Jul 3, 2010

Farmers Market Saturdays - Magical in the Mundane Edition

One of the great things about farmers markets - especially ours, which spans three blocks of Main Street, is that you can find just about anything you could possibly want in one place.  I took a good look today, when I went to get my veggies, at the myriad items and noticed that many of them could be used for my magical work. 




First there is the actual produce.  Not only is it incredibly good for you, but fruits and veggies make beautiful seasonal displays and offerings.  Also at our market there are many people who sell herbs and flowers, both fresh and dried, and I could get much of the ingredients I needed for a spell pouch, dream pillow, or for some homemade incense or smudge.



There are also two fantastic soap vendors at our market - both of whom use organic ingredients and locally grown herbs and flowers in their soaps.  If you are looking for something special for a ritual bath - organic handmade soap is it!


Photo found here.

I've also purchased sarongs and silk fabric and a gorgeous wrap skirt at an artisan's booth.  I've used a sarong and the fabric for altar cloths, and the wrap skirt is one of the special pieces of clothing I set aside for magical work.

Photo found here.

Something you can find at most farmers markets is local honey.  I am in LOVE with local honey!  Firstly, it's a fabulous way to stave off allergies.  I started getting some sniffles this Spring and after a teaspoon of honey a day, I am allergy free!  The idea is that the bees collect pollen from the local plants (many of which are responsible for your allergies) and by dosing with the honey, you are in essence allowing your body to build an immunity to the pollen from those plants.

Also, honey can be used as an offering (Faeries are said to love their milk & honey) or used for 'sweetening' someone (more common in hoodoo and rootwork.)


Photo found here.

So, next time you visit your local farmers market, remember that all those wonderful wares can be used for more than just making a Summer meal - they can be used for making a little magic too!


16 comments:

mxtodis123 said...

I was waiting for this today. That soap looks so colorful and lucious. I would love a bar of each. I go nuts for scents for my bath rituals.
Mary

Heather S-G said...

So true!! I love it...open your mind and the possibilities are enless =) I've already lamented not planting more sage this year. I wanted to make and gift smudge sticks...oi...what's wrong with me!? Love your farmer's market posts!

TMCPhoto said...

Thank you tahnk you thank you for the honey tip for allergies. This year I'm suffering harder than others for one reason. A teaspoon of honey a day will be so sfe for me to use and also I love the flavour so it will be a bit of a treat too!

TheBlakkDuchess said...

Yes, thank you SO much for the honey tip! This year does seem to be particularly allergy infested, & I usually don't suffer almost at all. ^-^

You are so lucky to have such a wonderful market! Bellingham just started one a few weeks ago, and I'm hoping to be able to go this next weekend. Happy hunting! =D

Little Messy Missy said...

Great pics. I sometime sell my garden and herb runoff at our local farmers market. Way fun!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I've never heard that before about honey and allergies -- interesting!

the wild magnolia said...

I just love the summer market visits! Fresh veggies and herbs thrill me! And honey, well, it is a favorite! Luscious and yummy do!

Thanks for sharing!

the wild magnolia said...

I just love the summer market visits! Fresh veggies and herbs thrill me! And honey, well, it is a favorite! Luscious and yummy do!

Thanks for sharing!

jaz@octoberfarm said...

i've used honey for allergies for years. i buy honey everywhere we travel too because the flavors are so different everywhere. i am not having a party. i just cooked for the kids. my son is having a party and my daughter is going to one and taking food. i am going to bed early and pretend the fireworks are a big thunderstorm and try to ignore all the noise. they close our street and it becomes a pedestrian mall and it is a nightmare.

The Artful Gypsy aka Wendy the Very Good Witch said...

Great post! I love flavored honey too. My favorite from Florida is orange blossom honey. Florida smells incredible in the Spring when the orange blossoms are blooming and the honey has lovely fragrant and delicate orange blossom flavor. It would be kind of neat to trade honey with people from other places wouldn't it? :o)

Hope you had a great weekend Rue!

Mamadee said...

I have to agree with Wendy, Orange Blossom honey is my all time FAV. I try to drink a cup of relaxing tea with honey every night before bed. As for farmers market's I WISH we had them down here. We used to go to the ones in New York all the time. As a matter of fact we got our beloved Siamese cat at one. But down here a GREEN market ONLY refers to all the cash you need to spend to try and get fresh produce. I guess I will just continue to enjoy yours Rue ! :)

jaz@octoberfarm said...

hi...the pasta recipe is on my sidebar under topics. scroll down to sun-dried tomato pasta and click on it. this stuff is unbelievably good. it is addictive! if you have any questions just ask! joyce

Wendilea said...

Beautiful post Rue! There is always something new and exciting at the local farmer's market! I look forward to the weekly visits there.

Mary Bergfeld said...

I loved the tour of your farmers market. I especially want to thank you for the tip regarding honey as a means of building an immunity to allergens. I'll try it for sure. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

Dede said...

I love you market posts. The sarongs are gorgeous, thanks so much for the link. Wishing you a terrific week!

(((HUGS)))

Lilli's Funny Farm said...

This is a wonderful Web Site! We moved here from NH 2 years ago and have just found the Farmer's Markets here in NC. They are indeed a great source of all kinds of fabulous "goodies". Thank you and a Magical Day to All!