The Magickal Aspects of Apples

Magick, History, and Legend of Apples

The cultivation of Apples dates back to about 328BCE in Turkey. It is also believed that this first variety was a dwarf apple called Malus. Today we would consider this kind of apple a “Wild Apple” or “Crab Apple.”

In many European cultures, the term or word for apple was used for just about any unknown fruit, plant galls, and nut. It appears that the use of word “Apple” was used in this fashion as late as the 17th century. Tomatoes are a good example. When first introduced to Europe, they were called “Love Apples,” and cucumbers have been called “Earth-Apples.”

Apples (in general) have been the center of many mythological stories and tales. A great example is the infamous biblical tale of Adam and Eve. Many scholars believe it was not an apple; instead, it was a pomegranate initially portrayed in this famous tale. The change may have been made because of apple’s associations with female deities, femininity, and sexuality. This initial portrayal of apples in the bible causes some confusion when you discover that apples are portrayed in a more positive light in other areas of the Bible (i.e., “Apple of my eye”)

As mythology goes, Golden Apples played a part in the Trojan War, a single apple fed Conle for a year, and in other tales, apples could give eternal youth. It is no wonder this fruit shows up in mythology. Apples have been a prized fruit since it can keep for a long time, giving longevity to winter food stores.

As with every plant and even water, too much of a good thing is well too much. Ironically, apple seeds in large quantities are fatal as they contain a sugar and cyanide compound called amygdalin*. Not that too many of us eat apple seeds.

As we scratch the surface of Apple, it is no wonder that this fruit is a valued Magickal ingredient. I don’t know of any Kitchen Witches who do not use apple in their workings. Apple has a rich history and many valuable aspects making it a very versatile fruit.

To give Apples even more benefit, they are easily accessible and widely available. Not to forget Apples, they are delicious! Apple can appear in main dishes, as well as desserts. They can even be used for decoration and sigil.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the aspects best related to Apple:

 

Magickal Aspects:

Love, fidelity, fertility, marriage, sexuality, beauty, vanity, wisdom, and immortality

Associated Deities:

Aphrodite

Iduna

Freya

Pomona

Eris

Venus

Olwen

Dionysus

Apollo

Athena

Diana

Zeus

to name a few

 

In Season:

July – October

 

Medicinal properties:

Fresh pressed Apple Cider and Apple Cider Vinegar help alleviate gallbladder flares and symptoms.

It helps lower blood pressure.

Laxative

Helps relieve gout

Fresh apples act as an antacid.

Freshly crushed apple leaves on a wound can help prevent infection.

 

Magick:

Love spells

Love Divination

Healing spells

Libations/Offerings

Wand creation

Poppet Magick

Sachet/Potpourri Magick

 

Festivals, Observances, and Ritual:

Diana’s Festival

Mabon

Samhain

 

Culinary Use:

Apples can be used in a variety of dishes. Since many types of apples tend to be sweet, apples most often show up in desserts. Apples can also be used with meats such as pork. Apple Chutney is a delicious addition to a roasted pork loin.

 

Preserving:

Apples are sturdy enough to withstand most preserving methods. Canning and drying are the most common forms of preservation. Dried apples make a great snack on the go and remain useful for a long time if dried properly.

Apples can also be frozen. It is recommended that before freezing and drying, you place cut apple pieces in a slightly acidic water solution to prevent oxidization.

 

Storage:

Almost any fresh apple, when stored properly, will keep for about three months. The leading cause of rotten apples is bruising, openings in the skin, bad spots, and time. So as with all produce, handle your apples carefully. To extend the life of your apples, wrap each apple in a newspaper to prevent them from touching. Store them in a cool place, like a cellar, between 30° & 35°. Since most of us refrigerators to store our produce, wash and place your apples in the crisper drawer with a somewhat damp towel over them.

 

Home and Ritual Décor:

Since apples dry well, they can be used in various ways to decorate your home, altar, and ritual space. Dry apple slices make beautiful wreaths, candle holders. Add dried apples as embellishments to baskets, gifts, and centerpieces.

Fresh apples can be carved out and used as tea light holders.  Applewood is excellent for wand making.

Apples are most abundant in the Fall and are widely used in Autumn festivals/rituals, such as Mabon and Samhain. On my Mabon altar, I carve Apple Poppets and allow the poppets to dry, then use them again at Samhain. I also use apples as my candle holders. If I have leftover dried apple slices, I will make wreaths.

If you want to add some fun to your next seasonal celebration and ritual, try playing games with apples, like the old favorite, “Bobbing for Apples.” Another fun game is “The Apple Pass” or “Pass the Apple.” This is where an apple is passed from person to person by tucking the apple beneath your chin.

Another version of bobbing for apples is “Apples on a String.” Tie several apples on long pieces of string, and hang them from tree branches. The object is to grab the apple with your teeth without using your hands. This is a fun and tricky alternative to bobbing for apples.

An excellent snack or light meal for your next harvest festival is a simple platter of apples, sliced meats, and cheese (i.e., Brie with Granny Smiths and Romano with Gala). When served with your favorite wine, this simple plating can take on a whole new feel. Take some of the apple slices, cheese, meat & wine and place this in a designated area as an offering to patron deities.

As you can see, the versatility of Apple is fantastic. Of course, I did not give up all my knowledge and secrets. Perhaps this Fall, you will find your uses for apples.

If you have suggestions for future posts, please send me a message. If you enjoy my musings, please subscribe to this blog; there will be more to come.

 

Bright Blessings,

Leandra Witchwood

 

 

© The Magick Kitchen, 2014

 

 

 

 

**Important notes: If you watch too much Supernatural, Charmed, Sleepy Hollow, Witches of East End, and the like… Please keep your comments to yourself. This is not Hollywood, nor is this a Christianized horror novel. To those who think they know everything about everything, you too can keep your comments to yourself. This is a simple offering from my path and years of experience. If you think you know better, then you should write a blog of your own filled with your infinite knowledge and experience.

There is no place here for childish behavior or posturing from cowardly internet trolls. We all walk a different path. It is important to remember that diversity is imperative. Mother Nature gets this, and so should we humans.

To those who enjoy my offerings and have something constructive to add, I welcome you and hope you stick around for more. I also would love to hear from you. I appreciate different points of view.