Brewfeeds

Good morning readers! It is the month deemed for love! There’s a mixture of emotions I feel i.e. excitement and whimsy, repulsed and loathing, sadness and loneliness. How do you feel about the holiday? Let’s brew about it!

Valentines day, whenever it has come around started with the card giving in school with stickers and candy, which was always exciting as a kid. Who doesn’t like the mystery card of whom gave what and what character was on it and the treat that’s inside of it. Then, it evolves to getting it from a secret admirer or love interest, but there is the assumption right? That the other person is suppose to get you something and if they do will it live up to the expectation? It seems rather unrealistic and kind of entitled. Not that I’m knocking on Valentines Day or anything, but it does feel like it forces people to have to do something which I feel isn’t what it’s suppose to be about.

BUT what IS Valentines Day about? So I poked around. So, there are a number of theories regarding the origins of Valentine’s Day, which are somewhat mysterious. Saint Valentine, a priest in third-century Rome, is the subject of the most widely accepted legend. The story goes that Emperor Claudius II forbade young men from getting married because he thought that soldiers without wives were more effective in combat. Saint Valentine, however, disregarded this directive and carried on performing covert marriages. Valentine was apprehended and given a death sentence after his actions were discovered. He reportedly became friends with his jailer’s daughter while he was incarcerated, and prior to his execution, he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” which is thought to have served as the impetus for the contemporary custom of sending romantic notes.

Currently, the tradition of Valentines Day around the world is a little bit different but all in all the same concept, in Japan women give chocolate to men and they reciprocate by giving back a month later where as Finland celebrates by giving gifts to friends. A new one I noticed for the ladies giving gifts to other ladies is called “Galentines Day.” Which is really cool since you aren’t focusing so much on the romantic love and having the sense of community/ connectivity.; thus kicking the feeling of being “left out” to the curve.

Any which way you want to celebrate, it shouldn’t be just the month of February but any day and any way you choose to express your love. Most importantly don’t forget to love yourself and take time to nourish yourself.

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good morning! I hope all is well! Last month I talked about a couple of movies that appeared thrilling and after watching this one, I felt a mix of emotions and left with a little lackluster. So, let’s brew about it!

Companion in a nutshell is about an artificial intelligent (AI) robot that is geared to care or love the person that they are “synced” up with. These AI beings are able to think and feel to an extent of what their owner wants them to which is pretty creepy, very controlling if I might add. As a living human being that is creepy, because no one wants to be controlled but at the same time this AI being isn’t a “real” person. Humans and animals alike want to be treated with kindness and respect, but the movie really makes you feel for Iris (this is the AI being in question.)

I feel if you’re going to put feelings that are equivalent to a human being even with fail safes to keep people safe there are going to be some ramifications. There are safety precautions and warnings of what can happen on everything that is put out there to purchase. But what if the thing that has a safety in place starts to adapt and overcome wanting their own choices and their own path that isn’t dictated for them?

Companion was very interesting take on this scenario and made you want to root for Iris. However, I find it chilling if we as humans can create something that is close to being human. Do I think it is possible? Yes, but I think what gives me pause is the other question that pops in my head, are we disconnected from real interaction with other people that we would create something like this? We already have devices similar, but nowhere near the intelligence of a human so I don’t think this is so far off or science fiction that it isn’t possible. What are your thoughts?

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good morning readers! I recently watched The Wolf Man movie and I have thoughts. Kind of scratching my head. It’s always good to switch things up and take it down another path, like vampire movies, there’s always a grain of similarity. BUT let’s brew about it.

The 1941 movie of The Wolf Man, story is about a guy whom goes back to his home town because his brother was murdered. He then, gets attacked and becomes a werewolf. Pretty quick to the point there? I mean it’s the bread and butter there’s more to it than that but that’s the story at its core.

The way to, and you can correct me if I’m wrong, but in order to contract the werewolf gene is by being bitten by a werewolf., not coughed on, not maimed without a bite, or an air contagion and definitely not by drinking the blood of a werewolf ( but there’s a rabbit hole, not going to go further down that path).

I say all this to say The Wolf Man of 2025 has some different traits to the original movie made in 1941. It runs parallel in a way, but takes a detour almost immediately. I like that in the beginning it uses a native term which sets the tone that this kind of wolf is different kind of like in the movie, Blood and Chocolate, they didn’t necessarily go ferocious wolf monster but actually a wolf and isn’t contracted like a werewolf and is more inherited.

Either way, the movie had some jumps as well as a supernatural or higher self going on beyond the wolf man part. THAT’S as far as I go in spoiler alerts but I wish they pursued it more. I digress though, what are your thoughts? Did you grab some popcorn and nestled into a cozy theater chair? Are you going to? It isn’t a bad watch so, if you haven’t anything going on for your Friday night I’d say go check it out, see where your inner wolf takes you.

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good morning readers, we are bringing the month of January to a close, sitting here sipping coffee and reflecting on the first month of 2025. I wrote a lot about different genres i.e. horror, new years Chinese traditions, healing with crystals, and being a more creative / dynamic fucking person. Although it seems I’m leaning more on the crystal grow it seems this month, so let’s brew about it.

I definitely dabbled in crystals, moon water, tarot decks, etc. I’ve been buying from Sage Goddess for years which has an assortment of crystal, jewelry, box sets that can come with crystals, candles, perfume or all the above for a particular horoscope, pagan holiday, etc. I’ve also, have gotten intention boxes from AphroZodiac and Tamed Wild (which I love both by the way). Tamed Wild used to do a monthly but I think they do more of quarterly intention box. AphroZodiac was the last one I bought and had a lot of goodies in it, but this go around I decided to buy from Mindful Souls.

Mindful Souls, just like the others provides a monthly subscription. I keep seeing them popping up on my Facebook feeds. So naturally, ever curious, I went snooping. Not only did they have some really nice looking goodies in their subscription boxes but their first box discount definitely caught my attention. Which, I bought post haste! I even got a couple of freebies to boot, one is a surprise and the other is a Crystal Wisdom Deck (super intrigued to see). I have a couple of different decks that set intentions besides the traditional tarot deck. They also, provide a mental health planner, access to workshops and webinars and benefit tips. I find this tidbit to be very interesting because I haven’t come across anyone that does this with their subscriptions, so far.

I can’t wait for this box to come in the mail! When it does I’ll make a video of the unboxing. I’ll make sure to set out a reminder on the Facebook BrewFeeds page so that you guys can jump over to youtube( as mention in the first post of the year).

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good morning readers! So, last week you read my Chinese Zodiac animal dilemma that pivoted into talking about the tradition OF the Chinese New year. But I’m swaying back to talk about the zodiac animal for this year, the snake. Let’s brew about it.

The Year of the Snake is a prominent symbol of intelligence, charm, and intrigue. The snake, which is the sixth animal in the Chinese lunar calendar’s 12-year cycle, is linked to the virtues of discretion, sophistication, and wisdom. People born under this sign are believed to have a special combination of charm, intuition, and calm resolve, and their life path is frequently characterized by a compelling presence and a strong sense of purpose ( none of which I have, I’m born in the year of the tiger).

Each of the 12 animals—the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig—represents a year in the Chinese zodiac. In addition to being associated with a specific year, each animal is paired with one of the five elements—Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, or Wood—to form a cycle of 60 years. This year it is the element of wood. Snakes with the wood element will have strong traits for growth and creativity.

Generally those born under the year of the Snake are perceptive, charming, seductive, mysterious, and resilient(I feel like the snake has all the good attributes, tigers are known to be big headed.)The year of the Snake is a time to consider the traits of this amazing creature, such as its intelligence, tenacity, and grace. This is a time for people born under this sign to embrace their innate abilities and work patiently and persistently toward their objectives.

Those born in the year of the Snake are urged to capitalize on the snake’s poised assurance, cunning, and alluring charm. It serves as a reminder that great things frequently come from quiet, deliberate effort—and that there is power in being able to shed one’s old skin. Let’s be like the snake and rid ourselves of old things we don’t need ( objects or negative habits).

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good morning Readers and happy Tuesday, our new years here in the states has came and went. Nothing new there, but as I sat with coffee in hand I wondered what Chinese zodiac animal it was this year. So I did some research and had to stop myself, I never ONCE wondered if the Chinese New year was the same as it is here. Like, how arrogant of an asshole am I to think theirs would be the same as ours? So, pivoting from looking up what animal it is this year(still did by the way) and down the rabbit hole of what a Chinese New Year entails; let’s brew about it.

The Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, is lunar calendar based unlike the US where its based off a Gregorian solar cycle. Because the Chinese New Year is lunar it fluctuates yearly this year it starts on the 29^th of January and ends February 12^th. New years for them is about rebirth, family get-togethers, and the observance of customs that have been carried down through the ages. Because of the festival’s rich cultural significance and symbolic meaning, it’s not just a time for celebration but also for introspection, thankfulness, and optimism for the coming year, kind of like Christmas for the US, mostly for the new year here it’s about fireworks and drinking adult beverages. I feel I’m more on team Chinese New Year.

Like I mentioned earlier I was looking to see what zodiac animal it was this year there are 12 animals- tiger, rat, ox, dragon, rabbit, horse, goat, roost, pig, dog, monkey and snake. Also, each year what ever animal it is there is an element associated with it(Earth, Fire, Metal, Water or Wood); making it a 60 year cycle! Now, this I didn’t know, which has me wondering WHAT my animal’s element is, I’ll have a laugh if I end up as an Aquarius(air) Tiger(land mammal) with an element of water….my make up will be most of the elements or half..at least.

I mentioned earlier that it’s about family and tradition so with family comes food. It’s not just any food like some random pie picked up on your way to your parents house. Each dish has a meaning behind it such as fish is meant to be for luck or wealth, a sticky rice cake called nian gao represents growth in life and career. Another dish that occurs on the last day of the Chinese New Year is a must have, it’s called tangyuan which is a sweet rice ball with a sweeten filling inside, this one represents togetherness and harmony within the family. I’m so going to try the last 2, I MIGHT do a video showing me making either one, but I gotta see the difficulty level.

The last day of the Chinese New year is the Lantern Festival, which occurs on the fifteenth day of the new year. Amongst all the good food, spending time with family, warding off evil, trying to manifest good luck and fortune there are colors lanterns that people bring. They also solve lantern puzzles and take in traditional performances, such as dragon and lion dances. Lanterns are released into the sky or float on rivers to mark the evening, signifying the letting go of old problems and the arrival of a new beginning. It sounds so magical I’d love to travel and see this amazing tradition. So with stars in our eyes, I bring us to a close.

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good morning you beautiful people. So I’ve spoken about werewolves earlier this month, which has always been my second runner up for monsters in horror. Second?! You may ask, I know, I know, I’ve always had a soft spot for vampires,  I’m sure if any of you were Twilight fans, I hear “team Jacob!” being shouted at me. But out of the classic monsters, vampires have always been my favorite and I blame Bram Stoker’s Dracula for that.

I’d like to take a deep dive into the way to combat a vampire, why does garlic repel them, why in some movies or tv shows it doesn’t? How come they need an invite? Also, WHY are Dracula movies constantly so sexed up?! Seriously, constantly orgies everywhere. But let’s brew about it.

Enter the usual suspects when it comes to keeping a vampire away, holy water and invitation into one’s home. Technically, a vampire is kind of like a demon, I poked around the internet saying a demon and a vampire are totally two different entities, but to me as I thought about it they are very similar. A vampire has to be invited in much like a demon has to be summoned/ invited to come. So, holy water and crosses being an irritant makes sense. Garlic, not sooo much other than it is pungent in smell and since vampires have strong senses it’s more like a gross over powering smell. However back in medieval times Europeans believed that garlic symbolized strength as well as purity. Now, stakes through the heart, well, it can kill anybody so does fire.

Now, the parlor tricks so the “usual” vampire has all the attributes of a lean mean killing machine but with the intelligence of a human that leans more predator, like an apex predator that has a taste for human. In some cases, they have animals to call kind of like a witch or warlock( Dracula could call to wolves), flight, telepathy is most common, and another is reaching across by touch via shadow(very rare in movies nowadays).

Let’s get into the movies shall we, I practically rubbed my hands together for this one. When it comes to Dracula he’s portrayed as a heartbroken albeit blood thirsty soulless creature. If we were to put him in a human perspective with the super charged sexual aspect, he’s having lots of sex because he’s lonely and trying to fill a void much like a person who was broken up with, divorced or widowed. You may say hold your fucking horses that’s not always the case, but maybe for him it is? Dusk Til Dawn, Nosferatu, they too have that sensual aspect. Maybe the lore of vampires creates a sense of sensuality of a creature filled with longing or knowing they’re beautiful and like a succubus lure humans to their death? Or nowadays for book readers the premise that the villain is more desirable over the hero/heroine.

Either way, vampires movies and stories cross reference each other like the diorama we had as kids where the circles overlap but there is always a new way to make these monsters intriguing and at times terrifying. What are your thoughts? What is your favorite vampire movie? Or do you find the furry werewolf more to your liking?

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good Morning readers! January is almost up and it’s the horoscope month of Aquarius. I’m pretty acquainted with this particular sign because well, it’s mine. I always felt kind of at odds with this particular sign, how it’s equated to space and aliens, new age, etc. I always thought are we that batshit crazy of an individual that we are so fucking out there? Then I reflect the things I’ve done or said and I go well, fuck yeah I guess I do waltz to my own tune and find odd things fascinating. 

But there is one song in particular I’ve always been intrigued by and it is the song, Age of Aquarius by the 5th Dimension. DEFINITELY before my time but when I heard it I thought it was pretty catchy and of course it’s my sign so I always got excited about it when it happened to play across the radio station, but what did it mean? What was 5th Dimension’s message that they were trying to convey?

Astrologically, Age of Aquarius, is believed to be a new astrological period that happens every 2,000 to 2,500 years as the Earth’s position in relation to the stars changes, is the song’s central reference. Depending on the zodiac sign that is predominant at the time, each age is associated with distinct attributes. The values of creativity, advancement, spiritual enlightenment, and generosity are linked to the Age of Aquarius.

When this song came out in the 1960’s, it rings true of the era where there was a lot of change and rejoice in being diverse and kinder to one another among a great many other things. I always found the values of this song to be exciting and visionary. So what if the Aquarius sign is a bit on the oddball side of things? We are a set of creative, enlightened, and elevated people that happen to be a bit on the weird crazy side.

So the Message here is to be Zaney, be Creative, but most importantly,

Always Keep On Brewin!

Good Morning readers! We are now two weeks in, how are we feeling? Have our goals changed thus far? Are we adjusting to make those goals accomplishable? Briefly on Tuesday, I mentioned moon jars for manifestation. You can take any clean jar, fill it with water and place a crystal inside. Now that seems pretty simple right? Well, it is when it comes to prepping, but there should be an intention behind it, what’s your motive? What do you want to bring more into your life? Creativity? Block out negativity? Strengthen your crystal to amplify others.

I haven’t gotten far in my own practice, but I’ve come to start the habit for fun at first. Now, things to know, not ALL crystals can go in water, it can damage them. I usually use a clear quartz as it not only heightens and aligns you, but it amplifies the energy of the other crystals. Safe crystals to use is the Clear quartz (amplifier and dispeller of negative energy), Rose quartz( it’s all about love and love healing here), Amethyst( spiritual growth, great for connecting to the better you), and Citrine, one of my favorites (abundance) I usually keep this guy at the far left corner of the house for monetary abundance. 

Now, with your intention set to said jar, you can add your crystal of choice and set it on your windowsill, back porch, front porch or wherever the moon will be hitting it most to get it to charge. You can also add herbs as well, just do your research so you don’t accidentally poison yourself. The moon water can be used in various ways, I tend to drink mine or use it to brew tea, but you can also use it in cooking, bathing, etc. Also, you don’t have to wait for a full moon. You can also do it during a new moon as well, it just depends on what intention you’re trying to set, just do your research so you can get that maximum effort in there.

As Always Keep On Brewin!  

Grand Rising my readers, as the moon draws strength and pulls upon the ocean waters aka full moon is coming. Do any of you feel that surge of energy or excitement? I started paying attention to that myself some time ago. Started noticing the boost in my drive and creativity, the urge to create or do something. It’s a real force of nature at times and if I don’t pay too close attention I might over exert myself and have nothing left to do something about it. 

However, my ears pricked when I heard about the wolf moon, which so happens to be the first full moon of 2025. What does that mean? Obviously we aren’t going to turn furry( it’d be great way to call out of work the next day if that were the case, “sorry boss, I wolfed out and pillaged my neighbors in my cul-de-sac). Evidently the wolf moon is  considered as such because during the winter nights wolves are known to howl(which, duh, they’re nocturnal ). However this wolf moon is also going to be one of the four super moons this year. A Supermoon means the moon will appear larger; it’s also going to be eclipsing Mars as well.

In essence this moon is a huge deal and kicks off 2025 with a beautiful sight. All this beauty can be seen for a few days as far out as Thursday. So grab your crystals and your moon water jars and get those puppies charged to start out the new year with strong manifestations.

As Always Keep On Brewin!