Author: Brewfeeds

What is the Yule Log? What does it mean, as I dive deeper into the pagan stories, this is my first step into the traditions, although having new clothes seems to be a thing I’ll be gifting to friends and family for futures to come. But what IS the Yule log and why is it so important?

The Yule log is a representation of coziness, celebration, and tradition. The Yule log, which has its roots in old pagan rituals and has developed through Christian customs, is now a treasured part of holiday celebrations, particularly around Christmas and in the winter. The Yule log’s symbolic meaning, historical development, and contemporary incarnations are all covered in this article.

The origins of the Yule log can be found in pre-Christian pagan customs in Northern Europe. The Old Norse word “jól,” which denotes the winter solstice celebration observed by the Norse and other Germanic peoples, is where the word “Yule” originates. A large log was ceremoniously brought into the home during these ancient celebrations, where it was placed in the hearth and burned as a symbol of warmth and light during the shortest time of the year. A common decoration for the Yule log was holly, ivy, and other seasonal foliage. This custom was thought to ward off bad spirits and bring good fortune for the upcoming year, so it was more than just a festive display. Families would huddle around the burning log to take advantage of its warmth.

The Yule Log Cake: The “Bûche de Noël,” a festive cake shaped like a log, is one of the most well-liked modern variations of the Yule log. Usually, a sponge cake rolled with cream or mousse and decorated to resemble a log is used to make this cake. It is now a traditional dish in many holiday meals across the globe.

The Yule Log Fireplace: A new variation of the Yule log has emerged with the introduction of television and digital media. The television show “Yule Log,” which debuted in the 1960s, shows a burning log in a fireplace on repeat while holiday music plays. This has gained popularity as a backdrop for holiday parties because it offers all the coziness and warmth of a real fire without requiring a conventional hearth.

The Yule log has multiple levels of meaning. It stands for the victory of light over darkness, rebirth hope, and the coziness of family and community. Its historical ties to prehistoric solstice festivities serve as a reminder of the seasons’ cyclical nature as well as the universal human desire to celebrate life and light in the midst of the bitter cold of winter.

Whether in its traditional form or with contemporary modifications, the Yule log is still a representation of joy and community during the winter months. The Yule log, with roots in pagan rituals and a place in modern holiday customs, is a symbol of the resilience of the human spirit and the value of finding warmth and light during the year’s darkest months. The Yule log serves as a reminder of the warmth and joy of the holiday season, whether it is consumed as a customary cake, a festive scene around the fireplace, or a ceremonial log.

As Always Keep On Brewin!!!

Alright like, I said in the previous post I’m going all out on the folklore and Yule traditions. The setting is now moving towards the Icelandic, it’s time to talk about the Yule lads, thirteen unruly troll boys.

Now, unlike Yule Cat who pounces and gobbles children whom aren’t outfitted with new clothes, this gang of 13 lads prank naughty children, but if you’re good you’re given a gift aka they remind me of the SourPatch Kids ( The American version.). Evidently, parents were banned back in the 1700’s for telling cruel benevolent stories of the Lads coming on Christmas Eve.

Honestly, I think the parents were tired of their kids being a pain in the ass and decided to scare the hell out of them so they stayed in line. Nowadays the lads are told in a way that they appear to be benign at best so as not to frighten children, sounds bit like a Disney bit, right? Although in my previous post,New Clothes? Death By Cat!! one of the Lads( smallest of the 13) was able not only to calm said feral beast, but ride him.

All and all I’d rather be pranked by 13 troll boys than be eaten by a giant feline fashionista or the the Yule Lads mother, whom strolls alongside said giant feline, nomming on naughty children in her wake. I don’t know about you but an “ogress troll” and gargantuan cat feasting on children would make me sure to mind my P’s and Q’s.

Morale of the story today is to be good, be kind to others and,

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Welcome to the month of Yule! for this month I’ll be covering nothing but Yule traditions and folklore. I practically rubbed my hands together in fiendish delight about the idea of covering pagan traditions and stories.

One that caught my eye was the Yule Cat. There isn’t a lot about this particular folklore only that there was a story about a monstrous beast that would come and eat you if you didn’t receive or get new clothes. Oh yeah, the title is pretty much self explanatory well, more of straight to the point. Evidently the Yule Cat, whom is said to be big as large homes, stalks the streets on Christmas Eve nights in search of children that don’t have new clothes for Christmas. If any child is found not to have new clothes they were gobbled down without remorse.

NOW, at first I thought what a dapper hungry fashion beast! But my face went from the look of mock disgust to realization, I did that every Christmas Eve. Infact, my family did that with me and my sister for as long as I could remember. Every Christmas Eve, we opened a single gift on Christmas Eve, normal, right? That’s a shelfer, nothing cooky or out of the norm there. But here is the kicker, we got new clothes. Every year was a new pair of pajamas. I was dumbfounded.

Like, wait …my family has been following a German folklore tradition?! And unbeknownst to me I hunky-dory it as the norm? Mind instantly blown where Yule Cat and our family tradition runs parallel. I do have Germanic background, but other than the new clothes aka pjs and German potato salad the buck stops there. I’m sure if I did, I’d find more parallels.

Now, it’s said the birth of the Yule Cat was to make sure the farmers made sure the yarn was done so that clothes could be made or they wouldn’t get paid, kind of a shit move don’t you think? Pushing people who work from sun up to sun down and then, feeding them this tale of, if you don’t do this your kids get eaten by the biggest feral feline known to man.

Side note, who wouldn’t want a giant cat coming cruising your house, as long as you have new clothes of course. Who wouldn’t want a giant cat if not ride it through a cold winter’s night, that’s a hint. One last tidbit of persnickety Yule Cat known as Jólakötturinn, doesn’t hunt alone, he prowls the streets with a troll ogress, but that is a story for another day.

Until Then, Keep On Brewin!

Here it is close to the end of 2023, how are we doing? Figure a check in is needed as we’ve been together on this 2023 ride and its about to hit that one last splash. Did anyone stick with their goals in the start of the year or at least get halfway?

I can tell you after the fireworks finish up on New Years Eve the energy is hyped. The desire to start something new and accomplish so much is palatable. However, the energy and determination can wain typically at a two week mark.

What causes the desire to complete things to fizzle out? I’m not a therapist or psychiatrist, just a person that pontificates on the matter. Like, why did I stop doing the intermittent fasting when I noticed a difference in my energy level and weight loss? How come I decided not to go swimming with sharks or get a compound bow so I can start the journey on competing?

The answer I came up with were multiple factors, but one comes to mind. The shit show called LIFE. Yep, I said it, shit show. So you’re on track right? You hit the gym as planned but then a family emergency hits, you gotta call off from work, there goes the gym schedule. You’re emotionally compromised due to the worry about someone you love, stressed about the bills you’re going to need to pay with less on your paycheck and guess what Fido needs to be put down.

All that written out had me stressed out for a moment. The thing I started to think on was what can be done to lift the spirits when all hell breaks loose. It was something that kept popping up on my radar, self care. Seems simple and the word gets tossed around a lot but not taken seriously to its full capacity. Something as small as drinking a cup of tea and thinking about nothing can help clear the mind. Treating yourself to your favorite take out food can give you that replenishment.

I wrote down a list of those feel good things that makes me feel regenerated and back to my old self or better self. I categorized the list from free to pricey gave me that range on what I could do. Which gave me the control back so I didn’t feel depressed when I can’t spend fifty bucks on Temu or go to the movie theater. It also, opened up the idea of thinking ahead on the pricey uplifting things like an outrageously priced pedicure or the Luke Skywalker helmet that’s been sitting in my Amazon cart for a few months.

Lastly another idea comes to mind, give yourself GRACE on when you can’t accomplish something on the date you set it. Maybe it can’t be done that week or two months from now just as long as you don’t give up. I’m not trying to be preachy but it was something that I’ve been chewing on for a while when I get down and feel like I’m the CEO of the pity party.

So as we are coming to the end of one year and on to the next, take a breath, make a mental note on things that can be accomplished that day and what can be shelved for another. Make those smart goals each day or week so that you don’t blow up if you can’t achieve them. As the great Bill and Ted said,” Be excellent to each other,” and most importantly to yourself.

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Holidays are stressful, trying to go to the store where it is already teaming with people doing the same. I mean I’m pretty bad about preparing ahead of time so this obstacle course is me. Then, there’s presents if it’s Christmas or whichever holiday you partake, and the biggest one family. When family comes in stress levels are at an all time high, nerves are on edge, and there definitely doesn’t seem like there’s enough coffee to not want to bludgeon someone. Which I don’t recommend there’s jail time that gets attached to bludgeoning.

However, instead of having family come over or going to family where there might be some tension, we decided to go camping for Thanksgiving. Yes, camping in November seems like a catastrophic idea if you’re up in the cold states where it actually snows or temperatures drop to below 40, but Florida it’s not bad at all.

First off, it’s not SERIOUS camping where you have to hike and put up a tent (if that’s something you can do or are into, go for it!) it was a more of a “glamping.” Now, if you’re not sure what “glamping” is, it’s where everything is all set up such as a tent, teepee, or even a treehouse with amenities.

We stayed at Comfy Camping Glamping Rentals, where we were greeted by wildlife and along the trails there were people on horseback just before we got to our campsite. We had a large site to ourselves with a fire pit, grill, seating area, and a spacious teepee. I definitely overpacked because there were tools, cutlery, and games ready to be used. The stay was a wonderful treat and definitely less stressful then, going into a home full of chaos. Not that I’m saying all family/ friend get togethers are cutthroat but, it was a nice change of pace. A way to break away from the norm and get in touch with your family unit as well as the wild.

So I’d like to say this is a must try even if its not a holiday, so grab your bag, pack some steaks and head to the outside. If you’re in the Tampa area, here’s the Comfy Camping Glamping Rentals link: www.comfycampingexperience.com

As Always Keep on Brewin!

Alright I’m back and I’m excited to tell you about this!!! I mean I’m always excited about what I post here on BrewFeeds but THIS!!! I’m a huge Ghostbusters fan, I don’t limit my watching of the franchise just for Fall aka Halloween time. I watch it while eating pizza ( it takes place in New York, so go figure), I watch it during Christmas time (ever notice the second Ghostbusters takes place around Christmas?) and just plain whenever.

BUT I’m ecstatic because they’re coming out with movie quality items that the guys had to get down to bustin. Yes, the Proton Pack isn’t available unless you pay thousands of dollars on eBay. I mean I don’t go around spending thousands all willy nilly even if it is the amazing Proton Pack. YES, you’re gonna say, but Spirit Halloween makes an affordable one and they do, I also love their store BUTTT this one blows it out of the park. Literally strap it on and let it rip.

However, as much as I am gaga over the Proton Pack, that’s not what I wanted to talk about. I wanted to talk about the OTHER tools the Ghostbusters use to take down the prankster and often sinister paranormal ghoulies. The P.K.E Meter and the ever beloved Ghost Trap are up for grabs, well sort of. So, here’s the catch, in order to get these two beauties you have to put money down a kind of “gofundme,” called crowfunded. So, if there isn’t enough money placed by December 11, 2023 they won’t make these bad boys.

I highly doubt anyone would pass up the opportunity to have them and what better way to show up to the conventions in full kit looking like the real deal. Or just anywhere to be honest. To get a hold of these ghostly spectacular devices head to HasbroPulse: https://www.hasbropulse.com/product/ghostbusters-plasma-series-haslab-two-in-the-box-ghost-trap-and-pke-meter/F96925L00

There’s also, some other great things to check out as well. I for one am very excited about this launch.

As Always Keep on Brewin!

Hello all, I hope your week has been going well. I’m coming you today to share with you a new gem here in Tampa, well, St. Petersburg or St. Pete as I like to call it. I was looking for a new metaphysical/ occult shop which if you’ve read my previous posts you’ll see I have a keen interest in. I’m kinda of a Dan Aykroyd of sorts, love hauntings, ghost sightings, etc, but I really do enjoy a spot where there are occult( items crystals, candles, books, tarot decks and the like).

This new place takes the cake even the name is cool, The Looking Glass. I was taking a drive down Central and I happened to pass by the store and thought what the heck? Let’s go an adventure, I’m already out here right?

The place opens up with high ceilings and wall to wall full of wonderful treasures with some of the largest crystals I’ve ever seen. Crystals were crushed and embed in the walls, ceilings and even the floor, I was floored by the attention to detail. The staff were very friendly and insightful and were fantastic to talk to. It was very hard not to buy everything or at least fill up my basket full of goodies. They have a wonderful selection of tarot cards, jewelry, and books. Also, the wishing well!! It was wonderful to see and hear.

I have to say I can’t wait to go back and have a cup of coffee and fill up my stock of crystals and sage. So, if ever you take a turn down Central in St. Pete take a trip into The Looking Glass. BUT if you can’t make it down or your far away they do have a website: https://tlgstpete.com/index.html

As Always Keep on Brewin!!

I’ve been thinking about the Ouija board, why you ask? I am a big fan of the paranormal almost as much as Dan Aykroyd himself, an actor best known for Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters just to name a couple. He’s always had an interest in the occult and paranormal. I myself, have taken it up as a quirky sort of hobby owning some devices that help detect possible ghostly phenomenon. My recent purchase was the Ouija board. I did some research on the history of this “oracle board.”

For more than a century, people have been enthralled with the Ouija board( I know I have), a mysterious device that is used to communicate with the afterlife. It is a common cultural object that evokes both fascination and fear due to its fascinating ability to seemingly connect the living with the dead. However, where did this enigmatic board come from, and how did it gain popularity as a resource for people looking for answers outside of the material world?

The origins of the Ouija board story can be traced back to the American rise in spiritualism in the middle of the 1800s, which was the belief that living people could have communication with the dead. In the midst of this spiritual fervor, the notion of developing a tool to aid in communication with the afterlife emerged. Together with Helen Peters, Charles Kennard’s sister-in-law, Elijah Bond, a businessman, and Kennard, a manufacturer of games and toys, created what would eventually be called the Ouija board in 1886. Although the origins of the board’s name are unclear, it is generally accepted that it came from the combination of the German and French words for “yes,” “ja” and “oui,”

William Fuld, who eventually came to own the Kennard Novelty Company and went on to make millions. Sounds great right? Not so much for Mr. Fuld, after consulting the Ouija board he was told by the board to build a factory in Baltimore. I’m not sure if I were you if I’d listened to said board because tragedy be-felled Mr Fuld. While he was overseeing a flag pole installation he fell to his death due to a faulty iron railing giving way.

There are other reports where deaths occurred, but most are speculations and accusations. Mostly the board is known nowadays as an iconic device seen in horror movies, television shows, and books where bad things do happen and it is a gateway/ oracle speaking from beyond, but what are your thoughts? Do you think the Ouija board predicted future deaths or occurrences? Did the Ouija board make them do it? You decide.

As Always, Keep On Brewin.

As the year comes to a close and we are all in festive cheer, there is one holiday that has a combination of emotions that aren’t as cheery and bright. Veteran’s Day is to pay homage to our brothers and sisters that have served our country. Many have lost their lives and others that have returned have a long road of recovery ahead of them for many years to come. Let’s dive into the history of Veterans Day and how it has evolved into the holiday it is today.

Veterans Day is a well-established custom that honors the men and women who have served in the armed forces with courage and selflessness. Every year on November 11th, we observe this day with deep historical significance and as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans to defend the liberties and ideals that our country holds dear.

Veterans Day was created to honor the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, and was formerly known as Armistice Day. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the armistice, or cessation of hostilities, came into force. After World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day was declared a federal holiday in 1938 and again in 1954.

The sacrifice and selflessness these men and women have endured is endless to name a few is missing holidays with family, birthdays, and creature comforts that we all take for granted for while they are down range (on a tour). They have sacrificed so much mentally and physically, that we should give the merit they deserve and help if they are down.

If you know any soldier or veteran that needs help there is a Veteran’s hotline number to call: 1-844-693-5838.

Please honor these men and women as they have sacrificed their lives and their time, enduring mental anguish. Take the time to thank a Veteran.

As Always, Keep On Brewin.

Here in Florida winter isn’t so much of a thing, but the temperature does drop and plants like orchids need to huddled indoors before they die on colds nights. Right now there are certain plants that can be planted this time of the year, one such plant is a Hibiscus. I love these vibrant flowers and their variety of colors.

Beyond just being a beautiful plant though, hibiscus has many other uses as well. It is best known for its vivid, exotic flowers. There are hundreds of species of this beautiful plant in the Malvaceae family, which is mainly found in tropical and subtropical climates. The hibiscus plant has a long history of varied uses, ranging from culinary delights to traditional medicine and ornamental purposes.

The hibiscus plant’s decorative beauty is among its most well-known uses. The eye-catching trumpet-shaped flowers are a popular choice for landscapes, gardens, and potted plants because they come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white. Hibiscus flowers are an excellent addition to any garden because they are not only aesthetically pleasing but also draw pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.

Hibiscus flowers and leaves are used in many different culinary applications besides tea. Hibiscus petals are used in some cultures to give salads, jams, jellies, and desserts a zesty flavor and vivid color. Sweeteners can be used to counteract the tartness of hibiscus, which makes it a flexible ingredient for a variety of recipes.

In addition, it is a popular herbal beverage, hibiscus tea is made from the dried calyces, or flower sepals, and is renowned for its vivid crimson color and refreshing tartness. This tea has potential health benefits in addition to being delicious and suitable for both hot and cold consumption. It is well known for its ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It is also rich in antioxidants, which can aid in the body’s fight against free radicals

So, go on get out to your local loose tea leaves herb store to buy already made or put together your own blend. I know I will and buy at least two or three live plants.

As Always, Keep On Brewin.