winter solstice blessings + rosehip elixir + looking forward

the winter solstice or midwinter occurs when one of earths poles tilts the farthest away from the sun, creating the longest night of the year. its been a celebration probably as long as man has been aware of the stars and heavens.  so above so below. i want to wish everyone a happy solstice, take a moment to set an intention or prayer for the coming year. maybe write it down, and stash it somewhere until next winter solstice.  whatever the day brings, i hope its magical and full of people you love.

here is our solstice alter, miss josephine helped with it.  a magical part of the day was spend in the forest, and the orchard. i decided to make a solstice elixir, maybe i'll strain it on the summer solstice.  rosehip foraging was wonderful, it was a meditation.  the earth is almost sleeping.

rose and the medicine she carries remind me of boundaries.  and why we need them.  we can also share our abundant fruit, and assert our thorns with those who are too greedy and quick to harvest us.

i love to create all kinds of loveliness with rosehips.  often making body oils, infused vinegars, and oxymels.  however today i am going to share an elixir recipe.

rosehip elixir

a lower proof alcohol, i like brandy or an 80 proof vodka

honey 

plant material (rosehips)

clean half gallon jar

lid and wax paper

generally i fill the jar with half or 3/4 full of plant material. add the honey, then alcohol, and cap with wax paper between the lip and jar, then shake well. general ratio for elixirs is 1 part honey to 3 parts alcohol.  i prefer them not so sweet, so i modify with 1 part honey 4 parts alcohol.  usually i chop the plant material, with rosehips though i blend them in the food processor.  gently pulse a few times.

be sure to date your creation, and let it sit for at least six weeks.  i often allow all my infusions to steep a lot longer.  personal preference. when you are ready to strain, make sure you run the elixir through a cheese cloth or old linen.  rosehips have fine little hairs that are irritating to the throat.  then you can bottle it, and take it lavishly in tea or water.  i personally like a little shot of it in sparkling water with a wedge of lime.  make a little beverage out of it.  cheers + happy solstice 

with the year closing in, i have been thinking a lot about simply josephine, and goals for the upcoming year.  i love january and all the reflection that month brings.  i have decided to let some social media go, facebook.  i've decided to leave facebook, and unfortunately that means my simply josephine page as well.  something has to go. i want to bring you higher quality content,  through my blog and youtube channel. so my hope is that by letting some things go, i will open space for better things.  with that said the best ways to stay in touch would be to subscribe at my youtube channel, here is a little preview.  lots more to come.

also if you aren't on my mailing list, you should join.  then all my blog posts, and new happenings will be delivered to your inbox.  you can do that at the bottom of my website home page, simplyjosephine.com  thank you all for being on this journey with me, namaste.