Divination with Miss Em
A Samhain Divination
by Silverstar
This is a traditional divination from Ireland, usually done at Samhain or Halloween. You make a dish of colcannon, a mixture of mashed potatoes and cabbage, and into it you put four divination objects. The traditional objects are a gold ring, a button, a thimble, and a coin. These objects should be wrapped in plastic wrap or something, or a small portion of colcannon set aside especially for the divination.
It is said that the person who gets the ring will marry, the person who gets the coin will become wealthy, the person with the button will be a bachelor, and the person with the thimble a spinster. Modern objects could be used instead. A coin is always appropriate, and a key indicating a new home or car could be used. You could find something that might symbolize a new baby or job, a move, or many other rites of passage.
Colcannon
This simple dish is traditionally associated with the harvest and often served at Samhain.
1 medium head of cabbage- OR - equivalent amount of kale
2 lbs. potatoes
2 medium leeks
1 cup milk
A pinch of mace, ground black pepper
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1. Quarter, core and chop the cabbage.
2. Clean and chop the leeks.
3. Cover the leeks with the milk, heat then simmer until the leeks are tender. Set aside.
4. Peel the potatoes and boil until tender.
5. Mash the potatoes. Stir in the leeks and milk, adding milk if needed for a smooth consistency.
6. Add mace and ground pepper to taste.
7. Mix in the cabbage and butter, cover and cook on low heat until cabbage is tender.