Apples ~ The magical fruit of healing, love and prosperity

In ancient times apples are considered the fruit of the dead, and are also burried so that the souls that will be reborn in the Spring will have something to eat during the long Winter months.

The Apple is the symbol of immortality and a branch carried with the fruit, buds or flowers will gain you access into the land of the Gods. The buds can be used in sachets and incenses to attract love. Put the juice in pink wax to make candles and then burn the candles to attract love. Unicorns are known to reside near apple trees. Cutting an apple in half and giving the other half to a loved one to eat insures that the two of you will stay happy. Cutting the apple in 3 pieces and rubbing on ailing parts of your body, near the place if inside your body, and burying the three pieces when finished will help aid in the healing of the ailment. All of these uses of apples were once a belief in ancient times or possibly folklore. Either way, it's kind of fun to think that all these could possibly happen if you create it yourself with your own intent. It's like that saying from the movie Field of Dreams...."If you build it he will come". Well, in this case, if you believe in it, it will happen.

Here is a simple craft made from a common household fruit that can both create wonderful magic in your life and yet make your home smell wonderfully yummy! Who wouldn't like the smell of fresh baked apples in their home? :) Ahhhh....the aroma alone makes my tummy yearn for a fresh baked apple pie.

For each apple craft, you will need

Juice of approximately 8-10 lemons
2 teaspoons salt
8 - 10 large firm apples
8 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons allspice
1 teaspoon cloves
8" - 10" sturdy, heavy gauge wire (for a wreath)
Jute (for garland or apple stacker)
1 - 1 1/2 yards of ribbon or fabric scraps

To prepare and dry your apples

Place lemon juice in a large bowl, and stir in salt.

Peel, core, and slice apples horizontally into 1/4" thick circles. Soak slices in lemon juice bowl for approximately 6-10 minutes, making sure each side of the slices has a chance to absorb some of the lemon juice.

Meanwhile, mix spices in a bowl and blend well.

Remove the slices from the bowl and place them on paper towels. Pat tops of apple slices with paper towels.

Dust apples slices with spice mixture. Turn slices over and repeat on opposite side.

Place apples slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 150-200 degrees F for 6 hours or until completely dried. Apple slices should be slightly pliable.

APPLE WREATH CRAFT:

1) Fold each apple slice in half, and then into quarters and thread the apples slices onto the wire. Continue to pack on the folded apples until the wire is completely filled.

2) When the wire is completely covered, use pliers to bend ends into hooks so that they can connect and close. Carefully shape wire into desired shape. I recommend either a circle or heart shape.

3) Using your ribbon or fabric scraps, create a hanger for your wreath.

4) Hang on your wall, or package as a gift for someone special.

Enjoy!