Do you have some leftover herbs and fruits from the holidays? I invite you to make a simmer pot with me. In these cold months, pagans may enjoy looking within for some shadow work, hibernating like the bear, and spending time with the people closest to them. There is a flip side to the cold, rain, and isolation; depression, unprocessed trauma, and loneliness may also bubble to the top. When these emotions hit home, it’s time to warm the house with an aromatic simmer pot.

What’s in a simmer pot, you ask? It is entirely up to the potter; you may find yourself mixing cranberries, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, pine, apples, oranges, lemons, roses, or bay leaves. Anything with a smell that is meaningful to you belongs in the pot.

Let’s make it!

Winter Solstice Simmer Pot: For Motivation, Connectivity, and Love

Ingredients:

6oz of fresh Cranberries

4 Tangerienes

3 Cinnamon Sticks

a bundle of dried Lavander

1. Fill water an inch away from the top of the pot. Boil water.
2. Cut up Tangeriences. Crush Lavander.
3. Add all ingredients to the pot. Set an intention with each ingredient. Oranges for inspiration. Lavender for comfort and friendship. Cinnamon for love and spice to life. Cranberries for family and (career/passion) goals.  
4. Allow it to boil for five minutes.
5. Reduce heat to simmer for 4-6 hours.
6. When done, you may save the cinnamon sticks in a plastic bag and put them into the freezer for the next simmer pot.

I have found that this aroma therapy magick is good for getting yourself out of your head, easing depression, and strengthing motivation. The smell is relaxing. It benefits everyone inside the house, bringing them closer together and making them more aware of their senses. The simmer pot is an excellent use of herbs and fruit that are about to expire and can be thrown into the compost afterward. Feeling a little frisky? Try sipping your tea as long as you use all-natural edible ingredients.