Indigenous pagan cultures have long practiced gratitude rituals centered around food. These traditions involve preparing and sharing dishes that symbolize appreciation for the Earth's bounties. Such gratitude dishes serve as a potent reminder of the interdependence between humans and nature and the importance of giving thanks. In many indigenous pagan communities, gratitude dishes are prepared with ingredients that directly come from the Earth, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and herbs. These dishes are then shared with the community during communal feasts or rituals. The act of partaking in these dishes is seen as a way to express gratitude for the sustenance they offer and to honor the land that provides for them.
“Meditate to some music or with your eyes closed and imagine the version of you that has everything you want,” DaSilva explains. “How do they dress? How do they speak? How do they act? Make them as real as possible in your mind's eye. Imagine them in various scenarios—at an intimate dinner with friends, at a party with all the people you admire, etc. Once they feel crystal clear in your head, imagine them standing right in front of you where you are now. Ask them anything you want, such as, ‘What do I need to do to make more money?’ or ‘What's holding me back from finding wealth?’ Your highest self always knows what they need.”
By mediating on what you want, you can uncover more of how to get there and remove any bad habits that may prevent you from arriving to your goals or reaching your fullest potential. For rituals regarding increase, you ll want to do that during the new moon think manifestation when the moon is black and getting ready to increase, such as on October 17.
The act of partaking in these dishes is seen as a way to express gratitude for the sustenance they offer and to honor the land that provides for them. Gratitude dishes can vary widely depending on the specific indigenous culture and region. For example, the Iroquois people in North America have a tradition of preparing a dish called "Three Sisters" as a symbol of gratitude.
Millennial Money Witch Jessie DaSilva’s Top Tricks, Tips, Spells
It’s spooky season. And while Halloween might not be the same as in years past this year, witches are still out to play — one witch in particular, Jessie DaSilva, is working her magic.
DaSilva, who is a money mindset coach, uses not only her skillset from time as a lawyer but also her psychic gifts and tarot card readings to help her clients reach new heights.
She has some tips of the witchy variety that can help go-getters reach their next goal.
"When it comes to witchy rituals, timing is everything,” she says. “The best way to determine what kind of rituals would serve you best is to look to the moon phases.”
And this year, Halloween will see a full moon — the only one until 2039, according to Farmers’ Almanac.
“Full moons, such as the one on Halloween this year, are at the fullest point of the moon. Because the moon will begin to shrink, it's a time for rituals and spells of ‘decrease’ (think blocks, bad habits, etc.). For rituals regarding increase, you'll want to do that during the new moon (think manifestation) —when the moon is black and getting ready to increase, such as on October 17. It's also important to note that, like anything, it's all about intention and effort.”
Here are a few of DaSilva’s recommended rituals:
1. Moon Bathing and Salt Bath .
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Amy Danise Editor“Bask in the light of the full moon as much as you can just like you would if you were tanning/sunbathing. Afterward, take a shower to make sure you're clean and then draw a bath. Add either an entire package of magnesium salt flakes or one cup of store-bought sea salt. Soak for at least 40 minutes and meditate on the blocks keeping you from your goals.”
The full moon’s energy will align with the release and confrontation of beliefs that could be holding you back from reaching your goals, or “blocks.”
2. Smudging.
“Sage and palo santo, the two most common herbs for smudging. However, grocery store herbs like rosemary or lavender (dried) can serve the same purpose, as can incense. You can even dry flowers for your smudge bundle! Tie them together with twine or cotton string. When you're ready to smudge your home, open all the doors and windows and turn on the fans or AC to get the air moving around. Light one end of your bundle with a lighter and blow out the flame so it begins to smoke. Walk around your house, circling each room counter-clockwise, making sure to get the smoke into every corner. Set your intentions aloud. Think of this as a prayer so you can say whatever feels right. I usually say something like, ‘I'm cleansing this space of all negative energy, bad vibes, and anything that doesn't serve this home or the people in it.’ Once you're done with the house, smudge yourself and anything related to your money, e.g., your wallet, your computer, etc.”
By cleansing oneself of “bad vibes” or “negative energy” one can be more open to positivity that can serve you better.
3. Meditate and envision the highest version of yourself.
“Meditate to some music or with your eyes closed and imagine the version of you that has everything you want,” DaSilva explains. “How do they dress? How do they speak? How do they act? Make them as real as possible in your mind's eye. Imagine them in various scenarios—at an intimate dinner with friends, at a party with all the people you admire, etc. Once they feel crystal clear in your head, imagine them standing right in front of you where you are now. Ask them anything you want, such as, ‘What do I need to do to make more money?’ or ‘What's holding me back from finding wealth?’ Your highest self always knows what they need.”
By mediating on what you want, you can uncover more of how to get there and remove any bad habits that may prevent you from arriving to your goals or reaching your fullest potential.
4. Perform a money spell with a candle.
“All you need for this is a new white or green candle. Before you begin, drum up energy by singing, dancing, or generally making noise. Our magic comes from within, so get that energy going! All your music and sound should be self-generated. Once you're feeling jazzed up, sit down and anoint your candle by taking a pin or a kitchen knife and carefully carving your name into it. Light it, close your eyes, and think about the money you're calling in. How will it feel when you get it? What will you do with it? Make it as real in your mind's eye as possible. Then, repeat the following phrase three times: ‘Money, money, come to me / In abundance, three times three / May I be enriched in the best of ways / Harming none, on its way. / This I accept, so mote it be / Give me money, three times three.’ Light the candle at least once every day until it burns out.”
DaSilva recommends the ritual be performed on the New Moon, when there is an increase in energy.
While witchcraft could enhance your monetary strides, DaSilva has some other practical tips, too.
1. Pay yourself first.
When you make a sale or receive a paycheck, set aside money for your savings before you start spending.
2. Keep emergency funds in an online bank.
“Not only do they have some of the highest annual percentage yields, they take a bit longer to transfer from and often cost money to wire cash out of them. This makes sure you can protect yourself from you,” DaSilva says. “Always keep a minimum of $1,000 to start and work on building up to 3-6 months.”
3. Make sure your financial habits reflect your values and prioritize what you want from your money.
This way, your money works for you and helps to give you what you need, whether that is paying down debt or spending some extra for enjoyment during a certain period.
4. Automate whatever you struggle with the most.
Technology makes everything easier and can take some tasks off your plate.
“If it's paying bills, have them all link up to a credit card and then pay off the credit card at the end of the month,” DaSilva says. “If it's saving, then make sure to set up automatic weekly deposits. The more you can take your will power out of it, the easier it will be to achieve your goals.”
5. Celebrate small wins.
“Small steps are better than no steps, so even if you start off by saving $2 a week, celebrate the fact that you started saving at all,” she says.
The same thing goes with sales and keeping good financial habits.
“If you resist a temptation to spend, decide to start donating small amounts to causes you care about, or anything else that's new and more aligned with your values, you deserve a pat on the back,” she adds.
2. Keep emergency funds in an online bank.
This dish consists of corn, beans, and squash, which are considered the three main agricultural sisters in indigenous farming practices. The dish represents the harmonious relationship between these crops and their importance in sustaining the community. Other indigenous cultures have their unique gratitude dishes. In Hawaii, for instance, the traditional imu cooking method is often used to prepare gratitude dishes. The imu involves cooking foods, such as pig or taro, in an underground oven. This method is seen as a way to honor the Earth by using its natural elements in the cooking process. Participating in these gratitude rituals and sharing these dishes can have profound spiritual and community-building effects. It strengthens the bond between individuals, the land, and the traditions of their ancestors. These rituals also serve as a reminder of the need to be mindful of our impact on the Earth and to appreciate the gifts it provides. In modern times, indigenous pagan gratitude dishes are not only cherished within indigenous communities but are also increasingly celebrated and embraced by people from different cultures. The recognition of the importance of gratitude and connection to the Earth resonates with many individuals seeking to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment and its resources. By incorporating these gratitude dishes into their own traditions, people can continue the legacy of interdependence and thanksgiving that indigenous cultures have preserved for centuries..
Reviews for "The Intersection of Indigenous Knowledge and Ecology in Pagan Gratitude Dishes"
1. Josh - 1-star rating - I was really disappointed with the Indigenous pagan gratitude dishes. While I appreciate cultural diversity and trying new things, this restaurant missed the mark completely. The dishes were bland, lacking in flavor, and overpriced. The service was also extremely slow, and it felt like the staff didn't really care about customer satisfaction. I won't be returning here anytime soon.
2. Emily - 2-star rating - I had high hopes for the Indigenous pagan gratitude dishes, but unfortunately, they fell short of my expectations. The menu sounded interesting, but the execution was poor. The food lacked authenticity and tasted like a watered-down version of what it was supposed to be. Additionally, the portion sizes were small for the price. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.
3. Mark - 2-star rating - The Indigenous pagan gratitude dishes left a lot to be desired. The flavors were underwhelming and failed to capture the essence of the cuisine. The service was lackluster, with the staff appearing disinterested and unengaged. The overall ambiance was also disappointing, lacking the warmth and authenticity that I would expect from a restaurant specializing in indigenous cuisine. I would advise others to explore alternative dining options instead.
4. Sarah - 1-star rating - I was really looking forward to experiencing the Indigenous pagan gratitude dishes, but I left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied. The food lacked depth and creativity, and it felt like the chefs took shortcuts in the preparation. The service was slow and inattentive, making the entire dining experience frustrating. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone who appreciates well-executed and authentic indigenous cuisine.