Stone Soup: A Gratitude Simmer Pot & Spell Kit

Stone Soup: A Gratitude Simmer Pot & Spell Kit

For Thankfulness, Shared Table, and Peace Among Kin

You probably know the old story. A hungry traveler comes into a village where nobody will share a crumb. So he sets a pot of water over a fire, drops in a plain stone, and announces he's making the finest soup in the land. The villagers can't help being curious. One brings a carrot "to help it along," then another brings an onion, somebody adds a little barley, and somebody else a bit of salt. Before long there's a pot of soup big enough to feed the whole village, and everybody sits down together.

There was never any magic in the stone. The magic was in everybody giving a little.

That's what this simmer pot is for. Set it on the stove for Thanksgiving, a family supper, or any gathering where you want folks to remember they're on the same side. Every person who walks through the door adds something to the pot and names one thing they're grateful for. By the time it's simmering, your kitchen smells like harvest and your table has been blessed by everyone sitting at it.

What's in the pot, and why:

• Smooth stone: for the stone that starts the feast from nothing

• Dried pear: for sweetness and gentleness in the household

• Dried cranberries: for the joy of a full table

• Dried corn kernels: for the harvest gathered in and the promise of plenty through winter

• Cinnamon sticks: for warmth and togetherness

• Cloves: for kindness between those who don't always see eye to eye

• Sage leaves: for wisdom and the honored elders at the table

• Thyme: for courage and good fellowship

• Chamomile: to keep tempers soft

• Maple syrup flakes: for sweet endings to the day

The working:Before anyone arrives, set the pot simmering with just water and the stone. As each guest comes in, hand them a pinch of the ingredients to drop in and ask them to name one thing they're thankful for. Once everything's in, stir clockwise and speak the charm on your card. When the day is done, set the stone on a windowsill as your household's thankful stone and keep it until next year. Pour the cooled water out on the garden or compost pile so the blessing goes back to the earth.

Inside your kit:

• One Stone Soup simmer blend in a sealed pouch

• A smooth stone

• An illustrated instruction card with the charm and gathering ritual

Handmade by Primitive Witchery Brews in Kingsport, Tennessee.