Brewfeeds

Good morning readers, we are bringing the month of January to a close, sitting here sipping coffee and reflecting on the first month of 2025. I wrote a lot about different genres i.e. horror, new years Chinese traditions, healing with crystals, and being a more creative / dynamic fucking person. Although it seems I’m leaning more on the crystal grow it seems this month, so let’s brew about it.

I definitely dabbled in crystals, moon water, tarot decks, etc. I’ve been buying from Sage Goddess for years which has an assortment of crystal, jewelry, box sets that can come with crystals, candles, perfume or all the above for a particular horoscope, pagan holiday, etc. I’ve also, have gotten intention boxes from AphroZodiac and Tamed Wild (which I love both by the way). Tamed Wild used to do a monthly but I think they do more of quarterly intention box. AphroZodiac was the last one I bought and had a lot of goodies in it, but this go around I decided to buy from Mindful Souls.

Mindful Souls, just like the others provides a monthly subscription. I keep seeing them popping up on my Facebook feeds. So naturally, ever curious, I went snooping. Not only did they have some really nice looking goodies in their subscription boxes but their first box discount definitely caught my attention. Which, I bought post haste! I even got a couple of freebies to boot, one is a surprise and the other is a Crystal Wisdom Deck (super intrigued to see). I have a couple of different decks that set intentions besides the traditional tarot deck. They also, provide a mental health planner, access to workshops and webinars and benefit tips. I find this tidbit to be very interesting because I haven’t come across anyone that does this with their subscriptions, so far.

I can’t wait for this box to come in the mail! When it does I’ll make a video of the unboxing. I’ll make sure to set out a reminder on the Facebook BrewFeeds page so that you guys can jump over to youtube( as mention in the first post of the year).

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good morning readers! So, last week you read my Chinese Zodiac animal dilemma that pivoted into talking about the tradition OF the Chinese New year. But I’m swaying back to talk about the zodiac animal for this year, the snake. Let’s brew about it.

The Year of the Snake is a prominent symbol of intelligence, charm, and intrigue. The snake, which is the sixth animal in the Chinese lunar calendar’s 12-year cycle, is linked to the virtues of discretion, sophistication, and wisdom. People born under this sign are believed to have a special combination of charm, intuition, and calm resolve, and their life path is frequently characterized by a compelling presence and a strong sense of purpose ( none of which I have, I’m born in the year of the tiger).

Each of the 12 animals—the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig—represents a year in the Chinese zodiac. In addition to being associated with a specific year, each animal is paired with one of the five elements—Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, or Wood—to form a cycle of 60 years. This year it is the element of wood. Snakes with the wood element will have strong traits for growth and creativity.

Generally those born under the year of the Snake are perceptive, charming, seductive, mysterious, and resilient(I feel like the snake has all the good attributes, tigers are known to be big headed.)The year of the Snake is a time to consider the traits of this amazing creature, such as its intelligence, tenacity, and grace. This is a time for people born under this sign to embrace their innate abilities and work patiently and persistently toward their objectives.

Those born in the year of the Snake are urged to capitalize on the snake’s poised assurance, cunning, and alluring charm. It serves as a reminder that great things frequently come from quiet, deliberate effort—and that there is power in being able to shed one’s old skin. Let’s be like the snake and rid ourselves of old things we don’t need ( objects or negative habits).

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good morning Readers and happy Tuesday, our new years here in the states has came and went. Nothing new there, but as I sat with coffee in hand I wondered what Chinese zodiac animal it was this year. So I did some research and had to stop myself, I never ONCE wondered if the Chinese New year was the same as it is here. Like, how arrogant of an asshole am I to think theirs would be the same as ours? So, pivoting from looking up what animal it is this year(still did by the way) and down the rabbit hole of what a Chinese New Year entails; let’s brew about it.

The Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, is lunar calendar based unlike the US where its based off a Gregorian solar cycle. Because the Chinese New Year is lunar it fluctuates yearly this year it starts on the 29^th of January and ends February 12^th. New years for them is about rebirth, family get-togethers, and the observance of customs that have been carried down through the ages. Because of the festival’s rich cultural significance and symbolic meaning, it’s not just a time for celebration but also for introspection, thankfulness, and optimism for the coming year, kind of like Christmas for the US, mostly for the new year here it’s about fireworks and drinking adult beverages. I feel I’m more on team Chinese New Year.

Like I mentioned earlier I was looking to see what zodiac animal it was this year there are 12 animals- tiger, rat, ox, dragon, rabbit, horse, goat, roost, pig, dog, monkey and snake. Also, each year what ever animal it is there is an element associated with it(Earth, Fire, Metal, Water or Wood); making it a 60 year cycle! Now, this I didn’t know, which has me wondering WHAT my animal’s element is, I’ll have a laugh if I end up as an Aquarius(air) Tiger(land mammal) with an element of water….my make up will be most of the elements or half..at least.

I mentioned earlier that it’s about family and tradition so with family comes food. It’s not just any food like some random pie picked up on your way to your parents house. Each dish has a meaning behind it such as fish is meant to be for luck or wealth, a sticky rice cake called nian gao represents growth in life and career. Another dish that occurs on the last day of the Chinese New Year is a must have, it’s called tangyuan which is a sweet rice ball with a sweeten filling inside, this one represents togetherness and harmony within the family. I’m so going to try the last 2, I MIGHT do a video showing me making either one, but I gotta see the difficulty level.

The last day of the Chinese New year is the Lantern Festival, which occurs on the fifteenth day of the new year. Amongst all the good food, spending time with family, warding off evil, trying to manifest good luck and fortune there are colors lanterns that people bring. They also solve lantern puzzles and take in traditional performances, such as dragon and lion dances. Lanterns are released into the sky or float on rivers to mark the evening, signifying the letting go of old problems and the arrival of a new beginning. It sounds so magical I’d love to travel and see this amazing tradition. So with stars in our eyes, I bring us to a close.

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good morning you beautiful people. So I’ve spoken about werewolves earlier this month, which has always been my second runner up for monsters in horror. Second?! You may ask, I know, I know, I’ve always had a soft spot for vampires,  I’m sure if any of you were Twilight fans, I hear “team Jacob!” being shouted at me. But out of the classic monsters, vampires have always been my favorite and I blame Bram Stoker’s Dracula for that.

I’d like to take a deep dive into the way to combat a vampire, why does garlic repel them, why in some movies or tv shows it doesn’t? How come they need an invite? Also, WHY are Dracula movies constantly so sexed up?! Seriously, constantly orgies everywhere. But let’s brew about it.

Enter the usual suspects when it comes to keeping a vampire away, holy water and invitation into one’s home. Technically, a vampire is kind of like a demon, I poked around the internet saying a demon and a vampire are totally two different entities, but to me as I thought about it they are very similar. A vampire has to be invited in much like a demon has to be summoned/ invited to come. So, holy water and crosses being an irritant makes sense. Garlic, not sooo much other than it is pungent in smell and since vampires have strong senses it’s more like a gross over powering smell. However back in medieval times Europeans believed that garlic symbolized strength as well as purity. Now, stakes through the heart, well, it can kill anybody so does fire.

Now, the parlor tricks so the “usual” vampire has all the attributes of a lean mean killing machine but with the intelligence of a human that leans more predator, like an apex predator that has a taste for human. In some cases, they have animals to call kind of like a witch or warlock( Dracula could call to wolves), flight, telepathy is most common, and another is reaching across by touch via shadow(very rare in movies nowadays).

Let’s get into the movies shall we, I practically rubbed my hands together for this one. When it comes to Dracula he’s portrayed as a heartbroken albeit blood thirsty soulless creature. If we were to put him in a human perspective with the super charged sexual aspect, he’s having lots of sex because he’s lonely and trying to fill a void much like a person who was broken up with, divorced or widowed. You may say hold your fucking horses that’s not always the case, but maybe for him it is? Dusk Til Dawn, Nosferatu, they too have that sensual aspect. Maybe the lore of vampires creates a sense of sensuality of a creature filled with longing or knowing they’re beautiful and like a succubus lure humans to their death? Or nowadays for book readers the premise that the villain is more desirable over the hero/heroine.

Either way, vampires movies and stories cross reference each other like the diorama we had as kids where the circles overlap but there is always a new way to make these monsters intriguing and at times terrifying. What are your thoughts? What is your favorite vampire movie? Or do you find the furry werewolf more to your liking?

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good Morning readers! January is almost up and it’s the horoscope month of Aquarius. I’m pretty acquainted with this particular sign because well, it’s mine. I always felt kind of at odds with this particular sign, how it’s equated to space and aliens, new age, etc. I always thought are we that batshit crazy of an individual that we are so fucking out there? Then I reflect the things I’ve done or said and I go well, fuck yeah I guess I do waltz to my own tune and find odd things fascinating. 

But there is one song in particular I’ve always been intrigued by and it is the song, Age of Aquarius by the 5th Dimension. DEFINITELY before my time but when I heard it I thought it was pretty catchy and of course it’s my sign so I always got excited about it when it happened to play across the radio station, but what did it mean? What was 5th Dimension’s message that they were trying to convey?

Astrologically, Age of Aquarius, is believed to be a new astrological period that happens every 2,000 to 2,500 years as the Earth’s position in relation to the stars changes, is the song’s central reference. Depending on the zodiac sign that is predominant at the time, each age is associated with distinct attributes. The values of creativity, advancement, spiritual enlightenment, and generosity are linked to the Age of Aquarius.

When this song came out in the 1960’s, it rings true of the era where there was a lot of change and rejoice in being diverse and kinder to one another among a great many other things. I always found the values of this song to be exciting and visionary. So what if the Aquarius sign is a bit on the oddball side of things? We are a set of creative, enlightened, and elevated people that happen to be a bit on the weird crazy side.

So the Message here is to be Zaney, be Creative, but most importantly,

Always Keep On Brewin!

Good Morning readers! We are now two weeks in, how are we feeling? Have our goals changed thus far? Are we adjusting to make those goals accomplishable? Briefly on Tuesday, I mentioned moon jars for manifestation. You can take any clean jar, fill it with water and place a crystal inside. Now that seems pretty simple right? Well, it is when it comes to prepping, but there should be an intention behind it, what’s your motive? What do you want to bring more into your life? Creativity? Block out negativity? Strengthen your crystal to amplify others.

I haven’t gotten far in my own practice, but I’ve come to start the habit for fun at first. Now, things to know, not ALL crystals can go in water, it can damage them. I usually use a clear quartz as it not only heightens and aligns you, but it amplifies the energy of the other crystals. Safe crystals to use is the Clear quartz (amplifier and dispeller of negative energy), Rose quartz( it’s all about love and love healing here), Amethyst( spiritual growth, great for connecting to the better you), and Citrine, one of my favorites (abundance) I usually keep this guy at the far left corner of the house for monetary abundance. 

Now, with your intention set to said jar, you can add your crystal of choice and set it on your windowsill, back porch, front porch or wherever the moon will be hitting it most to get it to charge. You can also add herbs as well, just do your research so you don’t accidentally poison yourself. The moon water can be used in various ways, I tend to drink mine or use it to brew tea, but you can also use it in cooking, bathing, etc. Also, you don’t have to wait for a full moon. You can also do it during a new moon as well, it just depends on what intention you’re trying to set, just do your research so you can get that maximum effort in there.

As Always Keep On Brewin!  

Grand Rising my readers, as the moon draws strength and pulls upon the ocean waters aka full moon is coming. Do any of you feel that surge of energy or excitement? I started paying attention to that myself some time ago. Started noticing the boost in my drive and creativity, the urge to create or do something. It’s a real force of nature at times and if I don’t pay too close attention I might over exert myself and have nothing left to do something about it. 

However, my ears pricked when I heard about the wolf moon, which so happens to be the first full moon of 2025. What does that mean? Obviously we aren’t going to turn furry( it’d be great way to call out of work the next day if that were the case, “sorry boss, I wolfed out and pillaged my neighbors in my cul-de-sac). Evidently the wolf moon is  considered as such because during the winter nights wolves are known to howl(which, duh, they’re nocturnal ). However this wolf moon is also going to be one of the four super moons this year. A Supermoon means the moon will appear larger; it’s also going to be eclipsing Mars as well.

In essence this moon is a huge deal and kicks off 2025 with a beautiful sight. All this beauty can be seen for a few days as far out as Thursday. So grab your crystals and your moon water jars and get those puppies charged to start out the new year with strong manifestations.

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Hello my readers, this month is starting off with a bang in the box office. You know my love of thrillers, horror and the like, so I’m excited to see that there are movies populating this month alone with dark and chilling stories. Ironically, it’s also chilly here for this state, Christmas snow came late across the states.

BUT I digress, we left 2024 with Nosferatu only to have 2025 to rebuttal with its own dark films. So, many coming out I doubt my wallet would recoup plus, I’m a sucker for popcorn. Thus, I have to be very scrupulous on my choices, so, so hard. So, with that being said, I went with the 3 that were outstanding and completely different from one another in the trailers.

 First, on the table is Wolf Man. I haven’t seen a decent wolfman movie since An American Werewolf in London and of course Underworld, had the “Lycans” but they were more of a cameo appearance rather than the main character. This story in particular is about a family, where the father gets attacked by some wild animal. They take safety inside a farmhouse only to realize a threat is within. What would you do in this situation? Would you throw yourself to the “wolves” in a final act of selflessness or would you turn a blind eye to the changes inflicting you??

Next stop Presence, gotta have some supernatural, I mean Wolf Man is a beast so we gotta have an unnatural entity in the mix, plus I love Lucy Liu. The premise is as old as time, a family moving into their new home and then things slowly get creepy/unnerving(italic). Is it the creak of the house’s bones settling or is that a groan of something unworldly?Honestly, even though it’s a tale that goes back to firelight and blanketed in shadows, who isn’t a little on edge in a new environment? I mean it’s chilling when you’re in a new rental, but if you’re a first time homeowner? Phew, you can’t do the “take backsies,” and tell the owner to piss off. This gives me all kinds of heebie-jeebies.

Last but not least, Companion. This film is about a sexual love robot thriller gone wrong. Terminator is scary because they wanted to annihilate us, they picked up on our mannerisms, our habits and executed mindlessly, this of course was a scary concept made back in the day and with how technology has advanced it doesn’t seem far off. We have a new component in our lives called AI, where again kind of like The Terminator it picks up everything that is out there in the world and implements it. In this particular story the robot/ AI being has curated its own thoughts and feelings and like a living being can react like one. I’m not sure how you feel but this is diabolically unhinged: thus I love it. 

What are your thoughts, readers? What terrifies you more? The unearthly terrifying beast, an entity you can’t physically fight (much like a roommate or inlaw in some ways), and an AI being with a thirst for revenge. I don’t know about you but I am titillated. What terrifies you more?

As Always Keep On Brewin!

I hope you’re waking up to a beautiful new year so far ( hopefully none of you partook too much of the adult sauce). I myself wanted to keep a clear head to direct my energies towards exciting adventures for BrewFeeds in 2025. I’m elated to give you a sneak peek of what will be happening this year.

So, first, I’m going to talk about 2024, it was a bust. I didn’t make any posts last year, Facebook videos, etc. I had a lot of footfalls that made it chaotic. There aren’t any excuses I can bring to the table that make it worth it or right. Just know I’m on a mission to get back on track and create galvanized posts; this is my new year’s resolution.

First off, I’m going to be making more moves outside the realm of being remote. My first post back when BrewFeeds started was outside and I miss interacting with people outside of homebase. So, I’m going to make it a point to make it outside.  We as humans crave interaction with others( more or less) and experiences that challenge and excite us. We need something in our lives that gives us fulfillment and purpose. 

Secondly, I’m tentatively going to start making videos again, it was a venture I had started in the early 2000’s and would like to ramp it back up. I’m saying a soft yes to early spring or summer. Which is exciting, I enjoyed making the videos but didn’t have a direction, but I have a more clear vision of what BrewFeeds is going to offer to its viewers.

LASTLY, I’m ecstatic to say, BrewFeeds has its own hub, an office dedicated to the world of content coming to a future post near you. So, let’s saddle up and take on the new adventures that await us all. Ride with me!

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Okay, I know you’re probably why I’m curious about what’s the difference between an ogre and a troll. Although I’m pretty good on mythical or cryptid creatures, but for my next post I really wanted to get more information before I wrote it.

So here we are on a side quest to gain more knowledge of what really sets these two creatures a part. Two of the most fascinating and terrifying creatures in the vast tapestry of mythology and folklore are ogres and trolls. Even though they have some things in common, like their hideous looks and frequently antagonistic roles, they also differ from one another in unique ways due to their unique histories and traits. This post explores the distinctions between trolls and ogres by looking at their histories, characteristics, cultural significance, and roles in literature and other media.

Ogres

European folklore, especially French and Italian customs, is the source of ogres. The word “ogre” may have originated from the Latin “Orcus,” a god of the underworld in Roman mythology, and is thought to have gained popularity in the 17th century. Ogres are frequently portrayed as big, vicious animals that enjoy eating human flesh. These are frequently encountered as antagonists or villains in myths and fairy tales.

Trolls are in the same avenue, however they are worse than ogres in the fact they are dumber and lesser beings. But are in the same big and dumb category. Although, for Trolls they can appear as human in the Scandinavian stories. Sometimes, they will turn into stone when the sun hits them (Lord of the Rings).

I go on this rant to say this, remember the Yule Cat? Well, there is an ogress called, Gryla whom he accompanies. Gryla, is one character that sticks out for her menacing presence in the icy, dark realm of Icelandic mythology. One of the most enduring and notorious characters in Nordic folklore, Gryla is well-known for her terrifying demeanor, her association with the harshness of winter, and her horrifyingly macabre actions. Although she has evolved into a Christmas-related character over time, her roots are in older, darker times.

The story of Gryla has its origins in Iceland’s medieval traditions, where she is most frequently referred to as a giantess who is said to reside in the mountains with her many children and her cunning friend, the Yule Cat. As an ogre, she stands for the fears of the wild forces of nature, hunger, and cold. Gryla is frequently portrayed as a monstrous, enormous woman who is obsessed with having children, which gives her a very unnerving aura.

Gryla has traditionally been depicted as a terrifying character who prowls the countryside and gathers misbehaving kids. The stories said that she would capture mischievous children, take them to her cave, and cook them in a big cauldron for her meals. Her gory personality was probably a tactic used by parents to scare kids into acting in a certain way over the long winter (still a thing parents do in this current fucking day and age).

R.R. Martin said it best in his books, “the night is dark and full of terrors,” and with Gryla, the Yule cat and Yule Boys it can still hold a terrifying existence.

As Always Keep On Brewin!