An Ash-Ripened Cheese Plate and Other Protection Spells

How to keep your peace in times of war

Hello and welcome to July!

Today’s newsletter officially marks my one year anniversary on Substack. This platform has launched me into an era of creative expansion, and it’s largely because I shifted my focus away from the draining demands of Instagram and TikTok. Thank you all so, so much for subscribing and joining me on this venture! I truly couldn’t do it without ya.

One thing that I’ve realized over the past year is that I am a little burnt out on making Cheese 101 content. I did it for ten years and wrote the holy book on it. I’m not saying that I’m done talking about cheese, I’m just ready to delve into the other earthly pleasures and rituals that call to me. All this is to say that things are going to get a lot witchier over here, and this week’s post is definitely a reflection of that shift.

I rebranded to reflect this new witchy direction (I did not take a before pic so if you’ve never looked at the desktop version, I guess you just have to take my word on it)

Today, we’re talking about Protection Magic, the most important practice for anyone who leans mystical. I know this might sound esoteric and intimidating, but a few simple rituals will help you keep your peace amidst these chaotic times. Below you’ll find three approachable practices, including a recipe for a cheese plate that doubles as a protection spell. I’ve also included a few links to my favorite tools for protection magic.

I hope these rituals bring you solace and security when you need it most. Cheesus bless!

🖤 Erika

The gorgon Medusa is often carved onto homes and temples for protection. Here she is on a door in Paris.

Protection Magic 101

Also known as apotropaic magic, protection magic includes any practice with the intent to drive away malevolent forces or negative energies. It can include wearing an evil eye bracelet, burning incense, or asking deities or ancestors to keep you safe.

Historically, protection magic was commonly practiced in the summer. Our ancestors spent the solstice around bonfires, built both to protect the sun as she begins her descent and to ward off the baneful spirits waiting in the shadows. Often, the leftover coals were saved to spread over the pastures to protect the crops. Some people would even burn sacred herbs, such as juniper and sage, to cleanse their livestock. Even the sun itself is sometimes considered a symbol of protection since her bright rays illuminate all that dwells in darkness.

Valençay, my choice for the protection spell cheese plate below

Protection Rituals

In my opinion, the most effective protection rituals focus on three steps: cleanse, refill, and protect. You clear away the negative energy, conjure a little joy to replace it, and set up a protective boundary. The following three spells are a great starting point, but feel free to develop your own practice.

Protective Breathwork

Start by getting your body comfortable and as relaxed as possible. Then, take a long, deep breath. Imagine all that is weighing you down forming into a dark cloud as you inhale. Then, release this cloud with a powerful exhale. Repeat as many times as you need until your mind begins to clear. Then, imagine something that gives you joy, such as your pet, best friend, or favorite food. Keep that image in your mind as you breathe in, filling up with this soft, bubbly joy. Exhale slowly, letting your body sink into the bliss. When you’re ready stretch your arms overhead, imagining a protective bubble forming around you. Stretch this bubble over all sides of your body, even underneath you. You can even visualize the color or material (I like doing thorny rose vines or some kind of crystal). Take a few more deep breaths in this space, then carry on with your day.

I saved this off of Twitter years ago so IDK who the credit goes to but it’s pretty!

Protective Skincare

You don’t need to change your regular routine, just your mindset. As you wash your face, imagine that you’re clearing away any dark or nervous energy. Let it wash off of you, into the sink and down the drain. Then, before you add any serums, toners, or moisturizers, hold the bottle in your hands. Take a moment to thank the product and yourself for taking care of your beautiful skin that keeps your protected. Gently apply each of these beauty potions with gratitude. After you’re done, pick up your sunscreen (or if it’s nighttime, whichever final product is in your lineup). Thank it for keeping you safe, then apply, imagining a powerful barrier forming over your entire body.

The Protection Plate, detailed below

The Protection Plate

This plate doubles as a protective altar that centers around an ash-ripened cheese. Historically, vegetable ash was used in cheesemaking to protect against insects and pests as well as to create a neutral surface to help the rind form. I used my favorite of this variety, pyramid-shaped Valençay from the Loire Valley in central France. Her snow-white interior is velvety and cloud-like, melting in your mouth with a lemon-tart, mineral-rich flavor. If you can’t find Valençay, look for any other ash-ripened goat cheese such as Humboldt Fog from Cypress Grove in California or Wabash Cannonball from Capriole Goat Cheese in Indiana.

• 1 ash-ripened goat cheese, such as Valençay

• Blackberry jam, in a small bowl or jar

• Walnuts, roasted and salted

• Blueberries

• Sliced baguette

• Fresh rosemary, for garnish

Get yourself a large plate, around 10-12 inches. Begin by washing it, imagining any dark energies rinsing away from you and the plate. Dry it off and set it before you.

Place the cheese in the center of the plate. Take a moment to thank the land, animal, and people who created this beautiful cheese and brought it to you.

Surround the cheese with the jar of blackberry jam, blueberries, walnuts, and baguette slices. Then, imagine yourself indulging in the bounty before you. Anticipate the joy of slicing into the cheese, a mystical food that connects the natural and human realms. The blackberries, grown from a thorny bush and lovingly cooked down into jam. The sweet, plump blueberries, salted walnuts, cracked from their hard shells, and the soft, crusty baguette.

Take the rosemary and sweep it around yourself, imagining this powerful herb encasing you in a protective cloud. Garnish the plate with the rosemary and take a deep breath, admiring your creation. Begin to eat, letting each item shield you from the inside out. When you’ve finished, thank yourself for this moment, and carry on with your day.

My favorite Florida Water, image courtesy of Sideshow Gallery

Other Protection Tools:

• Florida Water: I’ll start off by saying that this citrusy perfume has nothing to do with Florida. It’s only called that because there’s a myth that the fountain of youth is in Florida (I doubt it but maybe it’s in Disney World). Made since the early 1800’s, Florida Water is commonly used to enhance many rituals. I love spritzing myself with it for a quick cleansing or adding a few drops to the surface cleaner while wiping down the counters. This one is my favorite, but the classic is great and pretty easy to find.

• Black Tourmaline: the best crystal for protection! You can find small pieces at metaphysical stores for a couple of dollars, or you can invest in a special piece like this one from The Moon Studio.

• Empath Protection Spray: I’ve been living by this spray from Witchy Woman World Apothecary. It has kept me grounded and smelling incredible even in the most insane situations (such as escaping a torrential downpour/lightning storm during an outdoor Weird Al concert). Use code “EMPATHPROTECTION” for 10% off.

If You’re in Chicago…

I’ll be signing books at the screening of Shelf Life, an incredible cheese documentary that premiered at Tribecca Film Festival last year. The great and powerful Alisha Norris of Immortal Milk is building the cheese spread, and it’s sure to be epic. Get your tickets here!

Sign Up for Disrupting Homogenization

I truly believe that Agela Abdullah is the most important voice in cheese. She’s an incredible writer, honest and powerful while still infusing her work with humor and levity. After writing for Culture, one of the top cheese magazines, she launched her own substack, Disrupting Homogenization. Her work is crucial to the future of the cheese industry, and I highly recommend signing up. I’m giving away five paid memberships on a first come, first serve basis. Send me an email and I’ll sign you up!