means "flour." The jelly was originally thickened with flour, or a combination of corn starch and flour. Today most cooks use just the corn starch. Ancient Cretans poured moustalevria on a tray, cut it into baklava shapes, dried it under the sun and kept it in big earthen jars for winter.

Here's a recipe for Petimezi:

This is one of the oldest (most ancient) recipes I know. Try this naturally sweet (no sugar added) syrup on yogurt, ice cream, in tea, on pancakes, in baking, and as a topping for snow!. A teaspoon also work wonders for sore throat and colds. On Crete, it's made in large quantities in September when grapes are harvested, and used throughout the year.

Ingredients:

• 65 pounds of white (pale green) grapes on stems
• 4 tablespoons of wood ash (from the fireplace or barbecue grill)
• Rose-scented pelargonium leaves (scented geranium) or bay leaves (optional)
• You will also need a piece of tulle for this recipe.

Note: 65 pounds of grapes will yield about 3 gallons of juice.

(Work in manageable batches.) In a large tub, squeeze the grapes by hand (or use a grape press if available) to get as much juice as possible. Pour the grapes and juice through a strainer, collecting the juice in a large bowl or pot. Discard the skins, seeds and any pulp.

Add 4 tablespoons of wood ash to the gallon of juice, stir, and let sit for 10 minutes. It will make a froth. Strain the juice through the tulle into a bowl, and discard any collected seeds and ash.

Prepare the petimezi in batches of 1 or 2 quarts each. Bring the juice to a boil, lower the heat to the lowest setting and cook uncovered for 1 hour. Skim off any froth that rises. The resulting syrup should be the consistency of thin maple syrup. It will be a dark reddish-brown color (see photo).

Store in clean jars with a leaf of rose-scented pelargonium or a bay leaf (for a less sweet taste), away from light. Seal jars after the syrup has cooled completely. Do not refrigerate.

Over time, the syrup may thicken. To thin, place the jar in a pot with 1-2 inches of water and warm gently (do not boil).

Alternative Method using must instead of the fresh grapes:

Boil 3 gallons of green grape must for at least one hour, until it thickens enough to coat a spoon (slow drip). Store in clean jars with a leaf of rose-scented pelargonium or a bay leaf (for a less sweet taste), away from light. Seal jars after the syrup has cooled completely. Do not refrigerate.

From: Greek Food and Wikipedia

Moustos - Grape Must Recipe

In Greek: μούστος, (pronounced MOO-stohs). Moustos is made using the juice squeezed from fresh grapes. In Greece, large quantities are made during the September grape harvest, and it's a great project for kids. It freezes well, and can be used throughout the year.

Moustos is used to make petimezi, a grape syrup known since ancient times that is used like maple syrup, Grape Must Pudding (Moustalevria), and various types of sweets.

Ingredients:

• 10-11 pounds of green or red September grapes in bunches (with stems)
• 1/3 cup of wood ash (or 1/8 cup crushed eggshells)

Preparation:

If using wood ash, sprinkle the grapes with the wood ash before starting. (Work in manageable batches.) In a large tub, squeeze the grapes by hand (or use a grape press if available) to get as much juice as possible. Pour the grapes and juice through a strainer, collecting the juice in a large bowl or stainless pot. Discard the skins, stems, seeds and any pulp. If using eggshells, add them to the pot now.

Bring the juice to a boil, and skim off foam that rises to the top. Boil for 5 minutes. Leave the pot on the burner, turn off the heat, and let sit for 5 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the top. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

Slowly pour the cooled must into containers or a bowl, being careful not to pour out the silt. The cooled grape must can be used immediately or frozen.

Yield: approximately 7 1/2 cups

Note:
I make this in batches of 11 pounds of grapes at a time because my pot won't hold more juice. However, if you have a large pot (lobster pot type), you can make more.

Alternative Method:
Sprinkle the grapes with wood ash and place them in a woven plastic bag ("burlap" type). Tie the bag securely. Place the bag in a large tub, cover feet with plastic bags (wear shoes) and stomp the grapes. Strain the juice into pot(s) for cooking as above. Great fun for the kids!

From: Greek Food

What Is Must?

Must (from the Latin vinum mustum, “young wine”) is freshly pressed fruit juice (usually grape juice) that contains the skins, seeds, and stems of the fruit. The solid portion of the must is called pomace; it typically makes up 7%–23% of the total weight of the must. Making must is the first step in winemaking. Because of its high glucose content, typically between 10 and 15%, must is also used as a sweetener in a variety of cuisines. Unlike commercially sold grape juice, which is filtered and pasteurized, must is thick with particulate matter, opaque, and comes in various shades of brown and/or purple.

Must was commonly used as a cooking ingredient in ancient Rome. It was boiled down in lead or bronze kettles into a milder concentrate called defrutum or a stronger concentrate called sapa. It was often used as a souring agent and preservative, especially in fruit dishes.

Reduced must is used in Balkan and Middle Eastern cookery, either as a syrup known as pekmez or dibis or as the basis for confections where it is thickened with flour. Moustokoúloura ("must cookies") is a popular Greek variety of soda cookies or biscuits whose sweet dough is made by kneading flour, olive oil, and must. They are made in various shapes and sizes, and they are dark brown in color because of the must.

From: Wikipedia

The Vinalia Rustica

There were two festivals of this name celebrated by the Romans: the Vinalia urbana or priora, and the Vinalia rustica or altera. The vinalia urbana were celebrated on the 23rd of April. This festival answered to the Greek πιθοιγία, as on this occasion the wine casks which had been filled the preceding autumn were opened for the first time, and the wine tasted. But before men actually tasted the new wine, a libation was offered to Jupiter.


The vinalia rustica, which fell on the 19th of August, was the day the first new wine was brought into the city. This day was a holiday specifically for the growers or kitchen-gardeners (holitores), and feasts and wine drinking were the order of the day. On this occasion the flamen dialis offered lambs to Jupiter, and while the flesh of the victims lay on the altar, he broke with his own hands a bunch of grapes from a vine, and by this act he, as it were, opened the vintage.  No "must" (young wine) was allowed to be conveyed into the city until this solemnity was performed. Although the Vinalia celebrations were originally aimed to worship Jupiter, in the later Roman Empire the festival incorporated Venus, as the goddess of the garden and wine.

An interesting side note: Due to the intense drinking and loss of control as a result, upper-class Roman women were supervised during this festival and sometimes given lower alcoholic content beverages.
From: A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities

Blackberry Wine

• 1 gal. Blackberries
• 1 gal. Spring water, lukewarm
• 5 lb. sugar
• 2 slices toast
• 1 package yeast

In a very wide-mouthed container, crush the berries and add water. Mix in half of the sugar and stir until dissolved. Float toast on top and sprinkle with yeast. Cover container with cheesecloth and let stand for 5 days. Add remaining sugar and leave for another 2 days. Stir well. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 3 more weeks. Strain through cheesecloth to remove seeds from wine. Bottle and serve when desired.

Found at: Whispering Wood