When I drew the Knight of Wands for this series, the first thing that came to mind was my immune system.

Maybe it’s the cold, the shortening days, or the specter of a nasty cold threatening me during a busy time of the year, but health is on my mind.

I don’t want to get sick (who does) and this virile knight charging full steam ahead is exactly how I want my body to attack any illness.

The Knight of Wands is a card that doesn’t wait. Of course, the Knights have somewhat of a reputation for being the hotheaded teenagers of the tarot deck. Subtlety and deliberation are not their strong suits. And when you pair this with the fiery nature of wands? You’d best watch out and get out of the way.

But there are situations when jumping in headfirst is a good course of action. The Knight of Wands is a good card to emulate when your fiery passion is channeled in the right direction and when you need to be proactive.

So how do we encourage our bodies to embrace this energy during cold season? I would like to introduce you to my new obsession, Fire Cider.

Fire cider is a folk remedy that warms and stimulates the immune system. Packed with herbs and spices to get your circulation and digestion moving, it also happens to taste delicious. And I’m quite pleased that the name reflects the element of the wands suit.

Below you’ll find my personal recipe. I just finished steeping my batch and have been sipping on it religiously. I like a few teaspoons mixed into a mug of hot water. Don’t hesitate to add a little more if you like it spicy!

I certainly feel more vigorous and fiery after drinking some. And I haven’t gotten sick yet… knock on wood.

Knight of Wands' Fire Cider

Note: This recipe is meant to be very flexible, so customize away. Feel free to add or substitute herbs and spices (make sure they’re safe for consumption first, of course.) I suggest thyme, rosemary, fresh grated horseradish, lemon zest and juice, and rosehips. Get zany and go wild.

Materials

1 16 oz. Mason Jar

Ingredients

Apple Cider Vinegar

1 inch piece Ginger, grated

3 cloves Garlic, minced

½ Onion, minced

4 points Star Anise

4 Cloves

5 Cardamom Pods

4 Dried Chiles

1 tsp Peppercorns

1 tsp ground Turmeric

½ tsp Cinnamon (or use a stick if you have one)

½ tsp Cayenne

Raw Honey

Instructions

Add onion, ginger, garlic, and spices in your mason jar. Fill with apple cider vinegar. Close and let steep on a sunny windowsill for at least 2 weeks. (I recommend sticking a piece of wax or parchment paper in between the jar and lid to prevent corrosion.)

Shake daily and watch everything float around inside just because it’s mesmerizing. Once it's steeped enough, strain out solids and add honey to taste. You’ll need quite a bit – it’s spicy and sour on its own. And remember you won’t be chugging it straight (unless you want to feel like a badass and like heartburn.)

To serve, spoon a few teaspoons into a cup and add hot water for a warming tonic. Or sip a few teaspoons straight. You can also use the solids in stir-fries if you’re feeling resourceful. It’s delicious.

Tarot for Self-Care: Knight of Wands