Making Wine

Winery Announces Appointment of Cassandra Felix as Brand Director

Napa Valley, CA (April 20, 2020) – Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy, Jr. and the Lawrence family are pleased to announce the launch of Brendel, a collection of distinct Napa Valley wines. In the coming weeks, Brendel will unveil its downtown Napa tasting room, which will open this summer.  Brendel is positioned to reconnect its consumers with celebrated roots in the Napa Valley.  As a creative outlet for Brendel’s winemakers, these exceptional wines explore historical styles and showcase rare grape varieties.

Inspired by purity and edge, the wines pay homage to Napa Valley pioneer Leon Brendel. In the 1950s, Leon bought a small plot of land to make one variety, Grignolino, a grape that could only be found in northern Italy at the time. This vineyard was sold to Joe Heitz with the promise to always preserve a small amount of Grignolino, a commitment that McCoy and the Lawrence family continue to honor. Brendel’s namesake serves as a reminder to keep intentions pure in making wine that stays true to the land, one’s roots, and most importantly, oneself.

“Brendel is a necessary addition to the dialogue of what the Napa Valley can offer. These wines are vibrant, elegant, and sourced from naturally farmed vineyards. They offer our team a platform to work with both traditional and experimental varieties. I’m thrilled to have Brendel as my everyday new house wine!” says Managing Partner and Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy, Jr.

Brendel inspiration draws from a creative outlet for a collective of winemakers. Heitz Cellar’s Head Winemaker Brittany Sherwood and Associate Winemaker Aaron Huntsberger crafted the inaugural 2019 vintage of Brendel. Additional winemakers and special cuvées will be announced with future vintages.

Helmed by Brand Director Cassandra Felix, Brendel’s wines are free of unnecessary ingredients, and made with organically farmed 100% Napa Valley fruit. In short, the winemakers let the soil do its job and the grapes speak for themselves, with minimal interference from budburst to bottle.

“Brendel is about breaking down barriers and drinking delicious wine without pretension. It stands for creativity and authenticity. It also serves as a reminder to have fun and stay true to yourself –with no regrets,” Cassandra Felix says. “These wines pay respect to history while refuting the status quo, demonstrating the diversity of wine styles produced from Napa Valley soil. Our talented winemakers are applying historic techniques as they work with our organic fruit, making wines that are imaginative, expressive and approachable at the same time.”

Having relocated to California last year from West Palm Beach, Florida, Felix is an Advanced Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and brings nearly a decade of experience in wine and spirits to Brendel. Prior, Felix served as the head sommelier and beverage manager at the award-winning Flagler Steakhouse, located at prestigious resort The Breakers Palm Beach. As Brand Director for Brendel, Felix is the steward of this new venture established by the Lawrence family.  Under her leadership, she is the creative vision behind their downtown Napa tasting bar opening this summer, working with Brendel’s collective of winemakers to deliver a lineup of unique varieties that lends itself to a laid-back atmosphere.

The Brendel portfolio includes:

Young Leon Frizzante Rosé 2019 (SRP: $30)

This wine was inspired by Leon Brendel, an innovator in Napa Valley. In the early 1950s, he started making rosé, a wine that was not common at the time in Napa Valley. On the contrary to popularity and demand, he continued making the wines and did it well. This sparkling rosé is a tribute to him, made with organic grapes, and a hint of rebellion.

Everbloom Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (SRP: $28)

Spring in a bottle, this wine was inspired by the floral-styled Sauvignon Blancs made in the Loire Valley, France. Sourced from organic grapes in the Napa Valley and harvested earlier in the season, this wine is crisp, mineral driven, and stays true to the storied soils from which it comes.

Noble One Chardonnay 2019 (SRP: $30)

There is no cleaner portrayal of the Chardonnay grape than that in the Burgundian style. This inspired Sherwood and the winemaking team to create Noble One, an unoaked and mineral expression made with only the finest Chardonnay grapes.

Chorus Cuvée Blanc 2019 (SRP: $28)

The blended white wines of Friuli, Italy inspired the creation of this incredibly complex and aromatic cuvée – offering an outstanding blend of flavor and minerality. Much like a chorus, the blend of grapes – while each one is special on its own – work together in perfect harmony to create a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Chorus Cuvée Rouge 2019 (SRP: $30)

This field blend is reminiscent of Napa Valley’s adolescence, composed of varieties that might be unfamiliar to some, such as Tempranillo, Tinta Cao, and Trousseau. Its lean texture is balanced by tension and finesse.

Cooper’s Reed Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (SRP: $40)

This wine is a modern nod to history. Aged in large vessels sealed with reeds, this pure expression of Cabernet Sauvignon evolves with each sip and gracefully unfolds on the palate. A slightly bashful beginning leads to an exuberant end.

Brendel wines will be available online at brendelwines.com.  Additionally, Demeine Estates will represent Brendel in the wholesale market. The Lawrence family works closely with Demeine Estates, the sales and marketing partner for each of its estates.

About Brendel

Brendel wines, a collection of heritage offerings established by Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy, Jr., and the Lawrence family, showcase the historical style of Napa Valley winemaking reminiscent of a revered era for the region. These wines are inspired by the philosophies of our namesake, Leon Brendel. Beginning with the inaugural 2019 vintage, they are defined by experimentation and authenticity, and handcrafted for early consumption and enjoyment. Brendel is a creative outlet for the winemakers of our historic estates.

While the most common type of wine is made of grapes, you should know that there are many alternatives available as well. When we look at the history of this drink, the first wines were mostly made of honey and a combination of different fruits. Technically speaking, you can make wine from each fruit that can be fermented.

This is especially beneficial to areas around the world where growing grapes is more challenging, while some domestic fruits and vegetables can be a decent alternative. With the wide use of corn and corn syrup in the United States, it is not a surprise that they have a recipe for making a wine of it as well. The common name of that recipe is Country wine, where you can use all sorts of fruits instead of grapes.

You can visit prepperswill.com to read more about this type of wine. There is an excellent and fast solution where you can use fresh corn to make this beverage. One of the main advantages is that you can enjoy this drink after only 10 ten days from preparation, which is much shorter when compared to other types. The recipe is quite simple as well, and we are going to introduce you to some important tips to make it properly.

1. Get The Right Ingredients

The first and most important step is to get the right ingredients and learn about the correct amount that you should include. You will need 1 gallon of water, 2 pounds of sugar, half a cup of orange juice, 1 pack of sweet wine yeast, and be sure to get the wine yeast, not some alternative, which is a common mistake. Also, you will need raisings, black tea, and 14 pieces of fresh corn.

2. Use the Proper Equipment

One of the most important things is to never use a metal container. Use ceramic or glass instead. The container should be at least 2 gallons in size. Moreover, you will need a narrow container as well. Avoid using metal as a spoon, the best option is wood. Besides that, other essentials are pipe, colander, and siphoning tube.

These additional devices are used for the proper combination of liquids during the process. Furthermore, it might be confusing and difficult at the beginning, especially if you are doing this for the first time. For example, you will have to provide proper pressure and ambient and secure the liquid from the air, which can result in infection of the yeast. Maybe the best solution is to look for some online tutorials where you can see how experts are making this recipe.

3. Follow the Instructions

The main part of the process is to strictly follow every instruction since even a tiny mistake can lead to failure. Preparing wine is a delicate process, and it requires accuracy as the most important factor. When you are using that you have all of the necessary equipment and ingredients, the first thing that you will need to do is to cook the fresh corn in the water for 15 minutes. When this part of the process is done, keep the water.

You will use this water as a base, and add honey and sugar to it and mix them. Moreover, you will have to add few pieces of corn to this liquid, cover it with fabric, and keep it in a dark place for one day. The next step is related to the preparation of the yeast. Mix the package of five grams with water and juice. After one whole day, you can get the corn and connect the containers with corn water and yeast. In this part, add remaining ingredients like tea and raisings.

When you combine all the ingredients, you can attach an airlock to start the fermentation. You should monitor the process and add additional corn water and sugar to control the fermentation. Furthermore, you will notice the deposits on the top of the liquid, which have to be removed few times a month. The process of fermentation is over when the liquid is not reacting to additional sugar anymore.

To be sure that the beverage will be tasty enough, add more honey and sugar. While this process can be over in less than two weeks, the best way is to wait at least a couple of months to secure a proper quality and taste. Most people will wait at least a whole year.


Also, be sure to monitor the liquid during that time. Pay special attention to bubbles and see if the fermentation is going on in the right way. If you don’t have any experience, constant someone with more knowledge or look at some online videos where you can see the appearance of this wine like it should be.

Conclusion

This is especially good for people who want to experiment more with various beverages. The best thing about wine is that you can combine ingredients and create a unique taste. Still. it is essential to follow strict instructions and get the right equipment. For example, letting the air inside the container will cause the reaction where yeast will get an infection from bacteria in the air. Also, even a small portion of air can alter the taste. Besides that, you should know that this process requires a lot of experience. Therefore, you should not be disappointed if the taste is not what you desired. If it is good enough to drink it after you were making it for the first time, you can consider that as success. By trying to make it over and over again, you will learn how to cope with equipment, materials, and instructions, and you will be even capable of adding alternative ingredients that can create a unique taste of your wine. In that matter, be patient and don’t get stressed-out if the things are not going the right way when you are doing this for the first time.

Yet Renfro’s vineyard is noteworthy for other reasons, too. Called the Two Eighty Project, this tiny urban vineyard may never produce much more than a few barrels’ worth of wine, but the ambitions are far bigger. Renfro is trying to make it a jumping-off point for all sorts of projects: cultivating rarely seen grapes, practicing farming that can combat climate change — and, with its location near the affordable housing complex Alemany Apartments, offering a place to help local youths forge careers in food and wine.

It starts with some unusual grape varieties: In addition to familiar-enough Pinot Noir, Gamay and Grenache Blanc, Renfro has planted the Austrian variety Zweigelt. Even more daring is Roger’s Red, an ornamental grape variety — the sort that’s typically seen not in a winery but adorning a decorative arbor. In a greenhouse, he’s propagating cuttings of grapes I had never heard of, like Merlin, Alden and America.

Those last vines are still in small pots, and it may be years before they are planted outside. Once they are, the maximum capacity won’t yield much, since Alemany Farm is just 3.5 acres. The currently planted grapevines comprise just a quarter of an acre; last year, they yielded just two bottles of wine, though this year Renfro expects more, now that he’s rehabilitated the plants.

Still, they are provocative choices.

Virtually all wine grapes grown in California are of a species called vitis vinifera, which is native to Europe. The established wine industry largely considers non-vinifera species, such as those that are native to North America, to produce wines of inferior quality. (Concord and Muscadine are two examples of North American natives.) Renfro has some esoteric vinifera cuttings in the greenhouse, like Beba, a Spanish variety, but the Merlin, Alden and America grapes are non-vinifera species, native to these shores.

It’s yet to be seen whether they can make a great-tasting wine — or whether they’re better just as table grapes. Last year Renfro and his partner, Jannea Tschirch, fermented some Concord grapes they’d foraged from a backyard on Church Street in San Francisco, and the resulting wine was, in Tschirch’s words, “icky.”

Even so, the impulse to give these maligned grapes a chance speaks to a larger theme in Renfro’s mission. “I like the idea of taking what other people consider trash and turning it into treasure,” he says.

Owned by the city, Alemany Farm is operated by a nonprofit where Renfro works part time. Renfro and Tschirch tend the grapevines there in their spare time, with help from their daughters, 11-year-old Sula and 3-year-old Ahmarie. Just over the farm’s fence are the Alemany Apartments.

The idea for the Two Eighty Project grew out of Renfro and Tschirch’s longtime love of wine — and a sense of opportunity. Both developed a passion for wine while working in restaurants; before the pandemic, he was at Liholiho Yacht Club, she at the wine bar Fig & Thistle. They also live near Alemany Farm, in the Excelsior District, and found themselves frequently driving by, wondering what was happening with the small stand of grapevines on the hill.

They’d heard about a group called Neighborhood Vineyards, which had planted the Pinot Noir here in 2013, but couldn’t get in touch with them. By the time Renfro finally gained permission from Alemany Farm to take over the small vineyard plot, in January 2020, the Pinot had been neglected for at least two years.

“It looked like tumbleweeds,” Tschirch says.

Although Renfro had studied horticulture in school, neither he nor Tschirch had hands-on experience growing grapes or making wine. So he reached out on Instagram to Steve Matthiasson, widely recognized as one of California’s organic-viticulture gurus, initially just to ask some questions about pruning. The two hit it off.

Matthiasson sees promise in the Two Eighty Project site, despite perceptions that San Francisco wine-growing might be a fool’s errand. “There’s so much dogma in viticulture about which grapes can grow where,” says Matthiasson. “As long as it doesn’t get so cold that it kills the vines, they’re going to be fine.”

It’s too soon to know what the character of the wines will be, but “it could be a really exciting Pinot,” Matthiasson says, “maybe like a Savoie-style, crunchy, red-fruited wine,” referring to the wine region in the French Alps.

But making tasty wine is only a small part of what Renfro hopes to accomplish. First up: He and Matthiasson are working with UC Davis Professor Elisabeth Forrestel to create a paid internship for students of color that would give them experience working in vineyards, which would likely involve stints at both the Two Eighty Project and Matthiasson’s vineyards in Napa. They’ve put together a grant proposal and are on the hunt for funding.

Wine can often come across as a snooty, upper-class pursuit, but Renfro hopes that by making urban viticulture more visible he can help expose more people to the idea that wine is about farming and taking care of the land. He wants the children who live in the Alemany Apartments to feel comfortable exploring the farm that’s literally in their backyard, learning about the plants that grow there and becoming interested in how their food is grown.

Once a month, he and Tschirch cook big meals in an outdoor kitchen at the farm and offer them free to residents of the apartments, hoping they might spark an interest in the farm — and in food in general.

Funneling more people into the wine and farming world, whether as professionals or just informed enthusiasts, may serve a larger social purpose too, Renfro says. He sees it as a way to help rectify the historical injustices of land ownership in America.

It’s no secret that Black Americans have historically been disenfranchised from agricultural land, which can be a source of generational wealth. Since 1920, the percentage of U.S. farmland owned by Black people has dropped roughly 90%, to the point where just 1.4% of farmland is now Black-owned, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

Over the years, as Renfro became enmeshed in the California wine world, “I saw that history really hadn’t changed,” he says. “You still have white landowners, and people of color working the land.”

It will take long-term, systemic changes to shift that dynamic, but Renfro hopes that he can help achieve that. By building his own business. By supporting other people of color who are trying to break into the industry. And, ideally, by eventually buying some land himself.

He and Tschirch already have their eye on buying a plot — they won’t say where — for a commercial-scale vineyard site. In the meantime, they’re expanding their activist viticulture to a second urban setting: Adam Rogers Park in the Bayview, another city-owned park where they plan to plant vines next month.

The grand vision adds up to something pretty demanding for what Renfro calls his “weird garden on top of the freeway.” But it’s got to start somewhere.

Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicle’s wine critic. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley

Marshall Helmberger

It’s the season of anticipation if you’re a home winemaker, like me. The chokecherries are hanging ripe and heavy this year. The crab apples are abundant and beginning to show their pinkish blush. The wild plums look plentiful, too, although it’ll probably still be a month or so before they’re ripe for the plucking. All-in-all it looks like I’ll be busy in my makeshift winery this fall, crafting the varieties that will keep us in very enjoyable wine right through the coming year.

I’ve always liked the concept of self-sufficiency, which we’ve tried to achieve in multiple ways around our house. We grow a big garden and maintain a season-extending greenhouse. Jodi cans tons of the produce, which keeps us in homegrown veggies throughout the year. We harvest wild rice. We pick gallons of blueberries (most years) and shoot a deer in the fall to put some top-quality meat in the freezer as well.

And for the past couple years, we’ve been making our own wine. It was a logical extension of our desire for self-sufficiency, but it had been a skill I figured I would wait to learn during the glide path into semi-retirement. But thanks to the mentoring of George and Barb Peyla, whose wine-making prowess I’ve written about before, I delved into it a bit ahead of schedule.

Since then, we’ve all but abandoned store-bought wines for our homemade wines crafted from the wild fruits we’re now beginning to gather for another fall season of winemaking.

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way, that just might get you thinking about venturing into home wine-making for yourself.

 Find an experienced mentor who can help you. Sure, there are plenty of books out there on winemaking and I’ve read several. But the first time I’d tried making a batch, I was a nervous wreck. I always assumed that winemaking was complicated so naturally I figured I would ruin my first batch. I had George and Barb on speed dial the whole time and they patiently walked me through each step along the way. And my very first batch of chokecherry wine came out great, which only heightened my interest in pursuing the craft.

Also, see if you can find someone with the equipment who either isn’t making wine these days or has some extra equipment. Try a few batches before you go out and buy a bunch of winemaking gear. If you decide it’s not for you, you haven’t invested much other than your time.

Nothing beats chokecherries. I know, the accepted wisdom is that grapes are the best fruit for winemaking, but we’ve never had a batch of chokecherry wine that was anything short of yummy. Chokecherries are easy to find and gather by the gallon. If you have a blueberry rake, try using that little device to harvest your chokecherries. You can fill a gallon bucket in no time— just make sure to pick them when they’re black. That’s when they have maximum flavor and minimum astringency (that’s the pucker factor). Just be sure not to pick the berries I’ve got my eye on!

 Lots of fruits can make excellent wine. Wild plum wine comes with a spectacular blush color (like a deep sunset), while rhubarb has all the hallmarks for a very nice white wine, similar in color to a chardonnay. My batch of crab apple wine, which has a light pinkish hue, was always a hit wherever we brought a bottle, so much so that it was the first of our batches to run low. I’m saving the couple remaining bottles for at least another year or two to see how well they age.

Be patient with some wines before bottling. If there’s a mistake I made with a couple of early batches, it was that I didn’t let them sit long enough to truly clarify. My first batch of chokecherry was crystal clear after a couple weeks of sitting in a carboy, so I assumed it worked that way with other fruits as well. Turns out, some need to sit, sometimes for months, to give everything a chance to settle out. My first batch of plum wine definitely taught me patience— it took four months to fully clarify but the end product was beautiful in a glass.

Try steam extracting your juice. While most winemakers undertake their initial fermentation using a mash of smashed fruits, we extract our fruit juices using a Mehu Liisa steam juicer. It’s the best method for juicing fruits there is, and one big advantage is that the steamed juice clarifies in a third the time of the traditional method. And if you end up with a bit left over, you can use the juice for other things. My wife Jodi adds sugar and boils the leftover chokecherry juice into syrup, which is great on pancakes or cornbread. She adds leftover rhubarb to her homemade kombucha for extra flavor. Then compost the remains from the steamer and it will be a good addition to your garden soil next year. Nothing goes to waste!

• Experiment and keep good records as you do it. Once you have the basic process down, which took me about three batches, winemaking really gets fun. You can always just make batch after batch of the same stuff, but I’ve started to tinker with recipes in hopes of hitting on the next truly great batch of wine.

• Give the wine some time. I had read that the aging process can really alter the taste and feel of wine and you can really experience that when you make your own. My first batch of plum wine was a bit more astringent than I preferred, but after a year in the bottle, it’s mellowed nicely and is now one of my favorites. The chokecherry wines also age very nicely.

• Make enough to share. Most home winemakers make wine in five-gallon batches, which will leave you with anywhere from 22-24 bottles by the time you’re done. That certainly makes for enough to share. Besides, it’s always fun when you’re at a party (remember we used to go to those on occasion?) and your bottle is the first one to be emptied.

If nothing else, winemaking has extended my interest in the harvest of wild fruits beyond the blueberry season, right into the fall. In a year like this one, it looks like we’ll be picking for weeks to come.

Casu marzu is made from peserino cheese (photo), which is usually made from sheep’s milk (photo: Getty Images)

Agustino Petroni, CNN

(CNN) The Italian island of Sardinia is in the middle of the Tyrannian Sea. Surrounded by white sand beaches and 1,849 km of emerald waters, the landscape forms impenetrable hills and mountains. It is in this paradox scenario that clergy produce March caseA ponytail infected the larvae, which in 2009 was declared the most dangerous in the world by the Guinness Book.

In Sardin, casu marzu means rotten cheese. She is Made with Pecino Cheese, Usually made with sheep’s milk. With the help of cheese flies (Piophila casei), which lay their eggs in the cracks formed in the food, the product almost reaches a stage of decomposition.

The larvae hatch, making their way through the paste, digesting the protein during the process and turning the product into a creamy and soft cheese. Once ready, it is time to open the lid – almost untouched by insects – to take a spoonful of creamy delicacy.

This is not the time for weak stomachs. At this point, the larvae inside have started scorching. Some residents put cheese in a centrifuge to mix the worms. Others like it naturally. They open their mouths and eat everything. If you can overcome the hatred, the marzu has an intense and spicy taste. The choice lasts for hours in the mouth.

While some say that cheese is an aphrodisiac, some argue that it can be hazardous to health, as the larvae can survive and cause intestinal problems. However, no such case has been reported so far.

Commercial sale of humility is prohibited, but has been consumed by the Sardinians for centuries. “The larval infection is the charm and delight of this cheese”, says 29-year-old gastronomer Paolo Solinas of Sardinia. He adds that some freckles tremble at the thought of Kasu Merzu, but others who grew up with salty peserino in their lives prefer the strong flavors of the product.

“Some pastors see cheese as a unique personal enjoyment, something that few elected officials may experience,” Solinas says.

Ancient food. When tourists visit Sardinia, they usually end up in a restaurant that serves sardines poredudu (slow-roasted pig), bakers who sell expensive carao panels (traditional flat bread thin as paper), and Along with the shepherds who meet the sardinine fieur, Pecorino is the cheese of the island. However, for adventurers, it is possible to find Casu Marzu, which keeps an ancient tradition alive and gives an indication of what the future of food will be like.

Giovanni Fansello, a 77-year-old journalist and gastronomer from Sardinia, spent his life researching the history of local food. This dates back to a time when Sardinia was a province of the Roman Empire. “Latin was our language and it is in our dialect that we find traces of our archaic consonants,” Fancello says.

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He also states that there is no written record of Sardinian cuisine until 1909. It was in that year, when Vittorio Agneti, a doctor in continental Modena, traveled to the island and compiled six recipes in a book called “La Nkova Cucina delle Specialty Regional”. . “But we always eat earthworms,” ​​Fancello says. “Pliny the Elder, and Aristotle talked about it.”

Ten other Italian regions have larvae-infected cheese types, but only in Sardinia is it part of the food culture. It has many different names, such as Kasu Bekiu, Casu Fettittu, Hasu Muhidu, Formaggio Mercio. Each sub-region of the island has its own way of making it with different types of milk.

‘Magical and Supernatural Events’

Gastronomers inspired by the adventures of cooks such as Gordon Ramsay often visit the island in search of cheese, reports Fancello. “They ask us, ‘How do you make casu marju?” It is part of our history. We are children of this food. This chance is the result of magical and supernatural events. “

Fancello grew up in the city of Thessi with his father, Sebastiano, a pastor who created Casu Marzoo. Fasello led the family to graze the sheep around rural Rouzu. He recalls that, for his father, Kazuo Marzu was a divine gift. If his ants were not infected with insects, he would be frustrated. Some of the chinjas produced were for the family, others went to friends or people who asked for them.

Typically, cashew marzoo is produced in late June, when the local sheep’s milk begins to change as the animals enter their reproductive period and the grass dries up with the heat of summer.

If a hot cirrocco winds up on the day of manufacture, the magic of making cheese works even more. Fankelo explains that this weakens the structure of food, which makes the work of the fly easier. After three months, he is ready.

66-year-old Mario Murokru keeps the traditions of Kasu Marzu alive on his farm, Agriturismo sa Mandra near Algero in northern Sardinia. He also raises 300 sheep, hosts tourists in his treetoria and keeps the cheese traditions alive.

“You know when a shape will become a cashew marzu,” he says. “You can see that from the unusual spongy texture of the dough,” Murokru says. Nowadays, production is no longer a matter of luck and chimemakers make ideal conditions to guarantee the largest possible number of casemazu. He also found a way to use glass jars to preserve cheese – which traditionally did not last for years – beyond September.

Penalty Although revered, the legal status of the cheese is controversial. Casu marzu is registered as a traditional Sardinian product and is therefore locally preserved. Nevertheless, it has been considered illegal by the Italian government since 1962 due to laws prohibiting the consumption of infected food by parasites. Those who sell cheese may face high fines of up to € 50,000 (about $ 330,000), but Franks laughs when asked about the ban on their beloved cheese.

In recent years, the European Union has begun to study and revive the notion of eating larvae for the concept of new food, where insects are bred to eat.

Research suggests that their consumption may help reduce carbon dioxide emissions associated with animal husbandry and mitigate climate crises. Roberto Flor, Head of Skylab Foodlab, Food Systems Transformation Laboratory at the Innovation Center of Technical University of Denmark, studies the concept of insect consumption.

For a few years, he led the research and development team at the Nordic Food Lab and tried to find ways to add insects to our diet. “Many cultures associate an insect with a component,” Flor says. Sardinians, however, prefer the worm to the cheeses and are often intimidated by the idea that people eat scorpions or wickets in Thailand.

Flor says that he traveled around the world to study how different cultures capture insects in the form of food and believes that, although psychological constraints made it difficult to fundamentally change eating habits Given, this consumption is widespread.

To open the mind. Florey is convinced that Sardinian delicacy is safe to eat. “How do you define edible food?” Question. “Each region of the world has a different way of eating insects.”

“I believe that no one has died due to eating cashew nuts. If he died, he was probably drunk. You know, when you eat, you drink a lot of alcohol. “Florey hopes that Casu Marzoo will soon change its status as a clandestine and become a symbol of Sardinia – not because of its unusual production, but because other foods are disappearing because they are mainstream tastes. Are not worth

In 2005, researchers at the University of Sassari in Sardinia took the first step in this direction: they manufactured flies in the laboratory and infected pectino cheese to show them whether the process could be carried out in a controlled manner.

Island residents and researchers hope that the European Union will act to free the marketing of the cheese. Until then, whoever wants to try this will need to go around Sardinia.

For those who want to try it, cheese provides an authentic experience that recalls a time when nothing was thrown and when the boundaries of what was or was not edible were no less defined.

Locals keep an open mind about the best way to eat casu marzoo, but some other regional cuisines are known for helping cheese go down easily. “We spread Casu Marzoo on Carao, and eat it,” Flor says. “But you can eat as long as you want, as long as there is a little delicacy and a good canauna wine.”

(Translated text, Click here To read the original in English).

Welcome to The Sun’s horoscopes live blog, where you’ll find all the latest information on what your star sign has in store for you.

With more and more young people turning to astrology, there’s never been a better time to look to the stars for guidance on everything from love and relationships to finance, health and even where to get a tattoo.

Astrology has been around in various forms for thousands of years, but now horoscope meme machines are amassing more interest than ever.

Read our horoscopes live blog below for the very latest on what the stars have in store for you…

• LET’S TALK ABOUT LILITH

  We all know astrology involves studying the movements of the planets, as well as their mythology and overall meaning.

  However, those aren’t the only things we need to know.We know there are moons, rising signs and asteroids that play a vital role in understanding a person’s pysche, including their sex life – this is where little-known Lilith comes in.

• HOW MUCH SLEEP DO YOU NEED ACCORDING TO YOUR STAR SIGN?

  Bed specialist Time4Sleep has teamed up with astrologist, Lisa Stardust, to reveal how your sleeping habits are connected to your zodiac.

  Taurus need about 8-10 hours – To keep the bull behind the Taurus sign feeling zen, a solid night’s sleep is essential.

  Sagittarius need about 5 hours – A few hours here and there is enough rest to satisfy the globe trotting sign.

  Capricorn need about 7 hours with a 30 min power nap – You need a full night’s sleep as well as one long nap in the middle of the day to help them unwind.

• WHAT ARE KATE MIDDLETON AND PRINCE WILLIAM’S STAR SIGNS?

  Kate (Capricorn) and William (Cancer) are a perfect astrological match as they are opposite signs.

  According to tarot queen Kerry King this dynamic mix helps the pair fit together perfectly. It’s written in the stars!

  “Cancer and Capricorn ignite powerful, opposites attract chemistry, which has both drawn them together and kept things alive and interesting for all these years,” says Kerry.

  “William is intuitive, emotional, home-loving and sensitive while Kate is practical, stoic, ambitious and determined.

  “Together they bring what the other lacks to the relationship and together they are stronger than either would be alone. A true power couple.”

• THE STAR SIGNS MOST LIKELY TO CHEAT

  Kerry King has revealed the star signs who are most likely to cheat, so is your partner on the list?

  According to the expert, Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Cancer, Gemini and Libra all fall on the ‘just can’t help it’ side of straying from relationships.

  She says: “Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are all Fire signs, which means they are ruled, first and foremost, by their passions. They are lusty, spontaneous, dramatic, flirtatious, and attractive.

  “Their sexual energy puts them in the danger zone for affairs, and their leaning towards living in the moment and following their heart (or other bits of their anatomy) makes them vulnerable to making bad choices.

• HOW TO DRESS ACCORDING TO YOUR STAR SIGN

  From floaty and floral to sexy glam, tarot card reader Kerry King reveals the ultimate outfit guide according to your star sign.

  Aries – According to Kerry, you, Aries, have swagger, so think fashion choices which draw attention – athleisurewear works for you.

  Aquarius – Anything is possible for you in your eccentric, bombastic and crazy world of Aquarius fashion. Think astronaut suits, vintage wedding gowns, see-through vests, cat-ear hats, you wear whatever you discover in the closet.

  Scorpio – Being rich, powerful, and in control is in your nature but these traits are reflected in you wardrobe too. Think couture, designer labels and blingy statement-jewellery – you love to “power dress”.

• WHAT DOES JUPITER ENTERING AQUARIUS MEAN FOR YOUR SIGN?

  The biggest planet in our solar system, Jupiter, entered Aquarius on December 19, 2020 where it will stay until May 13, 2021 before continuing its journey from July 28-December 28, 2021.

  Offering a healthy dose of truth juice, it can help figure out where we belong in our community, clearing up any feelings of fogginess.

  We all sometimes wonder where we’re going in life, but fortunately Jupiter’s transit through Aquarius should be able to provide a bit of guidance.

  Perhaps most exciting of all, the planet increases our luck karmically.

  You know that feeling when you do something nice for someone and then someone suddenly does something nice for you? That’s Jupiter rewarding us for being kinder and generally more tolerant.

• HOW MANY KIDS CANCER, LEO, VIRGOS WILL HAVE, ACCORDING TO STAR SIGNS

  Cancer

  This is the signs astrologers most associate with family, motherhood and homemaking so it’s fitting they’d be inclined to have a huge brood..

  The stars predict that a Cancer mum will have two children, but they will probably be born several years apart.

  Leo

  Leos love showing off their star power, so they’re more likely to want several kids who lap up the limelight, too. 

  The stars have two to four kids planned for Leos, who will take real pride in raising their pack of cubs.

  Virgo

  Having too many kids could be stressful for detail-driven Virgo, so having one mini-me may be perfect.

  With their lives planned to precision expect Virgo’s child to be well-behaved and polite, well, most of the time anyway.

• HOW MANY KIDS ARIES, TAURUS AND GEMINIS WILL HAVE, ACCORDING TO STAR SIGNS

  Aries

  Fire sign Aries has a passion and desire for motherhood. According to the stars three to four children are likely for the fertile ram.

  An Aries woman may decide to have children later in life as raising a tribe becomes more appealing when they feel they are mature enough.

  Taurus

  Taurus is known for being calm and composed. They aim to have two kids as they feel this is the number they can most easily manage.

  Taurus makes a great parent as they are normally patient and have the stamina needed to raise a couple of rugrats.

  Gemini

  Air sign Gemini dislikes being alone so having children is a must for them.

  If not twins, Gemini can expect at least two kids or even three as it may be the second pregnancy that gifts them with twins.

• WHAT IS NUMEROLOGY?

  Similar to astrology, numerology is the belief that the day you were born contributes to your personality.

  The concept gives everyone a “life-path” number that helps to tell you the truth about your personality, your outlook on life and any obstacles you’ll be forced to face.

  Different numbers are associated with different things, with the most powerful numbers believed to be numbers that are paired with the same number.

  For example 11, 22, and 33 are considered “master numbers: and have the “highest potential for success”.

  The number 9, meanwhile, is believed to be the strongest number and its traits include wisdom and enlightenment.

• HOW DOES ASTROLOGY WORK?

  Astrology is the belief that the alignment of stars and planets affects every individual’s life depending on when they were born – from their mood to their personality to what happens in the future.

  It can be pretty complex stuff for the average person and is often referred to as “the language of the sky” – a language only astrologers understand.

  People have been studying astrology for thousands of years, and to become a horoscope reader, you need to get to grips with the basics, by reading books, reading horoscope charts and practising interpretations.

  The horoscopes is an astronomical map that shows the placement of the sun, the moon, and the planets within 12 sections of the sky—the signs of the zodiac.

• WHEN IS INTERNATIONAL ASTROLOGY DAY?

  Astrologers around the world celebrate their love of the stars on March 20 which is considered the start of the astrological year.

  Former president of the International Society of Astrological Research Gisele Terry told Astrology Hub: “Astrology is truly a global language.

  “We are all under the same sky. Sharing both our common and diverse perspectives on how we relate to the stars is the gift of International Astrology Day.”

• STOP TAKING YOURSELF SO SERIOUSLY, SCORPIO

  Big, brilliant ideas get you noticed today reveals Mystic Meg.

  You also stay calm and businesslike, even when others fuss and fret, and you get the job done.

  But when it comes to romance, you make progress by taking a break from the serious side of maintaining a relationship and simply having fun together.

• A GUITARIST COULD PULL ON YOUR HEART STRINGS TODAY, LIBRA

  Your mentor planet Venus and mind-clearing Mercury make this a decisive day when you can start to let go of doubts before making daring plans with a partner.

  Single? Your new love is carrying two guitars when you first meet, according to Mystic Meg’s daily prediction.

  This romance could also bring out your own secret music skills.

• VIRGO COULD HAVE THEIR SIGHTS SET ON A PISCES TODAY

  A gentle shake-up in your working world teams you with people whose view of life is the opposite of yours – yet you can be so creative together.

  According to Mystic Meg’s daily horoscope, a Pisces with a gift for drawing faces strolls into your life, if you’re single.

  From the get-go you can talk like old friends.

• IT’S TIME TO AIM FOR THE TOP TODAY, LEO

  Mars gives you an extra helping of energy and a doubling of confidence. This is your time to aim for the top at work, according to Mystic Meg’s daily horoscope.

  Love-wise, focus on what you have achieved as partners and you will be motivated to keep a relationship stronger.

  Later, a crescent moon draws lovers close again.

• GOT YOUR EYE ON THAT MANAGER’S JOB? TODAY COULD BE YOUR DAY, CANCER

  Your mood is calm and you have a quiet, convincing way of answering questions at work, or in a job search, that could make you part of a management team.

  Jupiter also sees prizes lining up for a family according to Mystic Meg’s daily horoscope.

  If you are ready for love that is a rich mix of emotion and passion, check out an “A” name.

• SOMEONE YOU FRIEND ZONED COULD BE BACK IN THE PICTURE, GEMINI

  A surprise get-together with friends you miss, perhaps online, can fuel fresh and profitable ideas according to Mystic Meg’s daily horoscope.

  There are more surprises when someone you saw as just a friend talks about sharing a loving future, Gemini.

  Your opinion matters much more to a relative than you think. This time you can be truthful, but tactful, too.

• YOU MIGHT BAG YOURSELF A HOT DATE TODAY, ARIES

  Mercury shines a light on your finances and gives you ideas that could make you wealthier, according to Mystic Meg’s daily horoscope.

  But your love life is also more rewarding now you can talk to a partner and know you are being understood.

  Settled couples rediscover romantic treats. If you are single, you notice a potential hot date queuing at the bank. Kerching!

• THE COAST IS CLEAR FOR PISCES’ STAYCATION PLANS

  Pisces is a water sign ruled by Neptune that reflects a constant division between fantasy and reality. 

  To be frank, this sensational sign needs a decadent weekend by the sea.Think an Airbnb boat or coastal hotel views.

  Whatever the weather, whatever the time, this sign just needs sea air and some fish and chips.  

  Just keep an eye out for hungry seagulls, who reckon they need the same thing too.

• KING OF THE ROAD SAGITTARIUS WILL BE MOTORING ALONG THIS SUMMER

  One key characteristic of an air sign is that they can’t sit still, and Sagittarius is no exception.

  After a year stuck inside, this sign, seen as an embodiment of expansion and freedom, is most likely eager to be everywhere and anywhere all at once, making a motor home holiday the ideal weekend staycation. 

  From walking in the Welsh countryside to wining and dining in Cardiff city, you’ll never be too far from the adventure in a motor home.

• LOOKS LIKE SCORPIO WILL BE GETTING WET AND WILD THIS SUMMER

  A leisurely stroll is not going to float water sign Scorpio’s boat this summer as this adrenaline-junky sign will tell you.

  Brave, determined and energetic, they need a jam-packed, active staycation to let off some steam.

  From surfing in Cornwall to scuba diving in Scotland, there are plenty of locations to look out for.

• FLEXIBLE AQUARIUS MAY OPT FOR A YOGA RETREAT AS THEIR STAYCATION CHOICE

  Aquarius is the sign of spirituality. Those under this sign are deep thinkers and love some alone time. 

  A yoga retreat therefore stands as the perfect weekend staycation for this air sign, a time where they can connect with themselves and be ‘at one’.

  Just make sure to get a little home practice in before turning up to avoid driving your instructor round the bend.

• VIRGOS ARE MOST LIKELY TO PLONK THEMSELVES IN A VINEYARD THIS SUMMER

  There’s not better pairing for summer than a delicious glass of wine – especially if you’re a Virgo.

  Virgos have a taste for the finer things in life, making a weekend wine tasting staycation ideal for this Earth sign.

  Symbolised by a maiden, Virgos embody both beauty and elegance making wine tasting on the rolling hills of Chapel Down, Kent or the Greyfriars, Surrey, aesthetically the perfect match.

• WATER SIGN CANCER WILL PLUMP FOR A SPA WEEKEND FOR THEIR STAYCATION

  When you’re brimming with bubbliness, it can sometimes be all too easy to forget to switch off and take some time for yourself.

  A spa weekend is the perfect staycation for Cancer signs, allowing them to practice self-care; care that would otherwise be spent on someone, or something, else.

  Ruled by the moon, this sensual and food loving sign would like nothing more than a swim and massage before brunch.

• TAURUS WILL WANT TO TAKE A HIKE FOR THEIR STAYCATION THIS SUMMER

  We know “going for a walk” has been the only option available to so many of us for so long, but if you happen to be a Taurus, chances are you’ll have a more bullish approach than most when it comes to tackling the great outdoors.

  As an Earth sign, Taureans love being close to nature and relaxing in serene, rustic environments – making a hiking holiday the perfect staycation.

  With the UK being home to some beautiful scenic locations, from the Lake District to the Isle of Skye, there are plenty of famous hiking trails for a bull to explore.

Welcome to The Sun’s horoscopes live blog, where you’ll find all the latest information on what your star sign has in store for you.

With more and more young people turning to astrology, there’s never been a better time to look to the stars for guidance on everything from love and relationships to finance, health and even where to get a tattoo.

Astrology has been around in various forms for thousands of years, but now horoscope meme machines are amassing more interest than ever.

Read our horoscopes live blog below for the very latest on what the stars have in store for you…

• CLEARING THE AIR

  Happily for us, Jupiter encourages growth and good fortune. It illuminates anything it’s close to so when the planet enters open-minded air sign Aquarius, basically the blinkers come off and we can see clearly again.

  Offering a healthy dose of truth juice, it can help us to figure out where we belong in our community, clearing up any feeling of fogginess.

  We all sometimes wonder where we’re going in life, but fortunately Jupiter’s transit through Aquarius should be able to provide a bit of guidance.

• SIGN OF THE TIMES: WHEN DOES JUPITER ENTER AQUARIUS?

  

  The biggest planet in our solar system, Jupiter, entered Aquarius on December 19, 2020 where it will stay until May 13, 2021 before continuing its journey from July 28-December 28, 2021.

  Wondering what on earth this all means for your sign?

  Let’s find out…

• STOP TAKING YOURSELF SO SERIOUSLY, SCORPIO

  Big, brilliant ideas get you noticed today reveals Mystic Meg.

  You also stay calm and businesslike, even when others fuss and fret, and you get the job done.

  But when it comes to romance, you make progress by taking a break from the serious side of maintaining a relationship and simply having fun together.

• A GUITARIST COULD PULL ON YOUR HEART STRINGS TODAY, LIBRA

  Your mentor planet Venus and mind-clearing Mercury make this a decisive day when you can start to let go of doubts before making daring plans with a partner.

  Single? Your new love is carrying two guitars when you first meet, according to Mystic Meg’s daily prediction.

  This romance could also bring out your own secret music skills.

• VIRGO COULD HAVE THEIR SIGHTS SET ON A PISCES TODAY

  A gentle shake-up in your working world teams you with people whose view of life is the opposite of yours – yet you can be so creative together.

  According to Mystic Meg’s daily horoscope, a Pisces with a gift for drawing faces strolls into your life, if you’re single.

  From the get-go you can talk like old friends.

• IT’S TIME TO AIM FOR THE TOP TODAY, LEO

  Mars gives you an extra helping of energy and a doubling of confidence. This is your time to aim for the top at work, according to Mystic Meg’s daily horoscope.

  Love-wise, focus on what you have achieved as partners and you will be motivated to keep a relationship stronger.

  Later, a crescent moon draws lovers close again.

• GOT YOUR EYE ON THAT MANAGER’S JOB? TODAY COULD BE YOUR DAY, CANCER

  Your mood is calm and you have a quiet, convincing way of answering questions at work, or in a job search, that could make you part of a management team.

  Jupiter also sees prizes lining up for a family according to Mystic Meg’s daily horoscope.

  If you are ready for love that is a rich mix of emotion and passion, check out an “A” name.

• SOMEONE YOU FRIEND ZONED COULD BE BACK IN THE PICTURE, GEMINI

  A surprise get-together with friends you miss, perhaps online, can fuel fresh and profitable ideas according to Mystic Meg’s daily horoscope.

  There are more surprises when someone you saw as just a friend talks about sharing a loving future, Gemini.

  Your opinion matters much more to a relative than you think. This time you can be truthful, but tactful, too.

• YOU MIGHT BAG YOURSELF A HOT DATE TODAY, ARIES

  Mercury shines a light on your finances and gives you ideas that could make you wealthier, according to Mystic Meg’s daily horoscope.

  But your love life is also more rewarding now you can talk to a partner and know you are being understood.

  Settled couples rediscover romantic treats. If you are single, you notice a potential hot date queuing at the bank. Kerching!

• THE COAST IS CLEAR FOR PISCES’ STAYCATION PLANS

  Pisces is a water sign ruled by Neptune that reflects a constant division between fantasy and reality. 

  To be frank, this sensational sign needs a decadent weekend by the sea.Think an Airbnb boat or coastal hotel views.

  Whatever the weather, whatever the time, this sign just needs sea air and some fish and chips.  

  Just keep an eye out for hungry seagulls, who reckon they need the same thing too.

• KING OF THE ROAD SAGITTARIUS WILL BE MOTORING ALONG THIS SUMMER

  One key characteristic of an air sign is that they can’t sit still, and Sagittarius is no exception.

  After a year stuck inside, this sign, seen as an embodiment of expansion and freedom, is most likely eager to be everywhere and anywhere all at once, making a motor home holiday the ideal weekend staycation. 

  From walking in the Welsh countryside to wining and dining in Cardiff city, you’ll never be too far from the adventure in a motor home.

• LOOKS LIKE SCORPIO WILL BE GETTING WET AND WILD THIS SUMMER

  A leisurely stroll is not going to float water sign Scorpio’s boat this summer as this adrenaline-junky sign will tell you.

  Brave, determined and energetic, they need a jam-packed, active staycation to let off some steam.

  From surfing in Cornwall to scuba diving in Scotland, there are plenty of locations to look out for.

• FLEXIBLE AQUARIUS MAY OPT FOR A YOGA RETREAT AS THEIR STAYCATION CHOICE

  Aquarius is the sign of spirituality. Those under this sign are deep thinkers and love some alone time. 

  A yoga retreat therefore stands as the perfect weekend staycation for this air sign, a time where they can connect with themselves and be ‘at one’.

  Just make sure to get a little home practice in before turning up to avoid driving your instructor round the bend.

• VIRGOS ARE MOST LIKELY TO PLONK THEMSELVES IN A VINEYARD THIS SUMMER

  There’s not better pairing for summer than a delicious glass of wine – especially if you’re a Virgo.

  Virgos have a taste for the finer things in life, making a weekend wine tasting staycation ideal for this Earth sign.

  Symbolised by a maiden, Virgos embody both beauty and elegance making wine tasting on the rolling hills of Chapel Down, Kent or the Greyfriars, Surrey, aesthetically the perfect match.

• WATER SIGN CANCER WILL PLUMP FOR A SPA WEEKEND FOR THEIR STAYCATION

  When you’re brimming with bubbliness, it can sometimes be all too easy to forget to switch off and take some time for yourself.

  A spa weekend is the perfect staycation for Cancer signs, allowing them to practice self-care; care that would otherwise be spent on someone, or something, else.

  Ruled by the moon, this sensual and food loving sign would like nothing more than a swim and massage before brunch.

• TAURUS WILL WANT TO TAKE A HIKE FOR THEIR STAYCATION THIS SUMMER

  We know “going for a walk” has been the only option available to so many of us for so long, but if you happen to be a Taurus, chances are you’ll have a more bullish approach than most when it comes to tackling the great outdoors.

  As an Earth sign, Taureans love being close to nature and relaxing in serene, rustic environments – making a hiking holiday the perfect staycation.

  With the UK being home to some beautiful scenic locations, from the Lake District to the Isle of Skye, there are plenty of famous hiking trails for a bull to explore.

• VINO FOR VIRGOS AND GLAMPING FOR GEMINIS – HERE’S THE PERFECT SUMMER STAYCATION PLAN FOR YOUR SUN SIGN

  Lockdown is finally coming to an end, but that leads to the inevitable question: what should you do with your staycation this summer?

  To help people decide, PsychicWorld.com has matched a weekend staycation idea to the personality trait of each of the 12 horoscopes.

  Aries

  Music festivals

  It’s time to dig your camping gear out of the loft as, from the 21st of June, large scale events will be allowed to go ahead – which means festivals are back on the bill.

  Aries are known to be wild, fun-loving and the life of every party, which makes a weekend festival the perfect staycation idea for this fire sign

• THE BLACK MOON CAN BOOST YOUR SEX LIFE

  Black Moon Lilith is the point in the sky that marks the furthest point of the moon’s orbit around the earth.

  Astrologers call Lilith the “dark moon.” Think unresting bitch face— the part of you that flips your lid when your chip your fresh manicure.

  Knowing your Lilith’s zodiac sign can reveal the darker side of your sexuality and where you might start crushing just a little too hard on someone.

  In an astrology chart, Lilith, also referred to as the Black Moon, represents a person’s primitive reactions and attitude – warts and all.

  Read more about it here

• KEEP MAKING THE SAME MISTAKES IN RELATIONSHIPS? WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT YOUR VENUS SIGN

  Basically, the astrological function of Venus is to tell us how we gel with people and give and receive love.

  The planet of beauty, love and extreme pleasure tells us a heap of things about the kind of person we are, who we are attracted to and what turns us on.

  It dictates how we express our attraction for others and whether we expect flowers on the first date. Yes, we’re talking to you Taurus.

• HOW TO FIND YOUR VENUS SIGN

  You can find your Venus sign here. 

  Most of us follow patterns in our relationships for better or worse, but so many of us aren’t aware of it.

  By discovering our Venus we can spot any perennial traits that may be becoming toxic and stopping us from realising our full potential in love.

  So what are you waiting for? Use Venus to summon your inner goddess and let love in!

• HOW KATE AND WILL’S HOROSCOPES SHOW THEIR LOVE IS STRONGER THAN EVER

  Kate (Capricorn) and William (Cancer) are a perfect astrological match as they are opposite signs.

  According to tarot queen Kerry King this dynamic mix helps the pair fit together perfectly. It’s written in the stars!

  “Cancer and Capricorn ignite powerful, opposites attract chemistry, which has both drawn them together and kept things alive and interesting for all these years,” says Kerry.

  “William is intuitive, emotional, home-loving and sensitive while Kate is practical, stoic, ambitious and determined.

  “Together they bring what the other lacks to the relationship and together they are stronger than either would be alone. A true power couple.”

• WHAT IS NUMEROLOGY?

  Similar to astrology, numerology is the belief that the day you were born contributes to your personality.

  The concept gives everyone a “life-path” number that helps to tell you the truth about your personality, your outlook on life and any obstacles you’ll be forced to face.

  Different numbers are associated with different things, with the most powerful numbers believed to be numbers that are paired with the same number.

  For example 11, 22, and 33 are considered “master numbers: and have the “highest potential for success”.

  The number 9, meanwhile, is believed to be the strongest number and its traits include wisdom and enlightenment.

  Find more info on numerology and its purpose here.

• CAN YOU HAVE TWO SUN SIGNS IN ASTROLOGY?

  According to the AstroTwins, there is actually no such thing as cusps – someone who is born toward the end of a zodiac sign.

  They believe that due to the way the sun moves into each sign, there is no way you can be born under two at the same time.

  A Pisces – Aries cusp for example, might display all the common characteristics of a Pisces, but maybe their Lilith is in Scorpio.

  This would mean they have a dark and secretive side, so not all go-with-the-flow Piscean energy.

  This is not to say you can’t have a combination of signs in your chart. That’s why knowing your birth chart, which tells you your sun, moon, rising, Venus etc. is so important.

  In a nutshell, if you do happen to be born on the cusp, find out about all your other signs to get the best picture of who you are.

• WHAT IS THE CUSP THEORY?

  A cusp sign is someone who is born toward the end of a zodiac sign – slap bang on the date in which your Sun sign moves into the one that proceeds it.

  For example, if your birthday falls near the overlap point of two zodiac signs, such as Leo and Virgo, you may refer to yourself as Leo – Virgo cusp.

  While this may sound exciting it can leave some of us feeling confused about which horoscope sign to read. There’s only so many hours in the day, right?

  One school of thought is that being born on the cusp of two signs gives you a combination of both traits.

  So, someone born on a Virgo – Libra cusp may have razor-sharp attention to detail while at the same time being diplomatic and indecisive.

  Or, if you’re a Scorpio – Sagittarius cusp you might be ambitious and jealous but at the same time optimistic and fair-minded.

• HOW DO YOU USE ORACLE CARDS?

  If you’ve never heard of oracle cards, Allure suggests you start your day by shuffling the deck and then ask it a specific question about your love life, career or any other issue on your mind.

  If you can’t think of a specific question, don’t worry. It could be as simple as “What do I need to know today?”

  Pull a card, see what it says and then simply reflect. In a world where nothing is certain you might just find the answers you’re looking for.