Following Nature’s Rhythm To Lavender Cookies

Spring has made it to Michigan! 

Well, I live in modest hope that consistent warmer temperatures are in my near future. The sun made a grand appearance after several weeks of rain and chilly temperatures which even by Michigan standards are unusual by this point in May.

Oh, we’ve had sunshine pushing through the clouds or even whole days of blue sky. Enough for me to begin harvesting Dandelion, Purple Deadnettle, and a few Common Blue Violets in my yard, anyway.

I’m feeling the dance of nature’s vernal rhythm in spite of unexpected morning freezes and days-long rain over the past few weeks. Sometimes I find it hard to acquiesce to what the Earth Mother demands, which in this case appears to be patience.

Nature’s Rhythm: Go With The Flow

Don’t get me wrong. Rain is a blessing. And as a Solitary Green Witch, I love the patter of rain or when the thunder rumbles its way through March and April to draw out those long-awaited May flowers. I understand that despite a change in the calendar, winter has not necessarily loosened its grip.

My feet, however, long to touch the grass and feel the energy of the earth without the barrier of shoes. I want to till the soil, plant seeds, begin the process of cultivating my yard with a new garden. Being offered tantalizing opportunities that are then snatched away become frustrating.

The seedlings and plants I’ve been nurturing throughout the cold, gray days desire for the days of heat as well. I sense those little plant spirits drooping, bending toward the sunshine even when it is meager. There have been several false starts where I move the plants outside to enjoy the daylight because the temperature is delightfully warm, but then must drag them back so bitter cold nights do not freeze them.

My son laughs at me when I talk (he would say “coo”) to my plants, saying things such as “How are my babies today?”, “You’re so beautiful, thank you for growing for me”, or “Hang in there!” whenever I water, prune, or ask individual plant spirit’s for permission to harvest. I have to laugh and smile because I must seem kind of strange to the casual observer when I am working out in my yard, flower beds, or container garden.

But that is who I am as a Green Witch. Those plants which I nurture from seed or seedling are my allies in life and magickal workings so I’m going to speak to them, share my energy, etc.

They are both gentle and fierce spirits with so much to offer when asked. I love my plants and all things green. Getting to know them and learn their energy, along with the ones that volunteer in my yard or the trees which tower over my home is one part of how I live my path.

There is magick in everyday living, especially when interacting with the natural world. Learning to sense and adapt to nature’s rhythm, despite my own agenda or personal gardening time-table. There is a lot to learn from the trees, plants, and flowers which grow in the world around us when we take the time to tune into the lesson. Aligning ourselves within nature allows us to bring intention into what we do throughout the day as well.

Peaceful Meetings Lemon and Lavender Cookies

(Adapted by Gwyn from Culinary Lavender, Herbes de Provence & Recipes – Lavender Hill Farm)

1 cup Butter (softened)

½ cup Sugar

1 tsp Vanilla

2 cups White Unbleached Flour

1 ½ tsp Culinary Grade Lavender Blossoms

2 – 3 tsps Lemon Juice

Preheat Oven to 300 degreees

Cream the butter by stirring deosil (clock-wise) while focusing your intention of peace and harmony. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy, continue to focus on your intention. In a separate bowl mix flour and lavender blossoms then add to the butter mixture. Speak these words or better yet, create your own incantation to match your intention:

As I mix these cookies fine

Bring lavender’s peace to me and mine

So mote it be.

Add lemon juice. If dough is too sticky add ½ cup flour and mix until dough forms a ball. Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough until ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or small juice class to cut shapes. Sprinkle each cookie with a small amount of sugar while saying these words or use your own words to match your intention:

Sugar sweet, add to the peace while we meet.

So mote it be.

Place cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 14-15 minutes or until just golden brown.

Let cool and then serve with a favorite beverage. A good recipe to share with family or friends when a room is charged with difficult energy or emotions.