This is one of my favorite times of the year, as well as one of the easiest Sabbats to decorate for. What to do with your herbs in the winter? Well, some of my herbs sleep through winter under the snow all year, some other ones I drag in out of the cold and baby it all season long. Most are culinary, but what the heck, Intent is the key word. If you're growing herbs specifically for stir fries, sauces, and the winter dinner table, you might consider a few factors. There are some herbs that just don't grow worth a hoot in the house, I've gathered a short list of some that can do well indoors.

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) Needs full sun; well drained soil:and water frequently."Spicy Globe and Green Globe" varieties are more for window sills.

Bay (Laurus nobilis)Needs full or part sun; a slow grower, allow soil to dry between watering; Harvest older leaves first

Chives(Allium Schoenoprasum) Needs full sun; fast grower; harvest as usual

Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum)This little gem is so pretty to look at, and great for stumping your friends. It is a chive, but the plant has striped dark green foliage and clusters of pure white star-shaped blossoms, that smell like a rose.One of my favorite indoor herb.

The main theme here is, you can grow your herbs indoors in pots and on your window sills.Just give them attention everyonce in awhile. And don't over water!

When I replant in the spring, I think of my indoor plants as mothers & grandmothers, they multiply each year many generations.

Here are some ideas that some of you can do to make your home more festive. If you live in an area that has corn on the stalk, ask the farmer if you can cut a few stalks. I usually tie several onto my porch and railings every year. And if you live in the city, hit all of your decorating stores and even your discount stores for your decorating ideas. Now, I've seen many make wreaths on doors, be sure to use colors of the season. This is also the time of the year when all colors of candles are being sold, especially black & orange ones.(the sale will be a couple of days afterward-a great savings!)

Another thing that you might want to consider is replacing or making a broom. I have found that an oak branch and Broom Corn make the best brooms!(besoms are for cleansing) Binding the broom-corn to the oak handle isn't difficult, last year I used bailing twine, which in reality is a cheap rope.(I know you all have seen this rope on bales of hay in stores). It is stronger than what it looks like, and it holds very well. I also added dried herbs and berries to my broom, as well as added some cinnammon sticks with a hotglue gun. Then I proudly hung it on my porch.

The ideas are endless! Use what you have, and create something that is uniquely you.I could give you a list of herbs used pertaining to magic and their purposes. However, I've found that what works for you, is the best tool of all, & the main thing to remember, is intent.I could pour over my herb books, scan over Cunningham, Gerald, Culpepper's books, the same as what you could do. This page isn't about handing out information it is about giving you ideas. Here is a small list of things that are commonly used for Samhain celebrations:

Herbs: Pumpkin, Apple, Nuts, Thistle, Chrysanthemum, Broom, Oak leaves, Sage

Incense: Apple, Nutmeg, Sage, Mint

Colors: Black, Orange

Decorations:Jack-o-lantern,Photos of deceased loved ones, Apples, Fall leaves, Autumn flowers, Squashes

Foods: Apples, Corn, Nuts, Cider, Mulled wine, Pumpkin Dishes, Cranberry muffins, Herbal teas

Basically all herbs, veggies, and meats that are normally eaten this time of year, is what you use, no matter where in the world you are. Out of curiosity, how will you celebrate Samhain? Email me and I'll post it for November's Issue.