A pea, a cloth, a coin, a ring and stick
Within a loaf of speckled sweetness
Slice it and eat it
A glimpse of my fate’s completeness
Not quite a cake and not quite a bread, Barmbrack is a sweet loaf, larger than a typical bread loaf, baked with flour, sugar, salt and dried fruits such as raisins. The making of Barmbrack is an Irish tradition that still stands around Samhain (Halloween). The person baking the loaf would be sure to set the intention for love, truth and synergy whilst preparing. Inside the dough, a number of special objects are hidden and baked into the loaf.
The objects are used as a kind of random oracle – each one has a particular meaning which represents the fate of the person who found it in their slice! The traditional objects include a coin, a pea, a stick, a ring and a small piece of cloth like muslin. Some other additions, made in more modern times were religious medals.
Should your slice of the brack contain a coin, this would indicate prosperity and good luck. The pea unfortunately meant that no marriage would occur for you that year, yet finding the ring meant a marriage was certain. The stick – to be avoided at all costs – indicated disputes and unhappiness and finding the cloth meant bad luck and little money ahead.
When you pull the Barmbrack card, it indicates a curiosity to know what is ahead but it’s important to balance that with the now – after all, we have the tools to change our future should we choose. The sweet synergy of barmbrack – all the ingredients including the objects are more complete and powerful together, than they are individually, should encourage you to seek your own sweet spot.
I had never heard of the Barmbrack bread until I received the Halloween Oracle deck. I have to admit I believe it’s a really cool tradition. Definitely an interesting form of divination and a fun one!
With the energy right now everything is in the air a bit like playing this game. We just don’t know what’s coming next? With Samhain helping us to release what isn’t in our best interest, The Full Moon coming our way, the New Moon so close to Samhain and our Witch’s New Year bringing things to us, I’m pretty sure all of us are wondering what’s next?
I love that the oracle reminds you that divination is always a tool. What we find out through this method can always be changed depending on the actions you take and the paths that you choose. Remember your power to choose.
Have a magickal day!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Jasmeine Moonsong
– Halloween Oracle Cards