21 days of Yule day 8: of Pinecones and Fire

On Samhain, I shared with you my walk and wildcrafting forage. Where I picked pinecones from beneath the canopy of white pine trees.
As I am from New England and we use fire to heat part of our home I have learned how to start a fire many different ways. One of the ways I love to start the fire is with pine cones. Why? well they burn cleaner that the lighter fluids that you purchase and you can scent them anyway you wish.

What i love to do is create a fire starter bundle and make enough to last for a few weeks (until Yule at least) before I have to buy some more supplies.  i also like to create a potpourri of sorts that can be tossed on the fire and can help to scent the room and home.
The pinecones help the fire burn cheerily and smells great. here are the recipes for your book of shadows,

                                                     Scented Pine cones:
essential oils
pine cones
water

• wash the pine cones (if you collected them yourself) and bake in the over at 200 degrees for 10-15 mins
• remove from heat allow to cool. you can now place them in a plastic bag, and drop your essential oils into the package and shake the pine cones around, allow to sit in bag for a week, as this will help concentrate the smell. 
• You can mix the scents you wish into the bag and this will help it smell like Yule.

                                                       Fire Starter bundles

1. corn husks (can be purchased in the grocery store or in ethnic stores)-- or you can ask the store owner if you can take the husks from trash where people have pulled off their corn= free
2. sage leaves
3. twine or natural raffta

Instructions:

• Place the sage leaves into little bundles within the corn husks
• use the twine to secure them
• Use these to light the fire with your starter sticks and your fire will smell delicious

                                                      Yule Potpourri 

• 1 cup powdered ginger, & cinnamon
• i tsp ground gloves and nutmeg
• plastic bag
• bowl and wooden spoon
• 2 tbsp graft glue
• 3/8 cup smooth applesauce
• rolling pin and cutting board
• christmas cookie cutter
• pine needles
• dried leaves, cranberries
• cinnamon sticks
• simmer plate and water
• tea-light candles

instructions:

1. combine cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg in a plastic bag, set aside
2. with wooden spoon & bowl, mix together: applesauce & glue until combined
3. pour mixture in with the spices, squeeze bag with hands until ball forms
4. knead doing on a cinnamon sprinkled surface. roll out to 1/4 in thickness with rolling pin
5. cut out shapes with cookie cutter. let fry slowly, turning them frequently.
6. fill upper bowl of simmer plate with enough water to cover bottom. Add mix of pine needles, dried leaves, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and cutouts. light candle beneath bowl of simmer plate.

Fire Blessing

I kindle the midwinter fire

in the name of the Ancestors

and of the Holy Ones

Who guard the world

May it's flame warm us all

and may it's light remind us

of the ever-returning sun

Burn the log O fire

---The Winter Solstice by john Matthews

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do my loves.
Blessed Be