Winter beauty and the Yule solstice

The winter season is associated with the water element and the emotion of fear. A lot of things can come up this time of year. It’s best to take time to process through these emotions, to find healing. In chinese medicine it relates to the urinary bladder, kidneys and the adrenal glands. The urinary bladder meridians control the “water ways” in the body. We are physically three quarters fluid. Everything that protects, nourishes, lubricates, grows, eliminates, or otherwise moves within us, does so with the help of the water element. Water is equally important for the mind and the spirit. Without the cleansing flow of water element the mind loses flexibility, the memory can be impaired and the ability to clear itself of old habitual patterns is affected. In the Chinese medical philosophy, the kidneys are considered the source of all energy or Qi in the body. They store the reserve Qi in the body so that it can be used in times of stress and change to help heal, this helps to prevent illness and to age gracefully. If you are overly stressed or exhausted you could be overworking your adrenal glands, which will burn out your reserve of Qi energy and can lead to a weakened immune system. If your immune system is compromised then you will likely catch a cold or flu. Support your immune system with seasonal foods that help nourish and replenish your body’s stores. Do things to calm and manage the stresses you experience in your life.  

Cold foods and juices should be avoided as to not cause dis-ease in the body. Here is a short list of some foods you can add into your diet this winter. 

Hot soups and stews, root vegetables, kidney beans, black beans, garlic, ginger, potatoes, squashes, apples, asparagus, salmon, lamb, mushrooms, barley, roasted nuts, chestnuts, carrots, cardamom, cinnamon, onion family, coconut milk, pumpkin, bone broth, etc.

I have here a recipe for Mushroom barley soup. 

If you live in a place where you get snow, there is magick you can do with it. Snow is after all water. It’s cold and frozen, and can be used in many different ways. 

Water is used for healing, cleansing, and purification, and associated with emotions. Making snow cream from fresh fallen snow is one way you can bring a little of the magick of the season into your kitchen. Here is a recipe you can try.

Maple Snow Cream

• 4 c. clean snow
• 1 c. milk {preferably whole milk} or 1/2-&-1/2
• 1/4 c. pure maple syrup
• additional pure maple syrup for drizzling

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large mixing bowl {preferably that has been chilled}, stir together all ingredients for your chosen flavor except the snow. 
2. Add snow, 1 cup at a time, stirring and mashing with a spoon until incorporated.  Continue adding snow until an ice cream-like texture is reached. {You may need a little more or a little less than the specified number of cups of snow.}
3. Enjoy immediately, or cover and place outside in the snow for up to several hours. {Snow cream does not “hold” well in the freezer.}