The Magic of Pumpkin Spice

Here we are in the middle of Pumpkin Spice Season 2021. My guess is that some of you are on cloud 9 and some of you are cringing. It seems like in the past few years the debate about Pumpkin Spice has developed some pretty solid lines.

The Pumpkin Spice Debate

You either love it or you hate it and from what I gather, it has nothing to do with the spices themselves. It seems to be all about aesthetics and representation.

Pumpkin spice has become the unofficial autumn theme of the basic white chic.

I’m not here to take sides. I’m a big supporter of “you do you, Boo” and “whatever makes you happy”. I’ve spent too much time playing referee over this subject in my own home.

However, I am here to share some of the witchy properties of the so called Pumpkin Spice ingredients. If you’re on Team Pumpkin Spice, get your pom-poms ready. You’re going to love this and if you’re not, it’s cool, but lace up your combat boots cuz this might knock your socks off…

Fun Facts about Pumpkin Spice

First of all Pumpkin Spice doesn’t contain pumpkin. It kind of shocks people but it’s basically the spices that flavor pumpkin pie. Pumpkin is kind of bland. It’s boring and not very tasty.

Back in our agriculture days, when people kept vegetable patches to feed their families, pumpkins were prolific growers in the fall when everything else was harvested or dying back. Plus pumpkins keep for a long time after being picked. Small town America ate a lot of pumpkin back then.

Second, there is nothing basic about Pumpkin Spice. It’s a combination of Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Clove and/or Allspice. Those don’t grow here, especially not where pumpkins grow. Those spices are native to Indonesia and the Spice Islands. Meaning, they have to be shipped here, which costs a lot.

At one point only wealthy people could indulge in the pumpkin pie flavors that permeate everything in our modern era.

Our ancestors are smiling fondly at our riches.

I don’t know who actually came up with the combination of Pumpkin spice (the name was coined by the McCormick company) but I’m pretty sure it was inspired by the Spirit of an Ancient Sorceress who knew exactly what we needed in these cold, sleepy months.

For my fellow nerds, Better Homes & Garden has a great article on the origins of Pumpkin Spice.

The Magical Stuff

Pumpkin Spice embodies the 4 P’s: potency, protection, passion, and prosperity. The spices all have an element of fire and each adds its own energy to help us through the dark days of winter. Magically speaking, they increase our physical and mental activity, bolster our courage, banish negativity and support defensive magic.

Cinnamon

In addition to the fire element and a whole host of health benefits, Cinnamon has a high energetic vibration. It draws in abundance and adds a kick of energy that amplifies all other energies in the mix. Kind of like the Quartz crystal of the plant allies.

Ginger

Ginger is another heat producing spice that has it’s own health benefits and stimulates prosperity. It also increases personal energy, vigor and induces passion.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a fun spice that I like to sneak into recipes. It offers a protective element, aids in meditation and as a plant of Jupiter, likes to call in good juju for money and luck.

Allspice

Allspice is fire spice that adds determination and energy to intentions and endeavors. It’s one of those uplifting and feel good spices and is also good for healing.

Cloves

Cloves not only smell good but stimulates the mind while relaxing the body. It is also used to boost self-confidence.

A simple pumpkin spice spell.

Next time you order your Pumpkin Spice Latte, take a few minutes to charge it and make it the magical potion it deserves to be.

If the barista hasn’t written your name on the cup, do so yourself. Add a sigil or some words that correspond with your intention.
Hold that cup with two hands, ground yourself by breathing in the delicious scent. Connect with you personal Spirit Guides and the spirit of the spices. Build up your energy from your core and imagine it as a warm glowing light. (Fire energy)
With your breath, gently blow that warm glow over your drink while focusing on your intentions.

Keep in mind this blend of spices work best with the 4 P’s, in other words, do the magic when your intentions are for protection, prosperity, more passion and/or more ‘oomph’.

For the Skeptics

Now if you’re still not a fan of pumpkin spice, it’s cool. But don’t discount the spices themselves. They can be used in other foods and drinks. That combination makes a great mulled spice to simmer in your hot apple cider or blend into a creamer for your coffee. You can also add them to almost any baked good: cakes, breads, creamy or fruit pies.

All I’m saying is that just because some enterprising spice company coined a phrase in the mid 20th century doesn’t mean you have to hate the blend. You can call it your Magical Power Blend and enjoy the f*ck out of it!

---

I put together a recipe and the spice breakdown in an easy to print out pdf file. You can get it here.