Tree Spirit Medicine... my 'book' in progress

As many of you may know, trees are one of my greatest passions.  So, back in 2006 when I was studying with David Winston in his 2-year Herbal Studies Program, we had to complete a medicinal botanical-related project - one for each year.  Of course I chose to do mine about my tree friends:  their medicine, their contributions to humanity, their mystery, magick and use in traditional ceremony and ritual, etc.  I dove into my research with wild abandon, gathering as much information as I could.  I used books of course, and I also used my connection with the trees to help guide me about what information they wanted to share.

As the months rolled on, I found that I could not limit my project-turned-'book' to just one year, so I was approved to expand it into a two-year project.  I had so much fun with my botanical buddies, that I finally realized that I would have to force my Self to stop writing so that I could turn it in!  With that said, I would like to quote from the Epilogue:

"First and foremost:  My love and gratitude to all the trees who unselfishly lent their physical and spiritual support to my discussion ~ and especially to those trees who graciously stepped back and agreed to wait for volume II ~ or a book ~ whichever comes next. 

Secondly, it is my hope that you have enjoyed reading this paper as much as I have enjoyed writing it.  Some of the lighthearted comments contained within are mine, and some reflect the humor and good-natured-ness of the tree spirit I was working with ~ whether sitting together with them or researching in books ~ their chatter, input and friendship was unwavering. 

I hope that I have conveyed some of my passion and appreciation for these silent, giving beings:  from oxygen to food to shelter to shade…  …and still they keep giving.  Even though the majority of humanity has been so destructive with them, they still choose to be among us, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn…  ...to listen……and, when they decide, …sometimes even to speak for them."

In wanting to share an excerpt, it seemed only fitting to start with the chapter on Willows.  I hope it brings new understanding and helps strengthen your relationships with the trees in your yards and neighborhoods.

Celebrating the Winter Solstice

I hope you will indulge me as this post is not herbal in nature, has nothing to do with the moon or goddesses and is actually a reflection of a huge 'pause' in my day-to-day life that I referenced in the Samhain blog entry.  I have been participating in this blog experiment for two years (to the date!) and I am stretching a little by crafting a post with a different slant.

I have to admit:  my Winter Solstice newsletter did not get written, and it was the 'big one' that the entire world was talking about!  "The end of the Mayan calendar".  I spent the day at a Unity Celebration at the Art of the Heart in Chester, NJ with other like-minded holistic folks being focused on ascension energies and the crystal light flooding into our great mother earth.

As an herbalist, environmental steward, ethnobotanist and affirmed tree-hugger, these last few months have been quite enlightening and there has been a decided shift in my thinking:  I want to connect even more fully with the green world, with the plants, with the plant spirits, with my beloved tree friends.  To my mind, part of this interconnectedness incorporates Reiki, so as a Reiki II practitioner, I am striving to complete my Reiki III Master & Teacher Certification in January.


On this winter solstice, I baked mini muffins and placed them around my yard at the base of trees for the fairy folk.  I took the CDs that come in the mail for postage stamps and other various sales pitches and hung them in the trees as unbreakable reflective decorations to celebrate the the light is returning!  And have you noticed that it is not pitch dark black outside at 4:30PM as it usually is at this time of year?  Something is going on, and even if I don't have words for it, I can participate in the unfolding of it.
joy of the Yule Season: 

Wishing you much peace, light and all manner of positive energy on this Winter Solstice!  May 2013 bring abundance and good health.