Cakes and Ale: Grounding Technique

In the Pagan world, specifically in the Wiccan religion, there is a technique that is performed after any spiritual rite or ritual known as grounding . What is "grounding" exactly and what does it do for the person involved? According to wicca-spirituality.com, grounding will "quickly center you and balance your energies. It brings you back in touch with your Deep Self, your Divine Energy."

Grounding can be done at any time of day, specifically if you're stressed at work, before you start your day, or any time otherwise. You're really just connecting with your inner self, which brings a calming peace to your mind, body, and soul that is much needed during a stressful day and after a lengthy or intense spiritual rite.

Why would one need to do a grounding after performing a spiritual rite? During a spiritual rite or ritual, we use much of our own personal power to perform that spiritual rite, so to get back in touch with our own personal divine energy, grounding is most necessary after a spiritual rite. If one does not perform a grounding technique, one might continue feeling light-headed or flighty for hours after a spiritual rite.

What are "cakes and ale" and why is this technique used as a grounding technique? Cakes and Ale is a phrase that Wiccans and various Pagans use to describe a small feast that is eaten directly after performing a spiritual rite. This is an easy and fun grounding technique, as it can be shared with others who also performed that spiritual rite with you, and it nourishes the body and soul. By eating bread or cakes or cookies (the "cakes") and drinking some beer or wine (or even a non-alcoholic beverage; this is the "ale"), you are taking the earth into yourself and therefore connecting with the earth and your divine energy.

As I mentioned above, Cakes and Ale can be various foods. The "cakes" can obviously be a type of cake, but can also be a batch of cookies, muffins, or bread of some sort. The "ale" can obviously be ale, or can be beer, wine, grape juice or almost any other beverage you feel could substitute in a spiritual grounding.

Some awesome ideas for the "cakes" in Cakes and Ale could include these adorable Midnight Moon cookies by Martha Stewart. The recipe can be found online at the link provided under the photo. Add a cup of apple cider or hot cocoa for the ale, and Voila! You have an authentic and delicious Cakes and Ale menu for your Samhain post-grounding technique.

Or, instead of going with cookies or cakes, try pie as your "cakes" in Cakes and Ale. Apple pie would be particularly scrumptious and perfect for any Fall Esbat or Sabbat. Add a hearty dark ale or even a white chardonnay wine with it and enjoy the tastes of Fall for your grounding technique.

There are many different recipes that you can use for your Cakes and Ale. Just a simple cookie recipe such as chocolate chip cookies or even a slice of bread will work for your Cakes. As for the Ale, if you enjoy drinking alcohol, try a simple can of Miller Light poured into a cup or a cup of Merlot wine...neither has to be expensive, the point is to perform a grounding technique that will bring you back down to earth after a spiritual rite or ritual.

Blessed Be!