Some blends soothe the throat. Others, the soul.

One of my favorite memories from living in Colorado was visiting Miramont Castle, a 19th-century gem nestled in the hills of Manitou Springs. I visited with alumnae sorority sisters, with my dear friend Sarah under overcast skies, and with my parents during a slow, golden afternoon. The castle feels like it slipped out of time. Each creaking floorboard and stained-glass panel held stories older than I could fathom. Of course, it reminded me very much of Rathcroghan Manor, but that’s a story for another time.

After wandering through its garden one day — where Sarah and I were startled by a massive, velvet-antlered buck — we stopped in for tea. That’s where I first discovered the blend that would become a staple in my self-care rituals: Lavender Earl Grey.

There was something special about it that stayed with me—the soft hum of lavender, the citrusy lift of bergamot, the grounding weight of black tea.

I left with a jar in my hand and a kind of calm in my chest I hadn’t felt in weeks.

Since then, this blend has become more than just a beverage… It’s a balm.

And now, you can make it with me!

**Cerridwen’s Note:** *“Steeping stillness is a form of spellwork… let this cup remind you to tend to yourself as tenderly as you would a blooming garden.”*

DIY Recipe: Lavender Earl Grey – A Steadying Spell

Ingredients:

2 tbsp loose leaf black tea (or Earl Grey base)
1 tsp culinary dried lavender buds
1/2 tsp dried wild bergamot leaves (or a few drops of food-grade bergamot oil)
1/2 tsp dried blue cornflowers (optional, but beautiful)
1/4 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or a few drops of vanilla extract)
Honey or oat milk to taste

Instructions:

Mix your dry ingredients in a jar or tin. You can store this blend sealed in a cool, dark place.
Steep 1 tbsp of the blend in freshly boiled water (just below boiling, around 200°F) for 3–5 minutes.
Add a dash of honey or oat milk if desired.
Stir clockwise while speaking an intention, or use a moon-charged spoon to infuse it with a little extra glow.

Ritual Pairing Suggestions:

This blend is perfect for moments that call for grounding with a touch of stardust.
Try sipping it while:

Journaling or scripting under a cozy blanket
Listening to the “Echoes from the Starlight Lounge” playlist
- Apple Music
- Spotify

Reading tarot or reflecting on the week ahead

Taking a quiet moment before a creative project or emotional conversation

Magickal Properties

Lavender – calm, clarity, energetic boundaries
Bergamot – confidence, self-expression, emotional release
Earl Grey (Black Tea) – grounding, resilience, focus
Blue Cornflower – inner sight, gentle truth, sacred self-expression
Honey – sweetness, attraction, heart-centered connection
Oat Milk – nourishment, gentleness, grounding the nervous system

Musings from the Cauldron

When do I reach for this blend?

When I want to feel like I’m wrapped up in cozy warmth from the inside out, it’s especially comforting when my nervous system is frazzled or I’m craving clarity before a big creative moment.

What does it represent to me emotionally or spiritually?

Comfort, wisdom, and clarity. Something about sipping this tea helps me remember who I am. It’s like a quiet inner compass, pointing me back to center.

Do I remember a time when this tea made a hard day feel softer?

Many times. But one in particular stands out — I was overwhelmed with self-doubt, questioning whether I could really do all of this. I made a cup, wrapped myself in a blanket, and let the scent alone anchor me. This blend reminded me: You are capable. You are magick. Keep going.

What memories do lavender and bergamot awaken in me?

Always my mom. She introduced me to the world of plants, essential oils, herbs, and magick growing up. Lavender smells like her — like home. Bergamot also brings me to Balboa Park, where my high school English class wandered through a serene Japanese garden. That citrusy floral lift still takes me back.

If this blend were a character in my stories?

It would be Cerridwen Baelfyre. She’s calm and steady, but has that sparkle — that little nudge of something magickal lingering beneath the surface. She carries herself like a lullaby but could conjure storms if needed.

With a handful of magick,

Dalea