Beans
Phaseolus spp
Beans contain the wisdom of the ancestors and can be used in divination or to increase personal wisdom and encourage sound decisions. Beans can also be scattered or spit about your surroundings to drive away evil spirits. They are high in protein and fiber and resonate with air energy.
Pythagoras believed that beans (fava beans specifically) carried the souls of the dead (and that the gas created after eating beans were those souls escaping!) and so his followers were forbidden to eat them. However, beans were considered by other ancients to be suitable offerings to many Gods, including Apollo and the ancient Romans cooked a special bean dish to propitiate the spirits of the dead during the Feast of the Lemures.
To drive out unfriendly spirits, the Roman head of household would walk barefoot through the house at midnight during the Feast of Lemures (May 9-13th) throwing black beans over his shoulder saying "With these beans I redeem me and mine!" nine times. The whole family would then make a big racket of clashing bronze pots while saying "Ghosts of my ancestors be gone!" nine times.
There are a number of beliefs associated with the bean. Finding a white bean, or smelling the blossom of a broad bean are both omens of imminent death. If you are going to an auction, a pocketful of beans will ensure you get the best possible deal.
Beans are suitable for Day of the Dead meals and any meals celebrating native American Gods or holidays.
See also tofu, miso, peas, lentils, chickpeas, green beans, Fava beans, black eyed peas, black beans, navy beans, kidney beans
Beans are seeds, containing the nutrients necessary to create a new plant. However, these nutrients are locked up in the mature, dried seed and chemicals it contains can prevent we eaters from accessing them. To solve this problem, we must convince the seed that it is time to germinate by soaking it overnight to break down the protective chemicals and begin the sprouting process. If the seeds appear to be splitting or cracking, or you see a little "tail" emerging, you've soaked them long enough and may begin cooking.
Correspondences
Element(s): Air -
Planet(s): Mercury -
Zodiac Sign: Aries -
Season: -
Sabbat: -
Deities:
Gender: Masculine
money, sex, protection
Recipes that contain Beans
Notes from the Test Kitchen
Tell us about your experiments and experiences with this magical food.
