In the religion of Wicca, one important concept is the celebration of esbats, which are lunar rituals held throughout the year. Esbats are gatherings that occur during the various phases of the moon and are considered sacred to Wiccans. These rituals provide an opportunity for practitioners to connect with the divine feminine energy associated with the moon. In the year 2023, there will be several significant esbats that Wiccans will observe. Each month, Wiccans recognize both the full moon and the new moon. These two lunar phases hold different meanings and are honored in unique ways.
The Thinking: I'm gonna paint this sucker with multiple layers of barbecue sauce and let each one cook on because it'll give everything more flavor.
At most it s a surface treatment, which means that you can add it towards the end of cooking and still get just as much flavor out of it without risking burning it. Your guests sheepishly scrape off the layer of blackened soot from what used to be chicken before adding extra sauce straight from the bottle to cover up that bitterness, but it doesn t help.
These two lunar phases hold different meanings and are honored in unique ways. The full moon esbats are usually conducted to celebrate the peak of the moon's energy. Wiccans believe that during this time, magical powers are heightened, making it an ideal moment for spellcasting and divination.
Grilling Basics Part 1: Cleaning/Sticking
As we all head into grilling season, questions will arise daily. Can I get my grill really clean after I left it alone all winter? How do I get serious hatch marks? Exactly how long do I need to cook that chicken? Each day we will be tackling some basic grilling questions that have come up at Food Republic HQ and let us know yours as well. Today we address the completely inter-related questions of how to clean your grill and how to keep food from sticking.
How to clean your grill:
A clean grill is important because it will keep your food from sticking while it cooks. Keeping bits of last night's burgers off the grill will also lessen the chance of flare-ups when you are cooking tonight's chicken. It's also just less gross.
Cleaning your grill is a matter of heat and elbow grease. Gas grills are often easier to clean, but the basics are the same no matter what kind of grill you've got. Light the grill and close the cover until it reaches 500 degrees F. Then open the grill and start scrubbing with a sturdy brush until all the grime is gone. If you do this regularly, you will never have to do a deep clean.
If you haven't kept up with the cleaning and your grill is really encrusted with ugly stuff, then it's time to soak. Remove your grills and soak in warm water to loosen stubborn dirt and caked on food. You can add some vinegar or dish washing liquid to the water for souped up cleaning power.
Once you've got it clean, keep it clean:
- Brush clean your grill after you use it, before the food has a chance to get crusted on.
- Cover your grill between uses to keep dust, dirt, and bugs from getting in.
How to keep food from sticking:
Three things will keep your favorite grilled foods from sticking: oil, heat, and a clean, seasoned grill.
Oil comes into play in two ways to keep your food from sticking. First, be sure to coat your food in oil to help it keep from sticking to the grill, whether it's a steak, a pizza, fish or veggies.
Next, you have to season your grill with oil, the same way you season a cast iron pan (many grill grates are made of the same material, as a matter of fact).
To correctly season your grill you should make sure the grates are oiled with cooking oil, so they have a sheen. Don't just splash oil on your grill grates or you'll have an inferno once it's lit. Use a grill mop or soak a clean kitchen towel in oil and use your tongs to wipe it across your grill.
Make sure your grill is free of any burnt debris that may be lingering — see above for cleaning details. Next, be sure to preheat your grill before placing any food items on top. If you put your fish or vegetables on before your grill is hot they are more likely to stick. If your food is oiled and your grill grates are oiled and hot you won't need to pry any items off the grill.
Walk away from your food once you place the food on the grill. Most foods will stick initially, but will pull away from the grill as they cook and form a charred crust. If you start fiddling with your food right away, then you will tear it, especially delicate proteins like fish. Keep your spatula or tongs away from the food until it is time to flip.
Have your own BBQ tricks or questions for us? Let us know in the comments.
first ribeye's I've grilled and not had to worry bout all the flair ups. still cold in Michigan, so looking forward to some warm weather grilling. Ronald Stoddart • 02/19/2021
The full moon esbats in 2023 will take place on the following dates: - January 13th - February 11th - March 13th - April 11th - May 10th - June 9th - July 9th - August 7th - September 6th - October 5th - November 4th - December 3rd During these full moon esbats, Wiccans may gather to perform rituals that align with the specific energies and intentions associated with the given month. It is an opportunity for individuals to set goals, release negative energy, or seek guidance from the moon's wisdom. In addition to the full moon esbats, Wiccans also observe the new moon esbats. The new moon represents a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and setting intentions for the upcoming lunar cycle. The new moon esbats in 2023 will take place on the following dates: - January 28th - February 26th - March 28th - April 26th - May 26th - June 24th - July 23rd - August 21st - September 20th - October 19th - November 18th - December 17th During these new moon esbats, Wiccans may engage in rituals focused on personal growth, transformation, and manifestation. It is a time to reflect on one's goals, set intentions, and work towards personal and spiritual development. Overall, the Wiccan esbats in the year 2023 will provide numerous opportunities for practitioners to connect with the energy of the moon, harness its power, and deepen their spiritual practices. These rituals serve as important milestones throughout the year, guiding Wiccans in their magical and spiritual journeys..
Reviews for "The importance of self-care during Wiccan esbats"
1. Samantha - 1 star
I found "Wiccan esbats 2023" to be highly disappointing. The book lacked depth and substance, with the author merely regurgitating the same information that can be found in any Wiccan beginner's guide. It felt like a cheap attempt at cashing in on the growing popularity of Wicca, without offering any unique or insightful perspectives. Additionally, the formatting and editing were sloppy, making it difficult to follow the flow of the book. Overall, I would not recommend "Wiccan esbats 2023" to anyone looking for a well-written and informative book on the subject.
2. Daniel - 2 stars
As someone who has been practicing Wicca for several years, I was hoping that "Wiccan esbats 2023" would provide fresh insights and ideas for celebrating esbats in the upcoming year. Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. The content felt repetitive, as many of the rituals and practices mentioned were the same ones already shared in countless other Wiccan publications. Furthermore, the author's lack of personal experiences or anecdotes made it difficult for me to connect with the material. It felt like reading a generic guidebook rather than an authentic exploration of Wiccan spirituality. Overall, "Wiccan esbats 2023" was a missed opportunity to offer something new to the Wiccan community.