Signs of Spring Fever

 

Are the neighborhood songbirds trilling more sweetly? Do bright colors have more appeal? Do you have an urge to go on walks or sunshiny drives? If the answer is yes, you likely have spring fever! 

Spring fever has a mental component. Our plots and plans increase. Our mood is rash and raring to go. It also has a physical component, based on eons of cyclical history. In the old days, after long winter months of dried meats and root vegetables, our forebears craved fresh green edibles. The digestion needed a jump start, and blood needed purifying. As part of changing seasons, folks contrived remedies known as spring tonics. I remember my grandmother sipping the vitamin-laden “pot likker” from a simmering pot of collard greens. It was “good for what ails you.” She got the remedy from her mother, Kesiah, the lady on the left in the picture.

COLLARD GREENS & POT LIKKER 

INGREDIENTS

2 TBSP Oil

A Mess (Pound) of Collard, Mustard, or Turnip Greens

3 Cups Chicken Stock or Water

1-2 Ham Hocks or 8 Slices of Bacon

1 TSP Salt

Pinch of Black Pepper

Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes

1 Chopped Onion

2 Cloves of Garlic

DIRECTIONS

Place oil in a large pot. Add the onion and cook until soft, around 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 50-60 seconds. Add the greens, using a large fork or tongs to get them coated with the onion, garlic, and oil mixture. Add the ham hocks or bacon. Pour the stock or water over the greens and meat. Cover the pot and cook for 45-55 minutes or until the greens are wilted and done to your satisfaction.

 

SERVING

Dish the greens out into a bowl and ladle in plenty of the liquid pot likker. If you are not low carbing it, add a pone or piece of cornbread to soak up the likker for an extra special treat.

The goddess Epona is a secondary character in Wytchfae Runes and the heroine of Mind Your Goddess. As a goddess of fruitfulness, she embodies the vitality, abundance, and compassionate renewal of spring.

from Wytchfae Runes:

Epona cantered from the forest on a grey and silver dappled horse. Like a revelation of spring, the goddess known for riding side-saddle gracefully guided the unbridled mare. On one slender arm, Epona carried a basket that overflowed with fruits, flowers, and other rich bounty from the earth. Kelly inhaled the scent of roses, cinnamon, and grapes.

Halting just outside the circle near one of the sentinel trees, Epona dismounted, slipping nimbly to the ground.

Kelly leaned forward in an effort to hear the goddess’ few whispered words into the regal and twitching ears of her mount.

Whickering and bobbing her head in apparent understanding, the mare galloped away.

With her ever-present cornucopia swinging at her side, Epona glided toward Kelly.

Never before had the Wytchfae seen Epona so clearly, a vision of abundance. Kelly’s throat pulsated, as much of the energy she used was transmitted through this energy center or chakra.

Epona’s voice reminded Kelly of the taste of honeyed wine. “Sister mine, you have long given me your admiration and dedication. I stand with you on your journey.”

Kelly felt tears brim at Epona’s support.

The goddess continued. “But, as you know, I have no weapons to aid you. As well, I have no great ability in using them. My gifts lie in a different direction.”

Thrilled to have Epona join her and not caring a fig that she wasn’t a warrior goddess, Kelly smiled.

“Shall I come with you, sister?”

Kelly nodded vehemently.

“Then accept this rose quartz crystal as my token.”

“Thank you.” Kelly placed the shimmering gemstone, mounted on a chain of intricately carved rose quartz pieces, around her throat.

“You are most welcome, sister.” Epona moved to stand beside her. The warmth of the goddess spread to Kelly, deepening her trance. She knew she was moving in between worlds now.

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Posted by Flossie Benton Rogers