Ramblings, Musings, and Other Sundry Bits

So one of the most common things I see on my Mead posts is “I’d love to do that, but I don’t have the stuff”

We’ll sit down and buckle up. Because I’m about to show you how to make a $12.56 traditional mead.

Here’s the recipe:

1 gallon Deer Park/spring water. You don’t want distilled.

3 lb or 32 fluid ounces honey.

One package of yeast.

a party balloon.

The cost total is $13.49, but you only need one pack of yeast. So -$0.90.

Let’s begin:

Everything together on a clean work surface, you will need a clean glass. And while not entirely necessary, a measuring cup will be handy.

Pour a cup of water for yourself and drink it. Hydration is important. Also this will allow you headspace.

Remove about ehhhhh, a quart or so of water to drink later.

Trust me. You’re going to want it

You have two options for yeast, that bread yeast we bought, or professional brewer’s yeast.

They’re both the same price. You can get brewers yeast off of Amazon.

I already have brewer’s yeast, so I’m using brewer’s yeast

Stick that in that honey water.

Stick your honey in some hot water.

Go outside. Breath the free air. Know what it is… To truely live.

Enough of that bitch. Honey’s hot. Put it in the water.

Put the water in the honey too.

Shake the sin out of it.

Shake the sh*t outta it.

Hydrate yourself with the water you removed earlier.

Shank a balloon with a pin.

Add your yeasty honey water.

Balloon it.

Label it.

If your trad mead says anything racist, or anything positive about Hitler. Straighten that sh*t out.

And there you go. $12 (.56) traditional mead. Stick it somewhere dark and leave it alone for a while.

Those candles were placed beside wherever I slept that night. In the morning, I would move them and set them wherever I’d have to hang out. At one point I carried one around in my purse - one of those big honking 3-wick candles. I never lit them, but I’d open them and smell them a lot.

I credit that purchase with a lot of my drive that got me to where I am today. I had been working tirelessly, 15+ hour days with barely any reward, constantly on the phone or trying to deal with organizations and associations to “get help at”. It’d gone on for almost a year by the end of it, and I was so burnt out, to the point that I would shake 24/7. But I could get a bit of relief from my 3-wick “upper middle class lifestyle” candles. They represented my future goals, my home I wanted to decorate, and how I would one day not be in this mess anymore.

When we moved into the apartment, and our financial status improved, I burned those candles every single day. When they were empty, I cleaned them out, stuck labels on them, and they became the starting point of my really cute organization system I had ALWAYS planned to have.

Tumblr: STOP SMOKING

Me: I don’t even smoke

Tumblr: STOOOOOOOP look at this close up photo of lung cancer.

Me: Yeah bro I know it’s cool I’ve never actually.....

Tumblr: Do you think smoking is cool?!?! Is that what you think?!!?!?!?

Me: Listen can I just post this picture of a guy with an awesome altar?

Tumblr: looks sexual, we’re flagging his nipples as inappropriate

Southern Cunning is now available for pre-order! I’m so excited to have this going out into the world and sharing something that has been such a labor of love. Pre-orders are immensely helpful for authors so give it a gander! Here are some of the early reviews for Southern Cunning

“Born of experience and lived practice, Aaron Oberon’s honest, warm and insightful exploration of Southern Cunning illumines an immersive journey from the crossroads through the stories, rites, tools and substances of an operative witchcraft rooted firmly in folkloric potency, the ways of spirits and the power of place.” - Gemma Gary, author of Traditional Witchcraft - A Cornish Book of Ways

“A straight-talking, easy to follow take on folkloric witchcraft from the South, rich in personal anecdotes and practical tips.” -Lee Morgan, author of A Deed Without a Name

Natural Botanical Victorian Perfume & Beauty Accessories

Missouri-based apothecary called For Strange Women revels in the beauty of the Victorian Era and the strangely beautiful. Inspired by organic materials and artful alchemy, the unorthodox, yet charming pieces possess a romantic touch reminiscent of the old world. Its understate elegance is both demure yet eerie and enchanting.

Ranging from perfumes to natural oils, colognes and even lip balm, all “ingredients are carefully sourced from around the world with a strong preference for sustainably wild harvested and organic materials. No synthetic ingredients are ever used.”

We dare you to take a peek into their seductive collection in their Etsy shop.

Jewelry gifts under $50

Gifts for him under $30

Gifts for her under $30

If anyone was wondering what to get me for the winter holiday of their choice, I’d die twice if I got a gift certificate to this shoppe (yes I spelled it that way because it’s fancy as fuck).

Let’s look at some easy peasy things you can do in honor of a goddess that you might think is hard or scary to work with! She has been the biggest guidance in my life, and I’m so grateful for her and her unique love. I’ll share some of the things that I do, and that I recommend doing, either in her name or just to be a more Lilith-like woman!

::Stand up for yourself:: Channel your strength and courage. Making changes in your life regarding cutting out toxic people, or at least putting your foot down in situations where you are being overrun, is a huge example of something that you can do in the name of a Goddess who takes -no shit.-  Use the power of the word no, and most importantly: DO NOT ACCEPT ABUSE.

 ::Allow yourself some vanity:: Spend time in the mirror daily reciting affirmations of body positivity daily. Wear clothing that makes you feel good about yourself. If you feel better with your hair and makeup done, then don’t feel bad about making yourself feel good. Accent your beauty in whatever way makes YOU feel sexy. Learning to accept and love your body unconditionally is the ultimate goal here, but it takes time. With acceptance comes confidence, and confidence is a very Lilith-esque trait.

::Study:: A child of Lilith is always on the path of self-improvement, so catching up on your studies is a great way to grow, and it’s a great act of devotion. Of course, occult studies are perfect, but some other cool things to verse yourself on are psychology, history, language, and art. I find that psychological studies help me find balance in my magickal practices. History is useful not only for learning mythos but also for studying up on women’s history, which is inherently important to Lilith. Being well spoken, dripping honey from your lips, is a simple way to exude the energy of the divine feminine!  I’ll leave the importance of art open for interpretation.

::Start Fresh:: Lilith will be making constant changes in your life, and shedding your old skin is very important to do. I find that ritual baths and showers are very invigorating and put me into a great head space for renewing my mind. Sometimes the breakthroughs you will make are intense, and this just seems to really help me.