The February full moon is most often referred to as the Snow Moon or Hunger Moon. It may not feel like it depending on where you live, but we are technically still in winter. Imbolc occurs on February 1 and is the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
Once we hit that halfway mark my brain (and soul) immediately begins to awaken. That seasonal depression starts to fade - you know that moment when you stop denying you were depressed in the first place. I don't know about you, but winter of 2023 was gloomy for me. The weather, life occurrences, bad news, triggers from the past - it felt like the never ending story. As we enter February and Imbolc celebrations begin, life changes. You can feel the shift in energy. The birds start singing around this time, you start to notice that the sunsets come a little later, and hopefully the weather begins to warm up wherever you live. Even though all of these changes are starting to appear and the earth is beginning to awaken again, we are still technically in winter. That means this is still a time for a lot of internal work. Snow Moon Intentions & Associations
The associations and intentions of this moon are more intense than most. This is a time for deep internal reflection, personal growth, taking responsibility for your actions, and wrapped up in there is also a heavy emphasis on psychic development - especially astral travel.
It's important to note that a full moon has a general intention of letting go of what no longer serves you. This isn't at time to manifest your desires but rather clear out & remove blockages so that you can attract your desires. I also find this is a great time to heal emotional wounds. Let it go, heal it, and move forward. Snow Moon Intentional Bowl Recipe
I have been more drawn to intentional bowls lately. I think it has something to do with my success of wealth bowls in the recently months. An intentional bowl is similar to a simmer pot - it is all about setting your intention. It is a great option for those with birds (or cats) who want to practice their craft but can't have an open flame. Simply replace the tea lights with battery operated candles.
It is important to note that I use dried ingredients & most of the time I only leave it out for a day or two. You should be familiar with your ingredients & if what you leave out is going to attract insects or small critters. I have personally never had an issue, but our homes are all different. Ingredients used: salt* blackberry rosemary jasmine nutmeg rose (all ingredients except salt are associated with the Snow Moon - but snow is associated which is represented by the salt) I used salt as the base of my bowl. Not only is this great for protection and for the February full moon can represent snow, it is also easy to dissolve in water with little waste when you're ready to disassemble your bowl. Rosemary for memory recall. After all, this is a time for internal reflection & helping us take accountability for our actions. Jasmine for the white color association as well as psychic protection & it is said to assist with spiritual connection. Nutmeg for divination, psychic awareness, & it is said to make you successful in all endeavors. Blackberry to honor Brigid who is honored during Imbolc (which occurs at the start of February). Blackberries also offer healing. Rose petals for unconditional love, protection, and drawing in positive energies. If you prefer the video version of creating my Snow Moon Intentional Bowl, please find it on YouTube below. Snow Moon Simmer Pot Recipe: Truth Blend
If you've ever followed me you know that simmer pots have been a large part of my spiritual practice, so of course I'm going to share my Snow Moon Truth Blend simmer pot recipe.
I created this recipe a little bit differently. Each line is associated with an ingredient that will be below it. The ingredient and the intention of the line correlate. For example, raspberry can be a symbol for kindness - and there's nothing kinder than forgiving yourself. I take accountability for my actions. (parsley) I am able to look inward and be honest with myself. (lavender) I forgive myself for making poor choices when I didn't know better. (raspberry) I know what I want my future look like and I am willing to put in the work to make it happen. (peppermint) I am grateful for every step of my journey - even the hardships because it helped me become the version of myself that I am today. (grapefruit)
Happy shifting...
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I have a tendency to become complacent....and believe that it's always going to be difference once some specific detail falls into place. No matter how many times I tell myself this is a pattern or I didn't need to wait to make something happen, I still somehow truly believe that it's going to be different when that one little detail comes into play.
Spoiler alert: it never is. I will say that I am getting better at noticing that and shifting my mindset instead of falling into the same ol' patterns. I can give you the perfect example because it just happened recently. I kept telling myself when I move I am going to be more productive because I would have my office back. My space would be mine again. I could decorate as I wanted. I could work without interruptions. I was going to be more productive because I could move around freely in my space. Fast forward to having my own office and let me tell you... it lasted all of about 2 seconds and I was distracted. Thankfully, I caught it early on when my motivation faltered and my distractions took over. It's easy for me to fall into old patterns. Probably something to do with depression but that would need it's own platform in itself to delve into (wink, wink). Falling into old patterns, at least for me, also means that I go back to a version of myself that I am not happy with. It also means that I am not aligned with my Higher Self. I worked, and continue to work, hard at clearing out past trauma and resolving blockages that were preventing me from reaching my full potential. So when I start to linger back to those old lazy ways of being content just barely passing by, the Universe says 'oh no you don't!' and sends me a crap ton of nonsense that quite frankly, I could do without.
With everything that is happening lately I will say that I don't think the above is what's currently happening in my life that inspired this Clear the Energy candle recipe. Have you ever read the book, 'You Are A Badass'? If you haven't, it's one of my favorites. It took me a while to get into it but now I re-read it once a year. I've suggested it to others and been told it wasn't their style. For me, it resonated and since it helps put a little pep back in my step I'll continue to read it. Anywho, I'll write another blog about that in the future.
The reason I mention the book is because the author mentions something called The Big Snooze. It's funny, we all talk about the same lessons or symbolism in almost every religion - we just call it different things. In this book, The Big Snooze is basically when everything goes completely wrong right before you align with your path to success. Think of the Tower card in Tarot. Everything falls apart. Crumbles. Rumble. Destroyed. It needs to happen so that the re-building process can start or so that you can readjust your sails. Heck, it could even be a 'test' from the Universe to see if you're really ready - spiritually, mentally, physically - for that next step to put you on that different path. It could be that you just need a few more redirections to strengthen whatever aspect you need work on before that Big Snooze finally clears out and skyrockets you to your next level.
After over 2 months, kicked off with the 1 year anniversary of my soul pet leaving this world, of nonstop nonsense I truly believe that I am currently in a cycle of The Big Snooze.
Little tests to see where I am at on my journey before the next (magnificent) chapter begins. I have been working on grounding myself, completing old projects, making sure my space is set up in a way that motivates me, and as crazy as it sounds... making my bed every single morning and putting everything in its place. It's important for me to have structure and routine. The second that is taken away from me or I get into the 'I'll do it tomorrow' mentality I quickly allow my toxic friend bad ol' depression to sick its claws in me. Next thing I know I'm laying in bed at 7pm binge watching the same tv show for the 5th time until I fall asleep - a pattern that continues for weeks. There is a reason I mention these little details that make it sound like I'm going off on a tangent. I know I'm not alone and I know others are just like me. If someone is reading this and resonates with my patterns I want you to know that you can break the cycles. It might take years and it might be a pattern you have to break many, many times but each time you do you get a little better. A little strong. You'll start to notice these patterns creeping back in and you'll have the tools to stop it from going on for too long. Clear the Energy: The Recipe
I cannot emphasize this enough: it is your practice. For the recipe below, I chose to create a candle bowl. You might feel like anointing your candle or making a simmer pot with it (although I will say it won't smell like much with the ingredients I used), and that's perfectly okay.
I didn't just throw some ingredients in a bowl, light a candle, and walk away. I set my intentions with each ingredient I added. I meditated. I quite literally cleaned my space to remove the clutter. Figure out what works best for you and go with it. There is no right or wrong way to practice. We are all different and that's what makes it so beautiful.
Candle Magick
I tend to see 'can you use a different color candle' whenever I make a bowl like this. The simple answer is: absolutely.
I personally chose white because it represents purity. I'm looking for a clean slate. I want natural energy. This recipe wasn't about attracting anything. It was about cleansing and clearing out the old. Releasing what no longer serves me - I am not focused on attracting the things I want to manifest right now. I want to heal whatever energy is lingering. This isn't about banishing or being baneful to send back energy that someone may have sent to me. This, for me, was about movement. White works perfectly for me in this situation. If you only have a purple candle or maybe pink is your safe space - use it! Absolutely use what you have available and what resonates for you. As I always say... You are magic. xx jen
Practical Magic was released in 1998...and what a magical year that was. If you've ever been interested in even the idea of magick I'm sure you've heard the famous line...
"Always throw spilt salt over your left shoulder. Keep rosemary by your garden gate. Plant lavender for luck...and fall in love whenever you can." What are simmer pots?
I began using simmer pots as a way to assist with cleansing the energy of my space after a very traumatic experience. Simmer pots can be used for a very simple reason - for aroma. They're a great alternative to chemically filled candles or those who are sensitive to strong smells, even essential oils.
For me, I use them for both the aroma as well as the shifting of the energy. Do I think that dill is actually going to bring me cash money? Not really. Do I think that having a tool, for example dill, that allows me to believe so strongly that I am aligned with the abundance of the universe will bring deposits to my bank account? Absolutely! For me, simmer pots are a tool. A tool that I use to allow myself to connect with Spirit on a deeper level. I set my intentions and I take a few moments to be nothing except present in that moment. Sometimes I start my day with a simmer pot to set my intentions and other days I end my evenings with a simmer pot to unwind and decompress all those dark energies that get in the way of my clear connection with Spirit. I started off by using my stovetop, but quickly realized that I really did not like leaving the stove on all day - or something plugged in. That's when Spirit intervened and gave me the best idea...use a butter warmer! I know, sounds a bit crazy. Powered by a tea light, a butter warmer actually fills a smaller space (like a bedroom) with aroma. You an also put them in spaces that the stove clearly couldn't go - like a bathroom, bedroom, living room, etc. If you're in a larger space I've found that using (2) butter warmers with the same recipes can fill a space with the delicate and gentle calming aromas you create. The Recipe
Before I say anything else, I want to be very clear that if you have pets in your home always do your research first. Just like essential oils, some are safer than others. I very rarely use an ingredient that isn't considered pet safe, at least for the aroma aspect, but every so often I put tarragon or eucalyptus in my recipe and neither should be used if you have pets - and sometimes small children - in the home.
With that said, always do your research. Never rely on someone else to tell you what does or doesn't work for your home. The disclaimer is mostly for those with cats, who have a tendency to get into things and owners worry if they accidentally drink some of the simmer pot they'll get ill. So, for this 'clear the energy' recipe I used only ingredients that are considered safe (in small amounts) for cats and dogs. If you have a different pet in your home, please research each individual ingredient to find out if it's safe for them. happy shifting- xx jen
When I first started making simmer pots I was using my stovetop. I absolutely loved the idea of a simmer pot - the meaning behind the ingredients, the intentions, the aroma... stovetop simmer pots are amazing.
The only thing that I didn't like was leaving the gas stove on all day - or even a few hours. Plus, that large pot seemed like more of a waste with how much of each ingredient you need to use. Shortly after I began my simmer pot journey, I moved into a home that had an electric stove. I immediately saw an issue with how quickly the simmer pots boiled down. Plus, I honestly didn't want to continue leaving the stove on...or something like a crockpot leaved plugged in all day. So, I began my search to find an option that didn't use gas or electric. Behold! My beloved butter warmer. I get a lot of questions about using the butter warmer, so here are a few FAQ's if you're in the market for a new simmer pot option.
Simmer Pot Recipe
Saying something is safe for cats and dogs is a bit awkward for me. Most of my simmer pot recipes are perfectly safe as far as the aroma goes. Unless it uses tarragon or eucalyptus, I really don't see an issue with the aroma itself. AS ALWAYS DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. You know your pets & household better than anyone else.
I find that most people that ask about if a simmer pot is safe for cat or dog it's because they're worried what would happen if their cat drank the actual liquid or got into the ingredients. Coming up with simmer pot recipes that are completely safe for cats & dogs is not easy. Even citrus is on the 'no-no' list for pets. So you won't see me put an exclusive 'safe for pets' disclaimer on a ton of my recipes, but I strongly encourage you to do your own research on the ingredients that are safe for your pets & build your own recipe book based on those.
With it being February, a passion themed simmer pot seemed appropriate. Passion isn't always about the passion between two individuals. It's the passion that you feel when you find your soul's purpose, the passion you experience when sharing a story that sets your soul on fire, the strength you feel when you're finally confident enough to stand up for yourself. Passion can mean something different for everyone.
Why I Love Tea Light Powered Pots
I get the question, 'but does it simmer?' a lot...and I mean, a lot. To be perfectly honest, when it comes to the pot I used for this recipe (which is actually a fondue set) doesn't simmer. I should say, I haven't found a ratio that allows a simmer. I personally don't think this particular pot will simmer due to the thickness of the ceramic bowl. When you call it a 'simmer pot recipe' people think it needs to simmer and that's just not the case. The aroma comes out even without the simmer.
I don't know that I will ever go back to using a stovetop for my simmer pots. I still prefer the butter warmer version, but sometimes I really want to create a larger pot - which is when something like the fondue set comes into play. Smaller pots are absolutely amazing. They still provide an aroma, are chemical free (and if you're like me who is extremely sensitive to just about any synthetic scent or extremely strong aromas these are a game-changer), don't use any electric or gas, and create a calming environment. Passion Herbs & Their Magickal Meanings
Rose - Passion & Sensuality
Cinnamon - Love & Passion Coriander - Amplifies Properties Of Love & Lust Honey - Sweetens Things Up Orange - Represents Fire Cayenne - Warmth & Spice
Whether you're making a simmer pot, using a Tibetan Singing Bowl, or energetically cleansing your space, it's important to set the tone when you move into a new home. I find this to be especially true if you're moving into a home that others have lived in - especially rentals.
In many cultures it is believed that your home carries its own energy. When you enter you're supposed to say, 'hello', and when you leave you're supposed to say, 'thank you'. I lived in the same home and rarely spoke to it -- and the house itself had horrible energy no matter what I did. I never even considered I could be neglecting the most important energy - the house itself! Think about rentals - how often do you think that home has actually been appreciated or shown gratitude? Different energies continuously passing through and leaving behind a 'mark'... if walls could talk, right? What Kind Of Simmer Pot Was Used?
I get this question a lot when I post videos on TikTok of my mini simmer pot recipes. To be honest, a butter warmer is still my preferred mini simmer pot. They're wonderful for smaller rooms, like a bedroom, and you don't have to leave the stove on all day.
There are times when a full size simmer pot is needed - and cleansing of the home is one of those times. So I actually used a tea light powered fondue set. It's still growing on me - I can't seem to find the ratio of water vs. ingredients but I know that has something to do with the thickness of the ceramic bowl. It is still my preferred way of making a full size simmer pot. It creates the perfect ambiance at night (and to be honest during the day as well), you're not using electric or gas, you can leave it lit all day (provided you're keeping an eye on it), and it works in larger spaces. I've found the key to aroma is making sure that you stir or dip the ingredients every so often. You can find the 3 Tea Light Fondue Set on Amazon Here. New Home Simmer Pot Recipe
Red Rose Petals: Love; draw in abundance & new energy
Yellow Rose Petals: Joy & hope; also represents friendship Basil: Receive good luck Rosemary: Inner peace. Cranberries would be a good alternative for this property Black Pepper: Removes heavy energies Rice: Attract & review wealth; also said to balance energies Thyme: Brings out the good in those in the home & those who enter the home Sage: Cleanse old energy Lime: Healing properties. Aloe vera or blueberries would be great alternatives for this property Remember, it's all about intention. Set your intentions with each ingredient added. Take time to be present in the moment. What are you releasing? What are you attracting? Have you taken the time to care for your home to show your gratitude? Ingredients don't matter if your intention isn't there.
sI actually had a ton of fun creating this recipe. I was thinking about slowly easing away from simmer pots as my focus is more on my spiritual journey, but this morning Spirit gave me this beautiful idea: combine simmer pots with the work needed to further develop my connection to my Higher Self.
I know that seems a little obvious - aren't simmer pots already creating that connection? But it seems like it's attracting more of an audience that isn't as interesting in developing and more interested in spellwork. Which is completely fine - whatever resonates with you - but I have started to find myself becoming addicted to the idea of creating what audience engage with rather than what my soul needs. It's becoming a bit counteractive. I began a new routine (I'd say morning routine but I'm finding this process works best in the evening) of outlining what I need to get done - including creating simmer pot recipes. This morning when I sat down to create my recipe I realized it was Thursday - Thankful Thursday according to my previous notes - and it dawned on me (thanks Spirit!) to create a recipe that not only allows a shift in energy but also encourages shadow work.
Shadow work, reflection work, mirror work...it's all the same. We uncover our triggers, what causes them, and how to heal them. It's a huge part of our connection to Spirit. If we don't know our blockages, how are we going to clear them? Bringing to light the aspects that we hide can help our growth in moving forward.
So today I decided to create a Gratitude Simmer Pot that would show everyone where they stood on certain topics. For example, if you can't think of something in the realm of self-love to be grateful for then you probably have a lot of healing to do. If you can't find something to appreciate in your relationship with money then you probably have a lot of blockages preventing you from alignment to the abundance of the Universe. This simmer pot recipe is intended to not only give yourself a gentle pat on the back and show appreciation, but it's also about discovering where you stand in various aspects of your journey and hopefully inspire you to work at healing those aspects that need to be healed. Thankful Thursday Simmer Pot Recipe
Before you start. This recipe is not just 'oh, black pepper? I have that!' and add it and forget it. This recipe is a more intentional simmer pot. Pause, take a moment to read below, and really take the opportunity to reflect.
Each ingredient corresponds with a different intention. As you add each ingredient, think about or say what you are thankful for within that intention. For example, ginger represents grounding. You could say, 'I am thankful that I feel safe and trust the Universe to protect me throughout my spiritual journey.' If you can't find something to be grateful for - take the time to figure out why you can't find that sense of gratitude. Without discovering our triggers we cannot heal and we will continue to suffer - I'm sure it's something you've read over and over again but there's a reason it keeps being brought up. If you aren't able to resonate with the importance of this concept it might be a good opportunity to uncover why you're not connecting with it -- my guess is there is some sort of fear preventing you from wanting to heal. It's possible that you don't actually make this simmer pot and the recipe just sits in your 'to do' pile. Use this as a journal entry and take each representation to write about how you feel about it. When was the last time you felt courageous? Do you have limited beliefs around finances that prevent you from growing your bank account? What does success mean to you? These are great prompts to get you started in self-discovery.
• Rose (Self-Love)
• Ginger (Grounding) • Black Pepper (Courage) • Star Anise (Inner Strength - Your Power) • Cinnamon (Finances) • Rosemary (Success)
Simmer pots are a great way to assist in shifting energies. I personally make one every single morning and it has become part of my routine. If I don't make a simmer pot as part of my morning intention, the entire day seems off. Simmer pots are simply how I resonate with connecting and grounding myself. They just make sense to me - and I truly do believe it has something to do with the aroma. Think about your own experiences with essential oils - do you feel differently when you use them? There is actual science behind how smells can shift the way we feel or how it can trigger a memory.
If simmer pots don't work to help bring you to a place of calmness and grounded then I strongly encourage you to find what works best for you. It could be as simple as a walk in nature. Connecting to our Higher Self and getting into alignment with the vibration you want to match is a never ending process - but so worth it. I can always tell when I'm out of alignment (and no one wants to be around me, haha!) and it's not easy to get back into the groove of things. Well, I should say it wasn't easy to get back into alignment. Since my awakening I still fall off track but it's either for a few hours or a good night's rest is all I need to reset before I can step back into my own power. The Recipe
Sage - Purifies & Cleanses
Star Anise - Psychic Awareness Chamomile - Amplifies Psychic Abilities Blueberries - Said To Expand Visions & Allow Easier Access To Tap Into Your Psychic Abilities Peppermint - Clarity Rosemary - Memory Recall Mugwort - Connect To Higher Self
Endings, Letting Go, Releasing, and Making Room For Your Blessings
The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect, re-evaluate, and release. While we do this many times during the year (or should, at least), New Year's Eve is that time of the year when we're constantly being faced with the idea of the fresh start of the new year. But what has to happen in order to have a fresh start? We have to let go.
Letting Go For New Year's Eve
Simmer pots are a great way to begin to shift our energy. It allows us to take time to focus on ourselves and our intentions. While I am an advocate for simmer pots (because they have assisted with bettering my own mental health), they aren't something you can 'set it and forget it'. You need to put in some extra work to truly get the energy shifting, but simmer pots are a great start or addition to your routine!
Some other ways that I've found help shift the energy when things get dark are:
New Year's Eve Simmer Pot Recipe
Add water as needed. You may notice that I don't put measurements on my recipes. Every person uses a different way of creating their simmer pots from butter warmers (my personal favorite) to saucepans on the stovetop. Use what resonates with you.
I don't have the ability to stir my simmer pots often as I use a butter warmer and it doesn't allow for much space before overflowing, but if you're able to, stir your simmer pot when you add water. Stir towards you to attract and away from you to repel. Don't have an ingredient?
If you don't have an ingredient, don't fret! My simmer pot recipes are simply a guide to help assist you along your journey. You can always omit an ingredient or switch it for something else. Not sure what to switch the ingredient to? Leave a comment and I'll do my best to offer suggestions.
xx jen
I knew that I wanted to find a way to 'gift' mini simmer pots and the holiday season has been the perfect time to try out my DIY skills in making that happen. The first recipe I created was a 'hodgepodge' style recipe filled with all good intentions -- and mostly herbs or flower petals.
I wasn't sure how dried fruit (that I dried myself in the oven) was going to hold up in the jar, so I ended up creating this recipe with mostly herbs. (There is a video at the bottom of this post showing step by step instructions for visual learners) Click here to print your own PDF Simmer Pot Recipe Cards for 'Shift the Energy'
Some things you should know about the recipe...
• I made this printable card with the intention of giving multiple simmer pots as gifts, so there are (4) recipe cards per page. • I found that it holds up best on matte photo paper (I LOVE Staples Matte Photo Paper), but normal cardstock would work perfect. • I also included a note that included instructions on how to use the DIY recipe for those that may not be familiar with mini simmer pots. • Including extra tea light candles also helps to complete the gift. Simmer Pot Shift the Energy Recipe
Why I Don't Put Measurements
Many people have asked 'how much' you put in, but I'm going to be completely honest. Simmer pots are based on what resonates with your soul. Sometimes you need a little extra of one ingredient and not as much of another. Add as much, or as little, of each ingredient as you feel necessary. You can always add more later if you don't have enough to complete your jars.
Simmer pots can be made in large pots or mini simmer pots (like the DIY gift idea in this blog). Leaving the measurements up to the person making it allows for adjustments based on the size of the pot. |
Purchase your mini simmer pot cauldron on Amazon:Intentional Simmer PotsSimmer pots smell i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e, but combine that aroma with intention and watch the energy around you shift. Archives
February 2024
CategoriesDisclosuresI may receive a commission from any products purchased through affiliate links on this blog.
As I will not be putting this on each blog post, I would like it to be known that this blog is for entertainment purposes only. There are no guarantees with energy shifts when making your own simmer pot. Please use common sense when it comes to fire safety and never leave your simmer pot left unattended. |