The month of September, with its sabbat of the Autumn Equinox, always makes me think about Persephone's descent into the Underworld . . . and pomegranates.

For those unfamiliar with the Greek tale (and those just wanting a refresher) here's a brief explanation of the link between the two:

One day, while the young Persephone is picking Narcissus flowers in a field, she is stolen away by Hades and taken to the Underworld realm over which he reigns. (At least that's how some stories tell it, others say she willingly followed him, intrigued by the adventure and romance of it all.) Persephone's mother Demeter, the goddess of the earth's bounty, is absolutely distraught by the loss of her precious child. In her sorrow, all the green living things of the earth begin to whither away. Thus, autumn and winter are born.

Upon Persephone's return to her mother, she must reveal that she has consumed a few seeds from the pomegranate fruit, and after having eaten food of the Underworld, she is eternally bound to it and must return for part of each year. Each year during the Autumn Equinox we are reminded of Persephone's descent, and that the dark part of the year is a time for inner reflection, dreamwork, and shadow work.

One of my favorite ways to celebrate any holiday is with food, and Persephone and her pomegranate inspired this simple and enjoyable fall recipe.

Pomegranate Salmon
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees, and place salmon fillet(s) in a deep baking dish. Over medium-low heat, mix pomegranate juice (either bottled or squeezed), a bit of honey and ground ginger, and some pomegranate seeds together. You can also add some red wine as another seasonal touch. When the liquid is warm and honey is melted, pour over the salmon enough to cover halfway. Bake in the oven, allowing 10 minutes for each inch of salmon (measured at the thickest part). When the salmon is finished, serve with pomegranate sauce spooned over it and slivered almonds as garnish.

Enjoy the salmon as it melts in your mouth, and take a moment to consciously note, as you swallow the pomegranate seeds, that you accept the invitation of the Underworld and look forward to what it has to teach you in the coming months.

The Gnostic Gospel of St. Thomas author:
Tau Malachi
Lecture & Booksigning
Sept. 10, 2004,
7 p.m. to 9 p.m., $8
East West Books,
Sacramento, CA
For more info call:
916-920-3837

Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones author:
Stephanie Rose Bird
Booksigning
Sept. 10 - 12, 2004
Ridge Art Gallery, Oak Park, IL
For more info call:
708-848-4062

The Witch's Shield author:
Christopher Penczak
Lecture: Protection Magickand Psychic Self-Defense
Sept. 14, 7 - 9 p.m.
Salem West, Columbus, OH
For more info call:
614-421-7557

The Way of Four author:
Deborah Lipp
Trinity Mabon Festival
Sept. 18, 2004,
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Trinity Temple, Albany, NY
For more info call:
518-489-7119

Garden Witchery author:
Ellen Dugan
Class & Booksigning:
Natural Magick
Sept. 19, 2004,
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Aquarius Books,
Kansas City, MO
For more info call:
877-531-1046

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