{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"61 Samhain: The Ancestors' Table and the Turning of the Celtic Year","description":"The morning after Samhain, I sit down at the ancestors' table. This episode explores the old English custom of souling and soul cakes, the Irish and Celtic ways of welcoming the dead home in the dark half of the year, and the two plants that belong at this season's table: the apple, with its hidden star, and mullein, the "hag's taper" once carried as a light for the dead. In this episode Why Samhain was a season, not a single night, and how All Saints' and All Souls' grew from it Souling in Shropshire and Cheshire, and the Antrobus Soulcakers who still perform today Setting a place for the dead: Irish hearth customs and the American dumb supper Apple lore for Samhain, from Snap-Apple Night to Avalon, the isle of apples Mullein as the hag's taper, candlewick plant and New England's "Quaker rouge" A simple, gently spiced soul cake recipe and a warm apple cup for the ancestors' table Herbs featured Apple \u2014 Samhain's fruit. Apple seeds release cyanide when crushed, so never grind them into food. Mullein \u2014 use the leaves and flowers, never the seeds. Strain mullein tea through a fine cloth to catch the tiny hairs. If you light a dried stalk, do it outdoors in a fire-safe spot and never leave it unattended. This week's ritual: Set a place at the table for those who came before \u2014 an apple cut crosswise to show its star, a candle in the window with a dried mullein stalk beside it, and your ancestors' names spoken aloud. Watch the companion video: Samhain Eve \u2014 a cozy story on YouTube https:\/\/youtu.be\/FZ2XsClXSQ4?si=lq-oFG-C8BNQjsu4 From the Herbary Archive: Episode 01, Souling https:\/\/directory.libsyn.com\/episode\/index\/id\/11811821 \u270d\ufe0f Join my Newsletter! If you'd like to know me a little more personally, a letter arrives from the garden each Friday \u2014 seasonal stories, herbal wisdom, the quiet rhythms of the Celtic year, and personal videos from the Herbary I'm building by hand.   You'll be the first to hear about new offerings, upcoming classes, and hands-on workshops. And each month, subscribers receive the topic and the link for our free Zoom circle, where we gather to learn and linger together.   It's a slow, unhurried corner of the internet. Come as you are. https:\/\/thenewenglandherbary.com\/join\/ \ud83c\udf3f Herbs & Favorite Tools (affiliate links \u2014 thank you for supporting this work) Herbs featured in this Show: 1. Dried Mullein Leaf https:\/\/link.amazon\/B0aG4LFuh 2. Beeswax Candles https:\/\/link.amazon\/B02TnlzO1 3. Saffron Threads https:\/\/link.amazon\/B0dBea0ES 4. Whole Nutmeg https:\/\/link.amazon\/B0fXjgsFI   My favorite tea-making tools:   BAYKA French Press Coffee Maker https:\/\/amzn.to\/4r4LYNH   Cold Brew Coffee Filter for Wide Mouth Mason Jar https:\/\/amzn.to\/4qWQr4L   Heat-proof wide-mouth mason jars https:\/\/amzn.to\/4pNflmq   \ud83d\udcdaBookstore - Brenda J. Sullivan Books https:\/\/www.brendajsullivanbooks.com\/   \ud83c\udf31 My Garden Journal \u2013 A How-To Garden Book for Kids Because every gardener starts with a single seed \u2014 and a little curiosity. My Garden Journal is part how-to guide, part creative keepsake, designed to help children (and their grown-ups) learn the basics of growing food and flowers while documenting their journey. Inside you\u2019ll find: Simple planting guidance Space for drawings, photos, and notes Imaginative themed gardens (Harry Potter Herb Garden, Young Chef\u2019s Garden, Monarch Butterfly Garden) Perfect for homeschooling families, budding herbalists, and anyone who wants to grow confidence by growing plants. \u2728 You\u2019ll be amazed at how much you \u2014 and your garden \u2014 grow when you take time to journal the journey.   \ud83c\udf3f Work With Me \ud83c\udf19 Herbal Consultations (Now Open) Root your wellness in the wisdom of the plants \u2014 and the stars. My one-on-one consultations offer gentle, grounded guidance rooted in traditional herbalism, vitalist principles, and (if you wish) astrology. Each session begins with listening. \ud83d\udc49 Learn more here: https:\/\/mailchi.mp\/351efb18cd6b\/one-on-one-consultations-landing-page   \u2615 Buy Me a Cup of Tea If this story brought you comfort, you can support the channel here: https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/thompsonstg   \ud83c\udfb6 Music Credits A heartfelt thank you to Alexander Nakarada for the music featured in this story. I am a Patreon supporter of Alexander\u2019s work.   \ud83c\udfbc Song: Planning - 320bit -  September 5, 2021 \ud83d\udd17 https:\/\/www.serpentsoundstudios.com\/   \ud83c\udf3f Stay Connected Website: https:\/\/thenewenglandherbary.com\/ Youtube: https:\/\/youtube.com\/@thenewenglandherbary?si=f7_MB0XEz0vn0Xr   Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thenewenglandherbary\/ Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61578148227744 The New England Herbary is a project of Thompson Street Farm LLC. https:\/\/thompsonstreetfarm.com\/   ","author_name":"The New England Herbary","author_url":"https:\/\/thenewenglandherbary.com\/blog\/","html":"