Peppers

breakthrough, protection, respect, allies

Be fierce about the ways in which you protect yourself. Allies await.

Your higher self chose this card because not everyone can handle the sting of hot peppers and will go out of their way to avoid them at all costs. The heat is too overwhelming and feels like too much of an effort in pursuit of a great meal. In a strange way, boundaries are a lot like peppers: some people will try to step on you and take advantage of you, and are only willing to be in your personal orbit as long as you agree with them. However, the moment you begin to demand respect you might find that many people simply cannot handle it when you serve them a little heat.

The Peppers card is here to confirm that anyone or anything you lose by establishing boundaries will be replaced with people who can stand your heat. You will go on to find people who understand your need for respect and won’t try to take advantage of you, and will listen in earnest without dismissing your opinions because they don’t align with theirs.

Establishing boundaries also helps build confidence. The more you practice saying ‘No’ the more you take back your power from those to steal or stamp it out. Some believe when eating very hot peppers it’s better to keep going than to stop, because stopping makes the heat more intense whereas continuing allows you to slowly desensitize. Habits are no different: they are difficult at first, but with time you’ll begin to expect respect and will make no time for those who don’t offer it.

Wear gloves to protect your hands. Write on a bay leaf what it is you need protection from, then make a slit in a red hot pepper and stuff the bay leaf inside. Place the pepper in a Mason jar and pour in enough honey to cover it. Seal the jar and place it in a cool, dark space with no direct sunlight. Keep the jar for 13 days then dispose of the contents however you want. While putting this spell together, keep your mind focused on your intention. You can repeat the words or phrase you wrote on the bay leaf as often as you like.