Creation

I have not watched the news since New Moon Prayer Week. I have to say I was also in the midst of studying copywriting, which took up a lot of time - well worth it. I have finished the course now and am making my way back to watching the news. I have also gained through prayer, a pile of books to study. An exciting time to be sure. So rich! So full! My mantra this year is “take the journey” followed up with “pace yourself.” I am an empath (hypersensitive) and dare I say we all are to a certain degree, we just happen to be caught up in a rat race. How about the human race? What does the human race look like? Where are we going so fast.

I can’t say I miss the news. And I have caught smidgens of news here and there - of course coronavirus in the forefront. Makes one wonder what the Establishment is up to while we watch the spread of this possible man made plague. They manufacture Armageddon. Why shouldn’t my spiritual life be as important as any other aspect. I have studied yoga for thirty years, it is fitting that I delve deeper into this now lifelong practice. It not longer feels like escape. It feels like connection to the eternal. I have discovered that self worth engaged with Spirit is more profound than any self worth offered up by the Establishment. It is immaterial and therefore foundational, unshakeable. The work is here, what can be created here. Creation, a birth, the created, it’s own entity. It is quiet, free. Harmonious. One can touch creation. Creation is the purest of energy.

We suddenly experience quarantine, attendance drops, schools close, my work (classes, consultation) cancelled, future classes being planned through coronavirus preparation. Folks seek to escape New York City. My husband and friends commute down to the city daily. I gather our herbal wares and sit tight, thankful old age wisdom comforts us, natural remedy information targeted online. Take a gander friends, at my teacher Susun Weed’s coronavirus video on You Tube: Ward off CORONA VIRUS. Available on Facebook and Twitter @Wise Woman Spiral. There is no illness for which there is not a natural remedy. Now trauma, broken bones and such, of course sometimes need surgery to save one’s life, but everyday illnesses can be met with prevention and cure through herbs. We have been preyed upon by the medical industry for so long, it is difficult at times to trust inner wisdom, the wisdom of the ages. It takes courage these days to take one’s healthcare into one’s own hands and use now what’s considered “alternative” remedies. Now sparking debate in person and online. We can share information one to one, but it is about as far as one can go before opposition. Herbal medicine is folk medicine, the people’s medicine (accessible, affordable (read free)) and probably should be shared on an individual basis anyway. It always has been and always will be. A well kept magical secret.

The growing season looms, though Winter hasn’t happened. We pray for a snowstorm by the end of the month. Be careful for what one wishes. Anticipation for opening day in the gardens can no longer be contained. Conversation about the start of the season creates a smile from head to toe. With all or any personal growth that the New Year has brought is now met with “oh yeah and now we return to the gardens.”

Friends, I have spent my life financing my life outside and for the first time I have grown to the point to where it is a way of life. It is my life. Living simply is real and true and viable. As I pull out my stores of ferments and pickles to nourish me through Winter I feel wrapped up in the embrace of Spirit. It’s a harmonious dance. So much is not necessary for my existence. I am bare bones, but peaceful and happy. The story has been told time and time again. I’m just another witness. Can I get an awomen? (heee, heeeee, an amen?)

Where are we in our Wild Plant Family?

Goldenrod, Solidago ulginosa, S. virgaurea, Asteraceae, Perennial, Turtle Island, Europe
The culprit, so many think of for allergies. I have seen insects all over Goldenrod so who really knows? More likely Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisifolia). I have used Goldenrod leaves for Wild Salad and dried the flowers for tea. The tea is sedative. The seeds are edible and the leaves can also be cooked. Goldenrod is expectorant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and may reduce cholesterol. Good for the kidney and bladder, cough and asthma. In China used for sore throat, flu, fever and indigestion. Used topically for wounds and sores.

Goldenrod, Solidago ulginosa

Goldenrod, Solidago ulginosa

Hemlock, Tsuga canadensis, Pinaceae, Tree, Turtle Island
Leaves for tea, inner bark can be pounded into flour as well as used for tea for stomach issues and diarrhea, mouthwash or toothpaste, for swollen gums. Steeped longer can be used as a skin wash and antiseptic, cuts, bruises, stings, sunburn, poison ivy. Powdered bark can be placed in shoes for foot ache and odor. Groundwork had a large, beautiful Hemlock tree. I gathered leaves for tea once. I believe I have found a Hemlock tree at Hiddenbrooke. I will have to investigate further.

Hibiscus, Hibiscus militaris, Malvaceae, Shrub, Turtle Island
We have H. syriaca at SDG, which is native to China. H. militaris is white flowers whereas H. syriaca has white, pink and purple flowers on one shrub. H. sabdariffa from tropical Africa and Asia yield a swollen sepal that is made into a drink called Sorrel that can be found in Caribbean restaurants. Hibiscus are mucilaginous, emollient and demulcent, some can be astringent and diuretic. Flowers contain citric, malic and tartaric acids. One species, known as kenaf is used to make paper. Young leaves can be cooked. The sepal can be used to dress wounds and for cough. Dried sepal for fever and tapeworm.

Hibiscus, Hibiscus syriaca

Hibiscus, Hibiscus syriaca

Take care out there. Man made or not, coronavirus is here and we have no idea for how long. Those who don’t have to venture out, shouldn’t. Gather your resources and hunker down. The Great Plague of the twenty-first century is upon us.