Cranberries are a superfood with demonstrated health benefits.
They also symbolize abundance, courage, action, and rejuvenation, and are often incorporated into harvest feasts during the late fall and early winter.
Cranberry Nutrition and Health Benefits
Cranberries are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain small amounts of magnesium, vitamin K, manganese, calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorus.
Cranberries are known for their powerful, health-promoting antioxidant content.
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Eating cranberries on a regular basis may promote cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and protect against certain cancers.
New research suggests that cranberries may play a role in the prevention of kidney stones and help prevent tooth decay. They may also help lower bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol.
Cranberries have antiviral properties and are famous for their ability to protect against urinary tract infections.
Spiritual & Magickal Properties of Cranberries
Cranberries symbolize abundance and gratitude. They are ripe and readily available during the late harvest festivals (between Halloween/Samhain and Yule/Christmas.
Cranberries promote healing and rejuvenation, not only supporting your body’s ability to heal, but also supporting your mental and spiritual well-being.
Cranberries are associated with courage and action.
Cranberry Correspondences
Sabbats/Seasons: Cranberries are in season and readily available during the late autumn and early winter. They are a common component of feasts and decor during Thanksgiving, Yule, and Christmas
Element: Water, fire.
Crystals/Stones: Fire agate, fire opal, carnelian, red jasper, citrine, pyrite.
Candle Colors: Red, deep red, maroon.
Using Cranberries In Rituals & Recipes
You can use cranberries in so many ways to enhance a nature-focused spiritual practice.
- String cranberries together to make a garland for your Yule or Christmas tree.
- Place 5-10 cranberries in a bowl on your autumn or winter altar. Each day, say 5-10 things that you are grateful for, picking up a cranberry for each one, then placing it back in the bowl to fill your space with gratitude.
- Drink cranberry juice during abundance or gratitude rituals. Cranberry is a good substitute for wine during rituals that call for it.
- Make homemade cranberry sauce and serve it at a gratitude dinner during Mabon, Samhain, Thanksgiving, or Yule/Christmas.
- Place a bowl of cranberries under or near your bed when you are feeling unwell.
- Write out a copy of your to-do list. Sprinkle cranberry juice on it and hang it up to dry where you work. Let the cranberry juice infuse energy and forward momentum into your day.
Cranberry Recipes
One way I connect with cranberries is by blending them into a delicious green smoothie.
I don’t just make green smoothies for the health benefits. I incorporate green smoothies into my spiritual self-care routine every morning.
I blend cranberries in my green smoothie when I want to boost gratitude, or if I feel that I need an extra boost of energy and productivity.
Here are a few of my favorite cranberry smoothie recipes:
1) Cranberry-Apple Smoothie
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1 organic apple, cored
- 2 cups fresh organic baby spinach (or other leafy green)
2) Cranberry-Grape Smoothie
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1 cup organic red grapes
- 2 cups fresh organic baby spinach (or other leafy green)
4) Cranberry Banana (Cranbanana)
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 1 banana
- 2 cups fresh organic baby spinach (or other leafy green)
- 1-2 madjool dates to sweeten
- 8 ounces filtered water (or try almond milk/coconut water)