DIY · Project 12 of 12
Seasonal Simmer Pot (Smoke-Free Cleansing)
What it is
A simmer pot is a saucepan of water, fruit, herbs and spices kept at a gentle simmer so its scent fills the house. In hearth and "kitchen witch" traditions it's a warm, smoke-free way to mark a fresh start, welcome guests, or celebrate a season or sabbat. It's also the perfect alternative to smoke cleansing for homes with pets, babies or sensitive lungs.
What you'll need
- A saucepan or small slow cooker
- Water
- Fruit: orange, lemon or apple slices, cranberries
- Herbs: rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, lavender, mint
- Spices: cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, vanilla, sliced ginger Affiliate placeholder
Step by step
- Fill the pan about two-thirds full with water.
- Add a handful of fruit, 2–3 herb sprigs and a few whole spices. Use the recipes below or your own.
- Bring it to a boil, then turn it down to the lowest simmer.
- As it warms, walk through the house opening a window or two, and name what you'd like to bring into the home this season.
- Top up with hot water every 30 minutes so the pan never boils dry.
- Turn it off when you leave the room. You can refrigerate the mixture and reuse it for 2–3 days.
Simmer pot recipes
| Season or occasion | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| New moon fresh start | Lemon slices, rosemary, a bay leaf, mint |
| Full moon | Orange slices, vanilla, lavender |
| Autumn / Samhain | Apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise |
| Winter solstice / Yule | Orange slices, cranberries, pine or fir tips, cinnamon |
| Spring equinox | Lemon, thyme, a few rose petals |
Safety notes
- Never leave it unattended: A pot that boils dry can scorch and start a fire. Turn it off whenever you leave the house or go to bed; a slow cooker on "low" is a safer option.
- Pets: Keep the pot out of reach of pets. Don't add essential oils, which are especially harmful to cats and birds, and don't use pine or fir tips if pets might eat them.
- Not a drink: This is for scent only. Don't drink it, especially after it's been sitting out.
Variations
- Sabbat pots: match the seasons (equinoxes and solstices).
- Gift jars: layer dried orange, cinnamon and cloves in a jar with a tag.
- Moon water base: start with moon water.
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