Where I live Samhain is when the cold really starts to set in. Simmer pots become more than just a way to make the house smell nice, they add much needed moisture and warmth to the air in my drafty old house. Samhain is more of a time for quiet reflection than other fall holidays, thinking about those who are no longer with us and the cycle of life. Consequently, this recipe has a different vibe. It’s not all apples and pumpkin spice it’s more about memory. If there is a plant or scent you associate with a particular loved one, that would be a perfect thing to add as well. Use this recipe as a start and add anything else that speaks to you– you might just really like the smell or want to encourage more of what the plant symbolizes in your life.
Pumpkin cut outs & guts: I am pretty passionate about using things that would otherwise be wasted for simmer pots, cutting up and wasting perfectly good fruit is not my style, but the triangles of pumpkin and the stringy bits you scoop out that wouldn’t otherwise be eaten are perfect. They still smell like pumpkin and would otherwise be wasted. (Unless you have chickens…) Pumpkins symbolize protection and abundance which makes sense with those big shells protecting their bevy of seeds.They are also said to bring prosperity, stability & security. Perfect for this spooky night.
Star Anise: a potent symbol of magic, luck & divination.
Cinnamon: brings prosperity, comfort and success and adds the spice to your pumpkin spice. I like to balance the bittersweet feelings of remembering loved ones with comfort.
Evening Primrose: another mysterious symbol, evening primrose is a native plant often treated as a weed that grows all over my yard. I symbolizes hope, renewal, intuition & secrets. It’s a little different than garden primrose.
Marigolds: the quintessential Dia de los Muertos symbol, marigolds symbolize energy, good luck, warmth, creativity, prosperity & love. They also have a much stronger scent then I realized.
Rosemary: the classic symbol of remembrance, perfect for a night about celebrating those who are no longer with us.
Bay Leaves: I nearly always include bay leaves in my simmer pots. They smell amazing and they set intentions. That means you can write your wishes or intentions on them and stir them into the pot. I always make sure to compost simmer pots with bay leaves in them so that they can return to the world. It feels very Samhain appropriate as well!
If you have never made a simmer pot before, just bring some water to a simmer on the stove (or in a crockpot, or pot on a wood stove if you have one) and add your chosen ingredients. Let it simmer away all day and beautiful fragrance will waft into your home. Add water as needed. When you are done you can compost the contents. Read more here.